DI youth baseball players put forth 'all-star' effort in state tourney

The Daniel Island 9-10 baseball “All-Star” team competed in the SCRBI All-Star Tournament 10 & Under division in Aiken S.C. the weekend of June 16-18. There were 16 teams represented from all over the state competing for the right to be named state champions. Even though the Daniel Island team was one of the smallest communities represented we were only one out away from being crowned the state champs. Daniel Island baseball continues to build on its reputation as a very competitive place to play!

The coaches and parents could not be more proud of the quality of play especially considering the conditions in which they played under. Our team played six games in three days with the last five being played in 95 plus degree temps. On Sunday, the last day of the tournament the boys played three single elimination games (win or go home) in the heat of the day under the most intense pressure and performed beautifully. Even though we came ever so close to being named champion, I truly believe our boys will walk away from this weekend with memories that will last a lifetime.

I wanted to thank the Coaches George Durney, who I coached alongside for the past nine years, as well as Steve Helms. Also, the dads that came out to practice on a daily basis over the past month to offer their help. And last but certainly not least the moms, families and friends that came to the tournament and provided their love, support and passion that helped propel these boys to the championship game.

I had played baseball in little league, high school, college and coached for the past nine years but I can’t remember being a part of a tournament as exciting as this one! I am truly honored to have been the coach of these fine young men and they will always be champions in my eyes.