Lake Zurich Cougars youth baseball is bringing the community together big league style. Each team’s designated “Game of the Week” is played under the lights at Lions Park, with special touches to make the evening feel like a major league game.
Coach Matt Campbell’s Cougars were up first with their April 28th Game of the Week. Lake Zurich Middle School South student Stephanie Segreti started the evening with a solo rendition of the singing of the National Anthem. Officer Andrew Heer of the Lake Zurich Police Department threw out a ceremonial first pitch with three additional officers joining him to greet the teams.
When it was time to play ball, each Cougars batter had their name and number announced to personalized walk-up music just like professional ballplayers. Cougars player Evan Sugrue picked the same walk-up song as Chicago Cub first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
When hearing the music, Cougars player Blake Vignocchi said, “Wow, this is big time!”
With six innings making for a complete game, the fourth inning “stretch” was a recording from the late, great Harry Carey, the legendary Cubs broadcaster and Hall of Famer. After Harry in his historical recording said, “Let’s get some runs,” the Cougars delivered by coming from behind to beat Windy City 12-11 and remain undefeated.
Learn more about the Game of the Week and Lake Zurich Baseball and Softball at LZBSA.org.