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New Players for 2010 a Sign of Big
Things for SKS
Things for SKS
South Bend, IN 11/5/09
After a strong finish to the 2009 season, the Street
Kids/Suburban South/PAS softball team from
South Bend revelled in their glory of a pretty good
season, but also felt they came up a little short of
their goal.
With some moves made today by the SKS team,
that goal could be reached in 2010.
Three-time world champion Danny Penale and World Series MVP Brandon Dillon both
agreed to join the SKS team on Thursday, immensely improving on a team that despite not
winning a world title, still finished as the number one ranked NSA "B" team in the country.
Dillon, who agreed to a deal with Bud Light to play in the USSSA Major Conference in
2010 also, will play with SKS part time, hoping to make most of the bigger events and
almost all of the post season. Penale, 30, will join the team full time in 2010.
"I'm excited to make this move for several reasons," said the 11-year veteran who helped
lead Lazer Show to a NSA world title in September. "One of the things that I liked about
the SKS team is how much they reminded me of
our Lazer team this year. They take pride in their
defense and their chemistry, which is two things you
need to succeed. Secondly, they have shown me
that they are committed to winning now and in the
future. With the team they have and the moves they
are making, I think Street Kids will have the best
chance of getting to the championship game of the
World Series once again. Finally, it goes without
mention that SKS is one of the most respected
teams off the field. You can hate them when you
are playing against them, but you cannot question
the work they do off the field with Street Kids Care. I'm very excited about next season
and looking forward to seeing the guys soon."
Penale is one of the best first baseman around, rarely committing errors and saving infielders
with his large frame and uncanny ability to scoop a ball. His offensive presence will also be
a huge upgrade, sitting a lineup that already features the likes of Joe Horvath, Kyle Yerkes,
Mike Malesko and others.
Penale, originally from Niagra Falls, New York, and his fiance Carri have a six year old
son, Trey and live in Lafayette, Indiana. They will wed this summer back in New York.
Dillon, arguably the best outfielder in the state, was scouted by Bud Light for a long time
and it has always been his goal to play in the conference.
"I feel I am a natural u-trip style hitter," said the former baseball star. "I love the action that
comes with u-trip and I think I can do really well there. As far as SKS goes, I told Penale
that I am with him and if he goes to Street Kids, if they will have me with my schedule, I'm
in."
With the return of most of the team in 2010, manager TJ Jorgensen is confident that Street
Kids will make another serious run at a title.
"We came up a little short this year, losing to Lazer in the world finals and finishing fifth at
Supers," the 15-year veteran said. "But with the new additions and the more aggressive
approach I will take next year, I am confident we will have the right tools to compete. At
this point, anything less than a world title would be a disappointment."
After a strong finish to the 2009 season, the Street
Kids/Suburban South/PAS softball team from
South Bend revelled in their glory of a pretty good
season, but also felt they came up a little short of
their goal.
With some moves made today by the SKS team,
that goal could be reached in 2010.
Three-time world champion Danny Penale and World Series MVP Brandon Dillon both
agreed to join the SKS team on Thursday, immensely improving on a team that despite not
winning a world title, still finished as the number one ranked NSA "B" team in the country.
Dillon, who agreed to a deal with Bud Light to play in the USSSA Major Conference in
2010 also, will play with SKS part time, hoping to make most of the bigger events and
almost all of the post season. Penale, 30, will join the team full time in 2010.
"I'm excited to make this move for several reasons," said the 11-year veteran who helped
lead Lazer Show to a NSA world title in September. "One of the things that I liked about
the SKS team is how much they reminded me of
our Lazer team this year. They take pride in their
defense and their chemistry, which is two things you
need to succeed. Secondly, they have shown me
that they are committed to winning now and in the
future. With the team they have and the moves they
are making, I think Street Kids will have the best
chance of getting to the championship game of the
World Series once again. Finally, it goes without
mention that SKS is one of the most respected
teams off the field. You can hate them when you
are playing against them, but you cannot question
the work they do off the field with Street Kids Care. I'm very excited about next season
and looking forward to seeing the guys soon."
Penale is one of the best first baseman around, rarely committing errors and saving infielders
with his large frame and uncanny ability to scoop a ball. His offensive presence will also be
a huge upgrade, sitting a lineup that already features the likes of Joe Horvath, Kyle Yerkes,
Mike Malesko and others.
Penale, originally from Niagra Falls, New York, and his fiance Carri have a six year old
son, Trey and live in Lafayette, Indiana. They will wed this summer back in New York.
Dillon, arguably the best outfielder in the state, was scouted by Bud Light for a long time
and it has always been his goal to play in the conference.
"I feel I am a natural u-trip style hitter," said the former baseball star. "I love the action that
comes with u-trip and I think I can do really well there. As far as SKS goes, I told Penale
that I am with him and if he goes to Street Kids, if they will have me with my schedule, I'm
in."
With the return of most of the team in 2010, manager TJ Jorgensen is confident that Street
Kids will make another serious run at a title.
"We came up a little short this year, losing to Lazer in the world finals and finishing fifth at
Supers," the 15-year veteran said. "But with the new additions and the more aggressive
approach I will take next year, I am confident we will have the right tools to compete. At
this point, anything less than a world title would be a disappointment."
