Flyers fans show early signs of baseball fever

Youngsters armed with souvenir baseballs, bats and posters lined up Sunday to meet with their heroes: the newest members of the Schaumburg Flyers.

Players signed autographs for fans at the eighth annual Flyers Fest.

Die hard fans included Palatine brothers Ryan and Tyler Connelly, who couldn't wait to meet the new players, especially the pitchers.

"They're always willing to talk to you, and give you some good tips," said 10-year old Ryan, who pitches for his team.

They met the Flyers' newest pitcher, Ryan O'Malley, who pitched with the Chicago Cubs in 2006, and is one of four former major league players to fill out this year's Flyers' roster.

O'Malley joined fellow pitcher Lonnie Patterson and outfielder Corey Stang at the autograph table, at the Flyers' convention, which took place at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca.

Standing beside the new players was second-year manager, Steve Maddock, who met with fans. He conceded that this year's roster features nearly all new players, but while fans may need a score card to keep track, they quickly will appreciate the changes.

He pointed to the other former big leaguers on the team, including: Jermaine Allensworth, a former outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and relief pitcher Rontrez Johnson, who last played in Kansas City.

"We have lots of big boys this year, so there's a lot of size in the lineup," Maddock said. "We also worked to build up our bullpen. That was our Achilles' heel last year, so we've tried to bring in players who will strengthen the pen."

With less than three months until the start of the Flyers' season on May 15, fans got into the swing of things at the inflatable speed pitch booth, before enjoying some ballpark hot dogs at the concession stand.

Organist Darlene Fafinski from Alexian Field even was on hand to set the mood with game-day music.

It all came as music to the ears of season ticket holders Greg and Kari Kijek of Roselle, who have been fans since the Flyers' opening season in 1999.

"It's just good old fashioned baseball, with players that love the game," Kari Kijek said. "Being here just makes it feel like baseball season. We can't wait."