The Batter's Box

06/04/2026

Wonderful turnout today at our First Larry “Chico” Jackson Foundation Camp. This camp was free for all participants. We ended up having 70 kiddos from district 95 schools attend. We were also able to give gloves, cleats, and bats to those who didnt have any. Huge shoutout to Brian Matzenbacher on being the brains behind the operation. Also, thank you to the CCHS coaches and players from the baseball/softball team for helping volunteer. This is what it’s about.

PURPOSE > profit

05/12/2026

Free baseball/softball camp reminder for all district 95 students and those who will attend Carbondale Community High School. June 4th. This camp is for all students who just completed kindergarten through 5th grade in district 95. Even if your child has never played and you have no equipment, please send them. We want as many kiddos as we can, to build an interest in the game in some awesome kids. We currently have over 75 kids registered with 3 weeks until camp time. Again, this camp
Is free, but donations will be accepted in order to help buy equipment for those kids who may not get it elsewhere. If you have equipment yoid like to donate, we will get it where it neede to go and would be a huge help. 100% if donations will go to the Larry “Chico” Jackson Foundation. I am very excited for this opportunity. Hope to see all kids and parents there.

Any questions, email [email protected]

04/24/2026

I am excited to announce the first of many FREE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL camps for all Carbondale District 95 students who just completed Kindergarten-5th grade (25-26 school year). The camp will be directed by Garrett Elders and Brian Matzenbacher with the assistance of the high school baseball/softball programs. If your student attends District 95 or a feeder school, you are able to attend for free. Only students who WILL attend CCHS feeder schools can attend this camp. Donations will be accepted, but not required to attend. 100% of the donations received will go to the Larry “Chico” Jackson Foundation. This foundation was established to help build up baseball/softball within the Carbondale community through donations of equipment and other resources to bring the game to kids who may not get the same opportunities as other kiddos around Southern Illinois. This equipment will then be distributed to help build up the game of baseball amongst district 95 students. I am so very excited for this next chapter and being able to help bring the love of the game to some absolutely amazing kids with some very professional, like minded, adults.

PURPOSE > profit

Thank you,
Garrett Elders

09/03/2025

You have one more at bat left in your career, which bat are you choosing???

05/12/2025

Carterville baseball and softball are excited to host our 2025 summer kids camp on Monday and Tuesday, June 3 & 4, for upcoming 3rd through 8th graders. Please use the following link to register.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/QbkQDmAuVpgK4Vu3A

04/22/2025

03/24/2025

03/21/2025

03/12/2025

We’re here to answer all of your questions! Here’s some quick info for some of our frequently asked questions:

1. Kids from surrounding towns are welcome to sign up.
2. There is a payment plan option on our website where you pay $20 now, $30 on 3/15/25, and $30 on 4/15/25.
3. There is a multi-player discount for kids who live in the same home. 1st player full price of $80, 2nd player will be $60, 3+ players will be $40.
4. Pre-K will be co-ed tee ball, K/1 will be divided into softball and baseball and will use a “soft-toss” pitching machine and a tee, if needed.
5. World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser is optional, but we are offering some great prizes for top 3 sellers and you are entered into a drawing for each box you sell. This is to help us buy all new equipment and pitching machines.
6. Teams will be picked and practices will start the second week of April.
7. Games will start the second week of May and go until the first or second week of July.
8. There are 2 more in-person registration and candy bar pickup dates. You can turn in candy bar money and get additional boxes during this time also. (See dates below)
9. Final day to register (online or in-person) is March 25, 2025.
10. We are drawing for our awesome Cardinals tickets package on March 16. (see original post on our page to enter)

Something else you’re wondering about? Let us know in the comments or you can send us a DM.

03/09/2025

HYBL has a lot going on in the month of March! Here’s what you need to know:

•new scoreboards will be here soon-We are so excited about this!

•we are seeking donations of equipment, such as baseballs, softballs, catcher’s gear, bats, and tees

•team sponsors will need to email team logos for uniforms to [email protected] by March 30

•World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser is happening now, with first pickup being Sunday, March 9, from 5:30-7:30 at the Herrin Park Office next to the tennis courts-here’s the form to claim your box: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHZB_g_T4OevmqhZitRad4qiQ9EH9GUSs2lX1MFdg8GRrqlA/viewform?usp=dialog

•we have 3 more dates for in-person registration and candy bar pickups (see photo below)

•registration (both in-person and online) will close March 25-you can sign up on our website site at www.herrinyouthballleague.com

•HYBL allows players from any surrounding town