This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Slides 'n Flies in Bulldogs, Special Olympics Softball

Bulldogs joined players for the South Suburban Special Recreation Association in a friendly face-off Tuesday before both seasons start winding down. See the accompanying photo gallery for a glimpse of the action.

Bats were clinking loudly Tuesday during a much-anticipated softball game proudly hosted on soil.

Local 18U girls Bulldogs players welcomed The Rockets, a Special Olympics softball team from the South Suburban Special Recreation Association, Tuesday to square off in a friendly scrimmage at Pryor Field. All concession stand proceeds earned during the game were donated straight to the SSSRA, coordinators said.

SSRA players like Kevin Curan, of Homewood, celebrated their victories. Curan hit his second home run this season during Tuesday night's game. Raising his hand in victory, he crossed home plate, beaming proudly for his accomplishment.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I was excited and happy to hit a home run," he said.

Teja Bell, of , not only pitched an inning but gave her teammates encouragement.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This is so fun and look, they are so cute," Bell said.

While catches were being caught and pitches thrown, friendships were undoubtedly being made.

"I've been playing for awhile," Nicholas Brozak, of , said of his time with the SSSRA team. "I like being with my friends."

The seven-year coach and Special Olympics softball team's assistant, Christina Spychalski, cheered for each one of her players from the dugout.

"As you can see they play with their hearts," she said. "We've taught them sportsmanship, they love playing with everyone."

The team will compete in an ISO tournament Aug. 5, which will determine if its players go down state. 

"That is what these players live for—To get a gold medal at Special Olympics," Spychalski said. "We had a running streak awhile back. We didn't do well last year, this year is our comeback year."

With that, Coach Spychalski joined the players to congratulate the winning team.

Tinley Park Patch Editor Carrie Frillman contributed to this report.

Want more Bulldogs news?

Like us on Facebook!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?