Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 14U All-Star team set for 14-team World Series in Virginia
Now's not the time to overlook the Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth League 14U All-Stars.
While it might not boast the power of past teams, TLBR enters the 14-team baseball World Series in Virginia with quality pitching, defense and chemistry.
It went 7-0 at the state and regional levels.
"We throw it well and are deep in pitching," said veteran manager Mike Harrison, making his eighth World Series appearance with TLBR.
"We don't bang the ball around the park like some other teams we've had in the past. We have to generate offense. Hit-and-run. Bunts to force the defense to make a play. Have to be smart on the bases.
"We make it work."
The work continues starting Saturday in Stafford, Virginia, where the team opens its four-game pool play bracket against Mexico. TLBR's bracket also features teams from New Jersey, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
The top two finishers from each of the four brackets advance into single-elimination championship play. In addition to Mexico, the tourney features teams from Aruba and Australia.
TLBU punched its berth into the World Series in dramatic fashion.
Colton Corder tossed a no-hitter in a 3-0 win over Sarasota in the Southeastern Regional. Corder, who also earned a win in the state tourney, relies on four pitches (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup) and is part of a staff that also features Ryder Miller, Jack Koon and Kade McLeod.
"The chemistry on this team is there, 100 percent," Corder said.
"We've been together since we were 7 years old; we back each other up and work so well together as a team. We always find a way to win even when we are not playing our best."
Offensively, Harrison said the team has been paced by outfielder/catcher Tucker Poppell, outfielder Henry Richardson and second baseman Preston Richie. Eight batters are hitting .300 or better, led by Poppell (.462)
The team departed Tallahassee Thursday on a charter bus to Virginia. The tourney's opening ceremonies and skills competition are scheduled for Friday.
"This team has worked very hard," said Harrison, who has managed TLBR All-Star teams to one World Series title (2009), three second-place finishes and three third-place finishes.
The TLBRU 13U All-Star team has also advanced to its World Series in Glen Allen, Virginia, starting Aug. 10. TLBR did not field a 15U All-Star team this year.
TLBR 14U All-Star roster
Parker Ritchie; JR Thompson; Preston Ritchie; Ryder Miller; Kade McLeod; Tucker Poppell; Wilson Wooten; Briggs Sparkman; Colton Corder; Connor Borges; EN Bass; Henry Richardson; Jack Koon. Manger: Mike Harrison. Coaches: Kip West, Jim Hage, Tristan Turner.
World Series 14U Teams
Tallahassee; Stafford, Virginia; Mexico; Aruba; Australia; Orcutt, California; Arlington, Virginia; Franklin, New Jersey; Broomall, Pennsylvania; Trumbull, Connecticut; Eagle Pass, Texas; Moorhead, Minnesota; Sedro Valley, Washington; Beckley, West Virginia
TLBRU 14U All-Star team pool play schedule
Saturday, Aug. 5: vs. Mexico, 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 7: vs. Franklin, New Jersey, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 8: vs. Moorhead, Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 9: vs. Broomall, Pennsylvania, 8 a.m.
Road to the Babe Ruth Baseball 14U World Series
Southeastern Regionals: At Lawrenceburg, Virginia
Beat Lawrenceburg, 6-1; Beat Greenville 7-5; Beat Sarasota 3-0; Beat Marshall County 14-0
Northern Florida State Tournament: At Lake City
Beat DeBary 13-0; Beat Gilchrist 19-0; Beat DeBary 7-2
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TLBR 14U All-Star team set for 14-team World Series in Virginia
