Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
No one told the group of Madison County youngsters they were the underdogs. If someone did, they chose not to believe it. They just went into the tournament to have fun, play baseball, and do their best. When the eight and under (8U) state tournament in Lake City, Fl. was finished, the Madison All-Stars team was the state runner-up.
The tournament began on Saturday, July 1, with a game against Ocala Highlands. The Madison youngsters won that opening game 15-13. Then on Sunday, July 2, Madison edged out Green Cove Springs with a 7-6 score. On Monday, July 3, the Madison team lost to Bradford, 3-2. Later on Monday, the Madison All-Stars were facing elimination when they defeated Branford with a 10-5 score in the second game of Monday’s double-header. Then on Tuesday, July 4, the Madison All-Stars defeated Clay-Pal with a 7-4 final score. After that, it was on to the championship game where the Madison team was defeated by Mt. Dora, 18-10.
“I would like to thank our players for their hard work, commitment, sportsmanship and for the outstanding way they represented Madison County. The parents for allowing us to be part of their child’s life. Our fans who supported us and our many sponsors who made it possible for us to take a deserving group of young boys to the State Championship Tournament,” said Assistant Coach David Harper.
The Madison 8U All-Stars were coached by Head Coach Josh Thomas and Assistant Coaches Jeff Rosenberg, Jeff Watson, David Harper, and Tommy Hardee.