The Virginia Blasters 12-U finished 2nd in Cooperstown, N.Y. losing to the Missouri Orioles 7-2. The blasters finished the 80 team tournament at 10-1. I am very proud of these 12 year old young men who represented our state by not only playing excellent baseball but showed tremendous character and heart. I would also like to use this thread to thank the hundreds of members from around the country as well as here at home who have sent me extremely positive and motivational messages regarding my battle with throat cancer and my impending surgery this thursday. I thank all of you from my family and the very depth of my soul. Taking 13 young boys to cooperstown this past week was the perfect pre-operation activity for a old coach like me. My boys just kept charging my battery and fought every inning to the last out. I plan on taking there spirit and God's grace to the surgeon's table. Thanks again to one and all, I have been humbled by your words of love and encouragement. Towny Townsend