It was the battle of local trade.
Fog rolled over Howard Park as “Sirius” (the iconic Chicago Bulls intro music) brought energy to the stands. Although it was only before the game, this showdown between the cities already reached an intensity that rivaled the August sun.
The bond between friends, coworkers and local business owners Katie Degen and Leah Bostrom was put to the test when Bostrom’s Chia Leah coworkers challenged Degen’s Central Station Coffee and Tea team to a softball game.
Well… not really.
It was great fun on Sunday, August 12, at Howard Park in Wilmette during the very friendly competition to conclude a successful summer for both companies.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE COMPETITION
“It’s about community,” Bostrom said. “Both of our small businesses are built around community, so this is the best way to end the summer, especially for all of our amazing teenagers going back to school.”
In a relaxed atmosphere, the teams pulled out all the stops before the game. A fog machine, exciting music and stadium announcer Charles Curren welcomed the players onto the pitch.
Wilmette pride was also evident. The guest list included prominent figures, including village president Senta Plunkett, who threw out the first pitch, and well-known musician Chris Karabas, who sang the national anthem.
From the first inning, the well-coached Central Station found its rhythm. James Karabas, a former baseball player from New Trier who is now a barista, helped his team to a clear lead.
“I think we played fantastic and I think everyone had fun,” he said.
During the first inning, Central Station consistently circled the bases. Another factor in the team’s early success was their pitcher, The recording Joe Coughlin. After two tough first innings, Chia Leah made it in the third inning.
Coach Karabas called Degen his most valuable player, saying they “couldn’t have done it without her.” An unsung hero for Central Station was Degen’s son Bobby, 6, who served as both an instinctive hitter and a dangerous slugger. But let’s not forget Bea Degen, who had several hits that afternoon.
Chia Leah’s team regained its harmony when Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” jolted the field, then, with the help of coach Maria “Problem” Konosky, the team made an improbable comeback.
Of her coaching strategy, Konosky said, “One punch at a time and believe in it, like Ted Lasso,” pointing to a yellow Ted Lasso-style piece of paper attached to the backstop with the word “believe” written on it.
By the end of the game, Chia Leah’s team had made up for the innings they lost earlier. Although no one kept score, the game was a real nail-biter. Degen described the event as a win-win not only for the two companies, but also for the community.
After the game, Degan and Bostrom hugged and left everything on the field. The two teams met for a much-needed post-game meal at local business Pizza By Sal.
“I’ve never been involved in anything like this,” said James Karabas. “The fact that Wilmette can come together as a community like this is pretty crazy. I’m grateful to be here and to be part of this community.”
Plans for a second round are already in the works.
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