WARNER ROBINS -- The goal was within eyesight.
For the 14 boys on the Warner Robins American Little League All-Star baseball team, who practiced just a few hundred yards from Little League’s Southeastern Region Complex, the stadium was a constant reminder.
Arriving home Saturday on the heels of winning the state baseball tournament in Cartersville by defeating Columbus American 4-2 on Friday, those team members realized they achieved what they set out to do.
The state win allows Warner Robins to compete at the Little League Baseball Southeastern Regional tournament, which starts Friday. Warner Robins, representing Georgia, plays at 1 p.m., against the team representing Tennessee.
“They never took their eyes off the prize,” said coach Buddy Deal.
Escorted by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office to the Flint Energies Sports Complex, two RVs carrying the state champions pulled up to the fields, where nearly 100 supporters turned out in nearly 100-degree weather.
Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen and other community leaders were among those present to congratulate the team.
WRALL President Jimmy Dunn said he realized when Little League International put the southeastern complex so close to the league’s fields, it would become something to aspire to each year.
Manager Phillip Johnson said during practices, he would frequently point in the direction of the Southeastern Region Complex. If the team had a bad practice, the boys weren’t allowed to even look in that direction.
“They knew what the goal was,” Johnson said.
Jacob Giles, who pitched during the state championship game, said the opportunity to play in the regionals is like a dream.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
In the next breath, he said the next step was more practicing to get ready for the seven other teams they will face during the regional tournament.
This is the first time the Warner Robins baseball team will compete at Little League Southeast Park since it was built last year.
This year, as well as last year, WRALL had to battle through splitting up the 11- and 12-year-old division due to the tremendous amount of growth the league has seen since the baseball team won the World Series in 2007. The boys proved they could overcome even that obstacle, Dunn said.
“It’s a dream come true for the whole community,” he said.
Back in 2007, WRALL and its fans didn’t know what to expect when the baseball team won the state title and headed to Gulfport, Fla., then the site of the Southeastern Regional tournaments. They have an idea now.
“The families have a lot of fun in store, win or lose,” said Mickey Lay, manager of the 2007 World Series championship team. He and his son Taylor Lay, were there to greet the new team that will vie for a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
“The hard work’s done,” Mickey Lay said. “Now they just have to play baseball.”
To contact writer Angela Woolen, call 923-5650.
