I swung by practice this past week to say hello to some of my young friends. I reached out for permission as I needed a few quotes for a follow-up on the boys from the West End. These guys are rockstars, and they continue to work hard. Front cover of the Webb Weekly? I hope it didn’t go to their heads. The U13 All-Stars are now preparing for the 2022 Babe Ruth World Series in Virginia.
“We are trying to stay loose,” Coach Marc Hess explained. “The guys have been playing a ton of baseball. We were off a few days, and now we are simply working on our reps. Doing a lot of infield and hitting. I have a few older kids lined up to throw to us. Maybe a scrimmage.”
Coach Hess and I have been chums for a very long time. He is so good with his guys. Kudos to him and his entire staff. They took a group of talented individuals and made them a complete team. Everyone has embraced their role, and they are enjoying this ride. Smiles were everywhere, and the boys were having fun. I asked Marc if I could grab a few players for a few lines. He said GOOD LUCK.
Interviewing 13-year-old boys is easier said than done. But having a son this age gives me a slight nod. A lot of these players already knew who I was. Perhaps this will also give me an advantage. But after the first few conversations, perhaps I needed to reconsider my approach. It was like pulling teeth. Come on, guys. A little help, please. I did the best I could. Some kids were speechless and said they would get back to me later. I am thinking they got a little help from their moms. Much love, boys.
You must be Cade Lusk. YES. I know your dad quite well. I called a few of his football games. Heck. Maybe before you were even born. (long awkward pause) Mind if I ask you some questions? SURE. Talk to me about winning the Middle Atlantic Regional. How did it feel to punch your ticket? IT WAS GREAT. OK. (another long awkward pause) Are you looking forward to the World Series? YES. I AM HAVING A LOT OF FUN WITH MY TEAMMATES. Anything else you want to add? NO. NOT REALLY. Cade is my new favorite Mountie.
“I am excited and nervous,” Williamsport’s Trey Damschroder pointed out. “We are playing baseball in front of a lot of fans. It is a big stage. We have great chemistry. We are really coming together as a team. We will continue to work hard, and we will give it our best.”
“We had a lot of fun at the beach,” Cogan Station’s Kason Ulmer said. “It has been a great experience meeting some new friends. We have a great team. It has been fun traveling all summer and playing some baseball. I am looking forward to going to Virginia next week to play in the World Series.”
“Making it this far has been a really cool experience,” Linden’s Jaxson March revealed. “It’s been fun playing with a few teammates from last year and getting to play with some new friends. I miss catching but playing third base has helped make a difference to the team. We have so many good players, and I have to work hard to make sure I’m on the field. My brother Camden’s team lost in regionals (U14), but I’m somewhat happy because he and my mom can come watch us play.”
“There is never a dull moment with this group,” Noah Kirby described. “We have so much fun together. Zack (Neill) and I are the only ones from Montoursville. We knew a lot of these guys before, but now we are all friends. It has been a blast.”
“We stuck with it,” Williamsport’s Zion Hughes disclosed. “Found ways to win. We played some tough teams and battled through. It has been so cool to spend time with these guys. We are now a family. The coaches have been great, and a lot of us have been asked to play some different positions. We are here to do whatever is asked. I will remember this for a long time.”
“This has been awesome,” Montgomery’s Briar Persing mentioned. “So many teams don’t get to this point. We are heading to the World Series. Baseball is my favorite sport, so the longer we get to play, the better. I have a great group of teammates that, between last year and this year, have become my friends. We will always look back and remember this experience.”
“This never gets old,” West End’s Captain Jim Winder explained. “This is an exceptional group. The coaches have really found ways to bring out their best. We knew they had talent, but they are playing some great team ball. We have quite the history of sending teams to the World Series, and I am thrilled again for this opportunity.”
Special thanks to those who continue to follow this page. I received so much love last week. It was almost embarrassing. Congratulations to the West End kids on what they have already accomplished. I wish you nothing but the best as you head to Virginia. Enjoy the ride. Cherish every moment. You will remember this summer forever. Cheers.
