Cougars: Happy Win and Sad Loss

The Cougars trounced the boys from Valley Lodge last night, 13-8.

It was quite a game with 14 Cougars at the park. Philthy, sitting on the sidelines with a pulled hammy, also injured his right hand coloring in the scorebook with all our runs. It was fantastic to see Hogs make his first appearance of the year and while he wasn’t wearing green (Dan!), he was as handsome as ever.

We had 12 players in the game and the Cougars were led by Diamond Dave arcing balls from the mound that dropped from the heavenly skies.

Our opponent got three runs on us in the first inning. We did not let that bring us down. In the bottom of the first, the Cougars came out with a barrage of hits and scored eight runs while batting around the entire lineup.

The game was really won in that inning as each team traded five runs over the next six innings. Our defense was solid and we minimized our mistakes.

It was a hard fought victory and we swept the season series against Valley Lodge while bringing our record back to .500.

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The talk at the field last night for many of us was the way-too-soon passing of Mikey. Mikey was an opponent for many years in our early days. In later years, before he moved to Texas, he would come to the field and watch all the games.

In fact, he came out to Howard Park a few weeks ago when he was in town. Mikey was sporting a magnificent ten-gallon cowboy hat. As you would expect, he was as sweet and enthusiastic as ever.

As his memorial reads below, Mikey was a fixture at two other Wilmette institutions: Roemer Park and Wilmette Eagles Football. It was always good to see him enjoying sports as a player, spectator or coach.

While I did not have a deep relationship with him, every time I was with Mikey it was a pleasingly positive experience. He would greet me with a giant smile and a man hug and we would catch up on his latest comings and goings and the activities of the day.

In the end, it is not about softball. It is about the relationships we create and the memories we hold. I cherish our Tuesday nights on and off the diamond and am fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful teammates, families, and neighbors.

Mikey’s family wrote a perfect tribute and it is printed here in its entirety.

Farewell and Godspeed my friend.

Michael James Mensching, age 36, suddenly, was called home to the Lord sometime during the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 31st. Born on November 21st 1980 to his parents Martha and James Mensching. Devoted little brother to sister Nicole Carney, older brother to Katie Lynn, James (Brenda) Mensching. Cherished by his nephews Ryan, Griffin, and Crew Carney. Wesley and Emmett Mensching, nieces, Ava King and Skyler Mensching, and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Preceeded in death by Grandma Susie Mensching, Grandmother Edith O'Malley, and Uncle James Manusos.

Michael lived each and every day of his life to the fullest. Always full of enthusiasm, his genuine spirit, a true testament of selflessness that so many were touched and blessed by knowing him. His kindness and love for his family, his friends, animals, and strangers was unlike any other. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Michael always had a smile on his face. It was contagious and would light up the room. He knew no negative in this world, he lived freely doing the things he loved passionately and without fear. He was the epitome of positivity, kindness and all that is pure and good in a person. He has set a high standard that all can learn from, how to live our lives to be happier and better people to ourselves and to one another. We truly believe Mike was sent to us from God to spread his love here on earth and now God called him home, and we will not disappoint him by ever forgetting all the good that he brought to our lives.

Michael graduated New Trier High School in 1999, where he participated in Special Olympics, wrestling and played on the varsity football team. Growing up he played baseball with Wilmette Baseball association. Mike spent countless summers hanging out at Roemer baseball park. Michael was so proud of his coaching of Wilmette Youth Football. He was a champion bowler, and he loved to golf. The day before he passed, he shot his best round ever, 88. He was so proud of himself. Every Tuesday night Mike would take a LYFT by himself to Grapevine, TX to sing Karaoke. Mike was an avid Green Bay Packers, CUBS, and Northwestern Wildcats Fan. Mike loved all animals and lovingly took care of many pets.

In Lieu of Flowers; a memorial "Michael's Angel Fund" will be set up at North Shore Community Bank and Trust Glencoe, IL, which will benefit many causes Michael cared deeply about: scholarship, animals, Special Olympics, and more. The family will be setting up a memorial legacy website with updates.

Funeral from Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St. Morton Grove Wednesday 9:15 a.m. To St. Joseph Church 1747 Lake Ave. Wilmette, IL; Mass 10 a.m. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, June 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with prayer service at 7:15 p.m. (847) 965-2500

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Game Video

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