Crim: Birthdays and baseball fit together perfectly like game of pitch and catch

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | April 8, 2024
Don Crim's collection of memories from his days going to St. Louis Cardinals games with his dad, Charlie, includes an honorary one-day contract and the foul ball his dad caught that earned him that contract. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — It somehow seems appropriate that my dad’s birthday in early April coincides with the start of the Major League Baseball season and mine in late September signals its end. Perfect symmetry, like the game itself. My dad, Charlie Crim, turned 91 on Sunday. While he celebrated by sharing homemade dessert and ice cream…

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Get into the swing of things: New training facility will help baseball, softball players refine approach at plate

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | March 18, 2024
SwingSync Labs is providing baseball and softball players a state-of-the-art facility to improve their swing. | Photo courtesy Ryan Sparks

QUINCY — Ryan Sparks is combining his technology experience with his passion for baseball to create an innovative venue for players of all ages to refine their swing. SwingSync Labs will officially open April 1 inside the Verti-Go complex at 2306 N. 12th Street. The facility is equipped with swing analytics, training tools at six…

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Carthage junior high baseball team finishes third at Class 1A state tournament

By Muddy River Sports | October 2, 2023
The Carthage junior high baseball team finished third at the IESA Class 1A state tournament, beating Paris Crestwood 9-7 in the third-place game at Eastside Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Submitted photo

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — A four-run third inning gave the Carthage junior high baseball team the lead and the Blueboys scored in every inning thereafter to beat Paris Crestwood 9-7 in the third-place game of the IESA Class 1A state tournament on Saturday. The Blueboys finish their season with a 23-5 record. Carthage beat Joliet…

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