There’s Magic in baseball and bonding
Originally published August 16, 2015
Among the Orland Park youth baseball teams with fantastic young players and dedicated coaches is the Orland Park Magic 13U team, which recently won a tournament championship in Wisconsin.
Their yearlong commitment paid off for these young men.
The process began with tryouts in July of 2014, after which players who made the cut played a series of games so coaches could determine in which areas they needed help.
Indoor practice begin in January, with hitting, fielding and pitching drills.
Finally, it was time to move outside. There were 60 regular-season games scheduled, but with the area’s rainy weather, it turned out 16 were canceled.
The Magic 13U team plays its home games at Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave.
Part of the road map for success includes the five coaches, who like coaches of many travel teams make sacrifices of time away from their families and navigate crazy work schedules to drive youngsters to a successful season. In the Magic’s case, it is Matt Rafferty, John Martin, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Marty Lacny and Geno Giuntoli who get amazing efforts out of the bunch.
Coaches inspire and discover hidden talents. They move kids around to find the positions that best suit them. Social interaction is important as well.
“We don’t allow the kids to be stand-offish, and include every player in every game,” Rafferty said.
Former major league pitcher John Martin — whose successes include having pitched for the 1982 World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals — volunteers to help coach. Rafferty met Martin when Martin operated out of On-Deck Baseball Academy in Orland Park. He now offers fee-based private lessons at Diamond Sports Academy in Mokena. He critiques hitting and works on players’ mechanics.
Former St. Rita High School star pitcher Marty Lacny works with pitchers.
“We practice indoor first, and outdoor when possible,” he said. “During the offseason, we watch films and assess how we can improve. We see who is a standout and who needs help.”
His stepson, Tommy St. John, is an outfielder.
These kids are serious about their baseball.
“I would like to work on hitting and in fielding with the coaches,” Tommy said.
“Kids change from season to season; they grow,” Giuntoli said. “What might have been their strong suit may next year be better at another spot.
“And the kids are better when they are playing as friends. They help each other by playing hard and learning life lessons.”
His son, Anthony Giuntoli, said, “I like playing ball with kids that are better — it pushes you to be better.”
Dart joined the coaching staff this year and coaches first base and interprets the different rules used at various tournaments. Dart enjoys the camaraderie between the coaches and the players.
“It is really enjoyable to be associated with this team — and it is fun watching the kids learn and improve,” he said.
He sees baseball as a way for parents and kids to interact, and would like to see some of the communities he serves in his professional capacity be able to have that same experience.
Dart’s son, Thomas, plays on the team.
“His hitting has been phenomenal this year,” Martin said.
“I had six games with runs or a walk-off (game-winning hit or walk),” Thomas said.
On June 28, the team won a tournament championship in Wisconsin, besting teams from that state, Illinois and Minnesota. They finished with a record of 30-18 with three ties.
Pat “Spuds” Rafferty, an infielder, catcher and pitcher, was asked what the highlight of the season was.
“Winning the championship. Wisconsin was so much fun,” he said.
Congratulations to the Orland Park Magic 13U.