Vince Vlchek of Harwood Heights has coached Little League baseball since 1967. Since then he estimates that he has coached more than 900 games. The 600 game patch on his jacket, which he received years ago, is now out of date. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Vince Vlchek of Harwood Heights, who has managed the Orioles Little League baseball team since 1973, talks to his team during a recent Norridge Harwood Heights Little League game. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

The Pirates Little League team displays a skull and crossbones flag in their dugout during baseball games in Norridge. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Pirates' Andrew Budnik (right) is safe after sliding into third while Orioles' Gregory Rivera tries to make the tag during a Little League game in Norridge on May 4. Pirates won 14-2. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Orioles' Keith Cullen, 12, of Chicago crosses home plate before Pirates catcher Joey Krasinski gets the toss during a Little League game in Norridge on May 4. Pirates won 14-2. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Nikko Lorusso, 12, of Norridge swings at the ball during a Little League game against the Pirates in Norridge on May 4. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Patrick Owens (left), 11, of Norridge tries to tag Pirates' Edward Stocchetti next to teammate Shane Plesha, 11, of Norridge during a Little League game against the Pirates in Norridge on May 4. Stocchetti was safe. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Vince Vlchek of Harwood Heights, manager of the Orioles Little League baseball team, throws up two whiffle balls and then calls out the color of the ball to hit during a drill before a game in Norridge. This drill helps players with their swing and hand-eye coordination. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Frank Stec, 12, of Norridge pitched for the Orioles Little League team during a game against the Pirates in Norridge on May 4. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Nikko Lorusso (left), 12, of Norridge hugs Orioles teammate Shane Plesha, 11, after Plesha scored for the team during a Little League game against the Pirates on May 4 in Norridge. Pirates won 14-2. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Pirate catcher Joey Krasinski stares down an Orioles player leading off of third base during a Little League game in Norridge on May 4. Pirates won 14-2. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Keith Cullen, 12, of Chicago puts on the catcher's gear during a recent game in Norridge. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media