Rockies (Senior)

WEST VIRGINIA
LITTLE LEAGUE TEAMS

HEDGESVILLE ALL-STARS
2003 WEST VIRGINIA LITTLE LEAGUE

Hedgesville claims state crown

By ROBYN RISON - The Herald-Dispatch

CEREDO-KENOVA -- It’s official the Hedgesville Little League All-Stars will now been known as the team from West Virginia.

Hedgesville held off a pesky team from South Charleston’s Mountaineer Little League to get a 12-8 win Thursday in the championship game of the 2003 West Virginia Little League Baseball State Tournament at Mitch Stadium.

Hedgesville advances as the West Virginia state champ to the Southeastern Regional next week in St. Petersburg, Fla. Hedgesville will play South Carolina on Aug. 3 at 11 a.m.

Hedgesville jumped out to a seven-run lead only to see Mountaineer come back to make it a 7-6 game. After Hedgesville manager John Reed had a little discussion with his players between the fourth and fifth innings, they regrouped and pulled away again.

"I wouldn’t say we blew the lead. Mountaineer just made a great comeback," Reed said. "We jumped out on them early and set the tone, but (pitcher) Aaron (Price) fell apart and we had to bring in Jordan (Reed). I have a tendency to go off on them sometimes. I did and they responded."

Despite his struggles in third, Price was the winning pitcher. Mountaineer starter Caleb Burdette, who threw 116 pitches in five innings, took the loss.

"As I told the kids, I don’t have any regrets," Mountaineer manager Steve Frazer said. "We came a long way. We had a tough battle through our district (three) and then went 1-2 in pool play here and pulled it off. Somebody said there are 124 Little League teams in the state so number two is not too bad. We’re not going to Florida, but this has been MLB all week. My hat is off to the people here at C-K. This was top notch."

Hedgesville wasted no time in taking charge, scoring four runs in the top of the first. J.R. Mayles, Jordan Smith and Price each singled and Andrew Snyder drove in a run on a sacrifice.

Hedgesville added three more runs in the second to take a 7-0 advantage. Reed and Kevin Finfrock both singled and Snyder doubled and drove in another run. Jake Riner also drove in a run.

Mountaineer finally got its bats going in the third and scored five times. Blake Moore and Austin Hensley drew back-to-back walks to start the rally. Gavin Patton delivered an RBI single. Matt Frazer singled. Burdette drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and Dylan Midkiff doubled to drive in another run.

Mountaineer cut it to a run-one game with another run in the bottom of the fourth, but that proved to be a wake-up call for Hedgesville.

Hedgesville answered by scoring five runs in fifth to take a 12-6 lead. The inning was highlighted by doubles from Ricky Miller, Mayles and Riner as well as a single from Finfrock.

Mountaineer continued to chip into the lead when Mike McCormick came up with a pinch-hit single to drive in a run in the fifth. Patton finished the scoring with a solo home run to left in the bottom of the sixth.

The defense was suspect for both teams throughout the game. The two teams combined for 12 errors. Despite the errors, Reed will take the win.

"This was just a great victory for the kids," he said. "The bottom line is that these 12 kids got it done. What a thrill."

Reed said the win just capped off a fantastic experience for his team.

"I have to thank the guys at CK," he said. "This is the best we’ve ever seen and with all the work they put in they just did a fabulous job. This has just been really fun. We’ve gotten to know Huntington and I think we might have to become Marshall fans now. They (Marshall) let us practice over there one day and we got to meet their baseball coach (Dave Piepenbrink). This was really fun."

Southeastern Regional Tournament
St. Petersburg, Florida  August 3 - 9 

LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Hedgesville Little League Players and Families,

     Welcome to the 2004 season of little League Baseball and Softball.  We are coming from an extremely exciting year within Hedgesville Little League.   Hedgesville Little League won their first ever Little League State Championship.  This was a dream come true for many of us.  The team then traveled to Florida and enjoyed the memories that will last a lifetime.  A team high in spirit and camaraderie – keys to successful play and the foundation of Little League Baseball took that Championship.  They set a great example for all of us.
     We were also very well represented by our 11-year-old team in All-Star play.  This team went undefeated and won the District crown.  They went as far as they could go.  During these tournaments many HLL members came out to support our teams.  It was great seeing the strong community support of Hedgesville of Little League.
     Please keep in mind, this league is run entirely by volunteers, people who step up to the plate (literally in the case of our umpires) and do their part.  The board is working diligently to provide guidance and training for every volunteer.  We need each and every one of you to pitch in, take advantage of our training and help in any way you can.   Every positive effort made by a volunteer is to help make Little League Baseball and Softball an enjoyable experience for our children.
     Let’s remember that the players are our own boys and girls (and in some cases grandchildren) from our own community.  They are classmates, playmates, neighbors, friends and relatives.  Most importantly, they are just kids. They carry a lot of pressure with them when they are out on the field and even in the dugout.  Cheer for all of them, even in they are on opposing teams.   This will go a long way toward affirming to them that baseball/softball is just a game, and it is fun just being able to play.
     Finally, please remember that Little League baseball is for kids, not the parents.   Its primary purpose is for us to teach fundamental baseball/softball skills, good sportsmanship and teamwork, but most important, is that your child has fun.  Please attend your child’s game it really means a lot to them when you are there supporting them.   The season moves quickly, but the memories will last forever.

Have a great 2004 season!

Sincerely,
Nevin Kilmer, President

Hedgesville Little League's

Tuesday, March 29th
HEDGESVILLE LISTED IN TOP 40
In the 3rd quarter of 2004, Hedgesville Little League was listed in the nations top 40 in FoodLions Shop and Share Program. Congratulations and THANKS to all our parents for helping our league reach this goal. If you would like to view the complete top 40 list, CLICK HERE.

Wednesday, January 12th
ATTENTION MANAGERS AND COACHES
The Hedgesville Little League is now accepting applications for Managers and Coaches for the 2005 season. Applications may be picked up at Murphy’s Shell { old Hedgesville Texaco} or Initially Yours in Eagle Plaza. You can also download a copy to print by Clicking Here and downloading the Coach Manager Application. A copy of your drivers license must be submitted with your application for the league to conduct background checks. All applications must be in by February 12, 2005. Questions can be answered by calling 754-7145 and leaving a message.

Wednesday, January 5th
HEDGESVILLE LL PLAYER REGISTRATION
Only 1 month until LL Registration!!! Mark your calendars. Feb 12th, 19th, and 26th from 10 to 3pm and Feb 17th from 6 to 9pm at the Hedgesville Elementary School located on School House Road in Hedgesville. For more info on registration, please click here. Hope to see everyone there.

Wednesday, January 5th
2005 VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Volunteers are needed for 2005.
Want to be a COACH, UMPIRE, TEAM MOM, OR MANAGER?
How about helping out with the FIELDS OR CONCESSIONS?
CLICK HERE to find out the different positions and ways in which to volunteer to help the kids.

Saturday, December 31
OPENING DAY CEREMONIES
Opening Day Ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, April 16th at 10am.

Sunday, August 1st
2004 FALL BALL REGISTRATION
There will be registration for Fall Ball on August 7th from 10-12 and on August 11th from 6-8 at the HLL complex. There will be a fee of $20.00. This is for players league age 8-14. {14's cannot pitch}. Anyone who cannot make it to registration can call 754-7145, leave a message, and Nevin will get back to you to register over the phone.

Wednesday, April 13th
new LIGHTS ARE ON!!!
The new underground lighting systems for both the senior baseball and girls softball fields are now ready to light up the nite sky around Hedgesville. The dedication ceremonies for the lights will be held this Saturday, April 17th beginning at 9am. Hope to see everyone there.

Thursday, February 5th
LITTLE LEAGUE DAY WITH THE ORIOLES
HLL is once again sponsoring a bus trip to see the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday June 6th, 2004. All players in uniform will participate in a Pre-Game Parade around the field before the O's take on Tampa Bay. Game ticket and bus trip will be $35 per person. The buses will leave from Hedgesville at 9:30 sharp. We have a limited number of seats so Get your reservations in early!!! Sign-up Forms will be available during HLL Registration. All sign-up's and payments must be submitted by May 1st.

Thursday, January 22nd
Sale on World Series Merchandise!!!
Little League Headquarters has just finished their after series inventory and are offering some outstanding buys on T-Shirts, Caps, and other World Series Mechandise. Adult and Youth T-Shirts have both been reduced to $5 and Caps have been reduced from $24 to $6. Supply's are limited so place your orders today. You can see the styles and sizes by Clicking Here and going to Specials.

Sunday, January 4th
ATTENTION MANAGERS AND COACHES
The Hedgesville Little League is now accepting applications for Managers and Coaches for the 2004 season. Applications may be picked up at Murphy’s Shell { old Hedgesville Texaco}, Initially Yours in Eagle Plaza, or Best Homes and Sheds in Falling Waters. You can also download a copy to print by Clicking Here and downloading the Coach Manager Application. A copy of your drivers license must be submitted with your application for the league to conduct background checks. All applications must be in by February 7, 2004.

Tuesday, October 28
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
New lights are going to be installed on both our boys senior
baseball and girls softball fields for next year.
CLICK HERE to find more information about this campaign,
our current donations list, and how you can help.

Monday, October 27
HLL 2004 LEAGUE BONANZA
HLL's 2004 Bonanza is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 6pm.
The Bonanza will be held at the Moose 120 Lodge
in Martinsburg. Tickets will be available soon.

Sunday, October 26
2004 PICTURE DAY

Picture Day will be on Saturday, May 8th beginning at 9am
and continue throughout the day.
Pictures will be taken at Hedgesville Elementary
School on School House Road.

Tuesday, September 16
NEW FOR 2004: 11 YEAR OLD STATE TOURNAMENT

The 11 year old West Virginia All-Stars from our 8 Districts
will compete in the first ever State Tournament in 2004.