Pictured left to right are Janis Klockenga, Lincoln Odd Fellows Lodge #204; Coach and board member of Lincoln Heat, Brad Shaw; Lincoln Heat team members Griffin Shaw and Trey Schilling; and Lincoln Heat coach and board member, Tony Schilling.

Lincoln Odd Fellows present $3,000 to Lincoln Heat Baseball

[May 06, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Monday April 27, 2015 Lincoln Odd Fellows Lodge # 204 held their regular meeting. Guests to the meeting were members of the Lincoln Heat Baseball Board and their families and guests from the Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300.

The evening included sharing a good meal and fellowship. After the meal, Lincoln Heat Baseball Board Members Brad Shaw and Tony Schilling were presented a check for $3,000. The gift will be used to help some of the less fortunate children in the county to be able to participate in the competitive Baseball League.

Shaw and Schilling spoke about the baseball program. Shaw said the program was about teaching the boys to love the game and, instilling respect for the coaches, team members, and umpires, as well as for themselves. The kids also learn self-discipline on and off the field.

The boys usually play two games a night, and they may get home at 9:00 p.m. and they still have homework to complete which requires discipline and dedication.

Shaw and Schilling are the coaches for the 9U and 10U teams respectively. No one is turned down for the teams. If they show up at the game, they will play. Every two innings players will be rotated in and out, so everyone gets a chance to play.

The coaches said they are more interested in teaching the game at this age level than winning, even though this is a competitive league. Practice begins early in the year at the at the Lincoln Park District indoor complex where kids practice hitting, fielding, throwing and catching. Competitive games start in mid-April and are finished by mid-July.

It was a very informative and enjoyable evening for everyone.

[Janis Klockenga]