Neighbor Sports

Baseball, softball

Pitchers camp: Fastball USA Training Centers is open for registration for the Summer Elite Pitchers Boot Camp designed for college and high school pitchers who want to advance to the next level. Applications must be submitted by March 15.

Limited applicants are accepted to this program designed for those who embrace hard work, and have the desire to pitch at the next level. Session I runs from June 2 through July 3; and Session II, July 7 through Aug. 8. Participants can also register for an unlimited summer pass.

For details, including locations, call (630) 532-5107 or go to the Web site at www.fastball.usa.com.

Spring camps: Elmhurst Youth Baseball, Elmhurst Extreme Baseball and Fastball USA are teaming up for a spring throwing/pitching camp for 7- to 12-year-olds from 6 to 8 p.m. April 11 and 4 to 6 p.m. April 12. The camp, held at Fastball USA in Elmhurst, will be run by a Fastball USA instructor with assistance from Elmhurst Extreme 12-year-old team and Blackbelt pitching students.

The cost of $60 includes a camp T-shirt. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. For information or a registration form, call Kevin Ryan at (630) 359-3126 or e-mail him at kpryan26@comcast.net.

Vintage team: The Chicago Salmon Vintage Baseball team has players from the entire Chicago area, including Rockford and Springfield. Anyone may join the 2008 Chicago Salmon vintage baseball team either as a player or a "crank."

Players range from 18 to 59, and play according to the rules of 1858. The team plays without baseball mitts, using a 9½-inch "lemon peel" style baseball. There is no stealing and more differences from the modern game to challenge players.

This year the Chicago Salmon will play approximately 27 games. For more information or to sign up, call Gary Schiappacasse, player/coach at (847) 362-9364, or e-mail salmon@chicagosalmon.org, or visit the team's Web site at www.chicagosalmon.org.

Fishing

Members wanted: Midwest Bassbusters, a bass fishing club, is seeking a few new members at any level of experience. The group fishes one weekend a month from April through October, and monthly meetings are held at Where Else Lounge, Higgins and Lively roads in Elk Grove Village. For information, call Len Digate at (847) 870-7070 or e-mail him at ltd_financial@wideopenwest.com.

Football

Lions registration: The Lions youth tackle football program for Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights will hold registrations in April and May. Athletes ages 8 to 14 compete against the programs from Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights. Flag football, an introduction to the game of football, and an in-house program available to kids ages 5 to 10 is also offered. The cheerleading program is open to girls ages 5 to 14 and offers regular or competition cheer opportunities. Registration dates are:

• April 26 and May 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., RecPlex, 420 W. Dempster St., Mount Prospect; $280 for Tackle and $150 for Flag.

• May 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Park Building, 515 E. Thacker/Dempster, Des Plaines; $280 for Tackle and $150 for Flag.

For registration details, call Bruce Jarosz at (847) 636-1912. For more information about the Lions Football program, visit DPFootball.org or MPFootball.com.

Soccer

Holiday tournament: Grove United Soccer Association, a non-for-profit organization, will hold an annual soccer tournament May 23-26 at Willow Stream Park. The association wants to raise money for scholarships to give less fortunate kids an opportunity to play soccer at a competitive level.

The cost for the Memorial Day Shootout is U8-U11, $425 and U12-U19, $475.