By JENNIFER JOHNSON jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com June 12, 2012 1:28PM

Park Ridge Baseball coach Mike Cristiano talks with his son, Antonio, between innings during a June 2 game at Southwest Park. | Jerry Daliege~For Sun-Times Media

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Updated: June 12, 2012 6:38PM

Mike Cristiano and Mike Passaneau grew up hitting curveballs as players with the Park Ridge Baseball organization.

Today they are still present on the ball field only this time theyre the ones coaching the game.

While their sons attempt to hit some out of the park, the men are the ones teaching them the techniques to accomplish it, while scoring a host of other benefits in return.

Its a great way to spend time with my boys and their friends, Cristiano, a Niles resident, says of coaching his sons Antonio, 14, and Nicholas, 11.

A coach for two Park Ridge Baseball teams and manager of a third, Cristiano got his start as a player in 1976 at the age of 6 years old. He played for 10 years before joining the Maine East High School baseball team and then, several years ago, got back into the game when his oldest son expressed a desire to play.

One of the best things the program has done for Cristiano and his boys is introduce them to new friends.

See more here:
Park Ridge, Niles coaching dads teach life’s lessons through fave pastime