Evergreen Park Tries to Add to Rich History of Little League Baseball Success

It might seem like a very special time for the Evergreen Park Athletic Association Little League teams in terms of their success. The 11/12-year-old-team is competing in the Little League state tournament in Libertyville, while both the 7/8-year-old-team and the 13/14-year-old-team were District 8 champions. And the 10/11-year-old-team is District 8 champion and hosting the Section 3 Tournament.

Take a stroll down State Finalist Way at Norris Field, however, and these results seem merely on par with the history of the EPAA.

Trying to Send Another Team to State

On Friday night at Norris Field, the 10/11-year-old squad was trying to add another team to the list on State Finalist Way, as Evergreen Park took on Jackie Robinson West in its opener for the double-elimination Section 3 Tournament. Jackie Robinson, however, defeated Evergreen 12-2 in four innings.

“We obviously ran into a buzzsaw today,” Evergreen coach John Altman said. “That’s a very good team. We knew we were going to have our hands full. I was proud of the way the kids battled.”

Madison Lowery led the way for Jackie Robinson West, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs. On the mound, Tommy Washington pitched four innings and recorded five strikeouts for Jackie Robinson.

EPAA still has a shot at the state tournament title. The team would have to win its next three games in a row, which would potentially include beating Jackie Robinson West twice in a row. First, it must beat Hegewisch today.

A Rich History

Over the years, Evergreen Park has had fierce battles with Jackie Robinson West.

“We know when they step on this diamond, our kids better be ready to go, because they bring you to a different level,” Altman said.

According to Jim Walsh, Evergreen Park’s eight-year team coach and officer on duty Friday night, Evergreen Park, Jackie Robinson and Roseland are three teams that are always in contention. Walsh is proud of the history of EPAA, because he knows the kids learn about more than baseball.

“The main thing we want our kids to take out of this association is thinking positive and moving forward,” Walsh said. “There are bigger things in life you’re going to lose at. (We teach how) to try handle yourself the right way, and how to respect your opponent.”

Tony Conway, father of Terone Conway, a player on the 10/11-year-old team, said his son has learned a lot from EPAA.

“What I try to explain to (Terone) is more or less how he can meet different people and put himself in a different place to learn about the game and build team camaraderie,” Tony Conway said. “That’s your family. When you fall down, your brother’s going to pick you up.”

Altman said he tries to teach his kids to improve every day.

“Our main goal is to work with the kids and make them better people and make them better ballplayers and work them hard. Kids want to be challenged,” Altman said.

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