So what is happening with the Schaumburg Sluggers n/k/a IL Sluggers? Every year they have less and less teams. I'm hearing whispers that the organization may be no more. Has anyone else heard this? I do not see any postings for tryout information so it makes sense.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Schaumburg Athletic Associatio on June 10, 2026, 8:48 pm, in reply to "Sluggers"
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Schaumburg Athletic Associatio on June 10, 2026, 8:42 pm, in reply to "Sluggers"
The Sluggers still exist and are healthy. We have plans to field 7 teams this year and are currently working out details to obtain Olympic Park as its home field.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Jeanne Kolodziej on June 2, 2026, 8:36 pm, in reply to "Sluggers"
Not surprised. Dan you were complicit in all the demise of the sluggers organization. You sat idly by, self serving while Mike Maciejewski single handedly ruined the entire reputation of sluggers. You do not get to take the high ground here. You are only responsible for coaching your daughters. Aka daddy ball. I’m so sorry to hear that an organization that I had hope for was ruined by a couple of people unwilling to ever see the org as a whole and only saw their front door. Do not feel like it will be any different than daddy ball with Dan Long or sluggers. It’s a total shame. SAA was never the problem you and mike maciejewski were. Shame on you Dan Long for even trying to play the victim.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Dan Long on June 3, 2026, 9:49 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Jeanne,
I am sorry you feel that way.
I understand that you are related to the President of SAA, but if you were to call him directly, I believe you would find that nothing I said was inaccurate or misleading. And this is not his fault. Most of this happened well before he became President.
As for the issues you had with Mike years ago, I was simply a team manager at that time and was not involved in those matters. Outside of you trying to have Mike removed from the organization I do not even know the details of what occurred between you and Mike because I was so far removed from the situation.
I do recall you lurking in the corner of several Slugger board meetings taking copious notes. I am assuming that was to attempt to build a case against Mike or make him feel uncomfortable. I found it odd and weird to say the least. And you know what I don't have to deal with not being a part of SAA? Parents playing politics/games and causing problems like what happened back then.
You have been so far removed from the organization for so many years I really do not know how you can intelligently form an opinion on this, but still wish you the best.
Dan
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Swiatkowski on June 5, 2026, 3:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Jeanne Kolodziej was a board member. She held the Secretary position. Taking notes was literally her job.
Good luck Dan I wish for the best for your daughters.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Dan Long on June 2, 2026, 11:52 am, in reply to "Sluggers"
I have served as Program Head of the Sluggers since 2020. I stepped into the role when my predecessor left abruptly in the middle of his term. Had no one stepped forward at that time, the program likely would have ceased operations altogether.
The Sluggers have a proud and storied history, but when I inherited the program, it had virtually no cash reserves, was carrying significant debt and had some really bad teams that deteriorated and confused how we were perceived in the market. Over the years, we worked diligently to stabilize the organization, eliminate those financial burdens, and navigate an increasingly challenging cost environment.
The Sluggers have operated under the SAA umbrella, a non-profit youth sports organization based in Schaumburg. While SAA is not affiliated with the Schaumburg Park District, it has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Park District regarding field access and usage. The Sluggers are one of roughly a dozen sports programs that operate within the SAA structure.
My role has always been a completely unpaid volunteer position. I have been fortunate to build a successful business that has allowed me the flexibility to dedicate significant time, money and resources to giving back through youth sports.
Over the last decade, the relationship between the Sluggers and SAA became increasingly one-sided. Despite facing numerous challenges, we continued to find ways to overcome them, including covering the substantial costs associated with operating a year-round training facility. In order to sustain that facility, we were often forced to make difficult decisions regarding team and coach additions simply to maintain enough participation to support the overall program or improve residency pressure.
Contrary to some of the narratives being circulated, the Sluggers have not operated with only four teams for the 15 years I have been involved. For many years, six teams has been the consistent benchmark, with fluctuations above that number depending on participation levels and coaching availability.
A major turning point occurred when residency requirements and policy changes from SAA and the Park District resulted in our field costs increasing exponentially under the most recent contract. Those increases effectively eliminated our ability to profitably host tournaments, which had historically been one of the primary revenue streams used to subsidize the training center. Losing that revenue source through no fault of our own placed tremendous financial pressure on the organization and forced us to continually seek alternative ways to support the facility.
What was once a volunteer role gradually evolved into a 30-to-50-hour-per-week commitment. Quite frankly, very few people are willing or able to dedicate that level of time while balancing careers and family responsibilities.
The reality is that operating a facility-based softball organization has become increasingly difficult in today's Illinois, Indiana, and Midwest market. There is an unavoidable conflict between building and maintaining elite teams while also covering the costs of a high-quality training facility. Those two objectives often pull in opposite directions.
Likewise, I do not believe the current franchise trend is a long-term solution. Many organizations that transition to franchise models either shut down or move to a different franchise within a year or two. In my opinion, the model is difficult to sustain because no franchisor can realistically satisfy the recruiting expectations of hundreds of athletes or secure premium tournament access for every team in their system. For those reasons, I have always questioned the long-term viability of the franchise approach, which is why we chose not to pursue it.
Looking ahead, I believe there will be a significant leadership void in Chicagoland travel softball. Many of the most respected organization leaders are now in their late 60s and 70s. As those individuals begin stepping away from the sport, a new generation of leaders will need to emerge. For those who are prepared and positioned properly, I believe that creates a tremendous opportunity.
With all that in mind, I have informed SAA leadership that I will not seek another term once my current term concludes after this season. Instead, I will be launching my own independent organization, Sluggers National Fastpitch, with a focus on national-level competition, high-level player development, and college recruiting preparation.
Our initial goal is to field three to four highly competitive teams rather than pursue growth for the sake of growth. Currently, we have established 16U, 12U, and 10U teams, all supported by experienced and talented coaching staffs who share a commitment to developing athletes both on and off the field.
To those who choose to criticize my tenure, I would simply ask them to consider the totality of the last 20 years. I have invested an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and personal resources into supporting female youth athletics. The overwhelming majority of players and families who came through our program had positive experiences, including many who eventually chose different paths.
Throughout my coaching career, I have taken a firm stance when it came to behavior that negatively impacted team culture. I have never hesitated to address situations involving players or parents who placed individual interests above the team. I have no regrets about that approach. I have always believed that culture, accountability, and personal development are the priority and are actually a means to winning at a high level.
The accomplishments I am most proud of are not championships or trophies and we have had many over the years. They are the young women who have gone on to become successful students, college athletes, professionals, leaders, and exceptional human beings. Softball was simply the vehicle that helped prepare them for life.
I have a deep passion for coaching. While I am certainly not perfect, I have devoted much of my life to helping young athletes grow both as players and as people. Some stayed with me throughout their journey, while others moved on. Regardless of where their paths led, I believe the impact of those experiences speaks for itself.
I may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that can be said about most organization leaders and high-level coaches. Leadership often requires difficult decisions, uncomfortable conversations, and a willingness to stand by your principles. Looking back, I am proud of the work we accomplished, the athletes we developed, and the foundation that was built for our athletes futures.
My new Organization is launching and if you would like to contact me with any questions, you can either post anonymously on a board full of misinformation or you can call me direct at 630-464-3700.
This is the greatest time of year with the culmination of a great College Softball Season and I must say I am routing for Texas Tech due to the Illinois and Gerry G. connection. Hope everyone else enjoys the final Series as much as I plan to.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Parent on June 9, 2026, 9:39 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
So, is this team divorced from SAA? Or still connected with SAA, perhaps using Sluggers as a feeder?
Will you have your own winter facility?
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Schaumburg Athletic Associatio on June 10, 2026, 9:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Sluggers National Fastpitch IS NOT part of Schaumburg Athletic Association or the Sluggers other then by stealing their name and Facebook page
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Jeanne Kolodziej on June 10, 2026, 8:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Dan on June 3, 2026, 1:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Regarding residency requirements, I can see both sides. While SAA and SPD don't want to be seen as a subsidy to teams filled with players outside of Schaumburg, the reality is different. No complete (good) travel team can consist solely on residents (not to say there aren't good players here), but the reality is, a good team will need to pull from multiple cities. (Just ask Roselle)
It really is a shame that the Sluggers and SAA/SPD can't play nicely. Olympic is a great venue for tournaments (I've watched games @ Hobart!) There really is a void here, but not lack of talent. The biggest void is an indoor winter workout area. I know you know all this.
Best of luck. I'd love to know more about your plans and wish you well. Go TT. Pay them girls!
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Schaumburg Athletic Associatio on June 10, 2026, 9:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
SAA and SPD are currently working together rather well on making Olympic Park a home for the Sluggers.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Dan on June 3, 2026, 1:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Created a whole AI word vomit to push a exciting new "national" org coming soon....
Re: Sluggers
Posted by BoardAdmin on June 3, 2026, 1:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
This is one of those lightning rod topics that has a lot of negative posts from just a few people. Ask a question, then answer it yourself.
I get it, you had a bad Sluggers experience and want to post ad nauseam about it. Doesn't warrant the discussion; he's moving on, so should you. I'm not going to post the same stuff over and over.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Outsider on June 10, 2026, 9:44 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Agreed. DL's sluggers doesn't deserve a moment more of our collective time.
Honest question, is he really moving on? I mean he's keeping the sluggers name. I feel like keeping the sluggers name is "riding the coat tails" to some sort of clout.
This is like a woman filing fo divorce, but keeping her husband's last name? Keeping the name because she thinks it opens more doors for her.
I feel it's just going to dilute opinion of the sluggers even more.
No I don't have anything to do with the team.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @BoardAdmin on June 3, 2026, 3:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Love the transparency lets get a weekly report of the denials going.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Tyler D on June 3, 2026, 2:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Saying "he's moving on, so should you" misses the point of a community board. Families rely on shared, authentic experiences—both positive and negative—to protect their kids and their wallets from known red flags. As long as posts don't cross the line into personal attacks on family or children, suppressing negative feedback about a coach or organization doesn't create a "positive space," it just creates an uninformed one.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Tyler D on June 3, 2026, 2:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
One person, remember, unless you take the time to mask your IP address, doesn't make a community. You'll notice Jeanne Kolodziej posted a negative response that came through and was answered, but having one person trash a reputation doesn't seem like a "positive space" either.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by YT on June 2, 2026, 4:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
oh good another 'national' organization....
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Dan Long on June 2, 2026, 3:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
My daughter played high school in the northwest suburbs and there always seemed to be some well coached, talent athletes from your organization. We appreciate the time and effort you've put in over the years.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Reality on June 1, 2026, 10:15 am, in reply to "Sluggers"
They used to have 11 teams as recently as 2020 and then kerplunk. Hard to stay afloat when you have to pay for your own space.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @Reality on June 1, 2026, 11:30 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
It's a shame if they're going downhill. They served a niche in the northern suburbs and had some good players come out of the program.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Frankie Colon on June 1, 2026, 8:44 am, in reply to "Sluggers"
They are an extension of the park district so they probably aren't going anywhere. That said, the issue is the goof running the org who coaches teams and has run a once large softball program down to four teams while milking municipal resources.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Jeevs on June 1, 2026, 8:36 am, in reply to "Sluggers"
You could just call and ask them maybe?
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Schaumburg Athletic Associatio on June 10, 2026, 9:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Schaumburg Sluggers are still here. To be clear we are not a extension of the Park District. We are a private non for profit 501C3 We have a partnership with Schaumburg Park District that allows us field usage all over Schaumburg including Olympic which has recently been turfed.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Coach on June 11, 2026, 12:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
I was just there recently, when did turn baseball / softball fields go in, I know they have soccer fields that are turf.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by @SAA on June 11, 2026, 9:46 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
It's a real shame PFG/Alliance tournaments aren't held there. It's always been a nice facility and the turf fields are great.
Instead, we get Hobart or similar.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Recruiting on June 1, 2026, 11:34 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
A major problem is nobody there has any interest in recruiting
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Lack of older players on June 1, 2026, 12:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
When you don’t have viable 16/18u teams it’s bound to happen.
They had a slew of D2/D3 signings a few years back - sure not D1 but a large group that moved on to play. Lost all that momentum.
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Joseph Mama on June 1, 2026, 12:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
Didn't they hire a recruiting coordinator a few years back?
Re: Sluggers
Posted by Joseph Papa on June 2, 2026, 11:28 am, in reply to "Re: Sluggers"
