Tee-ball a whole new ballgame at WRALL than in Japan

WARNER ROBINS -- Seven-year-old Colton Beals started his baseball career more than 10,000 miles away.

The first-grader at Perdue Primary School played tee-ball at Yokota Air Base while his family was stationed in Japan.

Colton’s father, Michael Beals, was assigned to Robins Air Force Base in June.

His parents said the difference between the league in Japan their son played in and the one at Warner Robins American Little League is a world apart.

“It is night and day,” Michael Beals said.

Colton was one of the best players on the team at Yokota, but after arriving at WRALL, the learning curve has been a bit more than the family would have imagined.

“It is definitely more competitive,” Shelli Beals said.

When the couple told their families about coming to Robins Air Force Base, both sides knew of the reputation of the league.

“My stepdad said, ‘The Southeast Little League headquarters are there,’ ’’ Michael Beals said.

One of Colton’s best experiences so far with his C-ball Phillies team has been his relationship with the coaches, who have taken the time to bring him along.

He has improved as a player and gets on base almost every at bat.

His mother said he even had an inside-the-park home run one game.

“He’s learned so much,” said his father.

Colton, who plays right field, said his favorite part is when he is able to catch the ball.

The family will spend much of its time at the baseball fields next year when all three of their boys will be playing at WRALL.

Colton’s younger brothers, Mason, 5, and Jackson, 3, will both be on teams.

Shelli Beals is due to give birth in June to the next member of the family, also a boy.

On having three younger brothers, Colton was candid about how he felt.

“It’s crazy,” he said.

This story was originally published May 9, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Tee-ball a whole new ballgame at WRALL than in Japan ."