New Lenox Rebels Baseball All-Star Tourney Renamed in Niemeier's Memory

Nearly one year to the day after Chase Niemeier's life tragically was cut short in an accident on , he was remembered during a ceremony on the grounds of one of his favorite places on earth.

Chase was an active member of the New Lenox Rebels in-house baseball club and the Junior Knights/Warriors football organization. Because of Chase's love of baseball, the New Lenox Rebels organization's in-house all-star tournament has been renamed the "Chase Niemeier Memorial Tournament."

"We discussed renaming the tournament at the August board meeting last year," board member Mike Deloian said."Chase was an in-house all-star, and that's why we wanted to rename it. It's a good way to remember him for years to come."

Chase's younger brother, Reese, and his father, Chuck were on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitches before Saturday's game between the 13-under Rebels and the Darien Demons. The surviving Niemeiers were surrounded by two Rebels teams, two visiting teams from Manhattan and Coal City and countless family and friends. Former teammate David Eggert caught the pitch. Eggert and Chase were part of the Bronco-Phillies last year.

"It means a lot to (our family)," Chuck Niemeier said. "We wanted to make sure Chase was remembered and that his memory continues on. We are very appreciative to the Rebels for doing this for us.

"He loved playing baseball. He had a lot of friends. This is a great honor for him. We thought this tournament was a great idea."

The round-robin tournament wraps up Monday with the 13-under championship game at 7 p.m. on the fields behind Tyler and Bentley schools.