For just the second time this season, Those Guys (2-7) checked the win column with a 21-9 victory over Balls Deep (0-9). Offensive contributions from Justin Finnen (5-for-5, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs), Nick Lago (4-for-5, 5 RBIs, 4 Runs), and three new subs (Vinnie O’Dette, Emil Schullo, Jason Engstrom) set the tone throughout the game.
Those Guys wrap up the regular season on June 28th at 7:30 pm against Team Sports Huddle.
Those Guys (1-7) couldn’t bounce back from a nine-run second inning, eventually falling to the Joliet Firefighters 21-13.
In the loss, Bryan Kouba (4-for-4, 3 Runs), Mike Hoyt (3-for-4, 3 RBIs), and Brett Nolan (3-for-4, 3 RBIs) provided the offensive punch, backed by Bill Skowronski (2-for-4), Justin Finnen (2-for-4), and Mike Topps (2-for-3).
Those Guys (1-6) followed up an impressive team win on May 31with an equally frustrating team loss, 16-5 to Will County Brewing Company (4-3).
In a night with few highlights, Andrew McCann (2-for-3, 3 RBI), Robby Granato (2-for-3, 2 RBI), and Nick Lago each recorded a pair of hits. Scott Jablonski, Bryan Kouba, and Justin Finnen added the team’s remaining three singles in the 5-inning loss.
Next up, Those Guys look to bounce back when they face Joliet Firefighters on June 14th at 8:30 pm.
For the first time in two seasons (and since 2019), Those Guys (1-5) finally snatched a win, defeating Prestige Worldwide (2-4) 16-6.
In a complete team performance, Those Guys recorded 20 hits, including a multi-hit game from Robby Granato (3-for-3, 2 Runs, RBI), Justin Finnen (2-for-3, 2 Runs), Scott Jablonski (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 Runs), Nick Lago (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 Run), Anthony Harris (2-for-3, 4 RBI, 2 Runs), Tony Vance (2-for-3, RBI), and Mike Topps (2-for-3, 1 Run).
All 12 players in the lineup recorded at least one hit, 10 different players scored at least one run in the win, and eight guys drove in at least one run.
Up next, Those Guys face Will County Brewing Company (3-3) on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.
Those Guys (0-5) fell short again on May 24th, dropping a close game to Team Ram Rod (4-1) by a score of 11-8.
Those Guys jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the first inning when butt spark plug, Andrew McCann (1-for-4, 1 Run), Bill Skowronski (2-for-4, 3 Runs, 1 RBI), and Justin Finnen (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 Run) opened the game with consecutive hits which eventually scored. A few defensive miscues let Team Ram Rod back into the game, and by the third inning, the home team built an 8-3 lead it would not relinquish. Those Guys however stayed in the game, scoring a run in the fourth & fifth innings, before adding three more in the sixth. Unfortunately, the rally was clipped with the bases loaded ending the night for Those Guys with a final score of 11-8.
Ben Duggan (1-for-3, 1 RBI) turned in a quality performance on the mound and and Tony Vance (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) added some much needed offensive punch. Those Guys will sack up again in Week 6, looking for their first win of the season when they host Prestige Worldwide (2-3) at 8:30 PM.
Those Guys (0-2) dropped a second game to start the season, falling 21-15 to Old, Fat, and Slow (2-0), a team which was neither old, nor fat, nor slow.
Building upon the season opener, Those Guys recorded 17 hits and a nine-run fourth inning in the loss. Ten different players scored at least one run and nine guys drive in at least one run in a complete team effort.
Robby Granato jacked the team’s first home run of the year and added a triple in a strong 2-3 night at the plate with four RBI. Bill Skowronski, Anthony Harris, and Brett Nolan each drove in two runs. Justin Finnen added three hits; Harris, Scott Jablonski, Nolan, and Tony Vance each added a pair of hits as well.
The next game is Wednesday, May 10th at 7:30 PM vs Coom’s Corner/Hooters (1-1).
On a chilly and windy night, Those Guys (0-1) kicked off the 2023 season with a loss, falling 16-6 to Team Sports Huddle (1-0) in five innings.
The team recorded 10 hits and three walks, led by Andrew McCann’s 3-for-3 outing with an RBI and smart baserunning that led to two runs scored. Bryan Kouba drove in three runs, including a two-RBI single in the team’s four-run first inning, which tied the score. Rob Granato logged the team’s only extra-base hit, going 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Mike Hoyt added a single and scored twice in the loss.
Team Sports Huddle put up a six-spot in the second inning and again in the third to bury Those Guys, despite scoring twice more in the fifth inning.
Next week’s game is at 8:30PM against Old, Fat, and Slow.
A. Any player falsifying his/her legal residency will be suspended for a period of time as determined by the Recreation Department
B. Eligible players cannot be playing baseball professionally or under the age of 18 years prior to the start of the season
C. ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE IDENTIFICATION WITH THEM AT ALL GAMES.
A. Roster deadlines are week 3 of the season. Once turned in, rosters are frozen; players can be added only for the following reasons:
1. Incapacitated players may be replaced on the roster after the deadline upon presentation of a doctor’s certificate to the Athletic Superintendent. These players, once replaced, may not return to the line-up for the rest of the season.
2. Players who are scheduled to different work shifts or are transferred because of employment may be replaced (removed from roster and addition of a new player.)
3. Returning servicemen may be added, at any time, as long as team has not met its respective player roster limit.
4. A player may be released from any team at any time throughout the season. Proper notification MUST be given to the Athletic Superintendent.
B. Managers are responsible for their rosters to insure the eligibility of their players. Make sure all information is neatly filled out and that everyone has signed the roster.
C. To participate in the City Softball Tournament you must be a player on the rosters turned in by week three of the season. (This may not pertain to the Men’s Open League)
D. Co-Ed rosters will feature 20 spots and Men’s & Women’s rosters will feature 20 spots
E. Players must sign the Team Roster for every team with which they participate. Players are limited to one team per night. Unless they are playing on a Mixed team. Games will not be held up to wait for players coming from other fields.
Roster checks MUST BE CONDUCTED AS FOLLOWS: Team protesting a player must protest the player
PRIOR to the end of the game. Once a protest is declared, team will have to declare which protested player is in question. At this time, the umpire will ask the individual to produce a picture ID. (The player cannot leave the field of play/dugout to retrieve their ID (i.e. go to a car to retrieve it). The scorekeeper will then write down the players Name and Address on the back of the scorecard. The game will continue as follows and the Athletic Superintendent will rule on the protest the next day. NOTE: During the City Tournament, Protest Fees will be charged and must be paid in cash to the Tournament Director at the time of protest.
F. NO ROSTER CHANGES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE THIRD WEEK OF PLAY
A. Each manager will receive a schedule of their game times/locations via E-mail. After schedules are made, the dates, times, and locations are final, unless a conflict is determined by the Park District Recreation Office.
B. The first team listed on the schedule shall be designated as the home team for all leagues.
C. Ties will be determined by:
A. All softball games will be played in accordance indicated with One Nation men’s, women’s, and mixed unless otherwise indicated in the Park District League Rules.
B. There is a definite starting game time established by the team schedule. Any team that is not ready to play at this time is subject to forfeiture, game time is starting time. All teams should be at the fields ready to play 15 minutes prior to listed game time in order to keep games running on time. Game times will be 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. All leagues will play regulation seven innings or one hour.
A new inning may not be started after the time limit has elapsed. Timers on each field will be the official clock. If the score is tied at the one hour time limit; an extra inning will be played. Umpires keep the time. Their decision on time is final. There are no protests about time limit.
C. Teams may begin and end the game with nine players; however, the tenth player is an automatic out.
D. Managers should exchange line-ups to the official scorer before the start of each game (10 minutes before game.) Except during fall season, teams will provide lineups to each other.
E. Flip Flop Run Rule– In an inning when the run rule for a particular game is exceeded and the home team is losing, the home team will stay up to bat and bat as the visiting team. If, after three outs, they were not able to reduce the run difference, the game will be over. If they are able to reduce the run differences, the visiting team will come up to bat and continue the game as normal. The flip/flop rule will reinstate itself any time this situation occurs. Run Rules: 20 after 3 innings, 15 after 4 innings & 10 after 5 innings
F. One Courtesy runner can be used per inning. Runner can be anyone on the roster.
G. Courtesy runner for the pitcher is allowed.
A. Each manager will be held responsible for the conduct of his team/fans and is responsible to see that all rules are observed.
B. Officials and their decisions will be respected and not interfered with at any time. Unsportsmanlike conduct or other serious violations will not be tolerated
C. The threatening of any official will result in automatic removal for the season. Any player or coach guilty of physically striking an official, will be immediately suspended for the season and the team put on probation with possible suspension resulting. Length of suspension is determined by the Recreation Office and the severity of the infraction.
D. The consumption of alcohol in dugouts is not allowed. Any players drinking alcoholic beverages in dugouts are subject to ejection from the game and the team is subject to forfeiture. Depending on the severity of the infraction, a player may be suspended from further games.
E. There is to be no outside alcoholic beverage brought into the park. Teams found doing so are subject to forfeiture or further penalties from the league office.
F. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in the parking lot. Teams doing so will be subject to arrest, forfeiture and or further penalties from the league office. Joliet Park District Staff and Joliet Police Department will be patrolling the parking lot during the season.
G. Any player ejected from a game subjects themselves to further suspension depending on the severity of the offense.
H. The Park District desires the best program possible for all interested persons and only proper conduct and attitude of the participants can, in turn, insure a wholesome program. We expect the cooperation of all those participating in the program.
A. Teams are encouraged to be in matching uniforms.
B. Managers must supply first aid kit for team – concession stand does not have first aid supplies.
C. Bats may be checked by the umpire or the Athletic Superintendent at any point during the game. The legality of the bat is determined by them, and their decision is final.
D. Effective May 1, 2014 all bats used in league and any Joliet Park District tournaments must have the USSSA or One Nation thumbprint stamp on the bat. This is a mandatory rule. Any bat without this or in violation of any other USSSA/One Nation bat rule and found in play will be removed from play immediately.
1. THE BAT: An altered bat is one in which the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been changed. Inserting material inside the bat, changing/replacing manufacturer’s markings or replacing the handle of a metal bat with a wooden handle are examples of an altered bat. Replacing the safety grip with another safety grip is not considered altering the bat. The U.S.S.S.A./One Nation is taking a hard line to rid the program of altered bats. The U.S.S.S.A./One Nation will no longer tolerate the use of altered bats. Bats that show any signs of cracking, whether minor or major, are a safety hazard and are considered illegal.
2. If a bat is protested as being altered during a game, the suspected offending player may either:
3. STEEL SPIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED – NO METAL SHOWING (INCLUDES METAL TIPPED FOOTBALL CLEATS)
A. See One Nation Rule Book and must be submitted in writing within 24 hours to the Recreation Office.
A. Rained-out games will be rescheduled by the Athletic Superintendent. Managers will be notified by email or telephone. Every attempt will be made to reschedule all rained-out games. However, if a second scheduling of the game is again a rain-out, further rescheduling may not be possible.
B. In the event of rain the previous evening or during the daytime, condition of the diamonds will not be available until 4:00 pm. Team Managers may call the softball rain-out hotline after 4:00 pm at 741-7275, press 4 then press 1. Players should contact their managers for playing conditions or refer to www.teamsideline.com/Joliet.
C. If weather becomes threatening after 5:30 pm., the umpires will be the sole judge as to whether the diamond is playable or should be called. A game called by the umpire shall be regulation, if four or more complete innings have been played, or three and one-half innings if the home team is ahead.
All mixed softball games will be played in accordance indicated with One Nation rules unless otherwise indicated below:
A. Male players hit 12″ ball and female players hit 11″ ball.
B. May play with 9 players; if playing with 9 players it must be 5 women OR 5 men with the 10th batter an automatic out.
A. Each manager will be held responsible for the conduct of his team/fans and is responsible to see that all rules are observed.
Officials and their decisions will be respected and not interfered with at any time. Unsportsmanlike conduct or other serious violations will not be tolerated.
B. The threatening of any official, will be immediately suspended for the season. Any player or coach guilty of physically striking an official, will be immediately suspended for the season and the team put on probation with possible suspension as a resulting.
C. There are no outside alcoholic beverages brought into the park. Teams found doing so are subject to forfeiture or further penalties from the league office.
D. Any player ejected from a game subjects themselves to further suspension depending on the severity of the offense:
(Suspensions can be rolled over to the upcoming season depending on the severity as well as how much of the current season there is left.)
Season ending suspensions will be done with no refunds being issued.
The Joliet Park District desires the best program possible for all interested person and only proper conduct and attitude of the participants can, in turn, insure a wholesome program. We expect the cooperation of all those participating in the program
Alright…first things, first. Thank you.
Thanks to everyone for committing to another season of chasing our youth around the softball diamond. Thanks to Bryan Kouba, in particular, for providing this website which makes us look a lot better than we are. Thanks to newcomer, Andrew McCann, for coordinating new jerseys for everyone–again, so we can look much better than we are. And, thank you everyone for paying your team fee.
Tonight (Wednesday, April 19th) is the league manager’s meeting. Feel free to join me at 3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435 at 7:30PM. The meeting will be in the gym, which is in the building next to the fitness center.
Below, you’ll find some helpful information on the league, the team, and be sure you familiarize yourself with the Joliet Park District League Rules
If you can’t make it to a game, let me know directly ASAP so we can find a sub. Once we get the full schedule of games, it will be posted on this page, so bookmark it. To check on the weather-related status of any game, call the Rain-Out Hotline at 815-741-7275 (Press 6, then 1). You can also find league standings and a schedule by visiting https://www.teamsideline.com/joliet.
After each game, we’ll share a short recap with plenty of staturbation content, a box score, and a note on the following week’s game time, opponent, and location. (Again, no excuses.)
Start stretching those hammies, gentlemen.