Submitted by Brian Annett
The same 12U team that “stole the show” in the District Tournament back in June repeated their performance this past weekend at the Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament in Live Oak, Florida July 14-17. Madison opened up with San Jose from Jacksonville and suffered its first loss on the tournament trail, losing 10-0 in the State Tournament opener. “We were sick after that first game, and worried about how the boys would respond”, said head coach Brian Annett. The coaches and parents got their answer pretty quickly as the team disposed of Tallahassee the following day 11-10, Melrose 11-7 (Gainesville), Atlantic Beach (Jacksonville) 16-0, Suwannee 10-0, and then beat a talented Atlantic Beach team in the Championship game 7-3. “There is no question the right team is advancing to the Regional Tournament. This team is physically fit, mentally fit, and getting better at the game of baseball every day. It would have been so easy to throw in the towel after the first game with San Jose but our boys (Madison boys)didn’t quit”, said Annett. Now the team will trade in their Madison Jersey’s for TEAM FLORIDA jersey’s. The team will depart to face teams from the Bahamas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Kentucky at the Babe Ruth Regional Tournament in Aiken, SC. “From what I’ve been told this age division has made history here in Madison County by being the first 11 and 12 year old group to wear a Florida jersey, that’s huge. These kids will remember this for the rest of their lives and us coaches feel lucky to be along for the ride”. Annett also said he was impressed with the local support at the game on Sunday. “It was overwhelming, I don’t think I’ve seen that many people at a game before and our boys played a heck of a game for them”. Traveling to this tournament will be costly. If you or your business would like to support this team, here’s your opportunity. The team will be accepting donations for an authentic autographed team photo, this Thursday, July 21, on the courthouse lawn from 11-1pm. Come show your support!
