Baseball

SOMEBODY’S HERO

Everyone needs a hero at some point in their life.  For Rhonda Hayden, her hero came three years ago in the form of her son, Jack Madden.   Jack is now a 12 year old sixth grader at Community House Middle School with a passion for the game of baseball.  A few years ago, he was an elementary student whose mother had just been diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer.(complete story)

DANNY VLIET CHOOSES UNC ASHEVILLE TO CONTINUE HIS BASEBALL CAREER

All the year round hard work on the baseball diamond has paid off for

Charlotte Catholic left handed pitcher Danny Vliet.  After a successful summer of baseball, Danny has accepted an offer to continue his education and baseball career at The University of North Carolina Asheville.  Danny is a three year letterman in baseball for the Cougars, and a two-time All-Conference Selection.  In 2008, he was named to the Region 6 team for State Games of North Carolina.(complete story)

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. (complete story)

PINEVILLE POST 337 AMERICAN LEGION TEAM REPRESENTS THE AREA WELL

The Pineville Post 337 American Legion Team may be the best kept secret in Charlotte baseball circles this summer.  With a team full of talented players, Pineville has played their way to a 30-8 record and a spot in the Area IV Championship Series as of July 28th.  Led by Head Coach Mike Edwards, the Post 337 team is playing for the opportunity to advance to the State Championship next week. (complete story)

MARA NATIONAL ALL STARS CAPTURE 9U WESTERN NC STATE TITLE

On July 14th, the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) National League All-Stars captured the Cal Ripken Baseball Western NC 9U State Championship by defeating South Buncombe 10-7.(complete story)

HONORS CONTINUE TO ROLL IN FOR RICHIE SHAFFER

Providence High School rising senior Richie Shaffer has filled more than one room in his home with honors from his baseball achievements.  The 2008 Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League Player of the Year recently added one more honor, one that includes a trip to California to play in the world famous Dodger Stadium. (complete story)

SARDIS 12 YEAR OLDS WIN MEMORIAL WEEKEND CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT

            The Sardis 12 year olds were winners of the Carolina Challenge Baseball League Memorial weekend tournament at Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association.  The tournament started with a 9-7 victory against South Park on Friday night.  After jumping out to a 9-1 lead Sardis had to hold off a valiant rally by the South Park squad.  A key moment came in the fifth inning with a runner on third and nobody out.  Austin Parker fielded a come backer to the mound and threw to Josh Harley at first to get the out.  Harley then fired to home to nail the runner trying to score from third with Danny Epstein applying the tag.  The following inning Austin Parker snuffed out the final South Park rally by getting the final out with the tying run in scoring position to seal the victory.(complete release)

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

ALL-SOUTH BASEBALL  TEAM

The South Charlotte Sports Report is proud to announce the 2008 All-South Baseball Team.  The squad of 15 players has been selected by gathering the opinions of area coaches, scouts and observers.  The South Charlotte area may be the top community in the state for overall baseball talent.  It’s important to note that these selections are based entirely on each players high school performance and do not include any outside baseball achievements.  As with any all-star selection process, outstanding players may be left off the final team.   The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes all high school baseball players in the area for their hard work and dedication to the sport.(complete story)

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT 2008 BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE  YEAR - JORDAN DARNELL

Fire, Passion and Leadership.  Those three words are often used to describe the 2008 winner of the South Charlotte Sports Report High School Baseball Player of the Year, Jordan Darnell.  The tall, right handed pitcher has been the foundation for a fantastic season of baseball at Ardrey Kell High School.  In addition to being among the best pitchers in the state, Jordan has also been one of the top high school hitters for the second consecutive season.   Many area teams have felt the power of both his arm and bat while watching Ardrey Kell race to the state championship series.(complete story)

MICHAEL ATZ MAKES A SUCCESSFUL RETURN FROM TOMMY JOHN SURGERY

Most teenagers today probably don’t have a clue who Tommy John is or why he has a surgery named after him. We found one that knows more than he ever wanted to about the surgery. South Meck High School tenth grade baseball player Michael Atz knows all about Tommy John and the surgery.(complete story)

BULLDOG BOUND!

The Georgia Bulldogs have won the battle for the services of 17 year old, Ardrey Kell left-handed pitcher Alex Wood.   The son of Richard and Carol Wood is only a junior, so he still has 16 months before he heads south to Athens, GA.  Just enough time to hopefully help the Knights battle for a state championship this season and next.(complete story)

2008 ON DECK O’S SQUAD HEADS FOR COLLEGE

The entire roster of the 2008 On Deck O’s baseball team will graduate from high school and continue their baseball careers in college.  The group of 15 outstanding baseball players worked hard throughout their high school careers to catch the eyes of college baseball coaches.  A large majority of the 15 players were member of the On Deck program for all four years of high school.  On Deck Baseball Academy, located at 10229 Rodney Street in Pineville, has led the young men through a program that included not only baseball, but life skills, academics, and social skills.(complete story)

HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF FOR BRAD COLLINS

Weddington High School junior Brad Collins is starting to enjoy the rewards of an offseason filled with hard work.  The 16 year old son of Dave and Jane Collins is one of the leading home run hitters in area high school baseball.  Brad has been red hot at the plate all season long for the Warriors.  The hard work has also carried over to his play at first and third base.(complete story)

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SEASON SHOULD BE EXCITING IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE

PLAY BALL!  The high school baseball season is underway in the South Charlotte community.  Long regarded as a hot-bed of baseball talent, our area will be once again be the topic of conversation among college and pro baseball coaches in search of new talent.  Butler High School led the way last season among area teams.  A series matchup with South Caldwell High School and Major League first round draft choice Madison Bumgarner kept the Bulldogs from claiming a state championship.  What school will make the run for a state championship this season?  Amazingly three or four teams in the area have the talent to win a championship. (complete story)

GREATER CHARLOTTE AREA HOT STOVE LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS NAMED

The 1st Annual Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League Dinner came to a close with the presentation of the youth and high school baseball and softball Player of the Year Awards.  With over 100 nominations in hand, a committee of area coaches, scouts and observers selected two finalists and the winner for each award. (complete story)

Congratulations to the Carolina Riptide Grey 12 AA and the Carolina Riptide Grey
13AAA team for winning the USSSA WNC State Championship.

Carolina Riptide is a baseball program that concentrates on proper training and skill development for the long-term.  It was created by Frank Diesa and Spencer Stecher.  The idea behind the program was to take average players and make them better.  Frank Diesa said “It’s about helping kids play to their full potential!” (complete story)

DEUCE ON DECK FOR SOUTH MECK

South Mecklenburg High School has a long and stories baseball history.  Many players have turned their time on the diamond at South Meck into a college or even pro baseball career.  Sophomore catcher Deuce Wright hopes to follow in those same footsteps.  The 15 year old son of Tim and Misty Wright is one of the top young catchers in the area.(complete story)

KYLE CORGAN CARRIES A STRONG BAT AND THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

Only 12 years old, Kyle Corgan swings a powerful bat just across the Mecklenburg County line in Union County. The son of Terry and Laura Corgan recently completed a baseball season at Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association (WCWAA) that saw him slam 15 home runs.  His strong bat once again earned him a position on the WCWAA All-Star Team.(complete release)

CARTER BUMGARDNER EARNS POSITION ON NATIONAL BASEBALL TEAM

Charlotte Country Day School junior Carter Bumgardner was recently selected to participate in the Arizona Junior Fall Classic, as a member of the UnderArmour National Team. The Arizona Junior Fall Classic is a national tournament for the country’s top high school players. Carter’s strong performance at a Baseball Express Signature College Recruiting Program in Burlington, North Carolina earned him a place on the Baseball Factory invite-only team.  The national event will take place October 17 – 21, 2007 in Peoria, AZ. (complete release)

CHARLOTTE MEGASTARS 11U TEAM AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

 
The Charlotte Megastars 11u Team wrapped up another successful summer season by successfully competing in the USSSA Elite 24 World Series Tournament in Orlando, FL.  The team, coached by AJ Greene, joined the Megastars organization two years ago after winning the Cal Ripken Southeast Regional Championship for the second time; in three years.  The core group of kids have played recreational baseball together and have been the foundation of the team for 6-seasons. (complete story)

BRETT AUSTIN SWINGS FOR SUCCESS WITH THE PROVIDENCE PANTHERS

With a sweet swing and the dedication to be the best baseball player possible, 14 year old Brett Austin has all the tools to be a success on the diamond.  The rising ninth grade son of Bill and Sherilette Austin is on pace to develop into a successful player at Providence High School. (complete release)

JORDAN DARNELL HEADED FOR ELON BASEBALL TEAM

Through his emotional play on the basketball court and baseball field, Jordan Darnell has become one of the “faces” of Ardrey Kell High School.  The tall, lanky six foot, four inch dual sport athlete became the first known male Ardrey Kell athlete to make a commitment to a college.  On August 7th, Jordan committed to the Elon University Baseball program.
Jordan chose Elon over UNC Wilmington and Appalachian State.(complete release)

THE KRUGER FAMILY ENJOYS BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

The Kruger Family can almost always be found at either the baseball or softball diamond. With two athletic teenagers, Ed and Anne Kruger enjoy watching their children, Michael and Kelly compete.(complete story)

TYLER PILKINGTON SET TO JOIN NINERS FOR BASEBALL IN 08

The honors continue to pour in for Weddington High School senior Tyler Pilkington.  The son of Rich Pilkington and Stephenie Pilkington recently accepted a scholarship offer to play baseball for The UNC Charlotte 49er’s following his senior year.  Charlotte may have struck gold with Tyler as he is currently ranked as the # 1 left handed pitcher in North Carolina and the # 1 two-way prospect in the state by Impact Baseball.  These honors come on top of wining the Most Valuable Player Award at Weddington this past spring.(complete story)

PLAYING THE GAME FOR MOM

Life hasn’t been real easy for the family of Rona and Joe Machicote the last six months.  On February 16th, Rona was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.   Gullian-Barre Syndrome is an uncommon inflammatory disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves, typically causing severe weakness and numbness that usually starts in your extremities and quickly worsens. Eventually your whole body can become paralyzed, even the muscles used for breathing.(complete story)

CAMERON WOODS FIELD IS QUITE SPECIAL TO THE WRIGHT BOYS

Baseball fields hold a special place in the hearts of both kids and grown ups.

In 1991 seeing a  bare stretch of land seemed like  a good spot for an athletic field for the 804 Cameron Woods home sites to enjoy according to  Bill Wright, who lives adjacent to the field.  Wright  tried to convince UDC,  the now defunct developer who built Cameron Woods,  to help him flatten out the tiered field. However seeing that UDC segment of the neighborhood was already developed  Wright figured it was futile in that the developer had no incentive to outlay the money to  excavate the field and develop into a nice athletic field.  (complete story)

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR NICK OWENS

A 1 for 36 hitting slump would be enough to make anyone question their baseball ability.  For 12 year old Nick Owens, the slump was something new, he had never struggled to hit the baseball before.  The rising sixth grade son of John and Stacy Owens is one of the top young players in the South Charlotte area and he had always been able to deliver at the plate.(complete story)

Richie Shaffer Leads Red Team, 8-3, In Youth National Team Opener

CARY, N.C. – In the first Youth National Team Trials game, the Red Team defeated the Blue Team, 8-3, in a pre-determined 10-inning exhibition at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

The Blue Team took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Following a one-out walk to centerfielder Andrew Aplin (Suisun, Calif.), first baseman Richie Shaffer (Charlotte, N.C.) laced an RBI-double to right center to drive in the game’s first run.(complete release)

KYLIE FACKRELL CHOOSES BASEBALL OVER SOFTBALL

According to nine year old Kylie Fackrell, there is nothing wrong with playing softball.  She just chooses to stick with baseball at Park Sharon Athletic Association. The rising fourth grade daughter of Keith and Debbie Fackrell considers herself “just one of the boys” on her baseball team. (complete story)

YOUNG MEGASTARS TEAM FULL OF TALENT

They are only eight years old, but this group of young baseball players is full of talent. 

After much discussion, the 8U Megastars baseball team was formed last fall.  The coaches came together through the 8U Machine Pitch league at Olde Providence  Recreation Association (OPRA), where eight of the eleven MegaStars players came from. Many of the players had success at OPRA winning the Cal Ripken NC 8U Machine Pitch Area Championships, NC State Championships, SE Regional Runner Up, and USSSA World Series in 2006.(complete story)

CHARLES OVERMAN HITS THE DIAMOND

Sixteen year old Chris Overman is one of the top rising juniors on the local baseball scene,  The son of Richard and Dale Overman applies his trade at Myers Park High School during the spring and for the On Deck O’s 09’s during the summer and fall. (complete story)

FROZEN ROPES OFFERS QUALITY BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL CAMPS THIS SUMMER

Frozen Ropes has become one of the most recognized names in baseball and softball instruction. With 35 locations across the United States, Canada and Europe, Frozen Ropes has received national recognition for their teaching curriculum that has been industry-tested since 1989. Frozen Ropes is the only baseball and softball franchise company to have Major League teams and players as clients.  This summer, that same major league instruction will be offered to South Charlotte residents.(complete story)

KEVIN SHACKELFORD HEADED FOR MARSHALL

 Standing six feet, five inches tall, Providence High School senior Kevin Shackelford could easily pass for a basketball player.  Only this well-rounded athlete is a baseball player in every sense of the word.  The 18 year old son of Russell and Carol Shackelford is wrapping up his career for the Panthers and preparing to become a baseball player at Marshall University. (complete story)

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Believe it or not Cameron Foster wasn’t the best player on his little league team at MARA (Matthews Area Recreation Association.)  In fact, he wasn’t the second or even third best player.  Those days seem like many years ago now when Cameron takes the baseball field for Charlotte Latin.  The 16 year old son of Russell and Ann Foster has developed into one of the top young high school players in the area.  (complete story)

BROTHER VS BROTHER ON THE DIAMOND

When Community House Middle School and Jay M. Robinson Middle School gather on the baseball diamond, the rivalry runs deep for the Yon brothers.  Keith, an 8th grader at Jay M. Robinson and Craig, a 7th grader at Community House are both quality baseball players and enjoy matching up against one another.   (complete story)

KYLE STETSON STARS IN FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL FOR ARDREY KELL

Whether kicking a 43 yard field goal to win the first football game in Ardrey Kell High School history or slamming a line drive up the middle of the baseball diamond, Kyle Stetson feels at home on the field of play.  The 17 year old student-athlete has made a name for himself in South Charlotte and now looks to draw attention across the state.  Only a junior, Kyle is sure to attract attention from college baseball and football coaches over the next year. (complete story)

CHRISTIAN CULICERTO ALWAYS ON THE GO FOR CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC

Football, Baseball, Honors Chorus, Junior Council Treasurer …  Christian Culicerto puts many talents to work for The Charlotte Catholic Cougars. Regardless of the activity, Christian, the son of Phil and Carolyn Culicerto always gives 100% effort for his team. This well-mannered 16 year old junior has a good head on his shoulders and a positive outlook for the future. (complete story)

SHAUN WIXTED SET TO JOIN THE BLACK KNIGHTS OF ARMY FOR BASEBALL

While most his classmates are busy enjoying the summer, Butler High School third baseman Shaun Wixted will be busy at work.  The 18 year old son of Michael and Betsy Wixted will report to The United States Military Academy on July 1st where he will begin Cadet Basic Training, also known as BEAST.  Baseball, the sport Shaun will participate in while at the Academy, will be the furthest thing from his mind during training. Once the grueling six weeks session is completed, Shaun will move forward with his Plebe (freshman) year at The Academy.  (complete story)

ALEX MANTON IMPROVING WITH HARD WORK

Improvement in sports doesn’t happen without hard work and commitment. For 12 year old Alex Manton, hard work has placed him in position to play on two of the top area AAU basketball and baseball teams.  (complete story)

GIVE ME JUST ONE MORE SEASON, PLEASE…

In March, the Strickland family knew the time was coming for a company move.  Mike, the father works for Verizon and just felt the time was coming where his family would have to leave Charlotte.  That day arrived and the family received the news of a move to Tallahassee, FL.  Each member of the family had their own opinion of the move. (complete story)

RYAN MORRIS

Hundreds if not thousands of young boys in South Charlotte grow up hoping to one day become a major league baseball player.  2005 South Mecklenburg High School graduate Ryan Morris was one of those boys a few years ago, now he is just steps away from reaching his goal.  Morris, 18, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland Indians. (complete story)

1ST ANNUAL SOUTH CHARLOTTE HOTSTOVE LEAGUE BASEBALL DINNER TO BE HELD IN JANUARY

The South Charlotte Sports Report will host a Preseason Baseball / Softball Hot Stove League Dinner in late January.  The name “Hot Stove League” originates from the old days when baseball fans would gather around a Hot Stove in the winter months and talk about baseball.  We will be missing the Hot Stove at our dinner, but special guests from the local and national baseball and softball communities will deliver speeches and tips to guests in attendance.  (complete story)

The Palmetto Stix, an 12U travel baseball team comprised of players from Fort Mill, Indian Land, Rock Hill, Lancaster, South Charlotte, and Gastonia , won the USSSA Winter State tournament in Gastonia this past weekend. The Stix finished with a perfect 4 and 0 record. (photo)

OLDE PROVIDENCE MACHINE PITCH CHAMPIONSHIP

….as told by Bob Kirby, OP Machine Pitch Coordinator

 I usually find myself in the stands, watching and observing our Machine Pitch Championship. However tonight, I was in the moment, doing my best imitation of a baseball coach, motivator, and part time child psychologist......(complete story)

The Palmetto Stix, an 11U travel baseball team comprised of players from Fort Mill, Indian Land, South Charlotte and Gastonia followed up their second place finish in the 11U Open USSSA Wood Bat Tournament in Gastonia, NC the weekend of July 22 with an outstanding performance in the Triple Crown Summer National Championships in Myrtle Beach SC the weekend of July 30. The STIX entered the Championship elimination round undefeated, earned the number 1 seed and completed the weekend as "Finalists". The STIX finished the weekend with a 4 and 1 record, defeating teams from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and North Carolina before falling in the championship game. Members of the team were:

Kneeling (L-R): Andrew Adamczyk, Zach Boss, Drew Williams, Grant Coughlin and Tommy Hunn Standing: (L-R): Daniel Stack, A.J Jackson, Cameron Wells; Jordan Watts, Douglas Norman and Will Visbeck Coaches: Larry Williams and Mike Adamczyk. Click for larger image

HQ4 BASEBALL DELIVERS FUNADAMENTAL BASED BASEBALL

No matter how one chooses to look at the month of July in Charlotte, it’s going to be hot.  Ninety degree plus days are common with high humidity.  Despite these obstacles, many young athletes in South Charlotte will attend various sport camps throughout the summer.  These committed athletes are searching for the knowledge to become better at their chosen game. (complete story)

CAROLINA ANGELS WIN NSA WORLD SERIES

The Carolina Angels Fastpitch Softball Team is based out of Fort Mill, SC but has players representing both North and South Carolina.  This team travels to weekend tournaments in order to play at the highest level of competition available. (complete story)

THESE BOYS ARE GOOD! MATTHEWS SLAMMERS BASEBALL TEAM RANKS AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

One of the top young baseball teams in the country reside right here in South Charlotte.  The Matthews Slammers 11 year old baseball team has built a reputation for quality play since their inception in the fall of 2003.  Led by head coach Jerry Schellhorn, the team has built a very impressive resume with many tournament titles included. The team recently captured the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) North Carolina State Open Championship. (complete release)

CHARLOTTE ASTROS WIN USSSA WORLD SERIES

The Charlotte Astros capped a solid season of baseball by winning the USSSA Double A World Series this past weekend in Johnson City, TN.  The team ran off eight consecutive wins to claim the Championship. Head Coach Andy Miller led his group of 11 and under boys to the title.  With thirty six teams entered, the Astros earned the # 1 seed following pool play andthen marched through the tournament brackets, beating a team from Dublin, GA in the finals.  The Astros allowed only 16 runs in eight games.  Congratulations Boys on a job well done.  Also participating in the tournament were the Carolina Knights (see issue # 3 of South Charlotte Sports Report), The Carolina Bulldogs, The Carolina Patriots and the Carolina Lightening.

Check out photos of the team

NOTE:  The Astros were featured in issue # 2 of The South Charlotte Sports Report.

Olde Providence Americans Win Cal Ripken State Championship

Last night in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Olde Providence Americans (9 and under All Stars) took the title of State Champions in a close thriller against the All Star team from South Buncombe (Asheville).  Final Score was 15 to 14.

Four members of the Americans are enjoying their second state tournament victory having won the 8u division state title in 2005.  Those team members include Skyler Adams, Justin Kahl, Zachary Ostrow and Aaron Walker. (complete story)

Check out some photos from Baseball Camp action at St. Matthew Catholic Church

ABBIE ENGELMAIER FOCUSED ON BASEBALL

“There’s a girl playing second base,” said the hitter for the opposing baseball team.   That hitter was right; one problem though, underneath the cute smile and long blonde hair, a bona fide baseball player can be found.  Abbie Engelmaier, nine, is one of the leading baseball players at Olde Providence Recreation Association.  This four foot three dynamo plays right alongside the boys.  Never one to let the phrase “tomboy” bother her, Abbie considers herself an athlete just like the rest of the boys on her team.

“When I hear some boys on other teams call me a tomboy or other names, it only makes me try harder, so I can show them I am a baseball player. I don’t let that bother me at all.” (complete story)

KYLE DUKE EXCELS ON DIAMOND DESPITE TYPE 1 DIABETES

What could NBA lottery pick Adam Morrison possibly have in common with a 12 year old all star baseball player at Park Sharon Athletic Association?  Most would say absolutely nothing, Morrison is a 6’ 7” All-American basketball player from Gonzaga University, Kyle Duke is a 5’ 5” baseball player on the Park Sharon 12 year old all-star team. Morrison will be one of the first players drafted in the NBA Draft on June 28th. Duke will have an all-star baseball practice that afternoon.  So, what could they possibly have in common?

Adam Morrison and Kyle Duke both have Type 1 diabetes and excel in sports.  Neither let the disease keep them from reaching their full athletic potential. (complete story)

Remember the days of calling a few friends, meeting at an area field and playing a game of Sandlot baseball?  No umpires, a loosely kept score, choosing sides and playing baseball until dark.  Those were the days.  With the unlimited number of organized baseball opportunities today, sandlot baseball has fallen by the wayside along with eight track tape players, Slinkies and Tinker Toys.  Those special childhood memories have become nearly extinct.

Thanks to one special youth volunteer, a weekly sandlot game is alive and well in South Charlotte.  Mike Anderson, an Olde Providence Recreation Association baseball coach has resurrected one of his favorite pastimes and shares it weekly with 18 kids. (complete story)

Sandlot Baseball - A step back in time,   Take a look at these photos from a local “sandlot” game. 

CHARLOTTE MEGASTARS READY FOR SUMMERTIME BASEBALL ACTION

The Charlotte Megastars 11 and under AAU baseball team has been busy this spring.  Under the direction of Manager Tracy King, the group of 11 boys can often be found on the practice field or at an area baseball tournament.  In just its second year of competition, the Megastars have built a reputation as one of the top AAU baseball teams in the area. Through late May, the Megastars have captured two tournament championships and are aiming for more.(complete story)

SPOTLIGHT ON  DAVE ADAMS - OLDE PROVIDENCE RECREATION ASSOCIATION

Olde Providence Recreation Association baseball coach Dave Adams goes the extra distance to make the game of baseball fun for the kids.  Adams can often be found dancing with the youngsters after an inning, giving high fives to all the players and going to great distances to make sure every kid on the team has a wonderful experience.

Adams and wife Suzy are the proud parents to Skyler, nine and Sierra, six.  Skyler is one of the leading hitters in the nine and under league at Olde Providence.  (complete release)

AARON PILKINGTON OVERCOMES OBSTACLES TO EXCEL ON DIAMOND

Imagine for a moment the emotions experienced by Rich and Stephenie Pilkington during a routine checkup for Stephanie’s pregnancy.  Following thecompletion of an ultrasound to discover the baby’s sex, the Doctor says, “Your unborn boy has a Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation, we need to discuss a few options.”  After catching their breath, the Pilkington’s listened to the options.  Needless to say, most of the options were not acceptable.  The Pilkington’s choose to hope for the best and continue the pregnancy. 

Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation / CCAM of the lung is a relatively rare abnormality that appears on an ultrasound as a solid or cystic mass (tumor) of pulmonary tissue that has an abundance of bronchial structures (breathing channels). (complete story)

CAROLINA KNIGHTS CAPTURE AAU BASEBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

The inaugural edition of the Carolina Knights 11 and under AAU baseball team traveled to the North Carolina Coast to capture their first tournament title recently.  The Knights and Head Coach Tim Clare, are in their first year of existence.  The Oak Island Baseball Tournament saw the Knights outscore opponents 56-5 over the course of four games.

The Knights were led by the hitting of Chandler Goodson and Chris Clare.  Goodson delivered two home runs and Clare blasted a three run shot over the weekend. Mark Pollack pitched six innings and recorded seven strikeouts without allowing a run to be scored. Alex Manton pitched five innings, striking out five and not allowing a run. Josh Black threw three innings of no hit ball while recording five strikeouts.

These young players comprise the Carolina Knights; Patrick Brady, Josh Black, Chandler Goodson, Will Donohue, Chris Clare, Taylor Stewart, Alex Manton, Billy Ryan, Mark Pollack, Brad Ricketts, Brendon Setzer and Graham Wadsworth.

Myers Park United Methodist Church Youth Ministries and South Tryon Community Church are starting a sandlot league for youngsters and teens on the South Side in the Brook Hill Community.  Many of these children have never played baseball or been on a team.  The program is looking for new or used baseball equipment as well as volunteers.  Please click here for more information

PARK SHARON TO HOST CAL RIPKEN ALL STAR BASEBALL TOURNEY

Park Sharon Athletic Association has been awarded the 2006 Cal Ripken 9 and Under All Star Tournament.  The action will take place at Park Sharon fields from June 26th – July 3rd.  Park Sharon is expecting a total of 14 teams with 12-14 players on each team.  Teams from Union, Gaston, Anson, Randolph, and Mecklenburg counties will be participating in the tournament. Volunteers are needed for various duties during the tourney.

Baileigh Reardon, age 10, poses with the Chicago White Sox World Series Trophy and ring. The Charlotte Knights brought the display to Matthews Area Recreation Association baseball fields on May 6, 2006 Baileigh, son of Bob and Rachel Reardon plays for the Matthews White Sox Majors Team. Click here for more pictures of Baileigh and his teammate

THE CHARLOTTE MEGASTARS 11 AND UNDER BASEBALL TEAM STRIVES FOR THE BEST

The Charlotte Megastars 11 and under baseball team has had a successful spring baseball season to date.  Under the direction of Manager Tracy King, the Megastars have set their focus on the upcoming North Carolina State AAU Baseball Championship in Concord.  The South Charlotte Sports Report dropped by practice this week at Community House Middle School.  Look for a story on these dedicated baseball players in our first issue in early June.  CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

OLDE PROVIDENCE Selected to Host 2006 9-Year-Old Cal Ripken WNC State Tournament
Olde Providence Recreation Association has been selected to host the 2006 Cal Ripken 9-Year-Old Western North Carolina State Tournament.  The tournament will take place July 7 -10, 2006 at The Olde Providence Elementary School Fields.  The winners of this important tournament go on to represent Western North Carolina in the Southeast Regional Tournament later in July.  Olde Providence will be represented in the tournament by the OP American League All Stars. There will be admission to the fields for spectators.

Looking for a Charlotte Challenger Little League…..

I was recently forwarded this link on a Challenger Little League in Greenville, North Carolina.  The league offers youths with disabilities the chance to compete in baseball via the help of volunteers.  This made us wonder, does South Charlotte have anything similar?  If so, please email us, we would be interested in writing a story on the league.

Providence High School pitcher Shane Small recently signed a Letter of Intent to play baseball for East Carolina University. His teammate, outfielder Ryan Semeniuk signed with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, joining teammates Keith Mauney and David Mailman who inked with Wake Forest earlier. Semeniuk and Small also starred for the Providence High School basketball team this season.  The Panthers have been ranked for a majority of the year in the North Carolina High School Baseball Rankings.  The SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT would like to wish all four of the Panthers good luck in their college careers.