Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 6 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Players' pride
Published Monday, July 27, 2009
The Troy Junior Dixie Boys tournament team is heading to Enterprise Saturday for the Junior Dixie Boys World Series.
For some of the players, playing in a World Series will be a new and exiting experience. For others, it will be a chance to bring home another World Series title to Troy.
Brian Adams, a World Series newcomer, said his lack of World Series experience would help him to enjoy the ride even more.
“It just means a lot more to me to be making it to a World Series,” Adams said. “There will be a lot of fans and better teams. It’s pretty exciting.”
Morgan Shaver, a member of the Troy team that won the 2005 Dixie Minor World Series, said his teammates should expect a more difficult style of play at the World Series.
“It was a great experience, but it was tough playing against the teams we did,” Shaver said. “The teams were a lot tougher to beat and it was pretty fun. The pressure was definitely high.”
Shaver’s 2005 teammate, Chase Smartt, said the feeling of winning it all was one he would never forget.
“I was so happy,” Smartt said. “We were jumping around and having fun. We all cried because we were so happy to win a World Series.”
Taylor Lord, another of the World Series newcomers, said he has enjoyed listening to stories of World Series past.
“It’s actually pretty fun to hear what all they have to say about it and see what all the experience is like,” Lord said. “I’m looking forward to having that experience.”
While not all of the players know what the experience is like, all of them expect to see stiff competition.
That increased level of competition means Troy will need to be on its game.
“We can’t walk anybody, we have to play good D and we have to hit the ball pretty well,” Shaver said.
The need for increased execution will increase the pressure on the team, something Lord said he hopes to overcome.
“I think I can wipe out the pressure and be able to focus on the game,” Lord said. “I think we’ll do very good. We’ve been practicing a lot and that helps.”
The newcomer duo of Adams and Lord said they just want the wait to be over.
“It needs to hurry up and get here,” Adams said. “I’m ready for it.”
Lord said getting through another week of practice will be tough.
“It’s going to take a lot of nerves to get through practice,” Lord said “I’m ready for Saturday.”
Smartt and Shaver, meanwhile, exuded confidence heading into the final week of preparations.
“They’ll be pretty good, but we’re just going to have fun and win the first game,” Smartt said.
Shaver took Smartt’s confidence a step further.
“I think we’ll win it, honestly,” Shaver said.
The Troy Junior Dixie Boys tournament team opens play at the World Series Saturday at 4 p.m. against Arkansas.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on July 27, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Jr. Boys! We are all so very proud of you & you all lead as great examples and you are all definately great role models for future Troy Champs! I look forward to the drive to Enterprise to cheer you through the Championship! I hope that everyone that is a fan of truly outstanding baseball will join these boys, as we are very lucky to be able to cheer for a Troy baseball team, representing the state of Alabama in a World Series, so close to home. Go Bama!
Posted by mysnbama (anonymous) on July 28, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We'll be driving from Pascagoula Mississippi (and bringing a crowd with us) to watch and cheer the Alabama boys on in World Series action! GOOD LUCK TROY/ALABAMA!! You're an awesome group of young men! ROLL TIDE...ooops I mean...GO BAMA!
Posted by JamieScarbrough (anonymous) on July 28, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go guys! I am so proud of each and every one of you, and I know that you will do well. You have a great group of parents supporting you, so know that no matter what happens, you have accomplished so much by making it this far! Also, thank you Troy Messenger for taking the time to meet these guys and introduce them to everyone!
Posted by muledeer (anonymous) on July 28, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very good article. I like the fact that the players are getting the recognition and the opportunity to give comments. Congratulations to the coaches for bringing them this far. Another ride for "the ole ballcoach" (Sam Kitchens).
Nothing would make me happier than to have another sign constructed at Franklin Field in honor of this team winning the World Series! Good luck to you all !
Posted by momof3 (anonymous) on July 28, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is such a great group of boys who have given us a fun and exciting summer. I am looking forward to this weekend and encourage everyone to come to Enterprise and support these guys. I want Troy to show these other teams how much they truly love baseball! GO ALABAMA!!!
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on July 28, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope these young men go all the way. I know several of them and they are good kids with good parents. Above all else guys, enjoy the experience and savor every moment of it. Have fun!
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)