Race Week roars into Joliet Joliet's Chicagoland Speedway hosts Sprint Cup and Nationwide series NASCAR racing.
NASCAR fans from across the country are heading to Joliet and Chicagoland Speedway. Race Week kicks off with the annual fan rally in downtown Joliet Wednesday.
Tribune closer to Cubs, Wrigley Field deal
The Tribune Co. is moving closer to reaching an agreement to sell the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family, a spokesman said. The Chicago Tribune reported on its Web site that the deal was
completed over the weekend. It did not name its source and said the
contract was forwarded to Major League Baseball for approval.
After 25 years, Plainfield driver gets a win
After 25 years, Plainfield's Dale Coyne finally knows what it's like to win a race. After
a quarter-century of trying as both an owner and a driver -- 558
entries in all -- Justin Wilson gave him that breakthrough victory
Sunday with a dominant performance at Watkins Glen International.
Kyle Busch none too pleased
Kyle Busch, the defending champion of the LifeLock.com 400, which will
be run Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway, may be arriving in
Joliet in a sour mood. Busch climbed out his car window on Fourth of July night, pulled off his gloves and helmet in disgust and started walking back toward the finish line.
Federer just better-er
Roger Federer hoisted the winner's trophy and celebrated making Grand Slam history, a year after an epic five-set loss to Rafael Nadal sent him away from Wimbledon with his title ripped away and his aura of invincibility shattered. Federer waged another five-set marathon Sunday and this time left as the holder of the most prestigious record in tennis.
Lilly's sights set higher
The result gave the Cubs an even more important series victory. They took three of four in the first series of an 11-game homestand. Lilly improved to 5-1 with a 1.96 ERA at Wrigley Field.
''He's pitched exceedingly well at home, and his home ERA is outstanding,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''We told him before the game [of his All-Star selection], and he went out and pitched like an All-Star.''
Not-so-great divide
Bartolo Colon suddenly has become like Bigfoot to Ozzie Guillen: The White Sox manager is guessing that his veteran pitcher is out there somewhere, but he just isn't sure where. After a 6-3 loss to Kansas City on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium, the Sox might want to start tracking him down.
Hammers wallop Fargo
The Joliet JackHammers provided their Fourth of July fireworks a day
after the holiday, scoring 10 runs in the fourth inning to power their
way to an 11-4 win over the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks before 3,554 fans
Sunday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field.
When Jonathan Voss started Victory Baseball, he wanted more than
just a travel baseball program. He wanted kids to learn about more than
just the game of baseball.
NHL won't take action on Hawks
The Blackhawks claim they made no mistakes in tendering qualifying offers to their restricted free agents, but they found themselves in an awkward situation regarding their business practices -- and it isn't over yet. On Sunday, the NHL concluded a brief investigation of the Hawks without taking any action, but the NHL Players Association announced that it ''is continuing our investigation of this matter.''
Youth sports announcements
JOLIET TOWNSHIP BOYS SKILLS CAMP: Through July 29 4-6 p.m. for $25 at Joliet Central. Monday through Thursday.
Police rule McNair's death a homicide
Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair's shooting death was a homicide,
police said Sunday, but authorities stopped short of saying it was a
murder-suicide committed by the 20-year-old girlfriend found dead by
his side.
Tiger Woods made it a hat trick of victories in tournaments hosted by PGA Tour stars, this one the most meaningful of all because it was his own.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Mark Buehrle, Ted Lilly picked for All-Star team
A pair of lefties will represent Chicago at the 80th All-Star Game.
Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly and White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle were the only representatives for their respective teams announced among the 32 players on each league's 33-man roster for the 2009 All-Star Game that will be played July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Bolingbrook leaving it to Geever
Brad Geever is working this summer with a quarterback guru to improve his footwork and speed up his delivery of the football.
Jameel Martin is putting his best moves on recruiters pressing him to pick his college destination. During a break in 7-on-7 competition at Bolingbrook, the talented tailback said he is not going to rush one of the biggest decisions of his young life.
Home cookin' in Morris
The roar suggested something spectacular had occurred.
That something was the Morris High School basketball faithful reacting to Redskins junior Kjeld Torkelson picking up a loose ball and firing a 3-point shot that barely beat the buzzer, giving Morris a two-point victory over Neuqua Valley during last week's 24th annual Morris Boys Shootout.
WIMBLEDON, England -- Roger Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title Sunday, outlasting Andy Roddick for his sixth Wimbledon championship in a marathon match that went to 16-14 in the fifth set.
Cubs are simply out of order
Time will tell if the lineup changes Cubs manager Lou Piniella made Saturday -- and the roster changes coming in the next two days -- will have a positive impact. ''You have to give it more than one day to see how things work out,'' Piniella said of dropping Alfonso Soriano from the leadoff spot -- a move that was immaterial in the Milwaukee Brewers' 11-2 pounding, mostly at the hands of starter Rich Harden (5-5).
Quick start gets Fargo by Joliet
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks scored nine runs over the first three
innings Saturday to cruise to a 10-4 win over the Joliet JackHammers
before 4,160 fans at Newman Outdoor Field.
Youth results
Feece Oil 9, Minooka Mickey D's 8 - Tyler Talbot homered. Logan O'Brien
also hit a homer. Gage Pace pitched a scoreless inning. Talbot, who had
3 hits, delivered the winning hit.
Hoffman Jr. claims 2nd straight feature
In a heated battle between current point leader Brett Sontag and Eddie
Hoffman Jr., Hoffman held off repeated challenges from Sontag to win
his second straight feature at the Grundy County Speedway.
Sox pull disappearing act
It wasn't the kind of game the White Sox envisioned Saturday, building a lead against the scuffling Kansas City Royals before it inexplicably disappeared within two innings. But considering the season-high seven-game winning streak the Sox had been on, they weren't going to be sitting at their lockers, heads down and moping after the 6-4 loss. Especially not with the MLB Network replaying a 1985 Sox-Yankees game with Ozzie Guillen, Greg Walker and Harold Baines all playing in it.
Rocky Wirtz turning things around
Twenty-one months. That's how long Rocky Wirtz has been the chairman of the Blackhawks. During that time, he has overseen one of the most dramatic transformations in Chicago sports history. With a series of exciting moves, the Hawks have reinvigorated their fading fan base while also reaching out to a new audience of potential fans. Their ultimate goal is a championship, of course. But as fans old and new are learning, getting there is half the fun.
Bullish on Brown
The ink wasn't even dry on the Bulls' news release that announced his hiring, but Randy Brown was already on the Berto Center court Wednesday, working with star guard Derrick Rose. ''I'm focusing on everybody,'' Brown said of his new role as the Bulls' director of player development, ''but I did play point guard. Of course, I'm a huge fan of Derrick Rose. I look forward to working with him. He's an incredible kid. He's very humble. I'm going to try to help him as much as possible to stay humble but, at the same time, be a complete player.''
WIMBLEDON, England -- Serena Williams kept telling herself she was facing just another opponent in the Wimbledon final Saturday, just another woman who hits the ball quite hard, just another player trying to deny her a Grand Slam title.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head, in a downtown condominium Saturday. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman also shot dead.
Tournament host Tiger Woods and defending champion Anthony Kim set the stage for the showdown everyone wanted today at the AT&T National in Bethesda, Md.
Stewart slips by Busch
Tony Stewart led lap after lap around Daytona International Speedway,
using a flawless pit-road performance to inch closer to his second win
as owner of his race team.
Briefs: Turkoglu headed to Toronto
Free agent Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Lockport makes noise at hoops shootout
For anyone who watched Lockport High School's basketball team in action at this week's 24th annual Morris Boys Shootout, the reaction is predictable. "Lockport is going to be pretty good," more than one observer remarked. In fact, the Porters reached the championship game of the 32-team event, where they dropped a 63-51 decision to O'Fallon.
Joliet Township hoops building excitement
To say Joliet Township High School boys basketball coach Luke Yaklich is looking forward to the winter season would be an understatement. He is not predicting a state championship or anything of that sort at this juncture.
Sox finally whack Zack
After Greinke dominated the Sox in his first two outings against them this season, a no-decision last month at least showed the Sox they could make the Cy Young candidate bleed. In their fourth crack at the right-hander, they showed they could beat him. In handing Greinke only his fourth loss of the year in the 5-0 blanking at Kauffman Stadium, the Sox also remained the hottest team in the American League, winning their seventh in a row to stay in second place in the Central Division.
Cubs walk past Brewers 2-1 in 10 innings
Pitching and defense win games, as the Cubs proved Friday in a 2-1 walk-off victory in 10 innings, their second straight win to open a crucial series against the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. But manager Lou Piniella is tired of missing the hitting.
JackHammers rally for win
The JackHammers scored four runs in the fifth inning to break a 2-2
tie Friday and rolled to a 7-4 win over the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.
Federer nears 15th slam
Rising, rising, rising, high above the most famous patch of grass in tennis, Roger Federer channeled Pete Sampras on match point in the Wimbledon semifinals Friday, tucking both feet back beneath his body and uncorking an overhead smash. And now, after years of chasing Sampras, Federer is poised to surpass him.
Hawks taking it from the top
It might seem like the Blackhawks did a lot in these early days of the free-agent signing period. Getting winger Marian Hossa was a huge deal, one that could push the team a step closer to the Stanley Cup. ''We made a long-term [12 years] commitment to a great athlete,'' Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said. ''It's going to be fun.''
Friday, July 3, 2009
For East, it's baptism under fire
For the new kid on the area high school football block, varsity-level
competition arrived without so much as the sounding of a full-speed
ahead whistle. Rather, there was some brief stretching. A little game of catch. Then, Plainfield East met Naperville North. The two hooked up in Round One of 7-on-7 play Tuesday night.
Correll's heroics lift JackHammers
The Joliet JackHammers scheduled fireworks for after Thursday's night series finale with the Kansas City T-Bones.But JackHammer manager Wally Backman didn't want to make the crowd of
3,892 wait until after the game, which ended with Brad Correll's
two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning that snapped
the Hammers' six-game losing streak and gave them a 6-4 win.
Avlas keeps Hammers' pitching staff on even keel
With the Joliet JackHammers struggling, manager Wally Backman has plenty on his mind. He takes comfort in knowing he does not have to worry about the pitching staff. He leaves that responsibility to his trusted catcher, Phil Avlas.
Career night for D-Lee as Cubs blitz Brewers 9-5
Benched leadoff hitter Alfonso Soriano had the best seat in the house for Derrek Lee's monster game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night as Lee drove in a career-high seven runs with a grand slam and three-run homer in the Cubs' 9-5 victory.
Bulls staring at task of replacing Gordon's 20 ppg John Jackson: Whether you consider Ben Gordon's departure from the Bulls unfortunate or necessary -- or a combination of the two -- nearly everyone can agree on at least this much: Replacing Gordon's 20 points a game will be a challenge during the upcoming season. Sure, Gordon was one-dimensional and no better than mediocre at any aspect of the game other than scoring.
Mayfield in for the fight of his life Jim Litke: When NASCAR people talked about the need for speed, methamphetamines weren't part of the conversation.
Backman to manage in All-Star game
The rosters are set for the 2009 Northern League Field of All-Stars
Game presented by Farmers Insurance and scheduled Tuesday night at
Silver Cross Field.
Three 'Cats in the mix
One girl and two boys from the Plainfield Central High School summer
track and field team will be competing for spots in the Junior Olympic
National Championships from July 28 to Aug. 2 in Greensboro, N.C.
No regrets for Havlat, Khabibulin, now former Hawks
Martin Havlat and Nikolai Khabibulin had voiced their desire to remain with the Blackhawks. However, general manager Dale Tallon didn't retain either when the NHL's free-agent signing period opened, and both stars were quick to express satisfaction with their new teams Thursday.
'B' careful on waters
If you'll be heading for the water this weekend, several things are certain. First, the Three Bs will dominate the waterways. No, I'm not considering bass boats and crank baits. Rather, boats, bikinis and beer.
Shaq Show: O'Neal wants a ring for the King
Shaquille O'Neal and his oversized persona debuted in Cleveland on
Thursday with a stated goal for next season. His friend LeBron James
craves a championship, and O'Neal is here to serve. "My motto is very
simple," O'Neal said. " 'Win a Ring for the King.' "
WIMBLEDON, England -- Richard Williams refuses to watch his daughters Venus and Serena play each other. Says he simply can't bear to see it, no matter the setting, no matter the stage.
Fourth of July spectacle: Manny's return to Dodgers
Manny Ramirez will be back in big leagues on Friday night after a
50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. His return
should be nothing short of a spectacle.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Butler may do it for Minooka
Funny things sometimes can happen during the maturation of a basketball team. It gets older, and yet it gets younger. Minooka
High School second-year coach Scott Tanaka took his best shot at an
explanation Wednesday as his Indians prepared for a game in the 24th
annual Morris Boys Shootout.
The Chicago Cubs have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-handed pitcher Al Alburquerque and designated infielder Ryan Freel for assignment.
Ben Gordon agrees to five-year deal with Pistons
The courtship was short. The contract was sweet. Ben Gordon's whirlwind trip to Detroit on Wednesday ended with the now former Bulls star verbally agreeing to a five-year, $55 million deal with the Pistons. Gordon, who led the Bulls in scoring each of the last four seasons, was wooed by Pistons president Joe Dumars when the two met throughout the day at the team's practice facility in Auburn Hills, Mich.
R'ville, Plainfield S., Plainfield N. show wares
Plainfield North High School was king of boys basketball in the Southwest Prairie Conference a year ago but lost much its foundation.
Meaning, the opportunity may be there for someone else to take the reins.
Backman shuffles deck
The Kansas City T-Bones extended the Joliet JackHammers woes
Wednesday, sending the Hammers to their sixth straight loss by a 5-2
score. The reason -- lack of offense. The JackHammers mustered seven hits and none after the fifth inning. Manager Wally Backman shuffled the batting order in an attempt to spark the offense.
Nobody's backing down here
As Plainfield Central High School football coach John Jackson scans the
playing field, he sees a number of familiar faces running through
warmup drills in almost all the right places.
Plainfield man enjoys a perfect reunion
Greg Bollinger of Plainfield and P.J. Massy of St. Joseph, Mo., have
known each other for years, but they had no idea they were bowling on
the same team squad at the United States Bowling Congress Open
Championships.
Grzelinski puts 'Wally' on mantle
In 25 years of racing, Minooka's Tony Grzelinski has won everything a
Top Sportsman driver can win. He's the reigning champion for Route 66
Raceway and he has a fireplace mantle full of metal to prove his mettle.
Hossa keeps his eyes on the prize Neil Hayes: He was being pushed around the ice, the Memorial Cup balanced on his lap, his left knee throbbing. That's how much the moment meant to him. That's how much he meant to his teammates. It happened 11 years ago when Marian Hossa was playing for the Portland (Ore.) Winter Hawks in the Western Hockey League.
White Sox beat Indians 6-2, sweep series
Just under two weeks ago, manager Ozzie Guillen gathered his team for a quick meeting, delivering a very simple, but honest, message. ''I told them, 'Hey man, play whatever games we have left [before the All-Star break] like champs, because I don't want the general manager [Ken Williams] to break this team apart because we think we don't have a chance to win the division,' '' Guillen confessed, hours before the 6-2 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.
Sam Fuld fills in, sparks 4-1 win over Pirates
How might history have changed if Wally Pipp had a $136 million contract? We'll probably never know. Meanwhile, rookie Sam Fuld filled in for slumping leadoff hitter/left fielder Alfonso Soriano by reaching base three times, making a sliding catch to end the fourth and throwing out a runner at the plate to end Pittsburgh's last scoring threat in the fifth as the Cubs beat the Pirates 4-1 for just their second road series win in two months.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Silver Cross Field site for baseball dreamers
Silver Cross Field will be the site of a unique fall baseball camp.
Super Independent Baseball will run a tryout camp for 88 college players from Sept. 20 to Oct. 11.
The Herald News previously reported arrangements were being made to possibly hold the event in Joliet, and the plans have since been finalized.
Matt thanks you all
A couple of weeks ago, the Joliet Police vs. Fire Ryder Cup charity
golf competition was contested at Wedgewood and Inwood golf courses.
Jackhammers grilled again
Freddie Thon did all that he could for the Joliet JackHammers on Tuesday.
Thon, the Joliet first baseman, drove in 4 runs, but it wasn't enough as the Kansas City T-Bones defeated the JackHammers 5-4 to extend Joliet's losing streak to five games.
Hawks sign Hossa, lose Khabibulin to the Oilers
The Blackhawks confirmed they have signed Marian Hossa, the veteran forward who scored 40 goals for the Detroit Red Wings last season. Canada's TSN reported that Hossa signed a 12-year contract that will pay him $5.2 million per season. The Hawks also signed Red Wings free agent Tomas Kopecky, a 27-year-old center, to a two-year contract.
Sloboda an AVCA Media Award winner
Lewis University Assistant Sports Information Director Derrick Sloboda
was selected as the 2008-09 NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region honoree
for the American Volleyball Coaches' Association (AVCA) Grant Burger
Media Award.
Hester falls shot short of title repeat
James Henderson of South Holland finished with a two-day total of 146
to edge defending champion David Hester of Joliet and win the annual
John White Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Joliet Sweet
Swingers.
South sweeps North in DuPage twinbill
The South swept the North 10-9 and 6-3 in the annual DuPage River
Conference Pony League all-star doubleheader Sunday at the Richland
School diamond. In the first game for the South, Alex Wesner and Sean Chamberlin from Troy Titans Black, along with Josh Mitchell and Ayhan Ozgen from Channahon McCoy's Tire & Auto, pitched with Ozgen picking up the win.
A Gordon balancing act
After months of positioning and planning, teams will begin to find out today whether their hopes can be turned into reality, and players will discover exactly what their worth is on the open market. The NBA's free-agent period started at midnight, and now teams can begin negotiating with players whose contracts have expired. The deals struck in the coming days and weeks could affect the balance of power for the upcoming season.
WIMBLEDON, England -- Her 19th consecutive victory at the All England Club already wrapped up, Venus Williams grabbed a seat and watched younger sister Serena win easily to reach the semifinals, too.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Floyd, White Sox look for real
Ozzie Guillen was already fooled once this season. After weeks of managing what he suspected was a dead baseball team, he thought he'd found water in late May after the White Sox went on a 10-3 run. It was nothing more than a mirage before the Sox fell back into their old ways.
K.C.'s Villarreal subdues struggling Hammers
The Joliet JackHammers were hoping to put an end to a three-game losing
streak Monday night, a trio of losses at Gary over the weekend that
turned a promising 10-game road trip into a disappointing 4-6 venture
away from Silver Cross Field.
Johnson adds many positives to Bulls' framework
Chicago, meet your James Johnson. His pedigree is more sociologically exotic than street. He appears more mobile than menacing. It is his feet of fury rather than his fists that interest the Rose-rage Bulls and their re-energized fandom now.
Rangers promote Roark Dick Goss: Wilmington High School is a perennial power in Joliet area baseball. The critics are quick to point out the Wildcats play on the small-school level. But when Wilmington had its best team a few years ago, you would have
been hard pressed to find anybody doubting those Wildcats could have
played with anyone in the state, school size notwithstanding.
Harden steers Cubs back on track with win over Pirates
The Cubs finally discovered the missing piece to their wayward season: Pittsburgh. Having already traveled to St. Louis and Milwaukee twice each and Houston three times, the Cubs opened their first series of the season in Pittsburgh against a team they've spent the last five years thrashing. They almost casually beat the Pirates 3-1 on Monday night at PNC Park behind Rich Harden's best performance of the season.
Blackhawks' focus turns to free agency
Making selections in the NHL entry draft that concluded Saturday was an easy task for Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon compared to what awaits him in the next few days. Martin Havlat, Nikolai Khabibulin, Sammy Pahlsson and Matt Walker are unrestricted free agents. They're free to sign with any other team when the free-agent signing period begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Local briefs: Majchrzak powers L-Way North
Kevin Majchrzak became quite offensive on Monday. And that was a good
thing for the Lincoln-Way North High School summer baseball team.
NASCAR submits findings from lab
NASCAR filed court documents Monday night that show an independent
laboratory found an illegal substance in the urine sample that led to
Jeremy Mayfield's suspension for a failed drug test.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Danks fills in the blanks
More often than not, the crosstown series has been a crossroads series in the seasons of the Cubs and White Sox. The direction each takes now after another clash Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field could be as important as the Sox' 3-2 edge in the '09 series, with one game still remaining Sept. 3 at Wrigley Field.
Logano takes rain-shortened win
Teenager Joey Logano became the youngest winner in the history of the
NASCAR Sprint Cup series Sunday, winning the rain-shortened race at New
Hampshire Motor Speedway. The precocious 19-year-old rookie came back from a crash that put him a
lap down earlier in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and won his first
Cup race in his 20th start.
Cubs off the Mark again
As if Cubs teammates and fans weren't still mourning last winter's trade of Mark DeRosa to Cleveland, now they'll have to beat the popular run producer if they want to win the National League Central again -- this after passing on a chance to reacquire him earlier this month.
Danks calls it 'baseball' when he nails Freel
Of the 110 pitches starter John Danks threw Sunday in the White Sox' 6-0 victory against the Cubs, one stood out in particular. The Sox were up five runs in the seventh inning -- the game all but over -- when Danks pelted Cubs third baseman Ryan Freel with a pitch. Just call it a response to a wild sixth inning in which Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano plunked Dewayne Wise after Chris Getz stole home on a suicide-squeeze play.
The 6th Annual Hot Rod Barn UMARA Carter Anderson Midget Classic
presented by the Joliet Herald News has been rescheduled for Saturday
July 18th at the Grundy County Speedway.
Crest Hill squeezes past Minooka
The sign from Crest Hill manager Joe Marshall to Mike Contos was a
familiar one. Just two nights before, Contos was given the suicide
squeeze sign and performed it to perfection. This time worked out a
little different for Contos and the Sports Huddle team.
Youth sports announcements
JOLIET TOWNSHIP BOYS SKILLS CAMP: Through July 29 4-6 p.m. for $25 at Joliet Central. Monday through Thursday.
Brazil's second-half blitz buries U.S.
Brazil's "Beautiful Game" came alive in the second half Sunday with
three comeback goals in a 3-2 win over the United States in the
Confederations Cup final.
Perry sets record in Travelers win
Kenny Perry has set a goal of winning 20 times before he leaves the PGA Tour. The 48-year-old earned No. 14 on Sunday at the Travelers Championship,
shooting a 63 to finish with a tournament-record 258, three strokes
better than Paul Goydos and David Toms, two other 40-something golfers.
Suit settled in player's death
The family of a former Rice University football player who died during
a workout has settled its lawsuit with the school and the NCAA.
Troy may agree to cut fees
The Troy School Board is considering reducing the amount of money the district receives for impact fees.
Shorewood Mayor Richard Chapman appeared before the school board
recently to request that the board lower the impact fees paid when a
residential building permit is issued.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Danks, White Sox shut down Cubs in series finale WHITE SOX 6, CUBS 0 | John Danks pitched seven shutout innings, Chris Getz stole home against Carlos Zambrano and the White Sox got another run on a bases-loaded infield fly rule Sunday to beat the Cubs 6-0. Danks (6-6) allowed four hits and reliever Scott Linebrink completed the shutout as the White Sox won two of three before sellout crowds at U.S. Cellular Field. The teams split two games at Wrigley Field last week and still have a makeup game to play from a rainout in that earlier series.
JCA's Ratajczak is Baseball Player of the Year
The way Nick Ratajczak plays baseball evokes colorful descriptions. His official nickname is "Rat," for the obvious reason. However, Joliet
Catholic Academy coach Jared Voss says, "He's a dirt bag." But Voss is quick to add, "I mean that in a most complimentary way. He
plays the game in a way where he always dirties his uniform."
Sox get win to pie for
Sometimes it's all about redemption. For the White Sox on Saturday, that meant not only coming back with an 8-7 victory against the Cubs, it meant Gordon Beckham and Alexei Ramirez bouncing back, too.
Ozzie has Lou's back in Bradley brouhaha
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had no problem with the way Cubs manager Lou Piniella handled the Milton Bradley drama Friday. As a matter of fact, he applauded it. Guillen's problem? There should have been 24 others who policed it beforehand, rather than it escalating to the point it did with the Cubs' skipper.
Blackhawks select six centers on day 2 of draft
The Blackhawks have had trouble finding centers in recent seasons, but that shouldn't be a problem much longer. They drafted six of them in the second day of the NHL draft Saturday in Montreal. ''We identified some needs, and we went after it,'' general manager Dale Tallon said. ''We want to be strong up the middle.''
WIMBLEDON, England -- As a tyke growing up in Marietta, Ga., Melanie Oudin would watch Venus and Serena Williams on TV and tell anyone who would listen that she was going to play at Wimbledon, too, one day.
Hammer rally not enough
The Joliet JackHammers scored three runs in the ninth inning but lost
5-3 to the Gary SouthShore RailCats before a crowd of 3,916 Saturday
night at U.S. Steel Yard.
Hoffman holds off Sontag in Grundy feature
Two-time track champion Eddie Hoffman won the 30-lap late-model feature
event Friday night, becoming the fifth different driver to do so this
season at the Grundy County Speedway.
At Richmond, Dixon outruns Franchitti
Scott Dixon grabbed the lead from teammate Dario Franchitti on pit road
just before the midpoint and earned his 19th career IndyCar Series
victory on Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway, tying Sam
Hornish Jr.'s series record.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Smashing desert debut for Ruettiger
John Ruettiger learned about life in Division I college baseball in a hurry when he arrived on the Arizona State University campus last fall. By the time the spring season of his freshman year rolled around, he was ready for prime time, which is exactly where he landed. He was playing in the College World Series.
Going, going, gone
The talk that Cubs manager Lou Piniella had lost his fire can go up in smoke now.
He's one happy (football) camper
Phil Acton is called many names by many people. Some of the names are more colorful than others. Some are of the more affectionate variety. Husband. Father. Grandfather. The boys participating in Bolingbrook High School's annual summer football activities still call him coach.
First-round forwards wake-up call for Tyrus?
A day after the draft, the consensus was the Bulls did well with their two first-round picks, choosing Wake Forest forward James Johnson and USC forward Taj Gibson. Others saw the Bulls trying to rectify the damage done in 2006 draft, in which they took LaMarcus Aldridge with the second overall pick and traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa.
The Blackhawks stuck with their No. 28 position in Friday's first round of the NHL draft, using the pick to choose defenseman Dylan Olsen who played for Camrose in Canada Junior A League last season.
Guerrero homer has 'Cats purring in opener
The Gary SouthShore RailCats scored four runs over the fourth and fifth
innings and went on to beat the JackHammers 5-2 before a crowd of 4,363
on Friday night at U.S. Steel Yard.
Diamond named for gem of coach
For the past 30 years, the same man has patrolled the third base
coach's box on the Crest Hill Pony Baseball field for the team now
known as Sports Huddle. Joe Marshall first instructed players in 1979, assisting head coach Bob Horvat, his neighbor.
Local briefs: Hester to defend his crown
The Joliet Sweet Swingers Golf Club will host its 34th annual charity tournament today at Inwood and Sunday at Wedgewood.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Boxer driven by a fighting spirit
For four years, Travis Murray waged a fight to prove himself inside the confines of a boxing ring.
Now, he is preparing to fight drug traffickers and smugglers on the high seas.
Murray, a May graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and former three-sport standout at Minooka High School, reports for active duty on July 1.
Giddyup! Coalers ride their Colt
First, he had three years of all-state running back Zach Smith.
Now, it is Year 2 with Zach's younger brother Colt Smith quarterbacking the offense.
If you suggest to Coal City High School football coach Lenny Onsen that he has been spoiled, he may find it difficult to disagree.
More to celebrate on Fourth than fireworks
Celebrations during the Fourth of July have drifted off the mark in
recent years. It is easy to forget the significance of the
celebrations, to focus on illegal backyard fireworks or spend the day
tubing on the Illinois River.
White Sox bounce NL's top team again
No Carlos Quentin for the last month and counting, a bunch of youngsters trying just to survive at the big-league level, a defense that can betray its pitcher and an offense that only seems to show up on the road. But there were the White Sox after a 6-5, 13-inning victory Thursday over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best team in the National League, with the first-place Detroit Tigers still in their sight at six games back.
Wins, not foes, perk up Lou Chris De Luca: Lou Piniella said all the right things on the eve of another Cubs-White Sox showdown. But deep down, you could tell his heart just wasn't in it. ''I enjoy the series with the White Sox, I really do,'' Piniella said with all the enthusiasm usually reserved for a traveler resigned to a flight delay. ''It's fun. The fans are really into it. It's a big deal back in Chicago. And it gets a little crazy at times, but that's OK.''
Hendry to speak at All-Star luncheon
Jim Hendry is coming to Joliet.
The Cubs general manager, whose team will be at U.S. Cellular Field this weekend for a series against the crosstown rival White Sox, will be the keynote speaker at the Northern League Field of All-Stars luncheon beginning at 12:30 p.m. July 7 at Harrah's Joliet in the Nevada Room.
Klein, Gehring lift Hammers
Adam Klein hit a two-run single and lefty Ryan Gehring (2-2) allowed
two runs over 7 2/3 innings in the JackHammers' 4-3 victory over
Schaumburg before 6,509 fans at Alexian Field on Thursday night.
DETROIT -- Turns out, manager Lou Piniella didn't pull the names out of a hat when deciding the Cubs' lineup Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. He put plenty of thought into the matter -- starting with the benching of right fielder Milton Bradley.
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto sorry about pot 'mistake'
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto has known since April he tested positive for marijuana during the World Baseball Classic in March, and the knowledge that this would become public had caused many sleepless nights for the reigning National League rookie of the year who got off to a horrible start this season. ''He would never make excuses, that's the kind of guy he is,'' Cubs assistant general manager Randy Bush said, ''but I think it has been bothering him.''
WIMBLEDON, England -- Five-time champion Venus Williams and No. 1 seed Dinara Safina reached the third round at Wimbledon with straight-set victories Thursday. Andy Murray and 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt advanced in the men's draw.
The Blackhawks' much-improved season has one drawback: General manager Dale Tallon won't have the high draft picks he has been used to getting when the NHL entry draft is held today and Saturday in Montreal.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Giants of midget auto racing to be honored
Two men who meant a great deal to local midget auto racing will be
commemorated Saturday at the Grundy County Speedway at the 6th Annual
Hot Rod Barn UMARA Carter/Anderson Classic, co-sponsored by The Herald
News.
Michael Jordan's son quits Illini hoops
Maybe the acorn falls farther from the tree than we think. What was surprising about the announcement Wednesday that Jeff Jordan won't return to an on-the-rise Illinois basketball program was that Michael Jordan's oldest son seemingly had proved himself last season.
Kenseth on wild, wild ride
Matt Kenseth lives in a world that demands 100 percent concentration every time he enters the workplace.
He cannot afford to let his mind wander.
But with a new addition to the family scheduled to arrive in the very near future, his tunnel vision understandably will be tested.
Billig could be the ticket
Earlier this decade, Lockport High School was king of the Class 8A football world.
The Porters won state championships in 2002 with Steve Walker at quarterback and in 2003 with Jake Christensen at the controls.
The following year, Christensen returned and Lockport enjoyed a 9-0 regular season. But a 14-6 loss to Lincoln-Way East in Round 1 of the playoffs ended the Porters' dreams of a third straight title.
Since then, Lockport has posted a 16-21 overall record and has played in one playoff game.
Chance to score Victory in raffle
Chicagoland Speedway has joined Charity Splits for the second annual "Race Day Raffle." Last year, fans nationwide raised more than $24,000 to support life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Blackwell is unable to ground Flyers
The Schaumburg Flyers scored two runs in the eighth inning to break a
1-1 tie and beat the Joliet JackHammers 3-2 before 6,325 fans Wednesday
afternoon at Alexian Field.
Two acts top bill at Fan Rally
The ninth annual Race Fan Rally in downtown Joliet will attract two national music acts for the event's main stage on Wednesday, July 8.
A road swing & miss as Tigers beat Cubs 5-3
fter an unusually long wait, manager Lou Piniella, who would later pull a page out of White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's book, allowed reporters into the Cubs' clubhouse Wednesday night to discuss a frustrating 5-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers. As the crowd formed around his desk, Piniella looked at a Detroit radio reporter who got under his skin the night before.
White Sox crack 6 HRs in 10-7 pounding of Dodgers
Considering the way Josh Fields put it, finding a solution to the White Sox’ woes at home seemed simple enough. ‘‘Hitting,’’ Fields said before Wednesday night’s game. ‘‘For some reason, I don’t know what it is, if it’s mental blocks or something. We go on the road and play amazing, come back here and struggle."
Jackson's mock NBA draft
Normally, there are about four or five picks in an NBA draft that are givens. They're a godsend to anyone compiling a mock draft because at least you can't look like a complete idiot with a few correct selections. There's no such safety net this year. The only given in the draft is Blake Griffin at No. 1. After that, things could get muddled very quickly starting with the second pick.
Maria Sharapova suffered a setback in her comeback from shoulder surgery, losing to Gisela Dulko 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the second round Wednesday at Wimbledon.
OMAHA, Neb. -- LSU, which two years ago wasn't good enough to qualify for the Southeastern Conference tournament, is the best team in college baseball again.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
East still a beast
There are successful high school football programs, and then there is Lincoln-Way East.
To say the first decade of the 21st century has belonged to coach Rob Zvonar's team would be nothing short of accurate.
Cubs feeling the pinch
Cubs closer Kevin Gregg sat in front of his locker, face buried in his hands, rewinding in his mind the final pitch he threw Tuesday. ''Geez, I could have hit that ball out of the park,'' Gregg said of pinch hitter Ryan Raburn's walk-off, two-run home run with one out in the ninth inning that gave the Detroit Tigers a 5-4 victory. ''That slipped out of my hand. Kind of one of those ones you just hope he pops it up. He popped it up right over the fence. It sucks.''
Memorial Stadium to go artificial
JCA football fans might find their hilltop isn't covered with grass next year.
On Monday, the Joliet Park District board approved the concept and engineering study plans to move forward with replacing Memorial Stadium's surface with artificial turf.
Guillen ejected as Dodgers dominate inoffensive Sox
The White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers are spring-training neighbors, sharing a new facility in Glendale, Ariz. Sox manager Ozzie Guillen liked what he saw even then. ''To me, the main thing about this Dodgers ballclub is they're pretty good athletes,'' Guillen said. ''Good pitching and good defense give you a chance to win as many games as you can, and they do that.''
Novak gains first pro win
Three JackHammers pitchers -- Jason Novak, Devin Anderson and David
Byard -- combined for a four-hit shutout in a 6-0 victory over the
Schaumburg Flyers before 3,375 fans at Alexian Field on Tuesday night.
Provy trio takes the next step
Providence Catholic High School outgoing seniors Jake Wojcik, Nora
Gibbons and Liz Monterosso signed national letters of intent to
continue playing their respective sports at the collegiate level.
Minooka grad captures boxing title
Cadet 1st Class Travis Murray of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy won the
165-pound title with a 4-1 victory over Army's Will Myers at the
National Collegiate Boxing Championship held in the spring at the
University of Maryland.
Bulls have some options in 'pretty deep' draft
Unlike like a year ago, when the Bulls had the No. 1 pick and selected point guard Derrick Rose, the NBA draft Thursday doesn't figure to be a defining moment in the team's rebuilding process. With two picks in the second half of the first round (Nos. 16 and 26), it's unlikely there will be any franchise centerpieces on the board when the Bulls' turn comes up roughly an hour and a half into the proceedings.
The best and worst Bulls' draft picks
The Berto Center was as alive as any windowless gym on a beautiful summer morning could be Monday. New Bulls general manager Gar Forman was conducting his final media briefing before the 2009 NBA draft. His team is scheduled to have the 16th and 26th picks in the first round Thursday night. Patti Blagojevich preparing more tropical-bug souffles in Central America might command a more engaged audience. Forman was wide-eyed and well-spoken.
Five points into her opening match at Wimbledon, Venus Williams slipped and went sprawling on the grass she loves. The five-time champion recovered from her stumble at the start Tuesday and defeated Stefanie Voegele 6-3, 6-2.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Romeoville Wrecker
Followers of high school football in the Joliet area recognize Cameron Stingily as an all-area linebacker. Eastern Michigan University and Northern Illinois already have offered to bring the 6-foot-1, 235-pound wrecker in as a linebacker. Ball State reportedly may be next to make an offer.
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- Lucas Glover steadied his hands for a 3-foot par putt on the 18th hole, an anticlimactic finish to five dreary days at a U.S. Open filled with more delays than drama.
Cubs' road woes persist
Maybe it's the trials and endless miles of the road that has made this season so hard, so far, for these Cubs. Maybe it's the hotel food or bumpy plane rides or lumpy pillows. Or maybe that's just what it seems like in comparison all that seems right with the comforts of home for this team.
Joliet lays down Hammer in win
Third baseman Andrew Pinckney went 3-for-5 and hit two of the
JackHammers' four solo home runs, plus the 11th-inning sacrifice fly
that accounted for the eventual winning run, in a 6-5 victory over the
Winnipeg Goldeyes before 7,342 at CanWest Park on Monday afternoon.
Youth sports
A roundup of area youth sports results.
All-nighter pays dividend for Clouser
After suffering motor failure on lap 6 of the USAC National midget
feature event on Friday Night at Iowa Speedway, Mario Clouser's crew
pulled an all-nighter back in Auburn, Ill. to change motors and get the
car up to Grundy County Speedway.
'Rat' named Slugger
Joliet Catholic Academy senior second baseman Nick Ratajczak has been
named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger High School All-American team.
Cimo a champ in 'Bama
Former Joliet Catholic High School baseball standout Matt Cimo is making a name as an accomplished high school coach.
The 47-year-old Cimo, who starred in basketball and baseball for the Hilltoppers, has established himself as one of the top high school baseball coaches in Alabama.
Sox rookie Beckham makes strides, not waves
On one side of the couch in the Reds' visiting clubhouse sat Josh Fields, who was supposed to replace Joe Crede at third base. Just next to him sat Gordon Beckham, who has replaced Fields. Talking, laughing -- not one sign of animosity in what should be the most uncomfortable situation in the clubhouse.
Raw Clark heads mediocre group
Though there is talent available at the position, it wouldn't be a surprise if the first half of the draft passed without a small forward being selected. Earl Clark of Louisville is widely considered the best prospect, but some insiders believe his stock is slipping a bit. A hamstring injury -- which caused him to pull out of his scheduled workout with the Bulls over the weekend -- doesn't help, either.
Burress worth the risk for Bears Neil Hayes: Trading for Jay Cutler was simple. Whether the Bears would benefit from acquiring talented and troubled Plaxico Burress is more complicated. The one thing Jerry Angelo shouldn't have to concern himself with as he mulls the potential ramifications is public opinion. Just because off-the-field issues prompted Angelo to cut ties with Tank Johnson and Cedric Benson doesn't make the Bears' general manager hypocritical for pursuing Burress.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lucas Glover outlasts Mickelson, wins U.S. Open
Phil Mickelson made a valiant charge on Championship Monday at the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, but in the end, Lucas Glover had just enough game to win a tough day on a tough course for his first Open title.
'Iowa Cubs' come through in 6-2 win over Indians
The sight of Randy Wells getting soaked with beer and shaving cream Sunday after his first major-league victory was a long time coming. But as the Cubs completed a three-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians with a 6-2 victory, manager Lou Piniella was savoring another sight that could become a key for his team: Jake Fox in the lineup. Wells has been proving himself since being recalled from Class AAA Iowa on May 8, when Carlos Zambrano was put on the disabled list.
Buehrle gets 7th win as Sox beat Reds 4-1
At some point, a decision will have to be made -- maybe the toughest decision the duo of general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen have had to make since making the White Sox relevant again. And while Sunday's 4-1 victory over Cincinnati plays into the decision-making process -- every win does -- it inevitably will come down to one thing: ''Your heart and your gut feeling will tell you exactly what kind of ballclub you have,'' Guillen said.
Buddies hooked on fishing Youth sports: During the summer months, it is not uncommon to drive by a pick-up
baseball game between friends or a basketball shoot-a-round in the
driveway. One sport lost in the limelight during the summer, however, is fishing.
Youth sports announcements
JOLIET TOWNSHIP BOYS SKILLS CAMP: Through July 29 4-6 p.m. for $25 at Joliet Central. Monday through Thursday.
Hammers continue to struggle JackHammers: The Winnipeg Goldeyes scored seven runs in the 7th and 8th innings to
rally from a 4-2 deficit and earn a 9-4 win over the Joliet JackHammers
before 6,555 fans at CanWest Park on Sunday afternoon.
Emotions run deep for Federer Tennis: Roger Federer is building something of a reputation as an on-court
crier, and he remembers well the first time he wept after winning a
match. It was July 2, 2001, at Wimbledon, the tournament that means more to
him than any other. Federer was 19, up-and-coming and making his Centre
Court debut in the fourth round when he stunned Pete Sampras, who was
29, seeded No. 1 and seeking an eighth Wimbledon title.
Kahne picks up first road course win Auto racing: Richard Petty Motorsports has made news this season for all the wrong
reasons. Caught in the financial crunch of Chrysler's bankruptcy, the
team had a recent round of layoffs and companywide salary reductions.
Franchitti wins in Iowa Auto racing: Dario Franchitti took the lead with 50 laps to go and cruised to
victory in the Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Sunday, earning his second win in
two trips to Iowa Speedway.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Verdun deal: Coaler ace is Joliet area's best Prep softball: Talk is cheap, or so the saying goes, but Coal City High School pitcher
Kirsten Verdun made her conversations with junior catcher Krista Watson
pay off better than the stock market. Several times a game -- sometimes, it seemed, several times an inning
-- the junior left-hander would greet the masked Watson midway by
covering part of her face with her glove.
Going against the best USF 7-on-7 football passing camp: The good news was evident as Providence Catholic High School battled
various opponents Saturday at Pershing Grade School in Week 2 of the
annual University of St. Francis 7-on-7 football passing camp.
Long-shot Barnes shoots record score U.S. Open: Ricky Barnes, who took six years to reach the big leagues, is now in
the record book with the lowest 36-hole score in the 109 years of the
U.S. Open. He knocked in a 45-foot birdie putt on his 17th hole
Saturday, completed a bogey-free 65 in his second round and reached the
tournament's halfway point at 8-under 132.
Thrills & chills for Dad Dick Goss: Joliet Catholic Academy football coach and athletic director Dan Sharp
admits he "truly got the chills" watching Johnny Ruettiger play in the
College World Series. Imagine what his dad, John, is feeling on this day set aside for us to
let our fathers know how much we love them and how important they are
in our lives.
It's a Gold rush to finish JackHammers: The Winnipeg Goldeyes scored six unanswered runs, including four in the
eighth inning, to beat the Joliet JackHammers 6-4 before 5,508 fans at
CanWest Park on Saturday night.
Wood's wild pitch gives Cubs 6-5 win over Indians
Maybe there was no way Cleveland Indians closer Kerry Wood could put into words what happened to him Saturday at Wrigley Field -- again. After all, the Cubs' three walk-off victories in the last three days have left a lot of people speechless. Wood had nothing to say after being victimized for a second consecutive day by a Cubs comeback. The Cubs scored twice against him in the 13th inning, with the winning run in their 6-5 victory crossing the plate on his wild pitch.
White Sox hit 4 home runs to rally past Reds 10-8
Hours before slipping into the powder-blue 1964 replica uniform for the Civil Rights Game, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was shaking hands with Bill Cosby and Muhammad Ali and listening to speakers Hank Aaron and Bill Clinton at the MLB Beacon Awards luncheon.
Rain wipes out Grundy racing Local briefs: For the third time this season, weather caused the cancellation of racing Friday night at the Grundy County Speedway.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
JT's Dorre is Herald's Player of the Year Girls soccer: The big brand-name suitors didn't impress her all that much. Before Class of 2010 prospect Krissy Dorre announced in late May she
would attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she was wooed by a
Who's Who of the women's collegiate soccer world.
Scores lower as course dries out U.S. Open: Phil Mickelson lumbered along the rain-softened turf of Bethpage Black
for 29 holes. Lucas Glover had it even worse, taking nine hours to play
31 holes Friday in a U.S. Open that felt like a marathon. Their only regret was they couldn't play more. Sunshine made a cameo on Long Island, enough to dry the fairways and keep the greens as soft as a sponge.
Hammers trap Goldeyes JackHammers: Left-handed pitcher Brad Mumma and righty Chad Blackwell combined to
hold the Winnipeg Goldeyes to just six hits Friday as the Joliet
Jackhammers handed the Winnipeg Goldeyes a 5-0 setback before before
5,843 fans at CanWest Park.
Ruettiger starring for ASU Local briefs: Former Joliet Catholic Academy baseball standout John Ruettiger is one
of the top hitters for the nationally ranked Arizona State University
team playing in the College World Series.
All-Area First Team Girls soccer: Find out which area players earned first team honors.
All-Area Second Team Girls soccer: Find out which area players earned second team honors.
Post-Cubs letdown? White Sox fall 4-3 to Reds
White Sox captain Paul Konerko spoke of it last season: the hangover that can affect a team staggering out of the Sox-Cubs series. ''You've seen it where one team has kind of taken off and used the momentum to do good things, and you've seen the flip side where one team has had kind of an emotional letdown that carries over,'' Konerko said then.
Lee sizzles as Cubs roar back to beat Indians 8-7
Those dark clouds that hung over the Cubs only a week ago? Replaced now by a sunny clubhouse and a team that's starting to believe it can believe in itself again. Only the storm clouds above Wrigley Field on Friday dampened the surroundings after another celebration over a walkoff victory that came in the 10th against the Cleveland Indians -- the third walkoff win in a week and second in two days.
Yankees bench slumping A-Rod for two games National briefs: Alex Rodriguez's homecoming will have to wait a little longer. Following a tumultuous month at the plate, the slumping third baseman
was benched Friday for two games by the New York Yankees for what he
and the team called "fatigue."
HOT GOLFER STOKES THE FIRE
At times, the golf is of the extreme variety, much like the rivalry itself.
The annual Ryder Cup-style event pitting Joliet's policemen vs. the city's firefighters is all about shots like the one the Fire's Dave Chizmark hit off the tee box on the 287-yard, par-4 18th hole on Thursday afternoon at Inwood.
Flyers rattle Joliet
Thurdsay was not a night that former Lockport High School and University of St. Francis pitcher Jason Novak will want to remember.
The right-hander was roughed by the Schaumburg Flyers in Northern League play at Silver Cross Field.
JJC's Kuhn signs three more players
The length of the Joliet Junior College basketball team continues to grow.
Veteran JJC coach Joe Kuhn just signed three more players for the upcoming season.
First-day leader: Rainfall
Already played on a long course, the U.S. Open suddenly turned into a long week. Tiger Woods began his title defense Thursday on soggy Bethpage Black by having his caddie hold an umbrella until it was time to hit his opening drive. Facing a 15-foot birdie putt on the second hole, Woods stepped away so workers could mop up the green with a squeegee.
The plan is for the Bears to have everyone ready for training camp, which begins six weeks from today. But five months removed from reconstructive shoulder surgery, cornerback Charles Tillman didn't close out the offseason program Wednesday.
Rick Dudley, a former Buffalo Sabres player and coach, resigned Thursday as Blackhawks assistant general manager.
Briefs: Slaughter to host Wisconsin
The Chicago Slaughter, coached by former Bears standout defensive
lineman Steve McMichael, will host the Wisconsin Wolfpack at 7:05 p.m.
Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
JPD's Greene pastures
Do you remember the magical lyric, "Listen -- do you want to know a secret?"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Crosstown Comeback: Soriano lifts Cubs past Sox CUBS 6 | WHITE SOX 5 Alfonso Soriano's day was looking like a stinker. He had beer spilled on him by the left-field bleacher bums wearing Cubs and White Sox jerseys and boos aimed at him from all directions by the time he stepped from the dugout for a ninth-inning at-bat with the score tied Thursday.
Rios' hit lifts Hammers in opener
There was bonus baseball at the ball yard Wednesday night.
Due to a rainout the previous night, fans were guaranteed to see the JackHammers battle the Schaumburg Flyers for a doubleheader.
They got that ... and more. The first game of the two scheduled 7-inning games went 12 innings before the JackHammers claimed a 6-5 win. The game ended in the bottom of the 12th, 3 hours and 42 minutes after it started.
Score one big moment for normal-sized guys Rick Telander: This seems like a perfect time to celebrate small ball. In the wake of the Sammy Sosa failed-drug-test news and lingering, dubious images of monstrous home runs hit by monstrous people, we have normal-sized Scott Podsednik and normal-sized Chris Getz providing us with fine drama in the White Sox 4-1 win over the Cubs.
Molk snaps to forefront
Lemont High School graduate and Michigan football junior/sophomore center David Molk is on the watch list for the 2009 Rimington Trophy.
'Special' kind of relay race
Last weekend, members of the Joliet-based Prairie State Road Runners ran the MC200 Relay Race, a unique adventure race from Madison, Wis. to the shores of Montrose Harbor in Chicago. In the process, the Road Runners raised funds for Special Olympics of Wisconsin and Illinois. The 200-mile course was divided into 36 legs that the team of 12 navigated over a two-day period. The distances of each of the 36 legs varied from leg to leg, ranging anywhere from 3 to 8˝ miles.
JJC diamond to be named after King
Wayne King is by far the winningest coach in any sport in the history
of Joliet Junior College, the nation's oldest two-year academic
institution.
'Chiz' lights a Fire
Almost all of the close calls went the way of the Firefighters during the morning's two-man alternate shot competition. Then, when the format switched to a two-man scramble and the Police tried to mount a charge in the afternoon in the annual Ryder Cup-style golf battle between Joliet's public servants on Wednesday at Wedgewood, Dave Chizmark fired the silencer.
Lefty inspired to right history
Tiger Woods was pure theater at Torrey Pines last year, playing on a
left leg so badly injured that the U.S. Open turned out to be his last
event of the year. He made two eagles on the final six holes in prime
time Saturday to take the lead, forced a playoff with a 12-foot birdie
putt on the final hole Sunday, then battled Rocco Mediate over 19 holes
to capture his 14th career major.
Unfriendly confines Neil Hayes: The way it's perched on a catwalk above the concourse where hot dogs and souvenirs are hawked makes it seem more like a treehouse than a clubhouse. Players making their first trip to Wrigley Field might believe they're getting close to the visitors' dugout when they reach the bottom step. Veterans know better.
Sammy gets my vote Chris De Luca: Mark me down as never being a fan of Sammy Sosa. It was nauseating to watch him ham for the WGN dugout cameras after all those home runs, listen to his ear-splitting music in the clubhouse and see his me-first circus play out 24-7. Sosa seemed to forget there were 24 other Cubs on the team during his reign.
Cutler at front of Bears' changes, receiver question open
Third-round draft pick Juaquin Iglesias ran under a bomb from Caleb Hanie in the two-minute drill to score a touchdown on the final play of the Bears' offseason training activities Wednesday at Halas Hall. There might not have been a more fitting conclusion to the voluntary offseason program for a team that has remade itself since stumbling at Houston last season, a loss that prevented it from reaching the playoffs for the second straight year.
Looking for something fishy in our waterways
Dave Wedan and his electrofishing crew found about 150 round goby Wednesday morning on a stretch of the Des Plaines River in Joliet. That, Wedan said, "is not good news for this area." Wedan, a biological technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is on the Des Plaines River once a year, looking for "fish that don't belong there."
Briefs: Ricketts spokesman says deal's still on
A spokesman for Tom Ricketts, who heads his family's nearly $900
million bid to buy the Chicago Cubs from Tribune Co., says the deal is
still on. Dennis Culloton, who represents Ricketts, said Wednesday that
media reports suggesting otherwise are untrue. He said negotiations are
continuing and "moving along very positively."
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Road racing to return
While Joliet has been home to NASCAR and Indy racing in recent years, road racing takes place on roads rather than a standard race track. A little more than 41 years after the last road race was held in the Chicago area, racing enthusiasts are gearing up for seven such events to be held at the Autobahn Country Club Grand Prix.
Focus on Webb gem shots
Colin Webb doesn't like to pick one spot over another.
When it comes to playing high school football, he just wants to be in the middle of the action.
He excelled on offense and defense during his junior year at Wilmington. Webb passed for 1,268 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning all-conference honors in the Interstate Eight's small-school division. He led the Wildcats to an 11-1 record and a berth in the 3A quarterfinals.
Whiteley completes drag sweep at Route 66
Jim Whiteley and Chris Foster took home significant shares of the more
than $150,000 in purse and contingency awards along with valuable
national and divisional championship points in the Lucas Oil Drag
Racing Series event over the weekend at Route 66 Raceway.
Tirade transparent, but so is firing Cubs' hitting coach
They never peeled the tarp off the diamond at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, but the craziness that comes with any White Sox-Cubs gathering still played on through the rain. As players stayed dry in their cramped clubhouses, talk soon turned to Sammy Sosa, the disgraced slugger who called the North and South Sides home during his power-hitting career.
Joliet Police look to squelch Fire run
With due respect to the Cubs and White Sox, the fiercest rivalry in
this neighborhood will be renewed this week on a couple of local golf
courses.
Patrick may join NASCAR ranks
Danica Patrick's likely free agency at the end of the IndyCar Series
will make her a hot commodity among teams in the open-wheel series and
NASCAR.
Report: Sammy Sosa failed drug test in 2003
Sammy Sosa returned to center stage Tuesday at Wrigley Field as two of his former teams waited out a rain delay. This time, Sosa was in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. And in the wake of a New York Times report revealing Sosa tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in the same controversial 2003 survey that netted superstar Alex Rodriguez before spring training, Chicago's outspoken managers agreed on one thing: It's time to unveil all 104 names on that list that was supposed to remain a secret.
Sosa goes from hero to zero after testing positive Rick Telander: In the rain-soaked visitor's dugout at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen shook his head as he pondered the report from the New York Times stating that former Cubs star Sosa (once a White Sox, too) tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug back in 2003.
Zach's new life begins
The Joliet area has some of its favorite sons playing baseball all over the country.
Or, perhaps that should read all over the world.
Sosa's ex-teammates sad but not surprised
Former Cubs teammates of Sammy Sosa are unanimous about one thing when it comes to Tuesday's revelations about the former slugger's positive juice test in 2003. ''I'll tell you what I wasn't: I wasn't surprised. I wasn't shocked,'' said former Cubs outfielder Todd Hollandsworth, now a Comcast analyst. ''There's always been speculation around him.''
Sox' Carlos Quentin cautious about rushing back from injury
Carlos Quentin is walking a finer line than most think. Opening up about his left-foot injury Tuesday, the White Sox outfielder said that in addition to suffering from plantar fasciitis, he is concerned that he is one bad step away from rupturing the tendon in his foot even further. And if that happens? ''If that happens, well, then you'll have to talk to me next year,'' Quentin said.
Briefs: Stallworth gets 30 days
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth began serving a 30-day
jail sentence Tuesday for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in
Florida, a punishment made possible by his cooperation with
investigators and the fervent wish by the victim's family to put the
matter behind them.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Too quiet on Cub-Sox front Chris De Luca: Clutch hitting, solid pitching and thrilling victories before a long-awaited day off. Life is good for the White Sox and Cubs as they open Round 1 of the city showdown tonight at Wrigley Field. Life is good, that is, as long as your memory stretches only to the weekend. The annual civic war is missing the requisite talk of a potential Sox-Cubs World Series rematch 103 years in the making.
Lewis, Romeoville hopes to lure Bears
Romeoville Mayor John Noak is part of a contingent headed to Halas Hall Tuesday morning to talk to Bears officials about moving the football team's
training camp from Bourbonnais to Romeoville.
Hammers go fishing
Joliet JackHammer third baseman Andrew Pinckney only saw seven pitches of this one.
After Winnipeg's second batter of the game was ruled safe at first base for beating Pinckney's throw across the infield, the JackHammer third sacker was ejected by the first base umpire for comments made from across the diamond.
A fab four to ponder
Over the past couple of weeks, I have spent more time in places like
the EastSide Centre, Standard Bank Stadium and Silver Cross Field than
at my desk, meaning today stands as the makeup moment for some e-mails,
phone calls, etc.
While others sleep, Tiger improves
While a few of his rivals are still sleeping, the best player in the world keeps getting better.
Not by the usual leaps and bounds, the length of a fairway, nor even a few feet.
Today we're talking millimeters.
Hester captures Woodruff Club crown
Dave Hester shot a 36-hole total of 142 to capture the Woodruff Club
championship flight title. Hester turned in a pair of 71s. Brian Komp
finished second with a 144 (72-72) and Mike Bandy was third at 145
(75-70).
Youth results
A roundup of area youth sports results.
Former White Sox star Frank Thomas gave Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley a vote of support Monday and predicted Cubs hitters might ''take a step backward before they move forward'' with new hitting coach Von Joshua, who was Thomas' hitting coach for four seasons on the South Side.
Agent says Burress could play in 2009
Plaxico Burress didn't move any closer to resolving his court case Monday, but his agent ramped up efforts to land a job for the free-agent wide receiver. Burress' trial on gun possession charges was adjourned until Sept. 23, and attorney Benjamin Brafman called it ''inconceivable'' his client could stand trial before 2010, meaning he could be able to play football this season. But the unknown remains how the NFL will handle Burress' case.
Briefs: Favre considers un-retiring
Brett Favre says he is considering coming out of retirement for a
second time and the only team he has talked to about a return to the
NFL is the Minnesota Vikings.
Monday, June 15, 2009
A punchless Sunday JackHammers: Manager Wally Backman and the Joliet JackHammers were probably hoping that the rare consecutive off days on Friday and Saturday -- thanks to the Illinois high school baseball championships being held at Silver Cross Field - would cool off the red-hot, first-place Winnipeg Goldeyes.
Minooka senior takes first 'Krak' at QB 7-on-7 passing jamboree: Cory Krakowski felt like he had stepped into a football wayback machine. He was playing a position he last played with the Channooka Braves in the Pop Warner ranks and during his freshman and sophomore years at Minooka High School.
Presto! Lakers clinch 15th title NBA Finals: Kobe Bryant has the NBA title he needed most -- the one without Shaq. Bryant's seven-year chase of a coveted championship is over. He's got his fourth, and Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson his record 10th, a ring for each finger. One year after failing in the finals, Bryant and the Lakers have redemption, and all the rewards that go with it.
Lee's play in ninth helps Cubs end four-game skid
Last season, the Cubs took first place in the National League Central on May 11 and never gave it up. But even during their best season in decades, general manager Jim Hendry made a significant midseason trade, acquiring starting pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics.
Buehrle, Richard contribute homer, winning run
Mark it down as one of those ''whatever it takes'' victories. If that meant getting the lone home run of the day off the bat of starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, so be it. If that meant using Clayton Richard as a pinch runner and having the left-handed starter represent the game-winning run in the ninth inning, who cares?
Chemistry key subject on Jay's rapport card Mike Mulligan: There's no way for the Bears to simulate game conditions in offseason practices. Nonetheless, the team is doing what it can to hasten a rapport between Jay Cutler and his assortment of offensive weapons. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner says at least two of the Bears' top four receivers are on the field every time Cutler throws a pass.
Martin wins third race of season NASCAR: The most surprised person to find Mark Martin in Victory Lane at Michigan International Speedway was the driver himself.
Hamilton extends UMARA points lead Auto racing: Kyle Hamilton, Tanner Whitten, Jimmy Simpson, Mike Anderson, Garrett
Goodwin and Camden Murphy each won their respective features in the
United Midget Auto Racing Associations Saturday night event at the
Grundy County Speedway.
Gay wins St. Jude Classic
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Brian Gay played his way into the U.S. Open in his last possible chance, completing a wire-to-wire victory in the St. Jude Classic.
Minooka hoops on the map Youth sports: Minooka Junior High is traditionally known as a baseball powerhouse.
With state championships galore, it's not hard to see why. But Thomas
Niesler is starting to put their basketball program on the map as well.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Turnaround for the title
After watching three of his teammates walk during the top of the sixth
inning of Saturday's Class 3A state championship game against Chatham
Glenwood, Joliet Catholic Academy's Steve Cservenyak had no intention
of following suit.
Not a passing fancy 7-on-7 passing jamboree: In his role as a basketball point guard, Joliet Catholic Academy's
Breshion Tucker has grown accustomed to distributing the ball. He soon could be on the receiving end of a few passes. Tucker, because of his arm strength and his speed, is being groomed to
play a "slash" position on the Joliet Catholic Academy football team.
Gerl to Cecchi to Ruzich thrills the Hill faithful Bill Scheibe: Tinker to Evers to Chance remains the most famous double-play
combination in Cubs history. Likewise, Joliet Catholic baseball fans
will not soon forget the relay of left fielder John Gerl to third
baseman Andrew Cecchi to catcher Nate Ruzich.
New Trier rallies, captures 4A crown State prep softball roundup: For the second time in his coaching career at New Trier High School, Mike Napoleon has struck gold. Napoleon, the former Providence Catholic coach, saw his Trevians claim
the Class 4A state championship Saturday evening at Silver Cross Field.
Loyola, Oak Forest cruise to title wins State prep softball roundup: Molly Warner and Teresa Aguilar started the top of the first inning
Saturday night with singles, and the Loyola Academy softball team was
well on its way in the Class 4A state championship game.
JCA's Reilly taking her gritty game to Bethel Recruiting: In the world of athletics, hard work and perseverance more often than not pays off in the long run. That has been the case for Joliet Catholic Academy graduated softball player Danielle Reilly. Reilly was the only JCA player to earn all-conference honors in the East Suburban Catholic Conference in 2009.
Lockport's Bradley transfers to JJC JJC basketball: Excuse Joliet Junior College basketball coach Joe Kuhn if he has a smile on his face the entire summer. Kuhn has reason to sport a wide grin since he has landed what he terms,
"one of my best recruiting classes during my 13-year tenure here at
JJC."
Just like old times
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen knew he would see Jose Contreras again this season. Guillen just didn't think he would see the Contreras who dominated major-league hitters back in the second half of 2005 and the first half of '06 again. Ever. That's why Guillen only can call what's going on with his right-hander ''special.''
No 'ffense for Cubs
If only Cubs manager Lou Piniella could keep the conversation centered on pitching. So many good things could be said about that subject, including a fine return from the disabled list Saturday by Rich Harden (4-3), who allowed two runs and five hits and struck out nine in six innings. But another shutout loss can make good pitching a painful subject, too, knowing the effort has gone for naught.
Another title within their reach NBA Finals: Like any couple, they've had their fair share of ups and downs. They've
feuded publicly and fought privately. They separated for a year and
reunited with an understanding that it was best for both of their
careers. They've grown older together.
Logano powers past Busch to take Kentucky Auto racing: Joey Logano cruised past Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch with 10
laps to go and held on to win Kentucky Speedway's Nationwide Series
race for the second consecutive year.
Gollwitzer leads Woodruff A flight Local briefs: The first round of the Woodruff Club Championship is history. John Gollwitzer fired a 70 and leads Dave Hester by a stroke in the championship flight.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Vintage semifinal victory for JCA State prep baseball: Three batters into Friday afternoon's second semifinal game in the
Class 3A State Baseball Tournament at Silver Cross Field, it was
evident this would be a vintage Joliet Catholic Academy day.
Cecchi's bunt boosts Hillmen into 3A title tilt Bill Scheibe: While the public-address announcer dubbed him "Cheeky" during the
pregame introductions, there was nothing impertinent nor imprudent
about the suicide squeeze bunt dropped down by Joliet Catholic Academy
junior Andrew Cecchi.
Bullpen costs White Sox in 7-2 loss to Brewers
With a 7-2 loss to the Brewers at sold-out Miller Park on Friday night, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is no longer sure what to believe about the makeup of his team. "A lot of people say, 'Do you know your ballclub?'" Guillen said. ''I say, 'I don't even know my ballclub yet because it's so up and down.' One day we play good, one day we play bad. We play a great week, and all of the sudden a week later we're back playing really terrible baseball.''
Bradley brings bloopers in Cubs' 7-4 loss to Twins
Milton Bradley might never again have as awkward a game as he did Friday -- at least that's the hope for the Cubs and their star-crossed free agent. Was he upset about losing a seventh-inning fly ball in the glaring sun in right field? Yes. Was he embarrassed about catching a fly ball the next inning and tossing it into the bleachers when there was still an out to go and a runner was on base? Definitely.
'Mad Max' laughs last Stanley Cup Finals: Max Talbot is the jokester in the Pittsburgh Penguins' dressing room, a
low-round draft pick on a team filled with first-round big names who
doesn't complain when he's shifted to the fourth line or asked to take
on a difficult role. How's this one for an assignment of a little-noticed career: The man
asked to win Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals for a team that looked to
be out of playoff contention four months ago?
No surprise, Falcons release 'upbeat' Vick NFL: Less than five years after the Atlanta Falcons signed Michael Vick to a
$130 million contract, the suspended quarterback was released in a
98-word statement.
Joliet pitcher signs Local briefs: Former Joliet Township High School pitcher Ryan Kruszka has signed a
contract with the Traverse City Beach Bums (Mich.) of the Frontier
League.
May's HR lifts Bandits to victory Chicago Bandits: A trio of timely home runs and a gutty performance in the pitching
circle spearheaded the Chicago Bandits' thrilling 4-3 victory in nine
innings over the USSSA Pride on Friday night at Judson University.
Vikings prepare to assess Favre National briefs: The Minnesota Vikings are planning to send a trainer and a coach to Mississippi to work with Brett Favre, ESPN reported Friday.
Friday, June 12, 2009
'It's not that hard,' Piniella howls as Cubs lose 2-1
So much for that soft landing Houston looked ready to provide for the Cubs and their sickly lineup. Their road trip that refused to die finally expired in a sea of zeroes against one of the worst pitching staffs in the National League. The Cubs hope they've hit bottom the last two days in Houston, where the languishing lineup went scoreless in 19 of its final 20 innings of an eight-game trip.
4-3 win can't disguise White Sox' homely homestand
Despite a thrilling 4-3 victory Thursday over the Central Division-leading Detroit Tigers, the White Sox' 12-game homestand can only be categorized as an abysmal failure. At 4-8, the Sox blew a big opportunity to make a move.
The unsung Hilltoppers Prep baseball: Three days before the start of his sophomore year in high school,
budding actor Vinnie Hughes left behind the California sun and the
Hollywood sound stages, moving with his family to the Midwest and
enrolling at Joliet Catholic Academy.
Duffy delivers as 'unknown spark' Prep baseball: By the bottom of the third inning Monday, Joliet Catholic Academy
senior Dan Duffy had departed from his perch atop the steps of the
Standard Bank Stadium dugout to begin warming up senior reliever Vinnie
Hughes.
Trepel, Styck gain All-America honors
The Joliet Junior College baseball team experienced another successful season in 2009.
The Wolves made a fourth consecutive trip to the NJCAA Division III World Series in May and finished fourth after winning the national crown in 2008, taking second in 2007 and placing third in 2006. Two players who factored big in the Wolves' success in 2009 were sophomores Andrew Trepel and Steve Styck.
Hammers get a pitching lift
Four Joliet JackHammers pitchers -- Jason Richardson, Devin Anderson,
Jason Novak and Drew Shetrone -- combined to hold the Schaumburg Flyers
to just two hits as the JackHammers scored five runs in the second
inning to power their way to a 7-0 win before 6,159 fans at Alexian
Field on Thursday night.
L-Way E. standout cools off
Lincoln-Way East High School's Brian Bullington cooled off after making
a fast start in the Midwest Junior Players Championship at Hilton
Indian Lakes Resort -- Blackhawk Trace.
It's rare when a professional athlete walks away from the game on his own terms, with concerns over playing time or nagging injuries an afterthought to simply finding a different path in life.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Kobe Bryant is one victory from an NBA title to call his own.
Briefs: Bears' next stop Lewis?
Three Bears executives -- team president Ted Phillips, financial guru
Cliff Stein and Brian McCaskey -- reportedly will meet with officials
from Lewis University sometime next week to discuss the Bears' summer
training camp future.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hilltoppers ready for fresh start
When Joliet Catholic Academy advanced to the Class 3A State Baseball
Tournament a year ago, the Hilltoppers came in with the No. 1 ranking
and walked away disappointed. They did finish third on the strength of a 7-0 victory over Crystal Lake Central on Saturday, but it was the 5-1 loss to Rock Falls in the Friday semifinal that soured the weekend.
That's what can happen when you face an ace pitcher who is on his game.
Job Corps excels
Machell Roberts was a standout guard for the Joliet Township High School girls basketball team in the 1990s.
Roberts, a 1997 JT graduate who was a four-year varsity regular, helped the Steelmen to a 1996 Class AA state tournament Elite Eight appearance. She went on to play at Oklahoma State University where she graduated in 2002 with a degree in sociology.
JCA's Hulbert adds crowning touch
It was early in this high school baseball season, and Joliet Catholic Academy coach Jared Voss was attempting to get a handle on exactly who would fit where in his everyday lineup.
Senior Kevin Hulbert was vitally involved.
Speedway president Alexander stepping down
International Speedway Corporation announced it has named Craig Rust, current president of Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y., as president of Chicagoland Speedway effective June 15.
Providence's Pericht picked
Mike Pericht, a Providence High School graduate, was recently selected
by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 16th round of the Major League
Baseball draft.
Flyers get by JackHammers
The Schaumburg Flyers scored twice in the fourth inning Wednesday to
take a 2-1 lead over the JackHammers en route to a 3-1 win.
White flag time for Sox?
Sox general manager Ken Williams always has a plan. But in the midst of eight losses through the first 11 games in June, some people might not like the latest one. If the downward trend continues -- as it did Wednesday in 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers
Cubs' Zambrano's strong; hitters aren't
Carlos Zambrano definitely didn't retire yet. But the Cubs' hitters might have, the way their bats turtled again the day after it looked like they might be ready to finally start stretching their offensive production. ''We've just got to score runs. What can I say?'' manager Lou Piniella said, exasperated again by lack of hitting after a 2-1 loss in Houston on Wednesday night.
If you've always wanted to see a Bears training-camp practice in Bourbonnais, you'd better not put the trip off much longer.
It's never too early to worry Mike Mulligan: It's one thing to see Jay Cutler's powerful arm from the sidelines and quite another to match up against it. Just ask Bears cornerback Charles Tillman, who took part in his second consecutive organized team activity practice Wednesday after missing all of the previous offseason workouts following mid-January surgery on his right shoulder.
Emotional return for 'Lefty'
The idea was for Phil Mickelson to return to a routine as best as possible in his world now shaken with fear.
It has been three turbulent weeks since he announced his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sox loss to Tigers in 10th features futile rally
Sometime between Ozzie Guillen already checking on return flights to Charlotte for Aaron Poreda (just in case), Josh Fields ruffling some feathers, a youth movement that is being disguised as anything but a youth movement, the amateur draft and A.J. Pierzynski almost starting a bench-clearing brawl, the White Sox managed to find time to get a baseball game in.
Cubs' bats finally come alive for easy win
This was the kind of the game the Cubs kept promising was coming from its lineup. It was also in Houston, against the woeful Astros, but a team hitting just .194 in its last 11 road games will take any soft landing it can get as it tries to right its listing offense. And it doesn't get much softer than the Astros pitching staff, especially at Minute Maid Park for the Cubs, who beat the Astros for the eighth time in nine games on the road when they pounced on Houston for 16 hits in a 7-1 victory in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night.
Let the gridiron countdown begin
The arrival of the second Saturday in June means many things to many people.
Yes, it's time to fire up that backyard grill. Yes, it's time to dip your toes in that glistening neighborhood pool.
And, yes, it's time to start throwing the football around again.
Football in June? Huh?
6 rays of light boost JCA
A team from Joliet is in the state baseball finals. Right-hander Andrew Giaudrone is the No. 1 pitcher. His catcher is Kevin Hulbert, although Hulbert does some pitching as well. ... The local team rallies in the state semifinals to erase a 4-1 deficit and win 7-4. The title game is easier, a 17-2 victory. With Joliet Catholic Academy meeting Grayslake Central at 1 p.m. Friday at Silver Cross Field in the Class 3A state semifinals, you might get the impression I am dreaming about how the weekend may turn out.
Historic weekend on lanes
History was made on the last weekend of the Women's Central Illinois Tournament at King Pin Lanes.
The "On Track Pro Shop # 3" team, including Nikki Watters of Mazon and Patti Schultz of Braidwood, rolled the all-time high three-game scratch series in Illinois state history while bringing home the scratch and handicap titles.
Joliet slips by Schaumburg
The Joliet JackHammers received five strong innings from pitcher Grant Johnson and DH Joey Gomes had two crucial RBIs Tuesday for a 6-2 win over the Schaumburg Flyers before 3,810 fans at ALEXIAN Field.
Ex-Bear Harper guilty of fraud
Former Bear Roland Harper was sentenced to a year of house arrest
Tuesday for acting as a front man in a $1.5 million fraud involving a
landscaping contract for Chicago public schools. U.S. District Judge
John W. Darrah also required the 56-year-old former fullback to perform
200 hours of community service and pay $25,000 in restitution and
forfeit $50,000.
Pitcher goes No. 1
Drafting pitcher Stephen Strasburg was the easy part for the Washington Nationals. Signing him could be much more difficult.
Lemont lands eight on SSB squad
Lemont High School placed sophomore shortstop Kevin Goergen, junior
right fielder Kyle Cyr, senior designated hitter Ryan Ferry, sophomore
pitcher/outfielder Josh Ferry and senior pitcher Matt Green on the
all-South Suburban Blue baseball team, selected by the league coaches.
Fleury, Pens push Wings to Game 7
No clincher by the Detroit Red Wings in Pittsburgh, not this time in Game 6. Marc-Andre Fleury wouldn't let it happen as a wildly unpredictable Stanley Cup finals is now going the distance. Third-line teammates Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy gave the Penguins a two-goal lead, and Fleury held off the defending champion Red Wings repeatedly during a frantic third period as Pittsburgh beat Detroit 2-1 on Tuesday to tie the finals at three games.
Magic shoot way back into series with 108-104 win over Lakers
Missing for two games, Orlando found its Magic touch. Making easy shots and tough ones from everywhere, the Magic won their first game in two visits to the NBA finals as Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis scored 21 points apiece in a 108-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 on Tuesday night to pull within 2-1.
Cubs staying afloat, thanks to Fukudome
By the middle of last season, Kosuke Fukudome was the only Cubs hitter in a steady, lengthy slump. By the time the season ended, the Cubs were the top offensive team in the National League, and Fukudome was their biggest disappointment -- a $48 million Japanese All-Star relegated to September bench player.
Contreras pitches gem; saves the day for White Sox
The good and bad all came out in one day for the White Sox on Monday, their split of a doubleheader with Detroit answering one question and leaving plenty of others unanswered. Are the Sox as bad fundamentally as their 5-4 loss in Game 1 made them appear to their fuming manager?
Even after a sit-down meeting with manager Ozzie Guillen, third baseman Josh Fields wants answers from the White Sox organization -- not only answers about his future, but about what he felt was bad timing by the club in calling up highly touted prospect Gordon Beckham to play at his position.
Hillmen in hitting zone
If you're looking for the unsung hero in Joliet Catholic Academy's
13-8 victory over Chicago Jones in Monday's Class 3A Crestwood
Supersectional marathon, Andrew Cecchi may be your man. The JCA junior third baseman was on second base when the bases were loaded in the top of the third inning.
It's a family affair at 3-on-3 basketball tournament
Brennan, Landan, Garrett and Griffan Callahan may be more recognized
wearing the jerseys of Seneca green. However, Ebbey George's blue seems
to be working just the same.
Cladis 'leader' as leadoff
From the first four pitches Monday afternoon, it was not a matter of
whether the Joliet Catholic Academy baseball team would keep up with
Chicago Jones, but rather could Jones keep up with leadoff hitter Dave
Cladis.
Hammers continue to struggle with 'L' to Flyers
It's all just a bad nightmare. Not just Monday night when the Joliet
JackHammers DROPPED a 7-6 decision to the Schaumburg Flyers, but pretty
much since May 19, the day the bottom began to DROP out for manager
Wally Backman's team.
After 100-mph pitcher, draft wide-open venture
With his 100 mph fastball, Stephen Strasburg has all but eliminated any
mystery about which player will be picked first by the Washington
Nationals in the baseball draft Tuesday night.
Lewis University signs two men golfers
Drake Bronk (Rockford Lutheran) and Brandon White (Sellersburg, Ind.)
have signed national letters of Intent to play for the Lewis University
men's golf team this fall.
Daly fails to get through qualifying
John Daly makes his return to the PGA Tour this week. His return to the
U.S. Open will have to wait. In his first time competing in America
since the PGA Tour lifted his six-month suspension, Daly managed only
four birdies over 36 holes of a U.S. Open qualifier Monday.
Monday, June 8, 2009
He's got Massey appeal NHRA: Spencer Massey wasn't expected to be in the Top Fuel final Sunday at
Route 66 Raceway in Joliet. The rookie had too many big names blocking
him on his side of the bracket. Massey beat a couple of those names, dodged another, and not only made
the final, but won the Route 66 Nationals title, beating top qualifier
Antron Brown in the championship match for his first career victory.
Contreras allows one hit in 8 innings, Sox get split
Jose Contreras allowed one hit in eight strong innings in his return to the majors Monday night, getting his first win in nearly a year as the White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 to earn a split in their day-night doubleheader. Alexei Ramirez, Scott Podsednik and Jim Thome homered for the White Sox in the second game after Detroit won the opener 5-4 as Brandon Inge hit a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth.
Stewart wins first Cup race as owner NASCAR: All Tony Stewart could do the final laps at Pocono Raceway was use
every trick available to stretch out his fuel and creep toward the
finish line. Like the gamble he made to leave Joe Gibbs Racing and start his own team, the fuel-mileage call was the right one.
Hammers losing skid ends at four JackHammers: Lefty Brad Mumma (3-1) pitched 7 2/3 innings of 1-run baseball as both
catcher Phil Avlas and first baseman Freddie Thon hit home runs to
combine for a 7-1 JackHammers win over the Gary SouthShore RailCats
before 1,849 fans at U.S. Steel Yard on Sunday afternoon. The loss
snapped a four-game losing streak for Joliet (6-15).
A dozen can do it Youth sports: When it comes to the sport of track and field, a team must develop a
much diversified roster. Sprints, distance, relays, field events and
hurdles make up the 13 events in the "before high school version." That
calls for a lot of different talent.
Youth sports announcements
USF GIRLS GRADE SCHOOL CAMP: June 8-12 from 6-9 p.m. at the USF Recreation Center (500 Wilcox Street).
Convicts win third straight league title Local briefs: Once a champion, always a champion. At least that's how it's been for Convicts in the C League in the Joliet Park District Adult Flag Football League.
Sontag wins at Grundy Auto racing: For the third time this season, defending track champion Brett Sontag
captured the 30 lap late model feature Friday night at the Grundy
County Speedway.
Ozzie Guillen's out of answers
It's no longer a matter of the White Sox flailing against pitchers they've never seen before. The Sox are flailing, period. And the manager is at his wits' end in search of a remedy. ''I've run out of bullets,'' Ozzie Guillen said after an 8-4 loss Sunday to the Cleveland Indians and starter David Huff (1-2), who recorded his first major-league victory. ''I started thinking from the third inning about when I come to talk to [the media]. I don't have an explanation at all. It's all so disappointing when you play like that. It takes the wind out of you right away.
Cubs embrace day off after beating Reds
The Cubs still aren't hitting much. They're still fighting too many key injuries. And their best relief pitcher still can't seem to throw a strike. But as they collapse into their day off today in Houston, following a 14-inning, 5-hour, 13-minute grinder over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, they have somehow managed to gather three wins in their last four games and seven in their last 11.
Jolly Roger: Federer finishes feat of clay
Roger Federer savored every moment with his first French Open trophy. He raised it over his head. He cradled it in the crook of his elbow. He closed his eyes and kissed it. He examined the names of the other champions etched on its base. Even in a downpour on Court Philippe Chatrier, as heavy, gray clouds blocked any shred of sunlight Sunday, that silver trophy sure seemed to glisten.
WSCR has its eye on FM dial
Within 30 days, sports-talk WSCR-AM (670) expects to be simulcasting on one of adult hits WJMK-FM's (104.3) three HD frequencies, according to CBS Radio Market Manager Rod Zimmerman.
Both WSCR, the radio home of the White Sox, and WJMK are CBS Radio properties. The simulcast means WSCR fans who have access to an HD radio receiver will be able to hear the station's programming with a much higher quality sound than that now available on the AM frequency.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Lemont falls in state final Girls soccer: Leah Fortune played with an athletic bandage wrapped around her bum left ankle. She also played with an idea etched in the back of her mind, that of making memories in her last high school soccer game. Good fortune smiled on her cause despite the presence of a pesky shadow.
Cserv's stroke lifts JCA Prep baseball: Steve Cservenyak is eighth in Joliet Catholic Academy baseball coach Jared Voss' usual batting order. Not what you might expect from a senior with Cservenyak's smooth
left-handed stroke and strength, but why mess with a good thing?
Lockport falls in sectional finals Prep softball: Whether Saturday's Class 4A Neuqua Valley Sectional championship
softball game between Lockport High School and Naperville Central went
seven or extra innings, the matchup had the earmarks of a good one.
Lincoln-Way East slips to Sandburg Prep softball: All season long the Lincoln-Way East High School softball team had showed a tenacity in finding ways to win. It looked as if the Griffins would do it again on Saturday, but a late
rally fell short and Sandburg held on for a 1-0 victory in the Class 4A
Lincoln-Way North sectional final.
Providence rallies again, but falls just short Prep baseball: It seemed like Providence Catholic High School's baseball team had Naperville Central right where the Celtics wanted them.
Coal City ends it in style Prep softball: Before Saturday evening's third-place game Coal City coach Brad Schmitt told his team, "This is our championship." The Coalers then went out and played like it was.
Record performance for naught Prep state softball roundup: Friends and family should forgive Alexis United High School's Katie Bertelsen if she says she's a little tired today. Bertelsen struck out 34 Cobden batters in a 19-inning, 1-0 loss in the Class 1A state title game Saturday.
Frahm leads Stanford to title State prep baseball roundup: Saturday was a day of championships for Stanford Olympia High School. Not only did the softball team win the Class 2A state title, but the
baseball team did as well, beating Edwardsville Metro East 8-1 at
Silver Cross Field.
The long wait continues NHRA: It has been a long time since Joliet's John Lawson raced on Sunday in his home town. Six years, which in drag racing, a sport that measures time in fleeting seconds, is forever.It will be one more year, at least. Lawson was bumped from the last
spot in today's 16-car Funny Car field at Route 66 Raceway by Jack
Beckman in Saturday's final qualifying run.
Dempster copes with baby daughter's disorder
Ryan Dempster had a bad game in Arizona in April and a rough night in Milwaukee last month. But none of it touches the heartache of being at a hospital holding his 7-pound baby girl and watching her try to cry but unable to make a sound because of the tracheotomy tube in her throat.
Hammers lose JackHammers: The Gary SouthShore RailCats utilized a five-run fifth inning Saturday to beat the Joliet JackHammers 7-1 at U.S. Steel Yard.
White Sox click early to end scoring drought
Losing is one thing. Giving in is another -- and something White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen won't tolerate. ''I know the players. I know the attitude. I know what they can do and what they can't do,'' Guillen said. ''We're going to address that. There's one thing about losing and another thing about how you lose.''
Dominant effort has Wings flying
The Detroit Red Wings sure don't look tired now. After watching the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back home games to erase a two-game deficit in the Stanley Cup finals, the defending champion Red Wings returned to the friendly confines of Joe Louis Arena and overwhelmed the Penguins 5-0 in Game 5 on Saturday.
It's a bird who wins Belmont -- Summer Bird Horse racing: This was a Belmont for the Birds. It was Summer Bird, not Mine That Bird and jockey Calvin Borel, who came
roaring down the long stretch and won the final jewel of the Triple
Crown on Saturday.
Sometimes there's just not enough room in the paper to bring you all the great local sports coverage you've come to expect from The Herald News. But there's plenty of space on the Web! Check out some of our online offerings:
NASCAR page: All the racing coverage you can stand and then some housed in one place.
Prep stats: For the stat guru who can't get enough football and boys basketball numbers, this is the place. Compiled from Herald News box scores, this archive stretches all the way back to 2003.
