SJ Orgs: CHELL

Founded in 1962, the Cherry Hill Eastern Little League (CHELL) provides Cherry Hill-area youth with a chance to participate in an exciting program that parallels the major leagues. Beginning with only 4 teams and a field made of dirt from I-295 construction, league volunteers and corporate sponsors helped the program grow into an exciting facility equipped with a large snack bar, uniforms, and equipment.

With the expansion of Cherry Hill Township, CHELL grew to accommodate all the children with an interest in playing baseball, even holding its first Mayor’s Cup Championship in the late 1970s. Throughout the 80s and 90s, CHELL made several renovations including electronic scoreboards, a separate field for T-ball participants, a batting cage, three more fields and a 2-story indoor facility. CHELL has now grown to an enrollment of nearly 300 boys and girls who partake in this positive program for fun and physical well-being.

An innovator in bringing little league to area youth, CHELL began construction in April on South Jersey’s only indoor practice facility. CHELL will build 4,500 square feet onto the existing building and the facility is expected to be operational this September.

CHELL consists of five leagues each set up with five to ten teams divided into age levels. The Major League is for ages 9 to 12 and is the top team of little league. Players are evaluated and drafted into this competitive league. Kids are taught to master the game and develop several skills and strategies. The Cactus League is also for kids 9 to 12 years old. The league gives players the chance to play in the Major atmosphere while remaining at their appropriate skill level. Students develop their skills and competitive levels while coaches begin strategizing the game.

The Triple A League is for 8 and 9 year olds and focuses mainly on teaching batters and pitchers how to play a competitive game. The Triple A level focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the game. The Double A League is for 7 and 8 year olds and is a step ahead of the basic level of baseball. Coaches pitch instead of students, teaching kids to hit a pitched ball without an inexperienced child throwing. Regulation rules apply but are not strictly enforced. The T’Ball League is for ages 5 and 6 and is an entry level to baseball and softball. Kids take turns hitting the ball off a batting tee. The program also has the Challenger Division, which provides mentally and physically challenged kids with an opportunity to participate in the game of baseball. There are also girl’s softball leagues divided into juniors, majors and minors.

CHELL recently began its pre-season games gearing up for the opening day ceremonies on Sunday April 27th from 1pm to 4pm. Some highlights of the pre-season include:

On April 15th, the Cubs defeated the O’s 6 to 1 with outstanding defensive plays from Mike Giampetro and Nick Fabritiis. On April 14th, the Marlins defeated the A’s 14 to 0. Outstanding plays from the Marlins included Chuck Lagrossa's great catch in left field, Roberto Otero with 4 shutout innings, Mike Sadowsky with 2-4 3Runs and 5RBIs and Corey Frazier with 2-3 3Runs and 2RBIs. On a winning streak, the Marlins defeated the Cubs 21 to 5 on April 13th. Joey Lagrossa and Sam Kenny achieved their first Major league hits. On April 13th the Sox defeated the Marlins 8 to 7. Patrick McEvoy came off the bench and hit an unbelievable ‘Texas League’ single to win the game. On April 12th the Cubs defeated the A’s 6 to 2. Highlights were players Joe Calogero and Joe Miller who combined to throw a two hitter and struck out 9. Also on April 12th, after clearing away the water that sunk the field just three hours earlier, the Sox defeated the O’s 7 to 5. Ryan Martin shined from the Sox with 6 innings of great pitching with 12 strikeouts and only one walk.

In addition to their exciting playing schedule, CHELL holds several activities for students and parents to participate including a Phillies night in July, the annual Chellapalooza Golf Tournament (date TBD), and the holiday and Saint Patty’s Day socials. Each event provides a fun and safe social activity for kids to enjoy with their teammates.

CHELL wants to continually provide a safe and fun atmosphere for kids to enjoy baseball, but they cannot do it alone. CHELL needs individual donations to accompany their corporate sponsorships. There are several different established sponsorship levels, from $10 to $300. At $300, this “Grand Slam” donation will earn the donor a space on a plaque for their name, and the donor will be honored at opening ceremonies. For more information on sponsorship packages, please contact (856) 428-7405 or email president@chellonline.org .

If you would like more information about CHELL, or your child is interested in joining this program, please contact (856) 428-7405 or visit their web site at www.chellonline.org. The CHELL facility is located at 14 Massachusetts Avenue in Cherry Hill.

For more on local Organizations, visit our South Jersey Organizations page.

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Author: Melissa Samuelson