The team ended its incredible ride as World Series champions with a 9-2 victory over Mexico on Saturday Aug. 16 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
It was a perfect summer for the Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 14U All-Star team.
The team ended its incredible ride as World Series champions with a 9-2 victory over Mexico on Saturday Aug. 16 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Building an early 3-2 lead and wiggling out of potential trouble with strong pitching and defense, the Babe Ruth team erupted for five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win going away.
The team went 7-0 in the 15-team World Series, outscoring opponents 57-9. Overall, the team finished state, regional and World Series play at 17-0, scoring 108 runs and allowing 17. Prior to the World Series, manager Bruce Williams said, "it's one of the best teams I have been part of.
"Now we just need to go out and prove it."
And they did.
Team proves its the best in its Babe Ruth age bracket
Multiple local players were recognized for their outstanding play in the World Series.
Liam LaFuria received Player of the Game honors against Mexico. Canaan Volpe was named Tournament MVP and to the Offensive Team. Braydon Grice was also named to the Offensive Team and Bryce Ravenel to the Defensive team.
“It feels amazing to win it all," catcher Hunter Cosper said.
"We have worked so hard all summer to get here. The hard work paid off. I’m so glad we get to call ourselves World Series Champions. This team just works well and flows so easily together. Everyone is a good teammate and every player on this team deserves this moment. It feels really good to go undefeated this summer."
"It was a great ride. It really is a special team."
Many players on the Babe Ruth team were on last year's 13U All-Star team that placed second in that age bracket's World Series. The team has now captured six World Series championships across the 13-15 age brackets, starting with the 15U team in 1984 that featured future Major League Baseball players Dean Palmer and Reggie Jefferson.
"It feels great," said Tucker Yeary, who started and earned the win over Mexico. "The players on this team make it special because we have the best group and it showed."
"It was a perfect ride!"
Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 14U All-Stars
Players: Fisher Stewart, Blaise Latimer, Bryce Ravenel, RJ Watson, Lucas Kane, Wiley Barfield, Brycen Parker, Liam LaFuria, Tyler Wilson, Tucker Yeary, Canaan Volpe, Brayden Grice, Hunter Cosper, Will Lizotte. Coaches: Bruce Williams (manager), Paul Mauck, Taylor Mauck.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 14U All-Stars clinch World Series title
Category: General Sports
