Mount Carmel honors 'Stevie' with win

Updated: April 25, 2011 6:22AM

Sometimes a story outside the field can make the outcome of a game seem predestined before the first pitch is thrown.

Celebrating the life of former teammate Stevie Bajenski, who died August 9, 2009, from complications from a heart procedure before his senior season, at the inaugural Do It Stevie's Way Challenge at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, Mount Carmel seemed to have destiny on its side versus Lincoln-Way Central.

"His passions are family, friends, Mount Carmel and baseball, so certainly he needs a Mount Carmel ‘W' in the last game to make this a perfect day," said Mark Bajenski, Stevie's father.

The day was more than just about a game, which Mount Carmel won 10-0 in six innings.

"We celebrated a great life that ended way too early," Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry said. "Stevie deserved this."

There were reminders of Bajenski everywhere in the ballpark.

Mark Bajenski spoke to all eight of the participating teams, reminding each player how important life is and to cherish every bit of it.

"Stevie's Way" merchandise was sold with all proceeds, along with those from ticket and concession sales, going to the Stevie's Way foundation. The foundation will provide a scholarship for a senior baseball player from Mount Carmel, financial assistance for a student chosen for the People to People Ambassador Program, the Illinois Sparks Stevie Memorial Scholarship and Ronald McDonald House.

One player from each team received a plaque for exemplifying the hustle and drive Bajenski possessed and balloons were released before the final game to honor his legacy.

Most importantly, the game Stevie loved with the teammates and friends he loved was played.

"He loved the game of baseball maybe even more than life itself," Mark Bajenski said. "The fact we got eight teams of his friends and fellow teammates playing together on a day for him; I don't think it can get better than that."

"I think Stevie's smiling."

Especially after the Caravan took care of business against the Knights.

Sam Kint had an RBI single in the first and a sacrifice fly in the fifth, Tom Hayes had a RBI single in the third, Jerry Houston had a two-RBI single in the fourth, Chris Sujka had a two-run homer and Tyler Laurisch had a RBI double in the sixth for the Caravan.

John Kravetz (5-0) was dominant on the mound for Mount Carmel (15-1), throwing a three-hitter and striking out eight.

"Stevie was in our minds and we wanted to come out here and play extra hard," Kravetz. "It was a special day for everyone."

Lincoln-Way Central fell to 8-7-1 overall.

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