SEMINOLE IN THE SEMIS
Greetings from our state capital, Tallahassee's Canopy Oaks Communit Park. To follow along with the Seminole Major Baseball team as they take on North Springs today in the semifinals, just click the comments link below. I'll be posting updates as frequently as I can throughout today's 10 a.m. game. Should Semiole win, they will play tonight at 5:30 in the championship game with a berth at next week's Southeast Regional at Gulfport. Seminole won in dramatic fashoin yesterday, with Anthony Lamoureux hitting a walk-off, three-run homer with two strikes and two outs in the bottom of the sixth.
--Brandon Wright
The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
We're 15 minutes from game time and both teams have completed infield. It is excrutiatingly hot here but as Ernie Banks said, it's always a great day to play two. Heres the starting lineup and batting order for Seminole.
1- Brett Phjillips, 1B
2- Scott Withrow, 2B
3- Mike Mann, P
4- Corey Baptist, 3B
5- Adam Atkinson, SS
6- Will Oberst, C
7- Anthony Lamoureux, CF
8- David Watts, LF
9- Eric Sines, RF
--Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Brandon, a HUGE "Thank You" to you and the Times, both for setting up this cool and helpful way for us to follow today's games, and for your great coverage of Little League beginning back at the start of the Tournament of Champions. Many people, from points spread all over the world, have commented upon how much they have enjoyed reading your articles. Great job!
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 09:49 AM
Coach Ira Berman just walked over to the dugout and said "It's War Time." Im sitting amongst the Seminole fans and I can't tell you how many times I've heard "Ithink I'm going to be sick..." I'm 100% sure the fans are more nervous thatn the players. Nice Seminole crowd here, though.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Thanks Rick, Brett Phiilips to lead it off. The North Springs pitcher is huge...has to be 5'11, 190 pounds. I think that's a little conservative too. That said, he's throwing hard but not overpowering. Seminole is a great fastball hitting team--they've had problems with the slower ones. Phillips singled to right.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Phillips on first, Scott Withrow up. 0-2 on Withrow...he goes odown on a high fastball. Mike Mann up, Phillips on first. He hits a first pitch fastball into left for a single.
Branodn
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Background interest, although it won't matter too much to Seminole's players - the coaches and parents are aware that North Springs was the very same league who knocked Seminole out of the State Tournament two years ago, when these boys were 10.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Corey Baptist up, Phillips on second, Mann on first...one out. Baptist pops up to pitcher...two outs.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Rick...absolutely they are!! Adam Atkinson just grounded out to the North Springs shortstop, who made a sliding grab in the hole and threw out Phillips at thrid. Very nice play. Mann is taking his warmups and looks to be humming.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Mann is throwing very hard. Interesting for this age group: he has a two and four seam fastball. Four seamer is about 6-7 mph faster and the two-seamer darts in to a righty. First batter grounds out. 1-2 on the second batter...strike three. Threw it right by him. two outs.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:08 AM
0-2 on the third batter. This kid is even bigger than the pitcher...I wanna see some birth certificates. Mann just struck him o0ut on a curve in the dirt and he looks very sharp.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Will Oberst leads off the top of the second. Oberst just drove a letter high fastball over the right centerfield fence. A bomb, 1-0 Seminole. Oberst's second homer of the tourney.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Way to go WILL!
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for the updates. It's just likw being there!!!
Posted by: Mike | July 30, 2007 at 10:15 AM
Do know how many innings Mann can pitch this game?
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:15 AM
Keith Adam is batting now...Adam goes down looking. David Watts to the plate, one out. Watts pops out to CF. Two down, and Eric Sines to the plate. Sines hits a liner to first that the 1B smothers for the out. Seminole 1, NS 0.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Mike has a full 85 pitches today. He threw 13 in the first. All other Seminole pitchers are available.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Mann sets the first batter down on a curveball looking. Hard ground ball up the middle, but Mann reaches down and makes a nice play. Two outs.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Bloop single falls into short right centerfield. Runner on first, two outs. Liner to second, Withrow leaps and makes a nice play. Three outs. Seminole 1, NS 0...top of third inning.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Phillips up to lead off inning...lays down a drag bunt and beats it out. Super play by the 3B to bare hand it and make the throw, the bunt was just better.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Withrow singles to left field, runners on first and second with no outs. Mann to the plate. WOW! Mann just hit one that landed just south of Georgia! Three run homer...Seminole up 4-0. Baptist just follows that up with a bomb to CF. 5-0 Seminole...they brought their sticks today.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:30 AM
NS is channging pitchers. Huge inning so far for Seminole. I'm starting to see a lot of "Little League" shoulders on the NS team. You know, slumping shoulders, pouting, etc.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Excellent. If I were there, I would be teasing Corey that he needs to match Mike....
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Atkinson up...Atkinson just dropped a single to short left. NS outfielders are literally playing at the fence, so Texas Leaguers should fall against them. Oberst up, Atkinson on first. Oberts hit with a curveball. He sjhakes it off and heads to first.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Thanks, Brandon! My nephew Tylor Craft plays for Seminole and my sister and their family are all there. This lets me feel like I am there too!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Mazur | July 30, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Way to Go Boys !!!!
Thanks Brandon for providing this for us.
Posted by: Jane Raymonds | July 30, 2007 at 10:36 AM
THANKS FOR THE UPDATES IT IS SO EXCITING!!!!
Posted by: JANE | July 30, 2007 at 10:37 AM
THIS IS WONDERFUL IT ALMOST MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE THERE...THANKS FOR DOING THIS..
Posted by: JANE DEKORTE | July 30, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Anthony Lamoureux, yesterdays hero, is up with runner son first and second. There it goes....another bomb. Lamoureux takes it out to left centerfield...Seminole is up 8-0 and still no outs in the third.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Is Ant the leader with Home Runs at State, then?
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:40 AM
No problem guys, just doing my job but there isn't anywhere I'd rather be right now. Anthony Berry grounds out to short. First out. Tyler Craft up. Craft strikes out on Curveball in the dirt. The NS pitcher has a nice curveball, but its probably too late at this point. Phillips just got hit...nicked off his shirt.\
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Rick, not sure but I think it's Baptist. I dont have many notes in front of me (im currently sitting with my comp in my lap and trying not to let the sweat pour into the keyboard. But I will find out after the game and post it before the night game. Withrow grounds out, thre outs. Seminole 8, NS 0
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:43 AM
And while this game looks to be in hand, ot should be noted that NS came back from a 6-0 sixth inning deficit in the second game to win 8-6.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Nice job, Brandon. All of us here in Seminole really appreciate everything that you're doing. Between your blog and the calls from Tommy Craft, I'm not missing anything.
Posted by: Alan McFadden | July 30, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Great job Brandon, thanks for all the updates. What no viewcam? Only kidding.
Rick, get back to work.
Posted by: Neil Murphy | July 30, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Go Seminole, Had to head home last nite, this is the best, feel like I am there live. My nerves are crazy. Keep it going.
Thanks!
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Oberst | July 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Mann strikes out the leadoff batter. Base hit to left field...sharp single. Seminole makes an error on a orutine grounder. Runners on first and second, no outs.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM
How's Mike's pitch count?
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:51 AM
NS drag bunt...he beats it out. Bases loaded, one out. NS first pitcher (he one who looks 16) is up.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:53 AM
My question is why isn't Alan McFadden at the actual game?
Posted by: Rodney Page | July 30, 2007 at 10:53 AM
0-2 on the big kid...curve in the dirt. Strike three on a heater above the letters...two down.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Fly ball to left, Berry makes the catch. Bases-loaded, one out and they get out of it unscathed. This looks to be Seminole's day. Rick, Mann's pitch count was highest that inning, but he's fine.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:55 AM
McFadden the kid? Isnt he only 11
Posted by: Danny | July 30, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Thanks for answering my questions, Brandon. Mann is on fire. Even if he got in trouble, though, Ira has several fine options....
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Who is Rodney Page?
Posted by: Alan McFadden | July 30, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Mann up to lead off top of the fourth. Strikes out swinging on a nice curveball. Baptist to the plate. Baptist strikes out. This kid has thrown 10 styraight curves (look for my story on arm injuries in Wednesday's Times). Two down, Atkinson up
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 10:59 AM
How great is this.
Posted by: Peggy Weber | July 30, 2007 at 11:01 AM
yea ira could do alot without mann but right now he needs to think a little about saving pithcers. Is brett the next best??
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:01 AM
Way to Go Boys !!!!
Thanks Brandon for providing this for us.
Posted by: Jane Raymonds | July 30, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Any of the next five pitchers would do nicely... but it looks like Mann will be able to finish this one....
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Their pitching goes deep but if we win we have tonite. Adam is a bulldog!!!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Atkinson walks and Devin Kalck gets his first at bat of the game. Kalck doubles to left center. Lamoureux is up with runners on second and third.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:04 AM
If and yes if we win this are you going to live tonite also????
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM
0-2 on Lamoureux. Works it back to 2-2. Ira is driving this pitcher crazy with his incessant screaming. Hilarious. Lamoureux fouls off a 3-2 pitch. Strike three looking.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Go Seminole!
Posted by: Jennifer Mazur | July 30, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Absolutely 11:05....some drama here, the NS parents and coaches are all up in arms, accusing a Seminole fan of stealing signs. Considering their pitcher is throwing 80% curveballs, its not like its necessary.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Yeah. Our kids know curveballs. PLUS, if a fan can see the signs, they aren't being stolen.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Haha. Gotta love Ira!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Single to lead off the bottom of 4 for NS. Liner to right, Watts makes a nice catch out there. Wild pitch, runner to second. Baptist fields the gorunder and makes the play at first. Two down.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Turn up the heat, NS looking for excuses!!!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Mann strikes the third guy out in the inning. Heading into the top of the fifth, Seminole 8, NS 0. BTW, Mann is at 60 pitches as of right now.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:15 AM
GO SEMINOLE!!!!!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Way to go Seminole....we are all thinking about you!!!
Posted by: Sherry Murphy | July 30, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Brandon,
Great job. Wish I could be there. Go Seminole.
Posted by: Lisa McFadden | July 30, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Berry to lead of top of 5. Berry strikes out on a deuce. Sines is up. Popout to second base. NS's second pitcher definitely has Seminole off balance. Phillips to the plate, two down. 1B makes a nice play on a tough grounder for the third out.
Brandon
PS my battery ios dying and Im nowhere near an outlet...just want to give everyone a heads up if it dies. If it does, Ill make sure something gets up here.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:24 AM
NS just hit a solo homer to lead off the inning. Seminole 8, NS 1
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Get some juice baby we need you.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Someone needs to make sure our coaches get Brandon extra batteries or a long cord, or a generator, or something before tonite..... We can't lose our "man in the stands."
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Great job Seminole! We are all thinking of you. We hope to see you back home this coming weekend.
Posted by: Debbie Kiag | July 30, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Ira, while he can be somewhat annoying, should be commended for all the time and other resources has has brought to SYAA over the past few year's.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Mann strikes out next guy. Strikes out the next guy looking. Two down in the inning. Mann couldn't have bounced back better after the HR to lead off the inning. 4-3, inning over. SDeminole 8, NS 1
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Let's not forget how much time & the resources that Mike has added to this team. I think they both compliment each other.
Posted by: neil murphy | July 30, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Did we lose Brandon? I hope not.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Y'all can go on about which volunteers are the best (missing many of note, of course)... ME... I am just hoping Brandon's laptop battery holds out....
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:31 AM
HAha! the other game is over and I have secured the press box outlet on the other field. Resourcefulness, the ane of any journalist. Going into bottom of 5.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:32 AM
ONE TO GO!!!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:32 AM
i mean top of 6...sorry
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Ira is a great guy. I loved having him as a coach.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Withrow leads off inning with a fly out to the warning track in right field. Mann grounds out sharply to the pitcher...two down.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Let's just say this is GREAT TEAM coaches , players and parents .... and community
Go Seminole Little League
Posted by: Jane Raymonds | July 30, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Let's turn the concession into a Motel 6 and discuss the volunteers more.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Another bomb...Baptist lines the first pitch he sees over the CF fence. This team absolutely kills fastballs. Seminole 9, NS 1
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I agree with Jane!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Atkinson grounds out to end the inning. Heaidn into the last of the sixth, Seminole 9, NS 1
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Cory is a beast
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Mann gets two strikes on the first batter before he pops up to Phillips at first....one down
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Just heard a rumor they may be moving to night game up to 4 p.m. Ill poste when I have confirmation on that.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Congrats to Seminole from a former resident. Sounds like they have an excellent chance to get to Gulfport! I hope to see the boys playing in a couple of weeks on ESPN!
I wanted to say hello to Alan and Lisa also. Long time no talk to!
Posted by: Sean Stevens | July 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Mann strikes out secodn batter...two down.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Great to hear from you Sean. Wish the boys luck!!!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Mann strikes out the last batter looking...game over...Seminole 9, NS 1...Im going to go check on that time of the next game...stay tuned.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Great Game guys!!! Keep us posted Brandon. Thanks for the great blog.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:43 AM
who do they play next
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Brandon,
Thank you so much for the play by play....makes us feel like we are there!
Posted by: Sherry Murphy | July 30, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Great game, guys - good luck this evening.
Sean - good to hear from you.
Posted by: Alan McFadden | July 30, 2007 at 11:45 AM
SEMINOLE WINS 9-1!!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!
Posted by: Teresa Oberst | July 30, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Congrats Seminole!!!
Posted by: Jennifer Mazur | July 30, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Brandon, we're all writing letters to your editor telling him you're the coolest Sports beat reporter since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle covered the 1908 Olympics . . . .
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:47 AM
GREAT GAME!!! I will tune in this afternoon! Good luck!
Posted by: Debbie Kiag | July 30, 2007 at 11:48 AM
w00t go seminole
Posted by: danny | July 30, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Folks, our League Website has received nearly 300 visits in the past two hours.... that's amazing. Now, please join me in encouraging everyone from Seminole who was at the game to come here (to this blog) and add their observations! Brandon's commentary was awesome. Now, we need to get parents and fans to add their take and flavor.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Congratulations from the City of Seminole Recreation Director & Staff. Watching these boys play last weekend, I knew this was going to be special. Keep up the intensity tonight, as we will be pulling for you. Seminole is special when it comes to youth sports!
Posted by: Jim Sheets | July 30, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Ok guys, it's official. The championsip game will begin at 4 p.m., so spread the word for those interested. I'll try to get on about 3:30 p.m. so I can put together some stats for you guys and answer any questions. Im off to the mall to get a new shirt...this one is soaked. See you guys in awhile.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Thanks Brandon!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Once again, Seminole vs. North Palm Beach at $ p.m. for the state title. I'm out, see you at 3:30 p.m.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 11:57 AM
eh, the senior girls should've won their semifinal game too, but oh well. it is thrilling. good luck boys, and especially coach ira.
and thanks, brandon. this is really neat.
Posted by: chris & lyndsey | July 30, 2007 at 11:59 AM
CONGRATS SEMINOLE!!!!! MY DADS THE BEST!!!!!!!! (and he is not annoying, whoever said that!) Thanks so much for the play-by-play - you were sitting next to my mom who was also texting me score updates...cant wait for the blog tonight!
Posted by: Jodi Berman | July 30, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Congrats guys! You kids, your coaches and parents are doing Seminole, Little League, and District 5 proud! Keep hustling and have FUN!! You guys can go all the way.
Posted by: Art Groff | July 30, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Even if we wanted to which we do , we couldn't make it on time. So bring one home for all of seminole past and present fans.
Posted by: Peggy Weber | July 30, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Fantastic! We've been following the team all season! Keep it up! Can you hear us cheering in Seminole? Josh says congratulations to all of his friends, we wish you luck and we'll see you in Gulfport!
Posted by: The Flack's | July 30, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Hey Flacks, the Stevens family says hi from Omaha!
Posted by: Sean Stevens | July 30, 2007 at 01:33 PM
I dont understand why all the talent went to my lil bro but w.e go get n.palm beach boys bring the title home and go win it in gulf port!
Posted by: Joe Lamoureux | July 30, 2007 at 01:40 PM
i ment go get it seminole haha
Posted by: Joe Lamoureux | July 30, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Way to go Seminole!! Congrats....we're all really proud...
Posted by: The Attaways | July 30, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Two years ago, our 10 year olds were knocked out in the semi-final game by North Palm Beach, the team we will face tonight for the title. That game went 7 innings. North Springs won the state title that year (2005).
Posted by: Jim Watts | July 30, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Thanks to everyone for the updates especially Brandon and Jim Watts.
Go David and the entire Seminole team.
Posted by: Steven Wynocker | July 30, 2007 at 01:57 PM
The teams' waiting out the storm up here for our second game of the day. The Boys are are ready to roll! We are Very proud of our BOYS!! Mike wants me to call them Young Men!!
Posted by: Ronnie & Steve Kalck | July 30, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Congratulations Seminole!!
Posted by: Steve Sladden | July 30, 2007 at 02:09 PM
"This team can mash!" Good luck to the Seminole boys, wish I could have been there!
Posted by: Sarah LaMar | July 30, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Thanks for your support Jim Sheets. See you soon.... Devin Kalck
Posted by: Devin Kalck | July 30, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Rain Delay... Next Game today at 5:30
Posted by: Steve Kalck | July 30, 2007 at 03:34 PM
We are proud of you!!! Best of Luck!!
Go Seminole!
Posted by: Doug and Karen Luke | July 30, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Have patience and have fun! We are all very proud of these Gentlemen. Good Luck! All of Seminole is rooting for you.
Posted by: Keith Robinson | July 30, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Coach Ira Berman...Good luck to coach Ira and the rest of the seminole team...it will be nice to be able to go to gulfport and watch a team play from a round this area...we are pulling for you guys...good luck from bruce, ben and the rest of the barber family...ps. your just lucky you made it past us....lol...keep up the good work.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Brandon,
Thanks so much for the updates! I am at the game however just sent this link to all our friends and family so they can get your play by play updates.
We are SOOOoooo proud of these "young men"!
Gotta go and support Seminole, game is getting ready to start.
Posted by: Jody Phillips Foushee | July 30, 2007 at 04:41 PM
what time is game start?
Posted by: Tom | July 30, 2007 at 05:15 PM
The final game has started I just got a call from my son. Early on but we are losing and they have runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs!
Posted by: Teresa Oberst | July 30, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Keep us posted ....Please
Posted by: Bob Williams | July 30, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:05 PM
The question is were they stealing the signs from the very beginning of the game? If they were, very bush league there in Seminole. Win the right way next time.
Posted by: LL Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 08:15 AM
To "Little League Baseball Fan", who asks a silly question that demonstrates complete ignorance of Little League and of Baseball.
Seminole's players and coaches have demonstrated in 13 previous games that they have sufficient knowledge of the game of Little League Baseball AND they also scout opponents, both of which enable them to accurately predict likely pitches from the other team, making it SEEM like they are stealing signs, when, in fact, the Signs or lack of signs have no impact whatsoever upon Seminole's ability to correctly guess when an offspeed pitch is coming, or when to expect a fastball over the plate.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, "stealing signs" (as alleged yesterday) is no such thing. If people sitting in the stands can tell what the signs are, then the signs aren't being stolen, they are out in the open.
If Seminole had a parent stationed beyond the outfield fence, using binoculars to steal signs not otherwise visible, and then communicating these "stolen" signs to the team using mobile phones or signals of some sort, that condition would be more close to "stealing" signs.
I submit to you, based upon my experience, that stealing signs is not terribly helpful to players in the Majors Division. And, in the event signs are stolen, the simple defense is to just tell the players to do the OPPOSITE of the sign.
In the entire history of baseball, there has never been a game won because a team stole another teams' signs. However, there have been, over the decades, countless losing teams who blamed their loss on this pretend crime.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 31, 2007 at 09:43 AM
A little sensitive Rick! I guess all this knowledge and experience you have gained over the years didn't work very well against Palm Beach. Stealing signs in a little league game is bush whether by coaches or especially by parents, this is not what little league is all about. Maybe you should re-read the little league pledge yourself. By the way, with all that knowledge and expertise, I guess Seminole must have lost because of the field conditions.
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 10:08 AM
It isn't about winning or losing, you had that game won in the 2nd inning. It is how you conduct yourselves and what you teach your kids.
Just like you should have lost your last pool game on Sunday (can you honestly say that kid wasn't struck out). It was the talk of the park for hours. But give your kids credit, they didn't give up and delivered after getting a huge break. Otherwise you would have played Palm Beach in the semis and gone home about 6 hours earlier. Enjoy watching the games this weekend at your home field.
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Again, Seminole did not steal signs. The assumption is a silly one, unsupported by the facts. As you said, our boys had the team pretty much had the game in hand in the second inning.
My suggestion to you was that 99 % of the time when people allege that the other team is stealing signs, the allegation is incorrect.
As to the Final Game, Seminole did not lose because of field conditions, bad umpires, a rigged schedule, stolen signs, illegal players on the other team, or anything else.
They lost because the other team outplayed them.
Which, in my Little League experience, is the case about 9999 times out of 10000.
It's great that you are so passionate about perceived crimes against the game. I maintain your indignation is misplaced.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 31, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Regarding the phantom strike you referenced, LL Baseball Fan. I wasn't able to watch the games in person.
As a longtime umpire, this is what I can tell you. If the umpire called the pitch a ball, it was because he (the only person in the park in a position to see the pitch, and one of the few who is dispassionate and who is trained to differentiate between balls and strikes) saw that it was a ball.
I understand that many Little League fans think that they can better see balls and strikes than the umpire can. (Heck, so do many coaches and players).
What I know is that the umpire in this case called the pitch a ball. So it was a ball.
In my experience, every time I have encountered a Little League fan who "knew" that the Umpire blew a third strike (or fourth ball) call, the fans are usually unable to define the strike zone, describe the flight path of the pitch and also describe the earlier pitches in the count.
Indignation is easy. Shared indignation is even easier.
Accepting whatever happens, be it close calls that don't go our way, unlucky hops, sun in the eyes, or whatever, is one of the principle values of Little League baseball.
Which is why I am particularly proud to read so many reports of the sporstmanlike way Seminole's teams have handled their departures from these various All-Star tournaments.
As to the bit about enjoying the games in Gulfport. I will do so this year, as I have everyone of my 14 years in the Sunshine state. If you make it to the game, I'll be happy to buy you a hot dog and a coke and call balls and strikes from the stands.
I understand that is a big part of being a fan.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 31, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Wow!
Where are the comments coming from Little League Baseball Fan? My son happened to play on the Seminole Allstar team and we take offense to your inferences. Our kids played their hearts out. Apparently, your child was on one of the teams that lost. Our kids live, eat and breathe baseball.
So sorry pal. You can't take anything from the Seminole Allstar team! They played awesome games and not all the calls an umpire makes are going to be ones everyone agrees with. In my opinion, our final game was plagued by errors - some due to field conditions, others our fault. Whatever the case....
our SEMINOLE BOYS ROCK!!!
Posted by: Proud Seminole LL Parent | July 31, 2007 at 12:24 PM
There is nothing written that accuses any of the Seminole kids of any wrong doing. They are a good team.
And yes, the stealing of signs did not allow them to win or lose any game. I am talking about integrity and teaching the kids that there is a right way and wrong way to win or lose. THIS IS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL. Parents stealing signs in a little league game regardless of the outcome is wrong. I suppose you are big Barry Bonds and Mark McGuire fans. This is about integrity.
I had no rooting interest in the stike/ball call in the Sunday game. But anyone that thinks these unpaid umpires don't make mistakes, hasn't seen too many youth baseball games.
Maybe the Seminole team should join me over in Disney this weekend and strut their stuff against the USSSA Elite 24. Then maybe we'll see if they rock or get rocked!!
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Rick, Lets see, A parent right next to the dugout was yelling "drive the ball" on 12 consecutive fast balls and said "hands back" on all the off speed pitches. Before I would make any accusation like this, I kept track of what was going on. Why would you deny it? Yes parent, the game was not decided by this, but it was wrong, just admit it and move on. I know your kids play very well on the field, it's too bad some of the parents lack integrity because they want to win so badly. Again, I refer you to the little league pledge. Out
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 01:52 PM
I re-read the Little League pledge. I didn't see anything in there about kids being held responsible for spectators yelling advise from the stands. I know nothing about parents who offer what is borderline coaching advice from afar representing an attack on the integrety of the game of Little League Baseball.
It's an amusing stretch, really.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 31, 2007 at 02:37 PM
The Little League Pledge
I trust in God
I love my country
And will respect its laws
I will play fair
And strive to win
But win or lose
I will always do my best
I "get" that you insist that this fan who was yelling stuff to the players (all of whom knew when to expect breaking pitches anyway) constitutes not playing fair. I assert to you that Little League kids are not responsible for fans. Plus, this fan, as you described it, did not give Seminole an advantage at all.
None.
The "unfairness" of it is imaginary.
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 31, 2007 at 02:44 PM
I hope this will be my last post. Why can you not just admit that stealing signs in a little league game is wrong?
The Seminole team played very well, hit homers, etc..
Little league will be so watered down next year because all 12 year olds must play in majors that I think even more kids will leave and go strictly to travel baseball.
Little league pledge has everything to do with what is pure about the game; trust in god, do my best, try my hardest, etc. Not "drive the ball" on fast balls, and "stay back" on change ups. See you in Orlando
Posted by: Little Leage Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 02:47 PM
You really lose credibility if you think all 13 of your kids know what pitch is coming before it is thrown. If so, these kids would be in Williamsport in 2 weeks and win that one going away. I thought you knew something about the game, but this shows you are utterly clueless. Good Day.
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | July 31, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Hopefully none of these kids will ever play for Perry Lopez. My son is the best baseball player in the county. None of these kids will ever be as good as my boy. He really has a future. Perry never understood that my son is the next AROD.
Posted by: Ray | July 31, 2007 at 03:34 PM
All this is getting far too silly...unlike most of the people posting lately on this thread, I WAS there. If said fan was calling pitches from the stands against North Springs, then I must know NOTHING about baseball. Because usually when someone clues you in to what is coming, you hit it. After Anthony hit the three-run homer, Seminole went cold. If they knew a breaking ball was coming, why didnt they hit it? Obviously, as they have demonstrated, the team can hit. So why did they have so much trouble with the second pitcher? B/C he was good. Period. The second pitcher was their ace, and they were hoping to get by with the first kid to save their stud for the final. That's it. In my blog, I never accused anyone of stealing signs...I merely pointed out that someone came over to accuse a fan of doing so. Trust me, if said fan was feeding the Seminole kids pitches, the score in the semis would have been 25-1, not 9-1. Congratulate these kids for what they achieved, not what was alleged.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 31, 2007 at 10:14 PM
I thought you did your research and scouted, the 2nd kid who pitched was not their ace. Once the pitch caller was identified, he finally stopped about the 4th inning and then so did the Seminole hitting (you will recall that when the supposed ace came in he promptly gave up a hit, walk and long home run). The parent calling pitches knew what he was doing, why don't you ask him yourself.
Posted by: Little League Baseball Fan | August 01, 2007 at 07:21 AM