Zion-Benton senior Collin Shaide had the opportunity to play in last year’s Battle at Bowen baseball game against Waukegan.
The first thing that stood out to the shortstop was the size of the crowd.
“A lot of people were there,” Shaide said.
North Suburban action was just part of the attraction as proceeds from the event went to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago for pediatric cancer research.
That will be the case again when the Zee-Bees (3-12, 2-9) and Bulldogs (4-14, 0-10) play at 7 p.m. Friday in the seventh annual game at Bowen Park in Waukegan. Tickets are $5 for the conference matchup.
“It’s always a fun game because everybody comes to watch,” Shaide said. “And it’s a great cause. And it’s a rivalry game, too.”
Former Waukegan coach Dan Green and Zion-Benton assistant Justin Manning had a hand in establishing the event. Manning said the annual game has raised almost $40,000 throughout the years.
Last year’s crowd estimate was close to 700 fans.
“It’s heartwarming to see the big crowds that we’ve had come out,” Manning said. “It’s amazing to watch how all these people from two rival communities can come together.”
Waukegan coach Shane Hogan, who’s in his first year, is thrilled to continue the tradition.
“I’m just excited to be part of it and so are the players on both sides,” Hogan said.
Hogan, a 2003 Waukegan graduate, has had a role in the Bulldogs’ program as a coach for 10 seasons. He was Green’s assistant for the last two years before taking over this spring.
“Both communities do a great job of showing support,” Hogan said. “It is one of the biggest audiences that these kids play in during their careers in high school. Every year the fundraiser makes a nice size chunk of money.”
Last year’s game, which Zee-Bees won 5-2, raised approximately $7,000.
Zion-Benton coach Daryl Bellows said the game brings out the best in both teams — and both communities.
“It’s always been a competitive game, it’s always been an exciting game,” Bellows said. “It’s raised a lot of money. And it’s a great lesson for the kids to learn in regards to understanding it’s about helping other people and teaching them some adult skills.
“Who doesn’t want to help children?”
Shaide is ready to doing his part. And he’ll be participating with added responsibilities. Last week, he was named the team’s captain.
“He’s the leader of the team,” Bellows said of Shaide. “He’s the guy that gets everybody going.”
Shaide has been a fixture near the top of the team’s lineup, batting either second or third. He has a .250 average. He’s embracing the leadership role.
“It’s on all of us seniors to lead this team,” Shaide said. “The fact that I’m the captain, I’ll take the role, but all the seniors are leaders.”
And as a senior, it means one more chance to play in the Battle at Bowen.
“It’s always fun playing underneath the lights,” Shaide said.
Twitter @lamondpope
