2012 All Star Season
Settles for 2nd best Little League team in the world
Holy moly!
Goodlettsville falls to Japan in International World Series Game
Settles for 2nd best Little League team in the world
Goodlettsville Little League advances to U.S. Championship
Goodlettsville Little League team moves on in the World Series!
Defense by Goodlettsville catches ESPN's eye
Help support Little League Baseball in Goodlettsville!
Thank you to everyone who has donated!
What a great start to a day! After breakfast, most of the guys went to the game room. I was asked to come up to play a kid from another team in ping pong so I strolled up to the game room also. I didn’t get to play the player but I did witness one of the best moments of our stay here. ESPN came in with Nomar Garciaparra to film him playing ping pong versus a player from Africa. All the kids gathered around while the game was in action. The coolest thing was after the cameras left the building Nomar stayed around and played pretty much every player in the room who wanted to play. I was able to get several pictures of Nomar versus our players. Jonathan Seals got to play a doubles match with Nomar versus the team from the Great Lakes. The smiles on these kid’s faces said it all in my opinion. They will remember the day they played Nomar in ping pong long after these games have ended. I let him know how much it meant to the kids for him to take the extra time out of his schedule and he was gracious as ever. I will never forget myself. Go Red Sox! J
This evening I received an email from Coach Corbin from Vanderbilt which had a video attachment from the Vanderbilt University Baseball team. The message wished the guys good luck against Texas telling the guys to take Texas down and represent Tennessee. They were pumped to know the Vanderbilt guys were rooting them on.
Tomorrow is game day so we will hang out and relax until BP at 6:00est. The players will enter the stadium at 6:45est and begin to warm up at 7:20est. If the team wins tomorrow they will advance to the US championship game on Saturday.
Monday August, 20 Williamsport, PA
Today was a day for the players to get away from it all. The team went with their parents for the day before returning to the grove for a trip to see the Williamsport Cross Cutters “A” minor league baseball team play. Japan and Latin America also attended the game with us. The moment of the night was when we were all leaving and one of the Japan coaches accidentally went into the women’s bathroom to use the bathroom. The Japan kids went nuts with laughter. The players seem to have a good relationship with the team from Tokyo as they all interact well when they are together. The phone apps really help the guys communicate. What a wonderful time to be a kid!
Sunday August 19, 2012 Williamsport, PA
That’s all we have for now. Thanks again for all of the support as the kids are having the time of their lives!
Day 6 Williamsport, PA
Day 6 was all about getting away and enjoying the sites. The team practiced at 10:00 and was free to hang out with their parents the rest of the day. Brock Myers and Collin O’Berry were filmed by ESPN with a few Japanese players using their phones to speak to each other. They also had a mean game of doubles ping pong as well which looked pretty even. Later that evening, Collin O’Berry was interviewed by George Plaster of 102.5 which I have to say went pretty well. Collin isn’t one to shy away from a conversation. The players spent the rest of the day getting noticed in the crowd by the ladies which they all just hated. Yeah right!
Tomorrow will be another day of relaxation after practice and then it’s on to our second game versus California on Sunday.
Day 5 Williamsport, PA
From this point forward, all that is going on up here are the games. The team spent most of the day watching the other teams playing their games until it was time for pre-game BP. The Japan and Asia Pacific teams looked awesome as expected.
It has been fun to see the girls noticing the players in the crowd. They are definitely eating it all up. Small rock stars for a week.
The next two days will be pretty much be spent with the parents seeing the sights. I believe some are heading off to an amusement park after practice this morning while the rest will stay and watch games.
Brock Myers and Collin O’Berry are scheduled to meet with ESPN today at 12:30 to do a segment about communicating with the Japanese team through their translation apps on their phones. I tried it myself with the kid from Japan who was throwing the heaters telling him he pitched very well and he immediately responded with a bow and a smile saying thanks. It was so cool! That’s all for now; keep us in your prayers.
Tomorrow the games begin along with the opening ceremonies and parent meeting. It’s been a great ride and we are hoping to continue that ride for a while longer. Go Southeast!!
Day Three Williamsport, PA
Today has been a little slower for the guys as they have done almost everything needed before the games begin aside from the ESPN lineup where Justin Smith decided to speak in his British accent. Luke Brown and Collin O’Berry were selected by ESPN to do the building blocks segment which will be recorded tonight around 7:00 at Lamade Stadium. Unfortunately for me and the coaches we have another meeting with Little League officials at the same time so we will miss it. I’m pretty bummed about that. I believe Nomar Garciaparra is doing the segment.
I had a chance to watch Chinese Taipei practice today and they are good as I expected. I watched several launch some bombs an estimated 280 feet in batting practice. If they win Thursday and Japan wins Thursday those two will meet Sunday in the prime time game. That one will be epic. The kids got to speak to the Chinese team through their phone translators and the big kid for Japan said he throws 80 and their lefty throws 78. The big kid also said he had 60 homeruns this season to date. They are a really respectful bunch and a pleasure to be around.
The kids are presently in the swimming pool with the other teams and we have a meeting to attend so I’ll this now. Until tomorrow….
Williamsport, PA Day 2
Today the team met with Baseball Factory, a company that evaluates your swing, fielding, throwing and pitching through the use of video. The time with Baseball factory was also used to determine which Easton bat would be the best fit for them. Of course a few were recommended the Black and gold which is a -12 drop instead of a -10 and wanted to switch to the “Big hitter bat” the -10. Chihuahuas wanting to be Rottweiler’s….lol. The batting evaluation was first and we were told our team graded the highest among the teams that had been evaluated to date and that they were impressed with the player’s skill set with the bat. The team moved over to Lamade Stadium for the fielding and pitching portion of the evaluation which was an opportunity for me to get some really nice ground level pictures of the guys in action. The guys performed well in the defensive drills as well and looked comfortable inside the stadium.
Lunch was next followed by a 1 ½ hour practice where the guys got to try out their new bats. They were really impressed with the bats and I expect every player will be using them in the opening game. Today was also the first day the pool was open so the guys spent the rest of the day swimming and causing havoc as usual.
The coaches had their first formal meeting with Little League officials at 7:00 where the video challenge was covered. We were told what could and could not be challenged and were also offered advice not to listen to the fans on challenges since the video feeds they look at are not the same as what is shown on TV. After an hour of watching the paint dry we were let go to finish the evening with the kids. Brock Myers was interviewed by the Tennessean tonight for tomorrow’s edition and we were told that they have hired a photographer and writer to follow us through our journey through the tournament.
That’s about all for today. The kids are making friends and can’t wait to get going in three days.
I was told by Jen Colvin, the southeast region director that Warner Robins was big but compared to the fields at Williamsport, was very tiny. At the time I couldn’t wrap my brain around that thought considering that the southeast region complex is a sight to behold but as soon as we arrived around 9:30pm eastern time last night I understood every word. To see this place on TV is not doing it any justice because Lamade Stadium is Christmas on steroids for any twelve year old lucky enough to walk into the complex. The stadium is massive and the hill the kids slide down is twice the size of the southeast region site and much steeper. The volunteers that are basically guarding the “grove” 24 hours a day where we sleep say the kids pour cups and cups of water on the hill to add some speed to their decent. I am tempted to take the plunge myself because this hill looks really inviting.
Why Go Directly to Williamsport?
I was asked why we were sent straight to Williamsport after the regional game. There is so much going on every day preparing for the tournament that it would be impossible to start it on time if the teams were not brought in early. Today, the team was fitted with the southeast uniform; they were given Russell athletic sweat bands and other gear. They had to meet with Easton to get new cleats that will not be on the market as well as two sets of catchers gear for our two catchers, Easton helmets and of course the new Easton bats which are black and gold “go Vandy” and gold and black which they will test out tomorrow before selecting which one they want. These bats will hit the market in November. The team also had a combined 15 Louisville Slugger Attack bats and Demarini CF5 bats as well that are being used as team bats. These guys are being pampered like no other and are enjoying every minute!
There is another full day of events tomorrow and again on Wednesday as we approach our game Thursday night. I was told last night to expect 30,000 fans for our game versus Nebraska since we are the prime time game. That’s another one of those numbers I can’t wrap my brain around after playing in front of 10,000 against Georgia. Imagining a crowd three times larger than the southeast region championship game is mind boggling!
I will try to give a daily account each evening of what the team is doing if I have the time. The team appreciates all the outpouring of support from around middle Tennessee. We haven’t been home in almost two weeks now but are enjoying the ride. It brings tears to my eyes watching the TV news casts from back home on the internet. Thanks again for the support and Go Big Blue!!!
Way to go boys!
>
Twelve Year Old Southeast Region Warner Robins, GA
Goodlettsville 12’s Loose and Relaxed Leading up to Game Day
The Goodlettsville 12’s all-stars got their first look at the Southeast Regional field today during registration and were immediately impressed. Kids and parents alike were in complete wonder of the field, stadium and surrounding facilities making the tournament all the more exciting for all in attendance. Reporters from the local CBS television station interviewed Collin O’Berry and Cole Carter along with Manager Joey Hale and parent Brandee Lyle for the evening 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 news broadcasts which drew cat calls from the rest of the Goodlettsville team during the interview process. In all, the first day leading up to the first game tomorrow was lighthearted and full of anticipation. Goodlettsville opens tournament pool play versus great Falls, VA tomorrow at 4:00 EST.
2012 Eleven Year Old State Champs
Twelve year Old Southeast region Warner Robins, GA
August 8, 2012
Goodlettsville Team One Win From Little League World Series
Goodlettsville answered with a single run in the fourth and three runs in the fifth to secure the win.
August 6,2012
TENNESSEE ROLLS PAST SOUTH CAROLINA
Tennessee’s Luke Brown slides into home to score the team’s first run Monday against South Carolina.
By MICHAEL A. LOUGH — mlough@macon.com
WARNER ROBINS -- For the second straight game, South Carolina dug itself into an early hole.
This time, it was able to climb back out.
But not for long.
Tennessee watched South Carolina tie the game in the top of the third, but answered an inning later with 10 runs to take a 14-4 win Monday in the Little League Baseball Southeastern Regional Tournament.
Tennessee improved 2-1 in Pool A play and advanced to Wednesday’s semifinals. South Carolina dropped to 1-2 and into a consolation game Tuesday.
After two innings, a 10-run game didn’t seem improbable.
“We thought we had it at 4-0,” Tennessee manager Joey Hale said. “Man, they just got on a roll.”
South Carolina reeled off four hits in a row en route to tying it up at 4.
“They really weren’t down,” South Carolina manager John Ecton said of his team. “We were fine, we felt fine only four down.
“Once we came back, everybody’s good and pumped back up.”
South Carolina pitcher Jacquez Geter retained the momentum with an efficient bottom of the third, but his team’s offense again was quiet in the fourth. And then the same defensive and pitching issues that hurt South Carolina in Saturday’s 12-2 loss to Virginia re-emerged.
“Geter just petered out,” Ecton said. “He was going the distance. He just looked like he was getting a little tired, and he’d been through the lineup a couple times. They figured it out a little bit.”
Geter left after a walk, RBI double from Jake Rucker, groundout and walk, trailing 5-4. Relief pitchers Jake Benoit and Kyle Ecton then just couldn’t find the plate.
Benoit lasted three batters: a hit batter, walk and error, while Ecton came on and walked his first two batters, with a wild pitch and passed ball in the mix.
Jayson Brown eventually ended it early with a single to left, Tennessee scoring 10 runs on just three hits, aided by six walks.
“Just had problems,” John Ecton said of his bullpen. “Couldn’t find the zone. That’s what happens.”
.
WARNER ROBINS -- Opportunity knocked early and often offensively for Tennessee on Saturday.
The problem was, no one could seemingly unlock the door.
After stranding four runners -- including three in scoring position -- in the first two innings, a combination of players keyed a third-inning rally and Tennessee never looked back, defeating West Virginia 6-0 in Pool A play at the Little League Baseball Southeastern Regional Tournament.
“We finally caught some breaks,” Tennessee manager Joey Hale said. “We hit a few gappers. You have to find some holes to get runs.”
Myers reached on an infield single and scored Tennessee’s first run on third baseman Luke Brown’s triple. Jason Brown’s single drove in Luke Brown before Ryan Lyle reached on a fielder’s choice. Andrew Snyder came on to pinch run for Lyle, and Jonathan Seals reached on a hit before both were plated by catcher Cole Carter’s double for a 4-0 lead.
Luke Brown went 3-for-4, while Carter finished 2-for-2.
West Virginia (0-2) had trouble ending innings. Five of Tennessee’s six runs were scored with two outs.
Tennessee starting pitcher Jacob Rucker earned the victory, throwing 64 pitches. He struck out five, walked none and allowed four hits in 5-1/3 innings. It was the second consecutive strong outing for Tennessee’s pitching staff.
“We work really hard with our rotation,” Hale said. “They say defense wins championships. Well, in baseball, that starts on the mound.”
West Virginia’s Nathanael Thompson picked up the loss. He allowed seven hits, with a strikeout and a walk, in 2-2/3 innings.
Tennessee (1-1) added to its lead in the sixth inning on shortstop Brock Myers’ two-run home run. Myers went 2-for-3.
“We missed a sign,” West Virginia manager Carl Hoskinson said. “We threw him a fastball instead of a curve ball, and we paid for it.”
West Virginia, which managed just four hits in the game, has the least depth of any team in the tournament with just 10 players on the roster.
Shortstop David Akers was hit by a pitch in the lower right leg in the sixth inning and left the game. Hoskinson said Akers suffered a deep bruise and he expects him to return for the team’s next game Monday against Virginia.
Virginia turns the tables on Tennessee: August 3, 2012
By CHRIS DEIGHAN — sports@macon.com
WARNER ROBINS -- Familiarity doesn’t always breed contempt. Sometimes it breeds respect. Sometimes it breeds understanding.
Myers retired Novak on a ground out in the first inning, but the left-handed batter had a couple of good swings.
“I learned he had a good curve ball and that he liked to throw it after his fastball,” Novak said. “I hit the first home run off a curve ball.”
“We spend the majority of our practice time working on our defense. Cutoffs. Staying down on the ball,” Volpicelli said.
Myers was the tough-luck loser for Tennessee. He yielded just three hits while throwing a rare complete game. He threw 72 pitches.
August 1, 2012
Goodlettsville 11’s fall to Florida in Finals
The Goodlettsville Eleven year Old All-Stars were defeated by the Plant City, Florida all-stars 4-1 yesterday at Greenville, North Carolina’s Elm Street Park. In the previous contest, Goodlettsville had the better of it winning 5-2 but today was not their day as Florida scored early to take a 3-0 lead and never looked back en route to the championship. The victory for Florida gives Plant City back to back regional titles as they also won the Ten Year old regional last season which would make them one of the favorites heading into their twelve year old year next season. Goodlettsville knows they have what it takes to get to the next level as they were the only team to defeat Florida and will be motivated to be even better next season with a shot at Williamsport, PA on the line.
Jacob Seals wrapped up a stellar tournament getting another hit to finish 10-15 for the tournament while several other players had a strong tournament as well. Congratulations to the elevens on a great all-star season. Stay motivated because next season is the one that counts!
July 31. 2012
Eleven Year Old Southeast Region Greenville, NC
Goodlettsville 11’s Defeat Georgia, Advance to Finals
Hayden Layne took the mound for Goodlettsville in today’s critical semi-final game versus the always tough all-stars from Columbus, GA. Columbus won the Little League World Series a few years back and is known for great baseball so Layne’s task was significant. HT was up for the challenge as he scattered four hits over 5 2/3 innings allowing one run and striking out ten helping lead Goodlettsville to a huge 5-1 victory. The win puts Goodlettsville in the championship game for the second consecutive year. Goodlettsville will face the Plant City all-stars from the Tampa, FL area for a second time in the tournament. Goodlettsville defeated Plant City 5-2 on Sunday.
Offensively the team was led by Jacob Seals and Haven Mangrum who had two hits each. Jacob passed 2011 Goodlettsville all-star Jake Rucker on the all-time hits list for the tournament with his eighth and ninth hits. Rucker finished the 2011 tournament with eight. Also getting hits for Goodlettsville were Drew Robertson, Austin Mays, Christian Dixon and Drake Sanson. Sanson’s hit was a homerun to left center field that gave Goodlettsville their first run of the game.
Goodlettsville and Plant City will square off tomorrow at 6:00est for the title. Good luck to the guys and remember to be three outs better than we were last season. Bring Home The Gold!!!!
July 30, 2012
Eleven Year Old Southeast Region Greenville, NC
Goodlettsville 11’s fall to North Carolina, Advance to Semi-Finals as #3 Seed
Motivation…….Such is the worry for coaches when a team really has nothing to play for but the opposition does. That was the case tonight for Goodlettsville as they were guaranteed of advancing to the semi-finals but their opponent had to win to get in. North Carolina had that extra fire needed as they fought hard to earn a 7-2 victory over Goodlettsville in the final game of pool play. North Carolina will now play Virginia tomorrow morning with the winner advancing to play the #1 seed Florida while Goodlettsville will square off against the Columbus Northern all-stars from Columbus, GA.
Jacob Seals continues to shine for Goodlettsville at the plate gathering two more hits for the tournament to lead the team. Hunter Crawford, Joel Littlepage, Christian Dixon, Drew Robertson and Drake Sanson each had one in a losing effort.
As mentioned earlier, Goodlettsville plays GA at 4:00pm EST with the winner advancing to the finals. Good luck to the guys and bring home the gold!
July 29, 2012
Eleven Year Old Southeast Region Greenville, NC
Goodlettsville 11’s win again!
The Goodlettsville 11’s won another game in the 2012 Southeast Region for eleven year olds defeating the defending 2011 10 year old Southeast Region champions Plant City, FL from the Tampa Florida region, 5-2. Goodlettsville was the home team and took control early as they sent big Hunter Crawford to the mound. Crawford was dominant striking out the first six batters he faced allowing no runners to reach base before leaving the game at 35 pitches. The team took advantage of Crawford’s huge day on the mound scoring two runs in the first and two more in the second. By the time Plant City got their footing in the sixth inning scoring two runs, the score was 5-0 and Goodlettsville was cruising in the Bahamas sipping lemonade. The final score read Goodlettsville 5 Plant City 2 which means that Goodlettsville has reached the two win total needed to guarantee advancement to the semi-finals on Tuesday. Goodlettsville will be the number one seed if it wins its final game tonight and will play the number four seed.
Offensively Goodlettsville was led by Jacob, I’m still celebrating my birthday, Seals with two hits and a homerun and Hayden, I’m glad you had your birthday, Layne who had two hits as well. Alex Dillard and Seth Pentecost rounded out the hit total for Goodlettsville giving them six for the game. Be sure to go to the TOSC Greenville web site to follow the action live and support the guys.
July 28, 2012
Eleven Year Old Southeast Region Greenville, NC
Goodlettsville 11’s open tournament in impressive fashion
The Goodlettsville 11’s kicked things off in the eleven year old South East Regional tournament with a sound win over the Alabama all-stars from Auburn, AL. Goodlettsville fell behind early in the top of the first as Alabama plated two runs off of starter Daylen Powell but the team steadied the ship holding the opposition scoreless in the 2nd and 3rd before exploding for six runs in the bottom half of the third. Alabama responded with two runs in the top of the fourth but it was too little too late as Goodlettsville had found their mojo scoring three more runs over the next two innings to coast home with a 9-5 victory. Goodlettsville ended the game with eleven hits highlighted by birthday boy Jacob Seals three hit day. Joel Littlepage, Drew Robertson and Alex Dillard had two hits while Haven Mangrum and Seth Pentecost had one each. Goodlettsville will play Florida tomorrow at 1:30est which you can follow on the tournament web site. Google search TOSC Greenville to get the web site address.
July 27, 2012
Twelve Year Old State Tournament Murfreesboro, TN
Goodlettsville 12’s Punch Ticket to Warner Robbins
The Goodlettsville 12’s had easily the most difficult bracket in the 2012 State Tournament having to open play versus Columbia, a big and strong group that dismantled every team in its path in the tournament by scores in the double digits. Then they had to play Karns who was in the championship game versus Goodlettsville last season as eleven year olds. South Nashville and their big 5’10’ 170lb righty was next on the difficult road throwing 70mph cannons balls and to top it off was another date with Columbia in the finals. Columbia sent their solid lefty to the mound with the task of taking Goodlettsville down but the boys handled every challenge sent their way en route to the 2012 State Tournament title. The final score was the closest of any contest as Columbia proved why they deserved to be in the game falling by a score of 4-2. Another weapon Columbia had that no other team could match was a large and vocal contingent of fans that helped urge their team along.
And So It Begins
Offensively the team was led by Jake Rucker and Luke Brown who had two hits each and a homerun while Brock Meyers had one for the game.
Up Next
With the win Goodlettsville moves on to Warner Robbins, GA to take on the state champions from the Southeast Region. First on the plate, Friday, will be another foe from last season, the Great Falls Virginia all-stars from the Washington, D.C. area. Great Falls and Goodlettsville played two incredible games last season in the 2011 eleven year old Southeast Region with Goodlettsville winning both games 4-3 and 8-7. This will be yet another tough test for Goodlettsville in their journey as Great Falls will have some payback on their minds in that game. On Saturday, Goodlettsville faces the state champions from West Virginia and finish up pool play on Monday against the state champs from Irmo, South Carolina which was also in the eleven year old southeast region a year ago.
Respect due
July 26, 2012
Seven Year Old World Series Southaven, MS
Goodlettsville Seven Year Old All-Stars Advance to Final Four
The Goodlettsville seven year old all-stars advanced to the semi-finals after defeating the Gardendale Maroon 8-7 yesterday morning. The team then fell to the Canton Sting to fall to the third place game of the tournament. The team’s final game will be at 10:00 this morning. Congratulations to the team on a great run this all-star season.
Twelve Year Old State Tournament Murfreesboro, TN
Goodlettsville 12’s One Step Closer to Repeat Championship
The Goodlettsville Twelve Year Old All-Stars are one step closer to another state championship after defeating South Nashville 6-2 last night at Barfield-Crescent Park. Goodlettsville defeated another tough opponent in as many games as the gauntlet (toughest tournament draw) was laid before them to start the tournament and the gauntlet they have run. Tonight’s opponent, South Nashville, hails from district seven as well and normally wouldn’t be in the tournament due to its runner-up finish to Goodlettsville in the district finals but because district seven is hosting the state this year two teams advanced to the state level with both teams representing district seven proudly as the two remaining teams undefeated.
Goodlettsville was the home team and sent another strong pitcher to the mound in as many games. This time Justin Smith got the starting nod and was dominant through 4 1/3 innings before giving way to Ryan Lyle. Lyle came on and was just as dominant holding the opponents scoreless the rest of the way giving Goodlettsville the win by striking out the side in the final inning. Goodlettsville was steady on offense the entire game scoring at least one run in each inning steadily pulling away with each passing frame the end result a 6-2 victory.
13-14 Year Old State Tournament Clarksville, TN
Goodlettsville Falls to Greenville
The Goodlettsville 13-14 all-stars fell to Greenville 7-3 Tuesday night in state tournament action. Chase Waller led the team with two hits but it wasn’t enough as Greenville got the win. Goodlettsville turns its attention to the Johnson City All-Stars in a loser’s bracket game Wednesday.
13-14 Year Old State Tournament Clarksville, TN
Goodlettsville bounces back versus Johnson City 11-1
The Goodlettsville 13-14 All-Stars bounced back in impressive fashion last night defeating the Johnson City All-Stars 11-1 behind two big innings. Goodlettsville jumped out strong in the first with five big runs and followed that up in the fourth with six more to put the game out of reach. Terran Smith and Dalton Hall led the charge with two hits each keeping Goodlettsville in the running for the state crown.
July 24,2012
Seven Year Old World Series Southaven, MS
July 23, 2012
12 Year Old State Tournament Murfreesboro, TN
Goodlettsville 12’s Defeat Karns to Stay Unbeaten
Goodlettsville and Karns are beginning to start a healthy rivalry in state tournament play. Last season, as eleven year olds, these two teams met twice on the field and played two close games and this season they met again and another close game was the result.
Karns and Goodlettsville battled toe to toe for three and one half innings before anyone blinked. That team was Karns as Goodlettsville squeezed across one precious run in the bottom half of the third to take a 1-0 lead. The fourth inning was even better for Goodlettsville as four more runs crossed home highlighted by two blasts off the center field fence from Blake Osborne and Justin Smith. Jake Rucker and Brock Meyers also had big hits in the four run rally.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jake Rucker was steady holding the Karns batters off balance through five innings of work. Rucker finished his tour on the mound allowing two hits and striking out ten while allowing only one runner to reach third base. Justin Smith finished the sixth on the mound striking out the side giving Goodlettsville another huge win 6-0.
Offensively Blake Osborne had his second consecutive big game gathering two hits in as many at-bats while Jake Rucker, Brock Meyers, Jayson Brown, Luke Brown and Jonathan Seals had one.
The team now has tomorrow off and will play South Nashville Wednesday night at 8:00 in the winner’s bracket final. Both teams represent district 7 with Goodlettsville defeating South Nashville 8-0 in the district finals in early July but as has been the case, Goodlettsville expects a strong effort from South Nashville as they have handled themselves well in the tournament to date defeating three teams to earn the other winner’s bracket final spot.
12 Year Old State Tournament Murfreesboro, TN
Goodlettsville 12’s Survive Test from Columbia
A few weeks back Columbia and Goodlettsville squared off in the championship game of the South Nashville pre all-star tournament which went in favor of Goodlettsville 11-1 in four innings. Today, things were much different as Columbia was well prepared for what was to come. Trailing 3-0 entering the bottom of the third, Columbia’s bats awakened as the first two batters reached with singles followed by a hit batter loading the bases with no outs. Columbia took full advantage of the opening as their #3 batter belted a grand slam homerun to center field giving Columbia a 4-3 lead igniting the pro Columbia crowd. The smash put Goodlettsville in a position never experienced in post season play, a trailing position, after three innings but the boys responded as they did last season tying the score in the top half of the fourth. Blake Osborne reached with a single and Cole Carter reached on an error allowing Osborne to move to third setting up Seth Marlin’s huge first pitch single up the middle to tie the score at 4 apiece. Luke Brown took the mound in relief in the fourth and held the big Columbia hitters scoreless the final three innings. Goodlettsville finally got the bats going in the top of the sixth, scoring five runs off two homeruns giving Brown a 9-4 cushion to work the final half inning. Brown responded again sitting down the opposition in order to earn the win.
With the win, Goodlettsville moves on to play Karns tomorrow at 8:00. These two played in the eleven year old state championship game last season so emotions will be high in this one as well. Offensively Goodlettsville was led by Lorenzo Butler, Seth Marlin and Blake Osborne who each had two hits while Jake Rucker, Brock Meyers, Luke Brown and Cole Carter had one for a team total of ten.
11 Year Old State Tournament Lexington, TN
Goodlettsville 11’s Claim Second Straight State Title
Big Things Come in Little Packages
I’ve heard that phrase once or twice and today that phrase fit Jacob Seals to perfection. Jacob Seals is one of the smaller players on the team but today came away with the biggest blast, a momentum grabbing grand slam homerun to propelled Goodlettsville to victory. After the blast, the rest of the team decided that homeruns are cool so Hayden Layne got in the act as well belting a three-run homerun, his second in as many games. By then it was all academic as the team rolled to a 14-1 victory.
Offensively the team was led by Haven Mangrum, Joel Littlepage and Daylen Powell who each had two hits for the game. Hayden Layne, Jacob Seals, Hunter Crawford and Drew Robertson each had one for a team total of ten.
Eight Year Old World Series Southaven, MS
Goodlettsville Gold finish the first day in the championship bracket 1-1
The Goodlettsville Gold all-stars defeated the Hobgood Heat 7-2 in their first championship bracket game but fell to the Northport Nationals 11-10 in the second game. The Gold now has to defeat the Sandy Plains Cougars in order to have a second chance at Northport. Tomorrow’s game is at 11:30AM with a 1:00 game if they win the first.
Seven Year Old World Series Southaven, MS
Goodlettsville Super Sevens Win first Game in World Series Action
The Goodlettsville Sevens won their first game in pool play defeating the Cedartown Core 15-7. Next up is a date versus the Sandy Plains Cougar Blue tomorrow at 11:30AM and then their final pool play game will be at 4:00PM versus the Northport Americans. The top sixteen advance to the championship bracket. Good luck guys! Keep up the good work.
9-10 State Tournament Bristol, TN
Goodlettsville 9-10 American All-Stars fall to Karns
The Goodlettsville 9-10 American All-Stars were defeated today by the Karns all-stars 7-2 to end their quest for a second straight state championship. The guys had a great run through the tournament and the Goodlettsville family is extremely proud of the guys on their great post-season play.
13-14 State Tournament Clarksville, TN
Goodlettsville 13-14 All-Stars open state play strong
The Goodlettsville 13-14 all-stars started their journey through the state tournament against the Montgomery Central All-Stars. The guys couldn’t have looked better shutting down Central 19-0 in five innings. Terran Smith, Steven Biggerstaff and Ty Sutley combined on the mound for the win limiting Central to three hits. On the offensive side Chase Waller had the hot bat going 3-4 while pretty much the entire team had one giving the team a total of eleven for the game.
11 Year Old State Lexington, TN
The Goodlettsville 11’s played the Karns all-stars in the winner’s bracket finals last night with a trip to the tournament finals on the line. Karns and Goodlettsville met in the same game last year and were the final two competitors for the 2011 state championship as well so it was no surprise to see the other team in gold and blue opposite our guys on the field. Karns, from west Knoxville, is known for great baseball so today’s game was expected to be intense and the boys were ready, claiming the win, 11-6.
Eight Year Old World Series Southaven, MS
The championship bracket begins tomorrow after seeding has been determined.
8 Year Old World Series Southhaven, MS
Goodlettsville Gold and Blue open pool play with victories
The Goodlettsville Gold and Blue opened World Series play in Southhaven, Mississippi with pool play wins. The Gold defeated the Acworth Warriors White all-stars 14-0 while the Blue took down the Mathison Majors All-Stars 22-7. The Blue plays today at 4:00 versus the Acworth Warriors Orange All-Stars while the Gold plays tomorrow morning at 10:00AM versus the Northport Gray All-Stars. Good luck to the guys as they continue through pool play tomorrow.
11 Year Old State Tournament Lexington, TN
Keep Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’
Three games in and three shutouts; The Goodlettsville 11 all-stars continue to dominate on the mound recording their third straight shutout of the tournament this time at the expense of the Clarksville National all-stars, 7-0. Christian Dixon, Hunter Crawford, Haven Mangrum and Hayden Layne combined on the mound holding the strong Clarksville National team to one hit over six innings of play. On the offensive side, the Goodlettsville bats are finally beginning to show some fire as Joel Littlepage led the way with a near miss grand slam that slammed against the top of the fence only to fall back in play. The hit resulted in a two-run double but served notice that the bats are coming to life. Littlepage finished the day with two hits while Alex Dillard followed suit with two of his own. Jacob Seals continues to play well gathering another hit in as many games while Drew Robertson had one as well.
Next on the menu will be a date with the Karns all-stars in the winner’s bracket final July 19 at 8:00PM. Karns has played well to date and should be a tough challenge.
Goodlettsville American 9-10 All Stars Win Again
Who said this was a down year? The Goodlettsville American All-Stars continue to roll in the state tournament defeating Tullahoma 16-6. The win puts Goodlettsville in the winner’s bracket finals versus St Bethlehem from Clarksville, TN who won 14-4 over Greenville American. The winner advances to the state finals. Good luck guys and keep up the good work.
Powell, Dixon and Mays Propel 11’s
Goodlettsville 11’s Open State Tournament with Win
The Goodlettsville 11’s looked a little rusty to start their state tournament run versus Carter County but came alive late to claim their first victory, 7-0. Haven Mangrum got the nod on the mound for Goodlettsville and was superb, holding the big Carter County bats silent for four innings before leaving the game at 35 pitches. Yes, that’s correct, 35 pitches in four innings. Like I said, Mangrum was superb! Hunter Crawford relieved and shut down the opposition for 20 pitches before Hayden Layne did the rest overpowering the Carter County bats to close out the game.
Offensively, the Goodlettsville bats were quieter than usual as the rust from the layoff from district to state was evident. Hayden Layne and Jacob Seals led the offense with two hits each while several players had one hit apiece.
The Squad plays Lexington today at 6:00 in Lexington, TN.
Goodlettsville American 8’s Claim State Crown
The Goodlettsville American 8 year old all-stars won the State Championship this week in Harrison, TN. The team had a great run through the tournament going 6-0-1 scoring 93 runs and allowing 44. The championship game was kind of sweet revenge for the Goodlettsville coaching staff as the team defeated Middle Valley 2-1. Middle Valley defeated Goodlettsville twice last season as seven year olds to win the seven year old state. The team now advances to the World Series in Southaven, MS July 19 with another trophy on their minds.
Tanner Jones and Jo Jo Brown hit homeruns in the first contest while Braden Kelly showed off some fine defensive skills in the same game. Tyler Jones got into the defensive act in the tournament as well throwing two guys out at home from left field while making a diving catch on another play, topping it off with an over the shoulder catch at the fence as well. Tyler Robertson was clutch, making a game saving catch in right with the bases loaded in one game. Another defensive wizard was Andy Miller who was money at third snuffing out several hard hit balls which included a double play with men on 2nd and 3rd and no outs foiling the competitions hopes for a big inning.
As a whole, the team showed off incredible defensive skill throughout the entire tournament which aided the team’s journey to the crown. Good luck guys as you prepare for the next test in “M-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-hump back- hump back-I.” That spells M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i for the little ones. J
Goodlettsville 13-14’s Roll Over Madison
The Goodlettsville 13-14 year old all-stars just keep on winning. The latest victim was the Madison all-stars who fell 14-2 to the boys in blue. Terron Smith, Dalton Hall, Ty Sutley and Keaton Allison did the damage as each had two hits for the game accounting for eight of Goodlettsville’s thirteen hits. Terron Smith and Dalton Hall combined on the mound to hold Madison to two runs for the game. Goodlettsville has one more win to go to advance to the state tournament in Clarksville, TN.
July 6, 2012
Goodlettsville 13-14 year old All-Stars Claim District Title with 15-0 Win over Madison
The hits weren’t as plentiful but the result was the same as Goodlettsville defeated Madison again to claim the district crown. Terron Smith went the distance on the mound holding the Madison All-Stars scoreless on nine hits while CJ Laws scored two runs and drove in four in leading the team on offense. Dalton Hall had two hits for the game to continue his hot hitting while Chase Waller, Dylan Kelly and Steven Biggerstaff each had one. Next up is a trip to Clarksville, TN for the state tournament.
Brock Meyers took the mound for the Goodlettsville 12’s with a trip to the 2012 state tournament on the line. All Meyers did was limit a strong South Nashville team to one hit over six innings of work with 12 strike-outs. His teammates did the rest scattering nine hits over the course of the game which accounted for Goodlettsville’s 8-0 victory. Jake Rucker led the offensive charge going 3-4 while Brock Meyers and Jayson Brown went 2-3 with Meyers going deep in the first giving Goodlettsville the early lead. Luke Brown and Lorenzo Butler also had hits to finish off Goodlettsville’s total for the day.
The win advances Goodlettsville to the 2012 state tournament at Murfreesboro’s Barfield-Crescent Park July 21st where they will be making another run at the state championship. They won the state as eleven year olds the previous year finishing runner-up in the eleven year old southeast region in Greenville, NC.
Dixon Blast ignites Blue fireworks.
The District 7 championship was an all Goodlettsville affair again this season. Both teams played well throughout the tournament and were looking to advance to the state tournament in Lexington, TN but only one team would get the invitation so something had to give.
In the first, both teams would hold firm as the defenses kept each team off the board but the second inning would be a much different story as both teams broke through. The Gold would be the first to score as the visitors pushed across a run from a Chance Merithew infield hit giving the Gold the early 1-0 lead. This would be their only lead as the Blue exploded in the second inning. With the bases loaded and two out, Hayden Layne opened the run gates with a hard liner off the short stops foot for a double scoring two runs. Christian Dixon would follow Layne’s blast with a mammoth three-run homerun over the left center field fence estimated at 260 feet giving the Blue a 5-1 advantage after two.
The Gold, still reeling from the Dixon blast, would go quietly in the third allowing the Blue, surging from the momentum, to add another four runs to the score extending their lead to 9-1. Daylen Powell, Drew Robertson, Alex Dillard and Christian Dixon all had hits in the inning giving the Blue a sense that the game may be in hand.
Trailing 10-1 entering the top of the fifth, the Gold rallied for two runs as Chance Merithew and Rex Warren would get hard hits followed by a Reid Nelson liner to third that drew a bad throw home scoring both runs bringing the score to 10-3. The Blue would answer once again in the bottom half with one run allowing Hayden Layne to take the mound in the bottom half of the sixth to close out the game.
The Blue now advance to the state tournament in Lexington, TN with a trip to the Southeast Regional tournament in Greenville, NC on the line. Goodlettsville was the runner-up in the Regional tournament last season so a return trip and unfinished business are on their minds.
Offensively the Blue was led by Christian Dixon and Alex Dillard who both went 3-4. Hayden Layne, Joel Littlepage and Drew Robertson each had two hits while Haven Mangrum, Daylen Powell, Hunter Crawford and Drake Sanson each had one. The Gold was led by Andrew Waters and Chance Merithew who both went 2-3 while Rex Warren, Grey Phillips, Hunter Scurlock and Stone Norton each had one.
