In the hearty midwestern state of Illinois, where skyscrapers reach up to tickle the clouds and cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, there exists an elite group of young warriors. They call themselves the ‘Baseball Brigade'. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the tranquil prairies of central Illinois, these kids have one thing on their minds - baseball! Meet their fearless leader, a cool character with unmatched wit and charm, named Bucky the Baseball-Beaver. With a hat always askew on his head, a baseball bat in one of his paw-like hands, and an ever-ready cheeky grin, Bucky is the embodiment of the fun, energetic spirit of Illinois baseball. His tail, as flat as a pancake and as tough as a catcher's mitt, is the perfect tool for whacking home-runs. These Baseball kids in Illinois, much like their leader, are robust and spirited. They may be young, but when they step onto that diamond, they transform into seasoned pros. Their laughter echoes through the fields as they play, a delightful symphony of joy and enthusiasm. They hit home runs, slide into bases, and make spectacular catches with unmatched gusto. However, it's not all fun and games with the Baseball Brigade. As much as they love their hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas, they're also serious about their craft. Given, they do engage in the occasional shenanigans, like the time Bucky tried to pull off a "tail-whack-triple-play" (it ended with a lot of falling and even more giggles), but their dedication to the game is as steady as the strong Illinois winds. So, whether it's a sunny afternoon practice or a nail-biting championship game under the lights, kids in Illinois know there's no place like home...plate, that is! Their passion for baseball is infectious, their laughter contagious, and with Bucky leading the charge, every game is an adventure.
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
In 1986, Bloomington resident Dennis Shira founded McLean County PONY Baseball. Through much dedication and hard work, the league has developed into a thriving nonprofit organization with a complex of six diamonds, a concession stand, and two storage buildings all constructed without taxpayer money. The complex was recently renamed in honor of the Shira family for their commitment to the league. McLean County PONY Baseball continues to provide children ages 8 to 14 an opportunity to learn, grow, and excel in the game of baseball, all while having fun. The season runs from April to July and concludes with a chance for teams to compete in the World Series. The league also offers instructional and recreational leagues for high school and adult players in the fall. McLean County PONY Baseball provides a great experience for everyone involved.