Research Park Softball League: Caterpillar wins championship in dramatic finish

The Research Park Softball League concluded with a memorable championship game on Monday, July 29. After a season of spirited competition and camaraderie among the 149 participants, the Champaign Caterpillar Innovation Center team emerged victorious in the tournament-style bracket, featuring six teams.

This year’s final match was nothing short of spectacular. In a remarkable display of perseverance, the Caterpillar team was down 9-2 in the second inning. However, they staged a comeback, ending with a walk-off three-run homer from Alex Brockcamp.

Brockcamp’s game-winning hit secured their victory and provided them with a full-season winning streak, having not lost a single game throughout the season. The final score reflected their hard-fought effort and earned them the championship title, making this win especially notable just before their 25th-anniversary celebration.

The league’s growth and success in fostering a strong sense of community among participants from various companies were evident throughout the season. All teams’ dedication and hard work were commendable; each team displayed exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and determination, making every game an exciting contest.

“The Research Park softball league is an excellent opportunity to build camaraderie between full-time and student employees alike,” said John Deere Technology Innovation Center‘s James Kabbes, the 2024 softball league commissioner. “I love seeing employees learn the rules for the first time, practice with their teammates, and compete in friendly games against other companies in the park.”

Special thank you to all the companies who participated in the Softball League:

• • • AGCO Acceleration Center
    • Bayer Crop Science
    • Champaign Caterpillar Innovation Center
    • Electric Power Engineers Center for Energy Innovation
    • EarthSense
    • EnterpriseWorks
    • John Deere Technology Innovation Center
    • Littelfuse
    • Motorola Solutions
    • MS Bioanalytical 
    • Rivian
    • SeriesFarm 
    • State Farm Research and Development Center 
    • Synchrony Emerging Technology Center
    • University of Illinois Research Park
    • U. of I. Community Credit Union
    • U. of I. Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation