The Madison County Rookie (8 and Under) baseball team showed up in Palm Beach Gardens with a fighting spirit full of determination to win a state title. That they did in a mighty sweep! The team played five games during the tournament and won all five to capture the State title.
The team started play on Friday with a convincing win against Ft. Caroline, 10 – 5. With another impressive display of hitting talent, the team beat Longwood 12 – 4 on Saturday. Back again to the diamond on Sunday, the team took down Julington Creek with a score of 13 – 0. These wins advanced Madison Rookie team to the state championship finals on Monday. The team rallied Monday morning and dominated the field with great skill by beating Atlantic Beach, 18 – 4. Heading into play, Mother Nature had different plans by sending an untimely bout of rain that put the game into a “rain delay”.
Later that afternoon, the team hit the field for one last game. In a nail biter against Julington Creek, the Rookie team proved they were definitely the champions by pulling a 5 to 5 game in the 6th inning to a 10 to 5 lead, leaving Julington Creek behind.
Madison truly dominated the games in the tournament by the offensive hitting talent however, in the 5th and final game it was won due to their defensive play. The Cowboys actually turned not one, not two, but three legitimate 6-4-3 double plays. One of the double plays came with one out, bases loaded, and a tie ballgame with the double play ending the inning. The opponents were speechless. With a combined team batting average of .664 in the five games played during the State tournament, the Rookie team represented Madison County in an impressive fashion. Not only did the team show up in a strong manner but the incredible support of the parents, family and friends was astonishing!
The team was cheered on by a large amount of fans, which meant a great deal to each player on the team as well as the coaches. The Rookie team family would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and well-wishers that granted them the incredible opportunity to become the STATE CHAMPS!! WAY TO GO, COWBOYS!!!!
