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Minor American Rookies gear up

By Nick Duke | Troy Messenger

Published Friday, June 19, 2009

Photo by Nick Duke

The Dixie Minor American Rookie Tournament team includes, Austin Allen, Parker Dukes, Clayton Hester, Jacobian Jones, Cole Little, Taten Phillips, Brian Redmon, Lil’Cedric Rumph, Mitchell Rushing, Carson Tucker, Garrett Tucker and Cameron Vance. Coaches are head coach Michael Redmon and assistant coaches Shae Phillips, John Mack Rushing and Stephen Dukes. The Minor American Rookies open district play in Eufaula June 26.

The Dixie Minor American League Rookie Team is gearing up for its district tournament on June 26 in Eufaula.

The team has some experience with tournament play, but there are a few players on the team who are getting their first exposure.

“Despite the heat, we’re getting real good,” head coach Michael Redmon said. “Half the team has some tournament experience and the younger ones are learning that it’s a little more intense.”

One of the inexperienced tournament players said he was looking forward to playing.

“I’m sort of nervous,” Taten Phillips said. “I think we’ll do OK.”

Those with tournament experience are more confident in their abilities.

“This is my second year playing tournament ball and it feels good to be one of the best in the league,” Brian Redmon said.

Michael Redmon is also confident in his team.

“I think we’re just as good as anyone else as long as our pitching holds up,” he said.

One of the key components of that pitching staff will be Carson Tucker.

“Carson Tucker broke his hand and missed half the regular season, but came back strong in the second half, so we’re kind of counting on him to carry us with his pitching,” Redmon said.

In addition to Phillips, Redmon and Tucker, the Dixie Minor American League Rookie team includes, Austin Allen, Parker Dukes, Clayton Hester, Jacobian Jones, Cole Little, Lil’Cedric Rumph, Mitchell Rushing, Garrett Tucker and Cameron Vance.

The head coach is Michael Redmon and Shae Phillips, John Mack Rushing and Stephen Dukes will assist Redmon.

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