By Patrick Mc Gavin-Photos by Lauren Gray
** Additional Photos are available at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p383265329 **
CAROL STREAM—Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the best way to join in on the fun.
Brody Dambman stands a few inches off the ground on a special customized indoor pitching mound inside the DuPage Training Facility.
His look is both serious and playful, exhibiting an ease and pleasure in carefully going through his pitching form. A couple of other of his new teammates with the Illinois Wolves’ 14U team are grouped around him.
Dambman loves the thrill and sensation of taking part in something new and serious.
“We played them last year, and I really liked what I saw,” he said. “I also play football and basketball. I’ve been playing baseball since I was a little kid, and I just fell in love with the sport.”
The enthusiasm radiates in all directions, coursing through the players, who listen raptly to the instructions of the coach and founder, Brandin Muniz.
This is the Wolves’ third year of competitive play, and the growth from young and eager 12-year olds to rapidly developing 13-year olds a year ago is striking.
Once more into the breach, the team is again playing in two leagues simultaneously, the West Suburban Baseball League (WSBL) and the Greater Chicagoland Baseball League (GCBL).
Last year’s iteration, the 13U program, won more than 85 percent of its games in playing a deep and versatile list of local, state and leading Midwestern programs.
Word has spread, and now the team’s four returning players are bolstered by a deep and gifted roster. Christian Slazak, Payton Swartzendruber, Graham Johnson and Augie Ruffolo are the foundation as the returning players.
Now Muniz looks to fuse together the old and new into a glittering and dominant whole.
In a game built on chemistry and feel, the newcomers feel instantly welcome, and ready to make their own mark in propelling the Wolves forward.
“I’m excited to have a new team, a new start, and get to the summer and play some ball,” Kane Wolf said.
He is an outfielder and pitcher who looks to bring speed, athleticism and a passion to the team.
“I just love that it’s a hard sport, and you have to work very hard at it to be good,” he said. “I also play football, and that’s probably an easier sport. Baseball takes more craft and dedication. There are more ups and downs with it.”
The new players are part of an exciting and accomplished culture. To a player, their rationale for joining the Wolves were all of a piece.
The team’s deep and near constant activity and involvement means ever greater opportunities—to showcase their talents, to improve, and to develop a special connection.
“I wanted to join the Wolves in order to get more games, have better competition and play in additional tournaments,” Jacob Stary said.
He underscores the versatility of the lineup, and the ability to play multiple positions. He plays shortstop, first and third base, and also pitches.
The big bats and prodigious scoring output of last year’s team tended to nullify a weakness.
“The one part that was lacking last year was our defense,” Brandin Muniz said. “Pitching was always our strength, and most of the scores were heavily lopsided, and we could always drive in runs.”
The one part the team left hanging was an unfortunate tendency with fielding problems and unforced errors.
“We had some games where we averaged six or seven errors, and it really hurt us,” Muniz said. “It got to the point we just had to accept it, and we were still going to be a heavy favorite in most games with our pitching and hitting. We just said let’s go out and get some guys who could play infield.”
Supply and demand have their own correlation in the game.
The Wolves provided an ecosystem and structure for players to thrive, especially with the variety of games, styles of play, and the ability to play and develop.
“Baseball is a game of repetition and routine, and it’s about getting hot and staying hot,” Muniz said. “Every team looks great in practice, and now our philosophy is transferring that onto the field.”
Nothing creates excitement and purpose like live games that carry outside consequences and meaning.
“With our philosophy, we’re coaching these kids for the game they’re going to see in high school and college,” Muniz said. “Some travel teams have the belief you only play in major tournaments on weekends, but we believe kids need to play, and really utilize the the whole week.”
The Wolves are taking part in 14 tournaments, and are likely to surpass the 90 games last year’s team played.
Every player injects their own style and personality on the team. Now the Wolves are ready to take the next step.
”For my team last year, I only played like 30, so this is a big jump,” Gianni Jimenez said. “I’m really excited by all the tournaments we get to play.”
There’s the rub, the Wolves have a player type—versatile, tough, disciplined—and provide the means to let their talent flourish.
“I play shortstop and pitcher,” he said. “I really wasn’t that good when I first started, but my mom helped me with some personal trainers. Then I started going to the gym and getting better. As a pitcher, I have really good control. I’m working on my velocity.”
A classmate at his school recommended he try out for the Wolves. The rest is history.
The Wolves emphasize development, respect and giving back to the game. This is the crucial first step to something greater.
“I really want to make my high school baseball team, so I’m looking for a setup in talent,” Jack Rose said.
He plays first base, outfield and also pitches.
“I want to play with other special talent around me,” he said. “Baseball is such a mental game, like chess. It’s slow paced back and forth, and it’s different from all other sports.”
The Illinois Wolves 14U made an auspicious opening statement with a 17-4 victory over Carol Stream Cougars 14U on Sunday, March 22.
Graham Johnson and Carter Huerta each drove in four runs.
“Everybody brings something heavy to the table,” Muniz said. “We’re heavy at pitching, and pitching wins games. With our schedule, we needed to look for kids who are able to produce runs but also shut teams down.”
The mix of talent is potent, and the team looks to move in just one direction—up and away.
”I’m excited to see what our record is going to be,” Muniz said. “This older group has been in these tournaments. Now there’s a great level of excitement. I’m looking forward to the season. I think we have a much better team, and I’m looking forward to a better outcome.”
14U Illinois Wolves’ Roster
2-Payton Swartzendruber; 3-Frankie Pintauro; 5- Graham Johnson; 7-Anthony Burger; 8-Christian Slazak; 10-Carter Huerta; 12-Jaxon Culver; 13-Kane Wolf; 14-Jacob Stary; 17-Gianni Jimenez; 20-Brody Dambman; 24- Augie Ruffolo; 25-Jack Rose. (10 of 12 Players were available for photos).
