MARA 11U All-STARS GRAB STATE TITLE

July 16, 2008 -- The MARA (Matthews Athletic Recreation Association) 11U American League All-Stars are on their way to the Cal Ripkin Baseball Southeast Regional Finals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The tournament, taking place July 24-29, will feature champions from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. The MARA All-Stars earned their bid by capturing the Western North Carolina State Championship last week at Indian Trail.

The MARA American All-Stars stars began their post-season run with a three-game sweep through the Cal Ripkin Division District 6 Championship bracket. The All-Stars then went on to win six of the seven games they played in the WNS State Championship bracket, including a thrilling come from behind victory in the semi-finals and an overpowering win in the title game that included a incredible 16-run 2nd inning.

Led by manager Scott Casey and assistants Mike Jones and Greg Brouse, the MARA American All-Stars have achieved their success working together as a team. The All-Stars featured a talented group of young arms on the mound supported by an exceptional defense in the field. At the plate, big hits have come in bunches with explosive outbursts of 6, 7 and 16 run innings powered by the combination of good hitting and aggressive base running.

Josh McCutcheon, Bishop Jones and Landon Hendricks worked with others to create a formidable pitching rotation. McCutcheon also joined power hitters Creed Gilley and Mait Hudson in sending more than a few balls over the fences for home runs. Drew Wade, Jack King, Andrew Brouse, Connor Gilbride, Jack Weiller and Austin Parsley provided strong all around play. Timely hits also came from Timmy Rutkowski, Joey Picone and Fulton Little.

MARA, home of Arthur Goodman Park on South Trade Street in Matthews, has had great success in its first year of play in Cal Ripkin Baseball, grabbing five District and three State Championships across all age groups. The organization will also host the Cal Ripkin 12U Southeast Regional beginning July 24.

(Note- The team just returned from Florida.  All reports are that the team played hard and were knocked out of the tournament in a very close game. Congratulations All-Stars)