About Us

The Park Ridge Junior Hawks Baseball Club, Inc. was formed and authorized by the Illinois Secretary of State as a not for profit corporation in March 1998 as a special interest organization compelled to be independent of Park Ridge Youth Baseball/Softball. Under the direction and leadership of co-founder Bill San Hamel, for the first time in Park Ridge history the Jr. Hawks provided community players of All-Star proficiency the chance to play on a full time travel baseball team.

The first 13U-14U team roster in 1998 consisted of: Erek Benz, Dan Cozzi, Christian Cwik, Chuck DiFranco, Jamie Friel, Rob Kiepura, Alex Park, Brian Recsetar, Ryne San Hamel, Neil Sherlock, Joe Szczudlo, Bryan Tews, and Ryan Westman. The team Head Coach was Bob Westman and Assistant Coaches were Al Benz and Valerie Tews. The players went on to play high school baseball at Maine South and other local high schools. Many also played college baseball from the Junior College level to NCAA Division I.

The Club has brought credit and positive recognition to Park Ridge through the team’s display of good sportsmanship, achievement and dedication to full time travel baseball. The Club plays in the Mid-Suburban Baseball League (MSBL) with the exception of 2011 and 2012 as teams were not formed.

In 2012 Dan Sullivan was named President and Commissioner of the Park Ridge Junior Hawks program. As a business leader, local Park Ridge resident and avid baseball fan, Dan is dedicated to building on the efforts of Bill San Hamel and continuing the proud tradition of Park Ridge Junior Hawks Baseball Club.

In July 2019, Buzz Buchan was named President and Commissioner of the Park Ridge Junior Hawks Athletic Club. An avid youth sports advocate and local Park RIdge resident, Buzz is committed to continuing where Dan left off and keeping the tradition of the Park Ridge Jr. Hawks Athletic Club. 

As an Illionois 501C3 organization, the Junior Hawks Baseball Club is proud to enter its 17th season. With interest in travel baseball and softball at an all time high in the Park Ridge and surrounding communities, the Club is proud to have 14 teams!

Baseball:

10U

11U

12U Black

12U Red

13U Black

13U Red

14U

15U Black

15U Red

Softball

14U Black

14U Red

16U Black

16U Red

18U