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Atmore All-Stars finish strong in state
The Atmore 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars wrapped up their season over the weekend. After winning the district title in Brewton, Atmore advanced to the Alabama State Tournament in Demopolis.
Rain delays made an already tough schedule more complicated for Atmore. Despite the obstacles, the All-Stars were able to have early success in the tournament, defeating their first two opponents. After playing only three innings Saturday against Huntsville, the Atmore All-Stars were forced to call it quits for the day due to threatening weather. One good night’s rest and four innings later, however, Atmore defeated Huntsville 6-2.
Only a few short hours later Atmore took the field again to play West Alabama. Fatigue did not seem to play into the equation as Atmore defeated their second opponent 4-1 to continue in the tournament with a perfect winning record.
With their third game of the day beginning late Sunday evening against Wetumpka, and almost no break to recuperate, Atmore took the field once again. Around midnight, as Sunday turned into Monday, the Atmore All-Stars fell to their opponent for their first loss of the tournament, by a score of 8-5.
Coming off a tough loss and a day spent battling three different teams on the field and the intense heat during their short breaks off the field, Atmore settled into the dugout once again for the last of their four games around 3:30 p.m. Monday, this time against Theodore. Down by one run, Atmore was forced to take out starting pitcher Tanner Smith early. In spite of exhaustion, the All-Stars were down by only three, with the score 4-1 in favor of Theodore, in the bottom of the fifth inning. Overworked pitching arms and several walks gave Theodore the edge they needed as they were able to pull away in the sixth inning on their way to a 15-1 victory over Atmore.
Atmore’s 2-2 game finish in Demopolis capped an outstanding season for the 13-year-old group, as they finished only a handful of games away from an Alabama state title.
Atmore’s ability to finish the tournament at 500 was a testament to the caliber of players on the team. Fighting through a complicated schedule displayed their determination. Being outnumbered by the amount of substitute players in the competing dugout was evidence of Atmore’s talent.
“They played great,” said team Manager Tim McAnally. “We just finally ran out of gas.”
Stellar performances from stand-outs Dalton Daniel, Tanner Smith, Tristan McAnally and others heavily contributed to Atmore’s winning ways. Smith pitched an entire seven-inning game to kick off the tournament, allowing only two hits during his time on the mound. Aaron McDonald, Tristan McAnally, Dalton Daniel and Coby Smith also shared time at the pitcher position for Atmore. Other key players in this year’s tournament included Brodie Amos in left field, Gage White in right field and Trey Weekes behind the plate at catcher. Nate Smith and Trey McGhee’s consistency aided Atmore through their long post-season play, while pinch running from Devontae Stephens and Billy Powell kept Atmore a continuous base-running threat.
As the 13-year-old group finished up an outstanding season under the leadership of coaches Tommy Smith, Jody Dortch and manager Tim McAnally, it is evident that, while the team will not come home with a state title, they will return knowing that none of the teams they faced will soon forget playing the Atmore All-Stars.
First baseman, Nate Smith, chases down a runner during Sunday’s game in Demopolis
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