By Brian Anderson

Having fun and being prepared is what the Troy Pitching Machine is looking to be going into its first district game. The 8-year-old all-stars are practicing hard to stay competitive throughout district play.

“We are trying to be the most competitive team we can,” head coach Ty Martin said. “We are coming off a practice game and a warm up tournament in Enterprise where the kids played well.” We like to see the kids, parents and coaches all having fun. It makes for a good atmosphere he said.

Martin said the coaching staff prides itself on team concepts, structure and organization and has seen the team turn into good baseball players.

“The biggest progression we have had in three weeks of practice is team unity,” he said. It was challenging, but no matter what the boys were asked to do they were able to learn quickly, even the boys playing new positions he said.

The coaching staff sets small goals in practice for the all-stars and wants them to build on them each day.

“We just want them to play the best ball they can play and we have big expectations in the long run,” assistant coach Kevin Adams said. He wants them to play to their full potential and let things happen when they can.

Adams said the team is hitting the ball with more power and defensively starting to gel as a team.

“We want them to go out do what they know how to do. They have a lot of knowledge about baseball to be only 8-years-old,” he said. He does not want them to get too pumped up, but keep an even-level mind.

The Pitching Machine will start District play against Coffee County Friday in Enterprise. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.

“All the hard you put into it just let it go and play,” Martin said.