 They say that success breeds success. Well, the same can be said about competition. The better it is around you, the stronger the impetus to bring your game to the next level, to be as good as—if not better than—the talent around you. For the 60 teams participating in McHenry County Youth Sports Organization/USSSA 15-U Open Summer National Championship, competition is the name of the game.
The tournament is being touted as the “premier" 15-year-old event in the world,” and for good reason. In addition to attracting some of the best teams in the country, the tournament also showcases intense international competition. At least global 10 teams – from Canada, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Japan – will be represented at the tournament. According to John Binek, Vice President of Operations for USSSA Illinois, it’s the breadth — and level — of competition that makes the tournament so special.
“Facing international competition is truly remarkable,” Binek said. “You might be a top team in your state, but here you get exposed to tough international competition. That motivates players to be better, to work harder.”
The tournament guarantees that 15-year-olds will participate in seven games minimum. Teams will play in five games of pool play beginning Saturday, July 26, and ending July 28. On July 30, teams are then split into double elimination championship and consolation brackets, which run until Sunday, August 3.
“To bring in so many teams from inside and outside the country is a great way to end the summer season,” Binek said. The tournament is also the final opportunity teams have to boost their USSSA rankings through earnings points before the fiscal quarter ends on July 30th. Points are earned not only by participating in the tournament, but are also awarded based on a team’s tournament success.
The point to stress, though, according to Binek, is the experience this event grants to participating teams and players.
“It’s great for exposure,” Binek said, “especially for kids looking to play baseball beyond high school.” |