SEMINOLE VS. NORTH PALM BEACH, LIVE
We’re about 20-25 minutes from game time and the field is shaping up quite nicely. Kudos to the Parks and Recreation department here at Canopy Oaks. To follow along with live updates, click on the comments link below. Tonight’s matchup should be a great one. Both teams are 4-0, both have had tight games and both are one step away from the Southeast Regional at Gulfport. I’m in a covered area with an outlet, so we should be good to go on the live blog. North Palm Beach
knocked Seminole out of the state tournament two years ago, so there a good history between these teams. NPB saved their ace for the final, so we’ll see what he has. Their “No. 2”, though, fanned 15 out of 18 outs in the other semifinal this morning. That says a lot. However, if tonight's starter is a power pitcher, that plays right into Seminole’s hands. Seminole hits the fastball with the best of them. Coach Ira Berman has all of his pitchers available, with the exception of Mike Mann. The staff is very deep and Berman will likely throw a number of them to give NPB different looks. Early word is Brett Phillips will get the start for Seminole. I’m leaving for the field right now, so I’ll have starting lineups available shortly.
-- 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.
Ira, Mike and Joe did a great job with our boys. Their dedication to the sport, our league and the kids goes without saying. The boys played together as BROTHERS and as a TEAM -- encouraging each other. I agree, the kids and the coaches should have a party at Villa Gallace! THIS ALLSTAR TEAM IS THE BOMB!!!
Posted by: | July 31, 2007 at 12:57 PM
I am stunned....a huge baseball post and everyone was nice? Wow! I want to move down to the Seminole area!
Posted by: | July 31, 2007 at 08:19 AM
I am so proud of the display our Seminole boys and Coaches have shown. My family was lucky enough to be present for the games and this team just upheld the community with PRIDE and Dignity. Seminole is second to none. We live together and Play together. Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Kim Nobles | July 31, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Go Away
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:09 PM
is anybody there???????
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:02 PM
hellooooooooooooooooo....
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 09:02 PM
or did it get rained out?????????/
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 08:59 PM
is the game over????????????
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Does anyone know when the team will be home? Is there any kind of reception planned?
Great job Ira and Mike and team!
Posted by: Richard | July 30, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Seminole sorry it didn't turn out like you hoped but Congrats on making it as far as you did.
Brandon, thank you for the awesome blog. What a great way for us back home to stay in tune.
St. Pete Times ROCK!!
J
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 08:53 PM
Nice job Seminole. We're all proud of you. Coach Ira should take you boys to Villa Gallace for a celebration dinner. You boys are great baseball players.
Posted by: Luigi Gallace | July 30, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Great Job Seminole! I tip my hat to Ira & Mike and the boys...I know what it takes to go that far. In 1998 Bobby Wilson and I took the SYAA Sr Boys to the World Series...of course we had Casey Kotchman (1B for the Angels) and Bobby Wilson (AAA Catcher for the Angels. Hopefully some of these boys will be in the major leagues.
Bill Overton
Posted by: Bill Overton | July 30, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Getting ready to send my story and head out of Tally. I would like to thank all those who tuned in to the blog and your kind words. Just one quick note: as I was leaving the field I said goodbye to a few of the players and not one - not a single one - was hanging their heads. Truth be told, they faced a great pitcher who was simply "on". That said, they play that team 10 times in the future, Seminole wins at least 50% of the time. Quite a run by some fine young ballplayers, but even better young men. All were courteous, respectful and a ton of fun to be around the last week or so. I look forward to seeing you all at Gulfport this weekend...I'm sure you guys will be there to cheer on North Palm Beach.
Brandon Wright
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Great job, Seminole.
Posted by: Max Stodart | July 30, 2007 at 07:23 PM
Lyndsey, You are so right. I remember the wins and the accolades way before I remember the losses. These boys are an incredible group and should be more than proud of their accomplishments . By the way, your softball team is rght up there as well. Congrats to you on your victories.
Posted by: Kari Koser | July 30, 2007 at 07:22 PM
I've been in that position before, and the State Championship game is much more than just talent and coaching. Seminole had their hearts in it, but sometimes, it just isn't your day. Congradulations, boys, on a great season. It is a huge deal to make it that far. Going to Regionals is unforgettable, but being one game away from advancing to the World Series was the single most-heartbreaking event in my life. So, don't fret, just keep on playing for the love of them game. The coaching staff and players and parents and fans are behind you always and no matter what.
And thanks Brandon. This was my last year of Little League, and on behalf of the Seminole Senior Softball girls, we commend you on your efforts to cover Little League. Job well done.
Posted by: Lyndsey McKenna | July 30, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Wow, I wish I could have been there!!! You guys did great and deserve a hero's welcome back to Seminole. Ira, Mike and Joe, thanks from all of us on your effort and time. Believe it or not, it has been exciting for us all. Ira, I thought you managed a great post season. Congrats to every player from all of us back in Seminole.
Posted by: Kari Koser | July 30, 2007 at 07:08 PM
The boys have a great future ahead of them. There will always be more titles for them to win, and to play undefeated to the championship says it all. They are a great group of young men and everyone is proud of them "Way to go SEMINOLE!" You are all winners!
Posted by: The Doyle's | July 30, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Seminole SYAA and all the coaches did a great job this year. Hold your heads high Majors you did a great job and we are proud of you...
Posted by: Greg Adams | July 30, 2007 at 07:05 PM
A lot to be proud of ... what a great example these young men set for all of the younger boys moving up through our league. Ira , Mike and Joe you have set the bar so high and we are so very proud to call you OUR leaders. This is a proud time for our organization and although I am not there I am quite sure our parents and fans are handling this experience with class. THANK YOU MAJOR ALL STARS.
Posted by: Jane Raymonds | July 30, 2007 at 07:05 PM
i was on dunedin last year
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 07:04 PM
this week in news afa's tennis coach a pedifile? we turn it over to tom....tom who will be the new tennis coach
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 07:02 PM
You guys did great. The thrill isn't always in the winning, it's in the doing. You've done a lot more than a lot of guys can say. Hold your heads up - we're all proud of you!
Posted by: Linda Flack | July 30, 2007 at 07:00 PM
You guys did an awesome job Seminole! We're so proud of you all!
Posted by: TeamSwierenga | July 30, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Seminole players you are still winners even though you lost the last game. Think how far you came. Thanks coach Ira for bringing them this far. We are so proud of all of you.
Posted by: Elfie Adam | July 30, 2007 at 06:59 PM
awesome season kids
Posted by: ryan | July 30, 2007 at 06:58 PM
GREAT EFFORT!
Posted by: Danny and Cyndi | July 30, 2007 at 06:58 PM
People, this post is for updates not babble about what you think should have been done. If you have so many concerns then why don't you think about volunteering endless hours and the providing money it takes to sponsor a team. There are plenty of teams out there who need supportive volunteers! Congrats to Seminole on making it the the State Championship game and playing your hearts out, you should be proud of yourselves!
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Just gotta believe Seminole!
I'm bangin' the sign for you!!!!!
Posted by: Attaway | July 30, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Less than the happiest possible ending for Seminole..... But we are grateful to Brandon Wright and the St. Pete Times for offering this LIVE Blog, and also to the folks at District 20 and Northwest Leon Little League for hosting a great State Tournament. To everyone connected with the Seminole team, you can be proud. These boys had a terrific run!
Posted by: Rick Kaczmarek | July 30, 2007 at 06:57 PM
seminole you are awesome , you came so far ! , lets go COREYYYY !!!!!
Posted by: ryan | July 30, 2007 at 06:57 PM
SEMINOLE HAS A LOT TO PROUD OF
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Great Season to all the Seminole (SYAA) Little Leaguers! No other Little League accomplished what you all did, boys & girls!
Posted by: Jim Sheets | July 30, 2007 at 06:57 PM
seminole you are still the greatest team i have ever seen.you guys are awesome great job
Posted by: kyle frickmann | July 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Ira, Mike , and Joe did a great job with this team . If you could do better than you should have been the coach and why don't you have the guts to sign your name to your comments.
Posted by: Bob DeKorte | July 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM
awwwwell that stinks!!!
nice try seminole
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Farewell form Tally, folks. Keep an eye out for the Times this week...we'll be running a special four-part series on youth baseball. Thanks and bye.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:55 PM
proud of cor !!
Posted by: ryan | July 30, 2007 at 06:55 PM
come on seminole
u guys can still come back
you got a realy good team
Posted by: marc brakem | July 30, 2007 at 06:55 PM
i was on dunedin last year
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Atkinson strike outs...final score NPB 7, Seminole 0. Never in a million years would I have thought Seminole would be shutout by a pitcher not named Kyle Carter (ask Dunedin). I almost cant believe what I saw.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM
yeahh !!! hey ky ! , now lets talk about my tennis record !!! come on guys get postin
Posted by: ryan | July 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM
no team is easy in the state championship
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM
its over guys i heard rick sing
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Acoording to who?
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:53 PM
no he didnt it was an easy team
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Baptist grounds out..two down. Atkinson is the last hope for Seminole.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Ira did the right thing in winning when he had to.
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Mann grounds out..one down.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Pitcher is at 77 to start the inning, mann to the plate.
Brandon
Posted by: | July 30, 2007 at 06:49 PM