2007 Triple Crown State Champs
In another long day of baseball, the Bridgeport Bombers were crowned 2007 Triple Crown State Champions.
The day started out with a 10-1 run rule of the Waucanda Rattlers. The game was ended by an estimated 431 foot walk-off home run by Martin. This win advanced the team to the semi's against the Burr Ridge Barons. The game was a great pitching duel as Martin went a strong six innings. The Bombers took the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh with a picture perfect bunt by Shimkus down the first base line to score the go ahead run and for a base hit. Thomas and Haynes came in to finish the game.
The championship game the team played the Naperville Reds. This again was a great pitching duel as Thomas and Shimkus went nine innings in a 3-3 tie before the game was called due to darkness and the Bombers were awarded the championship. Mr. Clutch Jimmy Ho led off the 7th with a single and Viking Mcgurn drove in the tieing run of the game.
The pithing staff continues to show that they are one of the best staffs in Illinois. Great work Martin, Haynes, Thomas, and Shimkus!! What would be the best pitching staff be without the best catcher in Illinois. Viking Mcgurn continues to show why he is the best in Illinois, blocking balls, throwing out runners, and recieving the ball game after game.
Rollins and Ripken?? No Coleman and Shimkus!! The duo turned 8 Double plays for the tournament. The two should be a lock for Gold gloves unless the TC umps are voting.
Congratulations on the State Championship!!
Bombers Finish 10 day Tour with Championship
The Bridgeport Bombers (12s) finished an impressive 10 day tour by winning the USA GameDay Battle Creek Freedom Classic.
The 10 day tour started in the Orland Park Sparks Tournament on June 27th where the team advanced to the final day taking 3rd place in a tournament with 24 teams. The following day the team headed into the NIML Elite Tournament at Hochunk where only Elite/Major teams participated, the best of NIML. The team again advanced to the semi finals, where the Bombers were down 5-2 to the Region Redbirds in the last inning and last out. Joey I came to the plate with bases loaded, 2 out and 2 strikes. Joey fouled off a couple pitches before blasting a fast ball over the fence in right field, for a walk-off grand slam. The first in Bridgeport Bomber history. The HoChunk facility went crazy. Although, the Bombers fell to the Naperville Renegades in the Championship, the Bombers were the talk of Hochunk that night. Immediately after collecting our runner-up trophy, the team headed straight to Battle Creek Michigan for a tournament.
All the practice and the games must have done us some good as the team ran through this tournament. Baran came close to tying Jeters record with 12 consecutive hits. The Bombers played up to their name as Rybski and Ramirez were close on Barans tale for the hit record. In addition, due to the number of games played and injuries, the whole team stepped upped and pitched. The new tandem of Gahagan and Shimkus gave much needed rest to our pitching staff. Our wall behind the plate, Nowak caught the majority of the innings with some relief from Jentel. Ramirez pitched the championship game and showed why he is one of the best pitchers. This tournmanet was so great to watch as every player dug deep and contributed.
I am very proud and thankful to all the Bombers players. We played 15 games in 10 days. Took home a first, second, and third place trophies in those 10 days. Some clubs have not even won one trophy this year. The players showed me alot of heart and deterimination. You are a great bunch of kids, I will miss.
Special shout out to my coaches, Baran, Rybski, Jentel, and Nowak. You have worked and built these kids into champions, you should all be proud. Thanks for all your help not only these past 10 days but the year. You are good friends.
Keep up the great work we have alot more baseball left this year. Let's get more crystal!!!
Bombers Swing the Wood and Win May Blowout Championship!!!
The team that many coaches have begun to talk about showed why we are hearing so many whispers. The Bombers(14s) won the HoChunk May BlowOut Wood Bat Championship!! This was a club effort as some 13s got the call up and contributed to the Championship. Called up from the 13s were Rybski, Gomez and Baran. James Baran became an instant favorite of the players in the dugout with his ability to get on base. In the Championship game he even stole home!! The callups seperate us from many clubs giving kids an opportunity to execel at a higher level.
The 14s were led by phenom Ferguson. Pitching and winning the championship game and coming just short of hitting for the cycle. Taco Valdez continued to impress with his gold glove and bat at the plate.
Can you imagine what this team will look like when they get their high school players back?? Can this team make a run at the legendary 2007 Bombers team?
The coaching staff would like to thank all the supporters that came out to our game. HoChunk staff would also like to thank all the moms who set a record for the most number of beers consumed in a tournament.
The Sparkle is definately back as the newest trophy shines in our Trophy case!!!
Bombers WIN May Slamfest Championship!!!
What a great weekend of baseball!! The Bridgeport Bombers(13s) win the May Slamfest Tournament at HoChunk.
Entering the tournament the Bombers first opponent was the OP Magic(Witek) who beat us earlier in the season. With our ace on the mound, Ricardo pitched a gem of a game allowing only 2 runs as the Bombers won the first game of the tournament 4-2.
The team then headed to one of their favorite restauarants "HOOTERS" to eat dinner togeather. Baran set the record for the most glasses of coke consumed in one sitting. Ricardo took many pictures with the Hooter girls. The parents laughed and just had a great time. A team that eats togeather wins togeather!!! Thanks to the SVP for picking up the bill!!!
In the second game of the tournament the Bombers faced the OP Magics Elite team who also beat us earlier in the year. Many at Hochunk said this was one of the best pitched games they seen in years as the Bombers won 1-0 but were no-hit. With agressive and smart base running the Bombers manufactured their one run. To offset the no-hitter by the OP Magics pither, "THE FRANCHISE" Ferguson pitched a one-hitter. Defense was also superb duirng the game.
Knowing that we needed to win our third game of the tournament, the Bombers came out bombing putting up 7 runs in the first inning and going on to run-rule the St. Charles Knights 17-4. Superb hitting thoughout the game as Shimmy-Shimmy "COCO Pops" was a home run short of the cycle. Poluha was outstanding on the mound limiting the Knights.
Making the semi-finals the team now faced the Chicago Cobra's. With the teams ace on the mound, Ricardo, the Bombers run-ruled the Chicago Cobra's 9-0. Ricardo was AWESOME on the mound, throwing a 2 hitter!! Star of the game was Luce with a base hit driving in two runs with bases loaded!!
The Bombers now headed to the championship game against the Oswego Panthers. The Bombers sent fireball thrower Sechrist to the mound to pitch us to the crystal. Mike did not disappoint going 6 1/3 innings and giving up only 2 runs. As Mike came off the mound he was greeted to a loud standing ovation for his great effort!!! Coming in to close out the game was Ricardo. Carelessly he strolled to the mound, picked up the ball, threw a couple of warm up pitches then proceed to get the next 2 players out to close out the game and add another piece of Crystal to the already overflowing trophy case.
This was a great weekend of baseball as we saw great pitching, phenomenol defense, agressive and smart base running, and timely hitting. This is what being a team is all about. All contributed in one way or another and that is what makes this championship so great. Coach Baran even waved the "no eating in the dugout" rule as kids feasted on hamburger, fries, and many chicken tenders during the games. What was even better to see was the fun the kids were having. Each making up their own cheers throughout the games and keeping each other up and just plain having fun. The team did vote that Luce's cheer that he made up was the best. The Hochunk staff loves when the Bombers attending their tournaments as we add some noise and excitement to the tournamnet but most importantly fun.
Three of our players were recoginized as "Stars of the Tournament" by Hochunk staff including Ricardo, Ferguson, and Sechrist. Congratulations to them. I wonder what high school they are going to??
A special shout out to our coaches Baran, Rybski, and Nowak for a great job. These three guys have spent many hours of their time practicing this team trying to get them ready for the season and for the next level of baseball. You guys have done a great job and the trophy sitting next to you recognizes what you are doing and the time you have put in is paying off. Keep up the great work and I am proud to have you three as Bridgeport Bombers Coaches.
Coaches keep up the great work, players keep practicing, and lets go have some fun in Michigan. Dont forget to bring your cheers and the trailer for your ATV and CRYSTAL!!
Bombers WIN Gameday USA Wisconsin State Games Championship! THREE TIMES!
The entire club traveled to Wisconsin Dells this weekend to enjoy each others company, go on the waterslides, and play some baseball. Little did we know we would be making history this weekend. No not the number of YagerBombs the 10 year old parents drank this weekend but the number of championships won. For the first time in GamedayUSA tournament history, one club won championships at 3 different age groups. The 12s, 13s, and 14s were all winners. The 10s came close but were upset in the seminfinals. Congratulations to all the players and coaches!!
2009 13 Year Old NIML Champions!!!
The 13 Year olds began a 7 day stretch of games on Monday in the NIML League Tournament. This tournament contained teams from the Elite and Major divisions of NIML. The team didnt play well in pool play but was good enough to go 2-1 and advance to the semi's to play the number 1 seeded Triple Crown Titans. Behind great defense and superb pitching of Ricardo Ramirez the team held off the Titans and knocked out the number 1 seed, 5-3.
Going into the championship who do the Bombers get to face, our friends from Indiana and always tough Region Redbirds. This was going to be a battle. The crowd was as electric as it could be with the two best and largest fan bases in NIML. Tournament director Pell commented at the trophy ceremony how he enjoyed watching and listening to the fans. With Sechrist on the mound, he delivered a performance to remember. He limited the Redbirds only a couple hits.
As coach Matt always preaches, DEFENSE, the team threw some leather. With the great defense and Sechrists new GYRO ball, this was a recipe for another championship. The team played great and everyone contributed in one way or another.
Great job coaches as Rybski actually knew the score when asked, Matt supplied the fire to keep the team going on a long hot night, and Coach Kenny called a great game of pitches!!
Another piece of crystal that we will all cherish!!
Keep up the great work!! On to Orland!!
2009 14 Year Old CABA State Championship Runner-up!!!
The Bombers were trying to add another CABA State Championship trophy to their collection but fell short in the championship game to the Pastime Prospects. The Bombers started out pool play beating the nationally ranked Chicago Whitesox Academy team, Indiana Breakers and Indiana Playmakers. In the semi-finals the Bombers battled a tough Michiana Knights team and held on to win 4-1. In the Championship game the team ran out of gas in the heat and was beaten by a very good Pastime Prospects team.
Congratulations to the team, you all played very well.
Bombers Got Wood, Win May Blowout!!
The 14 year old Bombers bring home the first of many anticipated trophys for 2010 by winning the HoChunk May Blowout Wood Bat Tournament. The championship game was a thriller and a pitchers duel as the Bombers edged Top Tier 3-2 in extra innings. Maldonado pitched a gem going 7 innings before being relieved in extra innings by Abdullah. The Top Tier pitcher pitched a phenomenol game keeping the Bombers in check. However, the Bombers pulled the game out in extra innings. Top Tier had a man on third in the Top of the eighth, with a wild pitch, the runner from third attempted to score. However, with Nowak behind the plate and his cat like reflexes, hustled to retreive the ball, scampered back to home plate dove elevating his body off the ground and tagged the runner out at home!! The crowd erupted!!! Good thing there were fences or we could have had a mad rush on the field. Abdullah then shut them down striking out the third batter. Going into the bottom of the eighth the Bombers had a runner on third with DJ Rybski up to bat. No worries the crowd knew Rybski was up. With 2 strikes on him and the deafening sound of the crowd, Rybski ropes a stinger over the right fielders head for the winning run!! The crowd went crazy!! Parents from other teams that were watching our game were even jumping up and down!! What a game!! What a night!! HoChunk even had sour cream for the mini tacos!! Click on PICTURES below for more dramatic life changing photos!!
May Blowout Pictures
As was heard by a few following the game, the Bombers are entertaining!!
Great job Coach Baran, Rybski, and Nowak!! Kids played great!!
Bridgeport Takes Over the Dells!! Win the Crystal!!
Was anyone from Bridgeport not in Wisconsin Dells this weekend??
Congratulations to the Bombers (13s) who took home the crystal this weekend. The 13s have battled all week, with defections, new management, poor officiating, coaches getting thrown out of tourney, extreme heat, and long lines at the water slides to come home with the trophy. Remember kids, coaches, and parents, if it came easy, the win wouldn't be as sweet.
A special thank you and congratulations to my coaches: Scalise, Thorpe, Knusta, and Verta. You guys did a great job under very stressful conditions. Keep up the great work! These kids love to play baseball!! Parents make sure you continue to give your full support. You were all great this weekend!!
As for the rest of the club, I know you were disappointed in not winning crystal, but are young teams 9s and 11s played great playing an age group up. I am proud of the way you played against older kids and this experience will go a long way during the season. Keep up the hard work!!
Special welcome to Danny Mancari for playing in his first tournament of the year with the Bridgeport Bombers. The team loved having you in the dugout and way to help the team out with those couple hits!! You will always be a Bomber!!
Sorry I did not get around to seeing everyone but from what I heard you all had a great time! This club has a great group of parents, super kids, and a bright future. I couldn't be happier!!!
Why would anyone want to play anywhere else??
Bombers Fall Short in Championship Game!!
The Bridgeport Bombers(14s) had a great run at the HoChunk June Blowout wood bat tourney falling to the Indiana Playmakers in the Championship game 2-1.
In a great pitching duel,the Bombers threw Ricardo Ramirez on the mound who went 5 innings and Maldandando pitched phenominal in relief.
Losing 1-0 inthe top of the 7. Nelson got a hit, stole second, then stole third and on the overthrow to third scored. However, the Bombers could score no more and lost in the bottom of the seventh.
Crowd at Hochunk was loud as usual. What a great game!! Bombers continue to add to their trophy case!! Medals, Trophy's, Crystal, OH MY!!
Bridgeport Bombers Visit Sparty and Take Home Crystal!
The Bridgeport Bombers 14s and 16s continued their summer tour of colleges by playing in the USSSA Battle at the Capital in East Lansing. The teams and parents had a great time visiting the MSU campus. Many parents voted this the trip of the year as fun continued to flow every single day and night!
The 14 year old Bombers put on a great display of baseball on the weekend going 4-0-1 in pool play and advancing to the Championhip game against JTB from Michigan. Although the Bombers fell short in their quest for the Championship, we need to give credit to an awesome JTB team. One of the top hitting and fundamental teams we have seen this year.
Offensive play of the tourney went to Baran who somehow got a suicide bunt down holding the bat over his head as the team tried to pitchout. Defense play of the tourney went to Kevin Shimkus who made a bare handed grab in the hole between short and second, wheeled to first to get the runner. Plays of the tourney were chosen by Team Commentator Doria.
Overall this was a great experience for the kids visited what I believe is one of the nicest stadiums in the midwest.
Congratulations to the 14s, Coach Rybski, Coach "Crabby" Kenny, and Coach Nowak on a great weekend!! Additional photos from the weekend can be viewed by clicking on the PHOTOS directory on the left hand side.
I know many coaches visit our website to get recommendations for tourneys to go to. I would NOT reccomend this tourney to managers. The tourney director is very hostile, bitter, and angry. Communication in this tourney was poor. For more info please email me. I would reccomend TriplePlay tournaments who also runs a tourney at MSU instead of USSSA.
HoChunk Season Opener - 2nd Place (10s)
The 10 years olds, led by first year manager Steve Burrows brought home the first crystal of the year (actually was a medal) coming in 2nd place in the Ho Chunk Season Opener!! Congrats to the 10 year old team!
The 11 years olds, led by first year manager Nick Calace brought home the second crystal of the year (actually was a medal) coming in 2nd place in the Ho Chunk Tom Pell Memorial!! Congrats to the 11 year old team!
The 11s were the only age group that won the Presediential Pizza party. President Shimmy offered pizza to all teams that bring home the crystal.
The 11s had their pizza party following a recent home game at beautiful Armour Park. President Shimmy along with all the parents and kids had a great time.
Bring home some more crystal and we will have more pizza!!!
Bombers(15s) CABA State Championship Runner-up
The Bomber(15s) put on a great show this weekend in the CABA State Championship. With 22 teams competing for the Championship trophy,the Bombers finished pool play 2-1 and made the final 8. In the quarter final game the team faced the #2 seed Cangelosi Baseball who was undefeated in Pool play. A team with unparrelled practice facilities and the ability to draw kids from all over Illinois versus a group of kids who just love to play baseball and train in the back alleys of Chicago. With the odds of beating Cangelosi baseball at 400 to 1, the Bombers took the field to try to pull an upset. After 2 innings, the score was 8-8 as both teams came out swinging. Rica Ramirez hit 2 HRs to put Cangelosi on their heels. One HR was measured at 408, with a wood bat. The pitching settled down. The team had clutch hitting to drive in a few runs in the late innings by Billy Luce and Kevin Shimkus. After 3 Bombers pitchers, the team went to Rica to close the game out. Rica threw the Hoyne Park Changeup to keep Cangelosi ACES off balance and closed the game out. Many around the park could not believe the upset occurred. Stunned faces all-around!!
Well the Bombers made the Semi's but face another challenge as we were matched against the Whitesox Academy who beat us earlier in pool play and let us know it. How can a bunch of alley kids compete against a team that trains at a beautiful facility in Lisle with some of the best instructors in the land? Early vegas line was 750-1. The cubs have a better shot to win the world series than us advancing. Well the Bombers decided to throw Rica, who again mesmerized the Whitesox with the Hoyne Park Changeup and the defense behind him had a 4-0 lead going into the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Bombers loaded the bases. The team beginning to feel the fatigue. Many struggling dragging their bat to the plate. The white pants were all dirty and sweat was dripping down all the tired faces. However, up came to bat Xavier Sanchez with bases loaded. Barely able to stand due to fatigue the Whitesox pitcher threw a fastball right down the plate. With all the energy he had left, X swung and smashed a drive to deep left field and as the left fielder watched it go out of the park (396 feet), the crowd went crazy!! A walk off grand slam!! Bombers run-rule the Whitesox 8-0 in five innings. Fans poured out of the bar to see what all the noise was. The fans could not believe what happened. The Bombers do it again and pull off the upset!
In the championship game the Bombers faced a very good team the Schaumburg Seminoles and a great pitcher. The Bombers running on empty came up short 8-3 and finished as runner-ups in the 2011 CABA State Championship.
What a great team effort. I have been watching Bombers games for 8 years and this day was one of my favorites. All the Bombers contributed to the wins. They gave everything they had. A bunch a kids from the alleys of Chicago versus the world. You have to love a great underdog story.
Congrats guys!! See you all in Michigan for the pizza Party and more great baseball.
Bombers(10s) Team Exposure - Runner up
The Bridgeport Bombers (10s) kicked off July with a 2nd place finish in Bourbonnais, IL at the Team Exposure-Pitcher’s Paradise Tournament. The Bombers started the weekend facing a tough Lincoln Way Yellow Jackets squad. Behind the solid pitching of Tom Coates and Anthony Arredia, and the bats of Coates, Niko Anaya and Rocco Arcieri, the Bombers went toe-to-toe with the Yellow Jackets, exchanging leads back and forth all six innings. Neither team deserved to lose, which is exactly what happened when the time limit was called with the teams tied at 9-9.
With temperature reaching the high 90’s when the afternoon affair versus the Crunch kicked off, the 10’s looked like they wanted some air conditioning and cool refreshments, and quickly fell behind 9-1 after 2-1/2 innings. Whether it was some cold Gatorade or promises of an Anaya pool party for a win, we will never know, but the Bombers finally awoke in the bottom of the 3rd and put a 7-spot on the board to get right back in the game. The time limit looked like it might do the Bombers in as they got to the 5th inning still trailing by a run and the time limit fast approaching. Needing to get out of the inning quickly, Tom Coates struck out the first 3 batters of the Crunch lineup in lightning speed to give the bats a chance. Coates led off the bottom of the 5th with a base hit, and stole 2nd to put the tying run in scoring position. Needing just a base hit to tie the game, Arredia decided to take matters into his own hands and took a 1-0 fastball deep over the CF fence to give the Bombers their 1st lead of the game, 10-9. The Bombers couldn’t muster any more runs and with 2 minutes before the time expired, the Crunch got the 3rd out to give themselves a chance. With 2 outs, the Crunch had the tying run 65 feet away, and the go-ahead run at 2nd. After a 10 pitch at-bat, the Crunch delivered a base hit to left field that looked like it would give them the lead back. Joey Burrows had other ideas though, and came up a fired a bullet to Dominic Bertucci (catching his 11th inning of the day), who stood tall and applied the tag to the fast approaching Crunch runner for the 3rd out, keeping the game tied at 10. The 10’s were not going to be denied and quickly loaded the bases after another Anaya base hit, and walks to Billy Murrihy and Arcieri. Bertucci showed great plate discipline and got the walk-off walk and the Bombers went home winners 11-10 to cap off their biggest comeback of the year. Every Bomber contributed in a great TEAM win.
After going undefeated Saturday, the Bombers secured the No. 2 seed and faced off against the Crunch again, who were determined to make up for the heartbreaking defeat the day before. The Bombers jumped to a 4-0 lead, but the Crunch fought and clawed back into the game, cutting the deficit to 4-3. The Bombers were determined to reach the final, however, and put 3 insurance runs up in the bottom of the 5th before Coates closed the Crunch out again to give the Bombers a 7-3 win a berth in the championship. The Bombers faced the Northwest Indiana Shockers in the championship, and the 10s simply ran out of gas against one of the top 10U travel teams in the area, who dispatched the Bombers 10-0 for the championship. The Team Exposure 2nd Place finish was the 10’s second runner-up trophy this year and showed the kids just how good they can be when they want to be.
Bombers(12s) NIML Champions
Bombers(9s) Team Exposure Champions
Here is a personalized recap of the 9U Bombers weekend !!!! Started out Saturday morning playing The Illinois Indians. The Bombers started Mighty Matt Kappel on the mound. Kappel set the Indians down 1-2-3 in the 1st and then the Bombers came to bat and put 7 runs on the board.. Safe to say the rout was on. Bombers win by slaughter rule 11-1. The 2nd game of the day saw the Bombers take on the Tinley Park Bulldogs. After a lil bit of lunch, 100's of bottles of water and Gatorade and some time spent in the shade, ( Thanks Billy Woods for the tent.) The Bombers were ready to get after it again. As in the morning game. Kappel set them down 1-2-3 in the 1st and the Bombers came to bat ready to make some noise. They didn't dissapoint. 8 runs in the 1st inning of this game and another rout was on. Bombers win by slaughter rule again. 13-1. Big hits by Fasula, Kramer, Passarelli and Kappel led the Saturday charge. Strong pitching efforts by Kappel, Minecci, Surma, Stegmiller, Gadomski and Fasula led the way. So with 2 wins on the day the 9U Bombers for the 1st time had advanced to the Championship of a Tournament. Sunday came along and the Bombers might have got caught looking ahead a lil bit. The Bombers took on an Illinois Celtics team that was hungry for a win. The Bombers came up on the short end of the stick in this one 16-10. Were they looking ahead ?? Only The Bombers know. But now it was Championship time. A rematch with the Tinley Park Bulldogs was the matchup. The game started out with the Bombers in a 3-0 hole in the 2nd inning. The whispers had started in the deepest reaches of the Diamond Sports Complex in Bourbanais. CAN PASS WIN THE BIG ONE ????? Doubts were everywhere. A mini rally started and the Bombers tied it up at 3 in the 4th. Bulldogs went back up 4-3 in the 5th. Just when the 9U's were feeling down and out. Here came the spark that they needed. The 10U Bombers wouldn't let them fail to win it all. The cheers and the chants started and then all the older sisters joined in. The dugout was electric and then it began. Base hit by Stegmiller. Hit by Passarelli. Hit for Kappel. Screaming liner for Kramer. And the cheers got louder. Solid single for Byrnes. One hop monster shot off the fence for LoCoco. Gadomski opposite field hit. Fasula with a screamer to left. Minecci with a bloop hit. Nemanius with a drive that just falls out of the reach of the centerfielder. Surma with a seeing eye single. Now the dugout was deafening and the rout was on. When the 5th ended the Bombers were leading 16-5. The coaches stayed with the hot hand on the mound: Mikey Pass !!!!! Lil Pass didn't dissapoint. The Bombers closed out the Championship Game with the unconventional 1-5-4-3 double play. BOMBERS WIN !!!!! BOMBERS WIN !!!!! The joy on those boys faces and the smiles from ear to ear were worth every January practice. Every cold April Game. Every frustrating early season moment. And every ounce of sweat that came out of these boys on this weekend. I think I speak for Coach Pass and Coach Anthony when I say: WE WATCHED SOME BALLPLAYERS THIS WEEKEND !!!!
Bombers(11s) NIML Championship - 2nd Place
Bombers(12s) Team Exposure - Runner up
Bombers(10s) GameDay USA Ace of Diamonds - 2nd Place
Bombers(14s) GameDay USA Ace of Diamonds - 2nd Place
Bombers(12s) August Tipoff Champions
Bombers(12s) NIML Open Tourney Runner-ups
12's Bring Home First Crystal of Season!!!
Congratulations to Manager Nick Calace, Coach Calderon, Steve "The Book" Burrows, the entire 12 year old team and their families in winning the Season Opener this past weekend at HoChunk Sports Complex.
The President had the opportunity to attend the tourney on Sunday and saw great old time Bombers baseball. I LOVE TOURNEY'S!!!!
After the team started the tourney with a tie and a loss, it was a longshot for them to make the semi's. With the final pool play game, they take the team 7 innings to a tie and go into the California rules tie breaker format. The Bombers scored in their top of the inning and shut down the Steelheads in their half of the inning to get the win and more importantly make the semi's.
The team in the semi's played great defense and saw super pitching taking the win versus the always strong Indiana Playmakers.
In the championship, the Bombers came out Bombing and shut the door on the mound and defensively run ruling the West Suburban Wildcats 19-7 to take home the crystal.
What was great to see was EVERYONE contributed to the win. Kids got big hits or made a great defensive play or swiped an important base to score a run. The pitching was great.
WOW!! What a day!! Here you have a team that was one inning away from going home in pool play to winning the whole tournament.
Winner of the parent of the weekend goes to Tucker!!! Congrats!!!
9's Win HoChunk Spring Break Classic!!!
Well it looks like the future is now!! The much talked about 9 year old team came home with the CRYSTAL this weekend at the HoChunk Spring Break Classic. The President was there and enjoyed watching the future of the Bombers. Congratulations to Manager Nemanius, Coach Mosqueda, Coach LePretre, and Coach DeLaurentis, the players and their families!!
I love seeing the faces of the kids when they get their CRYSTAL!!
Bombers beat the undefeated #1 seed West Englewood Tigers 10-3 in the Championship. Great pitching by Jason Krol and once again Billy Le Pretre closed the door. Big hits by Vince De Laurentis and Krol and solid defense by Vinny D., Arturo Mora with a diving catch and Mosqueda and Nemanius. Great at bats by Scalise, Mancine, Cozzi, Sepulveda and Mondt. Outstanding Catching thru the whole tournament by Armani " Rock" Garcia. And Patrick Coates with the guttiest at bat of the game, going to bat with a migraine and hitting a huge double and eventually scoring.
In the semi's the Bombers beat Lou Collier Baseball 5-0 in one of the best defensive games by a Bombers team in a long time. Nate Mosqueda was lights out on the mound working with the rock solid Armani Garcia behind the plate. Billy Le Pretre struck out the side in the 6th to preserve the shutout. Jake Nemanius with outstanding defense at 1st base.
Keep up the hard work boys, I would have your parents start building a trophy case ASAP!!!
15's Finish 2nd in Central Sluggers invitational
The 15 year old Bombers tied a record for the most games played in one day at 4. The team put up a good fight and gave everything they had. When the championship game was over and the Bomber came up just short, based on the sweat, dirt, and tired looks on all the players, coaches, and parent you knew they gave everything they had.
Congrats on a great run. I am sure you will remember this day for a long time.
The 9 year olds experienced their first out of town and out of state tourney and came home with a 3rd place trophy!! Not to bad!! The team enjoyed some college world series games, a little rain but most of all had a lot of fun.
Thoughts from a mom: "I'll start it out with the highlights of the trip for me. Feel free to add your own here. Pool, boys laughing, baseball, pizza party, rain delays, impromptu whiffle ball game with the 16 year old Fike Kansas City team, PAPA COZZI, Team Mom's pool jump, Hillbilly bumper cars, RUMCHATA, Coach Rich's Kleenex, rubber gloves, the Papa Cozzi, Coach Mike, Cliff triangle, College World Series game, Fan Fest and great baseball by the boys."
Again!! TEAM to watch in ILLINOIS!!!
11's Champions at Triple Crown Slumpbuster in Omaha!!
The 11 year old Bombers Traveled to Omaha to take on teams from around the country and see some college baseball.
After a slow start, the team finished strong and came home with the CHAMPIONSHIP trophy!
Congratulations to Manager Lococo, Coach Olvera, Coach Arredia, THE TEAM, and all the parents.
Continue to fill up the immense Trophy Case with more CRYSTAL!!
9's Rock the Shamrock Win Championship!!
The 9 year old Bombers continued their make history in the storied Bridgeport Bombers Record Books winning the Gameday USA Shamrock Showdown. Bring home more Crystal!!! The Bombers defeated the LEO Storm 7-6 in a great Championship game.
What a great group of kids, parents and coaches!! Congrats from the President!!
Bombers 10s Take Champaign Championship!!
The Bridgeport Bombers (10s) took the crystal home following an 8-1 victory over Champaign Tribe in the Championship game in the GamedayUSA Champaign Spring Swing Tournament. The team played Bomber baseball with great defense and even better pitching allowing only 2 runs in the semis and championship. The team displayed some old school Bomber play by stealing every base possible and taking an extra base when they could.
Many articles and talk have been read and heard about this team and continue to improve every game. This is an exciting team to watch and play the game the right way! Everyone and I mean everyone contributed in some matter.
Will this team break the 2006 record of 53 wins or can they shatter the record 8 trophy season? Check the calender, get your chair and cooler and come watch history. The Bridgeport "mis hijos" Bombers are for real!!
Bombers 12s Bring Home Crystal For MOM!!
To honor their mothers, the Bridgeport Bombers ELITE 12s won the Mothers Day Classic at Hochunk 10-6 over Oak Forest Blue Demons and brought home the crystal. The team played well all weekend with great hitting and pitching. However, the credit needs to go to the ultra-analytic coaching staff lead by Manager Billy Woods and coaches Moreno and Walker. They pulled off some of the most strategic wins since Ozzie Guillen guided the Whitesox to the World Series championship. Great job Coaches!!!
Bombers 13s Win Tom Pell Memorial!!
The Bombers 13s have been so close to making the semis or getting knocked out in the semis to their ultimate goal of winning a championship. Well it all came togeather on Monday as the 13s win their first championship by beating Grizzlies Baseball 5-1 in the championship game at the HoChunk Tom Pell Memorial.
The Bombers held their breath in pool play going 2-1 and taking the 4 seed by 1 run. In the semis, the Bombers faced the Midwest Rangers the number 1 seed. If you saw the 2 teams next to each other you would say we have no chance. However, you dont play with just size but size of the kids hearts. The Bombers stuck togeather and fought to the end to beat the Rangers 8-7.
The semi's and Championship game were some very good baseball games. Come out and see the 13s play, they are a fun and exciting team.
Congrats to Manager Calderon, Coaches Ramundo and Loftus. Keep up the great work!!
NOT AGAIN! Bombers 10s Win Tom Pell Memorial!!
The Bomber 10s continue their journey at making history, winning their 2nd tournament in a row by taking the HoChunk Tom Pell Memorial! After suffering a tough loss to the Indiana Playmakers in pool play they battled back for the 2 seed and beat Morris Baseball to advance to the championship.
The championship game was a hard fought battle with the Naperville Renegades as the crowd and intensity of the game was out of control. The Bridgeport Bombers Manager had enough of the umpire performance and was ejected after giving his colorful evaluation of the umpire calls. The team bonded and the coaches stepped up to rally from a 3-run deficit to win the championship 7-6.
Was a great team victory!! Congratualtions to the team as well as the great coaching staff of LoCoco, Mosqueda, Delaurentiis and Krol!!
The Bombers now have a record of 21 wins and 5 losses, well on their way to record books!
Bombers (10s) Make History, Win 3rd Tourney!!
The Bridgeport Bombers (10s) made history this weekend winning their 3rd consecutive tourney winning the HoChunk June Slamfest Championship 11-8.
The team had no trouble in pool play going 3-0 and run-ruling 2 teams to get the number 1 seed.
The team never wavered and hit the ball all over the field, stole bases, and made defensive gems on the field to win the championship!
The coaches could not hold in their happiness!!
The team continues to prove they are one of the top teams in the state of Illinois! The team even was blessed by the appearance of Bomber greats Shimmy and Haynes, who said "These kids are the real deal!!"
Check the schedule, grab your chair and cooler and come out and watch THE greatest show on DIRT!!
Congratulations to the team, coaches and parents on a great win!
Bombers 14s Win NIML Tourney in Shocking End!!
Bomber 10s Finish Dream Season!!
The Bridgeport Bomber 10s finished a magical season falling to the nationally ranked Indiana Bulls 12-4 in the Greater Midwest Baseball World Series at Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The day before the team scored a record 40 runs in 2 games as the crowd stood in awe!
This years 10 year olds finish the season at 43-13-1 with 4 first place finishes and 3 seconds place finishes. Their accomplishements this year put them in 4th place in the Bridgeport Bombers 10 years history for wins.
I would like to congratulate the players and families for their success and cant wait to build on this years success in 2014!!
Bombers 12s Slay Monster of Midway!!
Bomber 10s Slamfest Champions!!
How awesome for a first year team playing together in first tourney to win it!!
Great job men! Great coaching and all the pre-season work in the Bomber Academy is paying off!!
We would like to congratulate the Bombers coaching staff Manager Lawrence, Coach Curtin, Coach Twomey, and Coach Keizer. The early favorites for coach of the year award.
The Bombers Executive Council is very excited about this team from the coaching satff to the players, we thought we found the right mix. With wnning their first tournament we may be right.
Keep working hard!
Bomber 11s Slamfest Champions!!
The much talked about Bridgeport Bombers 11s take home their first CRYSTAL of the year with a 9-1 win over the Indiana Playmakers in the Championship game in the Spring Slamfest Tournament at HoChunk.
The teams hard work since January, participating in the proprietary hitting program at Bombers Training Academy, has paid off scoring 40 runs in 4 games with 3 games ending due to mercy rule. In addition, the teams bunting skills and unorthodox base running had parents scratching their heads all weekend. We wont mention the pitching program that yielded 3 runs all weekend!!
Congratulations to the players for a great effort and I would like to thank the parents for their committment to the Bombers and attending our crazy practice schedule. It looks like its paying off!
Pack your bags, get your coolers, dry clean your shirts, fill up the gas tank, this is gonna be a great journey this year!!
Chicago is so excited we even had Benny "The Bomber" celebrate our first Championship!!
Bomber 11s GameDay USA Super Regional Runner-up!!
The Bridgeport Bombers 11s lost a heart breaker in extra inning to the very good Troy Titans in the GameDay USA Mokena Super Regional Championship game. The team played very well thoughout the tourney playing Bomber Baseball.
I'm very proud of the boys and they gave everything they had. Each player contributed in one way or another . Was very proud of all the great comments the other coaches gave us. Like I told the Boys, sometimes you need to learn from a loss like this to win something bigger in the future . Plus we are going to Disney now!!
Bomber Baseball , I love it!
Bombers 10's Runner-up at Perfect Game!!
Bombers 11's Runner-up at Gameday USA Music City
The Bridgeport Bombers 11s came in 2nd at the GameDay USA Music City Super Regional in Nashville Tennessee. The team swept through pool play in dominating fashion securing the number 1 seed before losing to Hoover Baseball from Alabama in extra innings in the championship game 13-12!
The team fought hard to the undefeated Hoover team rallying many times to tie the game. However, the team fell one run short but not without alot of effort and sweat (See picture for proof).
The team and families had a great weekend in Nashville, even enjoying their own private dining room at Dave and Busters. The Bridgeport Bombers history is filled with trophies but also with great times with the families and kids and this was one of them.
Bombers 11's Elite Division Champions!!
The Bridgeport Bomber 11s won the HoChunk Elite Division. After finishing first in the division and earning the number 1 seed in the Elite playoffs, the Bombers handled Morris baseball in the semis and defeated Rhino Baseball in the Championship.
Congratulation Boys!! Hard work does pay off!!
Bombers 12's Runner-up at GamedayUSA Great Lakes!
Bombers 10's NIML Tournament Runner-ups!!
Bombers 10's CABA State Champions!!
Bombers 11's July Blastoff Champions!!
Bombers 13's St. Rita Invitational Runner-ups!!
Bombers 11s Runner-up at Oak Park Falcon Fest
Bomber 11's Win GameDay USA Magic Waters Classic!!
Bombers 10's Monster of Midway Runner-ups!!
Bombers 13's NIML Champions!!
Bomber 11s Runner-up at Nationals!!!
Bombers Win Spring Break Classic at HoChunk!!!
After getting rained out in their previous tournament on their way to the championship, the Bombers came back this week in search of some crystal. The team had a bad start losing to Region Nationals on Friday with many errors and mental mistakes. After a calm, insightful talk following the loss, the team came back with an attitude on Saturday beating Palos Red. However, the team looked like they were going to be left out of the elimination round and sent home early on sunday unless they beat the Munster Mavericks 11-0. Well the team came out with a mission and delivered, on Jimmmy Ho's double in the bottom of the fouth to win 11-0. Jimmy Ho had six RBI's and taught the crowd a new dance while displaying a snazzy new necklace. The Bombers made the Semi's!!! The team took their momentum and new found attitude into the semi's and beat the Oak Forest Storm 11-0 behind the pitching of Pat Haynes, the defense, and the hitting and running of all. With the winds hollowing and the wind chill at 4 degrees, the team came out and took the crystal trophy, just before dawn, run-ruling the Minooka Indians 12-3 in the championship behind the pitching of Scott Thomas, and the batting of everyone. Put another crystal trophy in the case!! Yes!!!
The 11 year olds also played in the tournament and were looking to follow a great start to their tournament play where they went 2-0 and looked like they were heading to the championship before rain cancelled the tournament. The 11 year olds had a hard weekend, losing their first two games of the tournament to the two teams that ended up playing for the championship. However, the team showed what they are made of as they beat, the well regarded Homewood Hawks, at the time undefeated. Behind the pitching of Jack Gregus and the hitting of the entire team, the Bombers won 10-3. The 11s are off to a great start at 3 wins and 2 losses.
Management plans to have Jimmy Ho teach his new dance to the 11s in hope that the "Trophy Dance" will bring some luck to the 11s. If not we will all be required to wear necklaces like Jimmy!!
Photos and newspaper articles to come!!
Metal?? Wood?? Doesn't Matter Bombers Win!!
The 13 Year old Bombers won the June Blow Out Wood Bat Tournament at Hochunk Sports Complex. This team continues to build on its success and have added another trophy to the case.
Keep up the great job!! We have alot more games and trophy's to win!!!
Young Bombers Come Up short
The 11 year old Bombers, many first year travel players, came in second at the June Blowout at Ho Chunk. This team has come a long way since the beginning of the season. Although, you know how I like trophies, a runner-up finish against a tough Milwaukee Angel team and their ace pitcher, is something you should be proud of. Keep up the great work at practice and the Championships will come.
Bombers Win USSSA St. Rita Slam
The Bridgeport Bombers won the USSSA St. Rita Slam beating the Orland Park Sparks 6-5 in the Championship. The Bombers roled through pool play run-ruling Canaryville and Clear Ridge. In the first round of elimination play the team run-ruled Clear Ridge again.
The much anticipated match up between the Bridgeport Bombers and Orland Park Sparks did not disappoint. The fans were treated to a great pitching match between Martin of the Bombers and Ferry of the Sparks. The score went back and forth with the Bombers taking the lead on a perfectly placed bunt by Herrera. Linares came in to pitch the final three innings to shut the door. It was a total team effort. Special recognition to the infielders as they made all the plays.
Bombers win another tournament!!
The Bridgeport Bombers acquired more CRYSTAL this weekend winning the April Blowout at Ho Chunk. The team as usual started out slow but won their first 2 games assuring a place in the semi's. The friday night jog or the rocking party at Connies on Friday must have woke them up.
In the semi's, the team faced the Oak Forest Storm with Martin on the mound. The final was 14-3. As seen by the score, the team hit and ran the bases well.
In the championship, the Bombers faced the Burr Ridge Barons and jumped all over them in the first inning scoring 6 runs. Behind Thomas, named Most Outstanding Player for the tournament, his pitching devastated and confused the Barons. The defense behind Scott was stellar. The team went on to win 9-4.
The team will be at home most the of the weekends in May, so come on out and see what everyone is talking about.
Pictures, newspapers articles, radio spots, and tv interviews to come.
Little Bombers with Big Hearts Win Slamfest Championship!!!
The "Little Bombers" (11 Year Olds) had a great weekend going undefeated 5-0 to win the July Slamfest Tournament at Hochunk. The tournament had one of its largest number of teams of the year. The team went 3-0 in pool play and was seeded against the Region Redbirds. The "THUNDER" Gregus started on the mound for the Bombers. Spectators from other fields have been hearing about the "Thunder" and came to watch. He didn't disappoint throwing a 1 hitter through five innings and giving up one run. The defense behind Gregus was phenominal as Joey "I", made a Willie Mays over the shoulder grab in deep center field. Joeys outfield partners, Gahagan, Chen and Luce made all their catches in great fashion. The infield of Bertucci, Baron, Shimkus, and ELAAAAAAA Bustamante was spectacular making EVERY play. However, the Redbirds pitcher was tough throwing a great game of his own. The Bombers got on the board with a single down the right field line by Shimkus. He proceeded to steal second base and third base(Set a new single season stolen base record for the Bombers) and was driven in with a sacrafice by Reyes, one of the hottest hitters in the tournament. The run tied the score in the bottom of the 3rd. In the bottom of the fifth the Bombers took the lead. Gregus lead off the inning with a monster mash for a base hit. Rybski hit a hard shot but the pitcher made a nice play to get him out but advance Gregus. Baran came up and ripped a single to center. With men on first and second Iozzo hit a shot to third, which forced out Gregus and Joeys hustle beat the throw to first to prevent the double play. Shimkus came to the plate with two outs and men on first and second. Shimkus had a hard fought at bat before drilling a fastball to the fence in right center for a double scoring Baran with the go ahead run. The crowd went nuts. Fans were hugging each other. Even more than usual. With what was estimated to be one of Hochunks biggest crowds of the year, the noise was unbeleivable. The chef making the ribs, stopped cooking and came over to see the excitement. The team went to the top of the sixth with a 1 run lead. Bertucci came in relief for Gregus. Bertucci's fastball was blinding and his junk pitch was DEVASATING!! The first batter hit a slow roler to Baran at short, who ate it up and threw him out. The next batter hit a single to right. The tieing run was on base. The next batter bunted to third, which Luce pounced on and threw out the runner at first. Two out and the tieing run at third!!! The noise level was unbelievable. Parents were seen with tears in their eyes with anticipation. Everyone was standing. Bertucci settled in and threw the GYRO ball. The batter hit a slow roller again to Luce, who scooped it up and threw out the runner. BOMBERS are going to the SHIP!!!
The crowds seemed to grow larger for the championship game between the Bridgeport Bombers and the Chicago Braves. The older Bombers came over to cheer on the young Bombers. Bertucci was given the ball to pitch the championship game. His fastball and GYRO ball continued to keep batters confused as he threw a no hitter through 5 innings. The Bombers got on the board in the second as Iozzo walked stole second and was SACed over to third by Shimkus. Luce came up and drilled a single to score the run. In the third inning, Gahagan ripped a double down the line to start the inning. He stole third and was driven in by a double by Bertucci. Gregus came up and ripped a monster single to left. Rybski came up and hit a clutch base hit to score Bertucci. The Bombers got their last run in the bottom of the fifth, when red hot hitting Reyes got a base hit and stole second. He was advanced over to third by Bustamante and was driven in by a single by Haynes. Out of innings, Bertucci handed the ball to Baran to close the game. Baran as usual was calm in a pressure situation like this and proceeded to close the game for the team. All the Bombers, young and old, rushed the field. BOMBERS WIN THE CRYSTAL!!!
The two games played were some of the best pitched and best defensive games I have seen in a long time. Many spectators and coaches commented to me following the game about the team defense. This is a credit to the kids for their hard work throughout the year in practice. Now you know why we play KNOCKOUT in practice. Also, a special thank you to the parents, family and friends who came to the games and showed their support. We have the best cheering section in Illinois!!! Led by "CHEERLEADER OF THE YEAR" LUCE!!! A special shout out to the Witches of Bridgeport. Congratulations to the team on their championship!!!
2006 USSSA Governor's Cup State Tournament Runner-ups
The Bridgeport Bombers lost 6-4 to Victory baseball in the Championship of the USSSA Govenors Cup State Tournament. The championship game was the Bombers 4th consecutive game of the day. The Bombers were tired but fought hard against a very good team. The players were exhausted, sweaty, dirty, some injured and gave all they had for four games. The team played some of their best baseball of the season. Although the Bombers didnt win, this is the second consecutive year they have finished as runner-ups, showing that they are one of the top teams in Illinois.
Congratulations on a great tournament!!
Bombers Slam Ho Chunk July Slamfest
The Bombers continue their winning ways, cruising through Ho Chunks July Slamfest. The Bombers have won 4 tournaments this year to go along with 3 second place finishes. The Bombers won a hard fought game against the Berwyn Bulldogs in the first game. After the first game the Bombers Slammed the MOF Cobra's and Humboldt Park Allstars. In the Championship game the team Run ruled Humboldt Park again to take home the "Crystal".
The Bombers next take their show on the road to Wisconsin to play in the Louisville Slugger "GOT WOOD" Midwest Championship.
Bombers Take Home the Crystal!!!
The Bridgeport Bombers have jumped out of the gates fast winning the Season Opener Tournament at Ho Chunk Sport Complex in Lynwood and coming in second in the Spring Classic at Ho Chuck. The Bombers lost a tough game to the Indiana Playmakers in the championship game on Sunday after beating the Playmakers earlier in the day.
Ho Chunk Monster of the Midway Champions
The Bombers showed who the Monster's of the Midway are as they run-ruled their first three opponents in pool play. Followed by a 7-0 win in the semi-finals over Coal City. The shutout was a combined effort by Juwan Martin and Anthony Shimkus coming into close. In the championship game, the Bombers beat their rivals Oak Forest Storm 9-6. In the championship game, the dynamic duo came through again as Juwan closed the game in the seventh following six great innings by Anthony.
The Bombers were led in hitting in the tournament by :
Coleman - 9 hits
Olmos - 8 hits
Hohenadel - 7 hits
Triples: Martin(2), Coleman, Sanchez
Home Run: Shimkus
