July 21, 2006

Big Leaguers begin regional tournament
The Grand Rapids Press

For the past few weeks, Little League baseball and softball teams have taken their turn in the all-star tournament spotlight.

Beginning today at Pinery Park, the Big Leaguers get their turn at bat.

The Big League Baseball Central Region tournament gets under way for Michigan District 9 and seven other teams, with the District 9 team guaranteed to play at least three games before the field is whittled down to four.

District 9 earned a bye into the regional tournament because it serves as the tournament's host.

Action for District 9 begins at 8 tonight against Indiana, followed by games at 4 p.m. Saturday against Missouri and at 8 p.m. Sunday against Ohio.

If District 9 finishes as one of the top two teams in its pool, it will play at either 4 or 8 p.m. Monday in the semifinals. The championship game is set for 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the winner moving on to Easley, S.C., for the Big League World Series beginning July 29.

Five East Grand Rapids players (Zach Lewis, Luke Glendening, Steve Mason, Matt Malewitz and Joey Nowak) are among those on this year's Big League roster.

Also competing for District 9 are Marc Sobota (Kenowa Hills), Pete Zessin and Alex Soukup (Holland), Matt Schepel and Rob Kool (GR Christian), Eric Milanowski and Dan Norton (Catholic Central), Jason Kole (Kelloggsville), Dan Jennings (Caledonia) and Billy Kosters (East Kentwood).