We finished our Dixie Major League Conference Tournament and closing ceremonies on Thursday so that the mass exodus to Myrtle Beach's annual "First Week" could begin uninterrupted. First Week is a VERY big deal for many South Carolinian's, as is the Carolina Cup, Gamecock football, the State Fair and let's not forget the Okra Strut.
The Tournament was enjoyable. Since we already won our Conference title, the Tournament was pretty laid back. We pitched some kids that hadn't seen much mound time during the season and played some others a bit more.
One boy (Big Will) that wasn't pitched during the season but had been working very hard did a great job. I predict that he will be the surprise of the league next year in Dixie Boys (Pony). He is 12yo, 5'11" and I gunned him at 73 ...cruising...not even throwing hard. He has always had a cannon but was wild as a buck. The second to last game of the tournament, he said that he was ready and we put him in for one inning. He threw 12 pitches and struck out all 3 batters... then he pitched three innings of the last game and struck out 9 in a row.
After the Championship game, the All Star teams were selected, the trophies handed out and I waved goodbye to my 11yo as he piled in his mom's car and left for the beach!
"Congratulations son. Swing that bat and throw every day! All Star's starts in 2 weeks! ...See you when you get back. Love ya son!"
R.
PS - More about "Big Will" later...