Crosstown Rookie Camp
Join us for a 6-week baseball skills program for boys and girls ages 6–8. Each session features fun, engaging drills designed to build coordination, athleticism, and fundamental baseball skills in a fast-paced, confidence-building environment.
Players will work on proper movement patterns, throwing mechanics, fielding basics, and introductory hitting concepts, all taught through games and activities that keep young athletes energized, engaged, and excited to learn.
The program is led by former Major Leaguer Charlie Tilson and supported by the Crosstown Baseball staff, ensuring a low player-to-coach ratio and hands-on instruction. Our goal is to help young athletes fall in love with the game while building strong foundational habits that support long-term growth.
** Spots are limited to 12 players to maintain a high quality experience **
Event Registration
Event Details
Ages:
6 – 8
Date:
Winter Session Dates – Friday Nights:
Jan 30 • Feb 6 • Feb 13 • Feb 20
Spring Training Session Dates – Friday Nights:
Feb 27 • Mar 6 • Mar 13 • Mar 20 • Mar 27 • Apr 3
Time:
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Location:
Paw Athletics
3400 Milwaukee Ave
Glenview IL
Price:
$450 / 6 week Session
Camp Staff
Charlie Tilson
Charlie is a former Major League outfielder who played 11 professional seasons with the Cardinals, White Sox, Pirates, and Phillies. A second-round draft pick out of New Trier High School, he made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. Tilson posted a .288 career batting average, stole more than 150 bases and was named the top defensive outfielder in the Cardinals organization by Baseball America.
Brian Schlitter
A Chicago-area native and Maine South High School alum, Schlitter began his professional journey after being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007. He played in the MLB for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. Schlitter’s career also includes international experience with Japan’s Saitama Seibu Lions.
Christian Friedrich
Christian pitched in the big leagues for the Rockies and Padres. He grew up in Evanston and attended Loyola Academy before heading to Eastern Kentucky, where he starred on the mound. A first-round pick in 2008, he made his MLB debut in 2012 and tallied over 200 strikeouts. He later continued his pro career with a stint in Korea for the NC Dinos.
Kelsey Farmer
Kelsey Farmer, a New Trier standout and Division I pitcher at Lehigh University, helped the Mountain Hawks win multiple Patriot League titles and reach the NCAA tournament. She led all Patriot League student-athletes academically as a senior, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a double major in psychology and English. Now back on the North Shore coaching with the Trevians, Kelsey is known for the way she connects with young athletes and for her work in developing their hitting and pitching fundamentals, building confidence, and growing their love for the game.
Ryan Lidge
Ryan is a Barrington native and cousin of MLB All-Star Brad Lidge. A standout catcher at Notre Dame, he was drafted by the New York Yankees and went on to enjoy a successful professional career. In 2022, he earned All-Star honors with the Chicago Dogs, hitting .322 with 12 home runs and 80 RBIs. Recognized for his leadership, competitiveness, and mental toughness, Ryan now serves as a mental performance coach with Jim Fannin’s ZoneCoach®, where he helps athletes develop confidence, focus, and a championship mindset.
John Calarco
John is a member of the St. Pats Hall of Fame and played professional baseball in the Pioneer league for the Salt Lake City Trappers. He is a tremendous coach for players of all ages. The proud father of local legends Anthony and Alex Calarco (Starting Catcher at University of Maryland), John has spent a lifetime in baseball as player, parent, and coach.
Alex Calarco
Alex played at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Maryland, where he became a key contributor for the Terrapins. In 2025, he posted 19 home runs and a 1.044 OPS for the University of Maryland, establishing himself as one of the most productive hitters in the Big Ten.
Tony Livermore
Tony Livermore is an infielder from Chicago who starred at Northwestern University, where he made 49 starts at shortstop in 2024 and posted a .980 fielding percentage, committing just four errors in 200 chances. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School, Tony was a four-year captain in both baseball and football.
