Vrdolyak Law Group Supports Memorial High School Baseball Tournament for Deceased Teen Athlete

CHICAGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vrdolyak Law Group is proud to be the title sponsor for the 1st Annual Steven M. Bajenski Memorial Baseball Tournament, May 17th - 19th, 2012.  The tournament is in the memory of Steven "Stevie" M. Bajenski, a courageous high school athlete and scholar, who died on August 28, 2009 at the age of 17 due to complications from a heart defect.  Proceeds will help benefit the Do It Stevie's Way Foundation that provides academic scholarships to young men who excel in the classroom and on the athletic field, and supports Ronald McDonald House, ALS, Ambassador 2 Ambassador Leadership, Illinois Sparks Scholarship and the Mount Carmel High School Scholarship.

The tournament pits eight of Chicagoland's finest high school baseball programs in a round robin tourney culminating in a Champion Game played on May 19th at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, Illinois. Teams competing in this year's tournament include: New Trier, Providence Catholic, Mount Carmel, Marion Catholic, Oak Park - River Forrest High School, St. Laurence, Oak Lawn and St. Rita.

"Vrdolyak Law Group is very proud to sponsor Stevie's tournament.  He inspires us still to this day.  We all really miss him," said Peter Vrdolyak, Partner, Vrdolyak Law Group.

Stevie was born with an abnormal aortic valve. At just 10 weeks old, Stevie had to undergo open heart surgery.  During grammar school, Stevie developed a strong love of athletics. Despite his condition and being smaller in physical stature, Stevie was determined to be a competitor. Basketball, football and baseball were his sports. He worked hard to achieve what came easily to other boys.  He knew that if he could master the fundamentals and out-perform everyone on a daily basis, he could be a good athlete. 

In 7th grade, Stevie's character was tested again when he was diagnosed with a narrowing of the valve.  He had to give up both basketball and football. Rather than sitting around and feeling sorry for himself, Stevie saw this as an opportunity to excel in the game that he truly loved: baseball.  Stevie became a student of the game, a player that was easy to coach and eager to learn.

Stevie played for Mount Carmel High School.  He earned the starting 2nd baseman position as a junior on a highly ranked team.   Academically, he ranked number 4 out of a class of 200 with a 4.7 GPA.

In the summer before his senior year at Mount Carmel, Stevie had to undergo a second open-heart procedure. Due to complications, Stevie died. He was only 17 years of age. 

For more information to donate or purchase souvenirs, please visit http://DoItSteviesWay219.com

The Vrdolyak Law Group – founded in 1963, has grown into a well-known law firm recognized as a premier personal injury, medical malpractice and workers' compensation law firm, with a team of attorneys experienced in a wide range of other practice areas. The firm has three locations in Chicagoland, and is managed by Attorneys Edward J. Vrdolyak, Jr., John K. Vrdolyak, and Peter T. Vrdolyak. http://www.vrdolyak.com

SOURCE Vrdolyak Law Group