Opening Reception
The weekend kicks off on Friday night with the Opening Reception at the Park Place of Countryside Banquet Hall (6240 Joliet Rd. in Countryside). This event will feature 2007 NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun, Jerry Owens of the Chicago White Sox, Josh Barfield of the Cleveland Indians, Kevin Hart of the Chicago Cubs, Joe Bisenius of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Hunter Mense of the Florida Marlins. A professional photographer will be on hand for those who wish to purchase professional pictures and have those autographed by their favorite celebrity. This event is primarily for sponsors and advertisers of the covention, however, there are a limited number of tickets available to weekend pass holders. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Hurry and purchase yours today this event sold out last year!
Coach & Parent Seminars & Clinics
Coaches, parents, and administrators can attend clinics and seminars for an hour or the entire day. Each session is approx. 30 minutes and covers all aspects of the game including Practice Organization, hitting mechanics, College Scholarships, draft process, base running, advanced pitching mechanics, mid infield play, and many more.
Participants can choose which clinics they want to attend to provide more opportunities to particpate in other events including meet and greets, vendors, or watching the youth clinic participants.
Seminars & Clinics are instructed by top notch current and former major league players, professional coaches, college coaches, and industry specialists. Secured clinicians include Milwaukee Brewers and "Rookie of the Year" candidate RYAN BRAUN, and Cleveland Indians Josh Barfield. Please continue to check back for additional celebrities and clinicians!
Meet & Greets Meet your favorite celebrity at one of the meet and greets throughout the weekend. More information regarding pricing and times will be available soon.
Youth Clinics
Players ages 8yrs - 13 yrs will have the opportunity to go through a clinic schedule similar to the coaches and parents for the weekend or just one day. Participants, with parent/guardian approval, can attend the entire day of clincs or attend just a few. This provides opportunities for participants to partake in all other aspects of the show including the vendor exhibits as well as the celebrity meet and greets.
Clinics will be seperated by age and athletes can choose which to attend. Youth baseball Clinics will be instructed by 2007 major and minor league players such as Joe Biscenius, Dan Brauer, Kris Honel, Brian Wabick, Mark Ori and more.
Vendors
This free event is designed to give everyone the opportunity to view the newest in equipment and devices. Vendors will be selling everything from uniforms, trophies, apparel, bats, training devices and much more at a discounted event rate. Pick up any last minute Christmas gifts you need!
USSSA IL Baseball Annual Awards Ceremony
This annual event will be held on Saturday evening and will include Team of the Year, Athlete of the Year, Top Gun Awards, the Coveted Riddell Award and more!
USSSA IL Baseball Annual State Meeting
This annual event is open for anyone wanting to learn more about the USSSA Baseball program, State Tournaments, World Series Tournaments and dates. USSSA National Board members will be in town to answer questions. State Tournament locations will also be announced. This is a mandatory meeting for anyone hosting or wanting to host a state tournament.