(Photo: Facebook)
Whitestown, IN — August 7, 2025
The Clarendon Hills Little League team from Illinois claimed the 2025 Little League World Series Great Lakes Regional Championship, earning the right to represent the region at the Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania later this month. The regional final took place on August 6, 2025, at the Whitestown tournament site in Indiana.
Regional Championship Recap
Clarendon Hills defeated Hamilton West Side Little League (Ohio) 9–4 to secure the title. Standout performances included:
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Eli Martinez (shortstop): 3-for-4 with a home run, driving in multiple runs.
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Jackson Reid (pitcher): Struck out 8 batters over 4 innings, earning the win.
The team advanced through a competitive bracket featuring teams from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, finishing the regional tournament 3–1.
Regional Significance
The Great Lakes Regional Tournament is one of ten U.S. regions qualifying for the LLWS. Clarendon Hills’ victory continues Illinois’ strong tradition in youth baseball, adding to the state’s history of producing nationally competitive teams. Local fans and families celebrated the win, highlighting the excitement and pride the team brought to the region.
Tournament director Greg Thompson praised the players: “This team has shown exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship all week. Their hard work has earned them the right to represent the Great Lakes region in Williamsport.”
Looking Ahead to Williamsport
The 2025 LLWS begins August 13, 2025. Clarendon Hills’ LLWS performance included:
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August 13: Opening game loss to the Mountain Region team (Summerlin South, Nevada) 16–1.
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August 16: Victory over the Mid-Atlantic Region team, 3–2.
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August 17: Elimination following a loss to the West Region team.
Despite the early exit, Clarendon Hills’ run underscores the talent and competitive spirit of Great Lakes youth baseball and sets a high standard for future regional teams.