Wisener with son Jacob prior to the start of the tournament

Babe Ruth stars fall in semis

By Michael Butler

For the last 19 years, Tommy Wisener has coached a league baseball team in Tallassee. That run ended Saturday.

Wisener’s 16-and-under Babe Ruth all-stars fell 11-0 in the semifinal round to host team Gulf Coast, better known as the Alabama Raw Dogs.

“I love y’all,” said an emotional Wisener with both of his sons there for for the post-game message, Jacob as an assistant coach and Brody as a player.

Tallassee opened the tournament with an 8-4 win over the Raw Dogs, who won the championship on Sunday beating last year’s Southwest Regional champ Opp 9-0.

The Raw Dogs, who draw players from Mobile and Baldwin Counties, will advance to the 16U World Series in Branson, Mo.

Tallassee went 3-2 in the tourney held at the Daphne Sports Complex. After beating the Raw Dogs on Thursday, Tallassee dropped a 5-2 game to Brewton. The Tigers rebounded on Friday with wins over Sylacauga 13-3 and Monroeville 11-0, both in five innings, to earn the No. 2 seed in bracket play.

The 14U Babe Ruth all-stars will be in Starkville, Miss. this week. They play at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 18 and at the same time on Friday versus Mid-County, Texas. The nine-team field includes five Alabama teams; Auburn, Gulf Coast, Opp, Sylacauga and Tallassee.

16U all-stars with Wisener in front (left to right): Avery Brantley, Jacob Wisener, Jack Butler, Mason Henderson, Mike Roberts, Aiden Bridgman, Abram Whittington, Xander Johnston, Konner Taunton, Bradley Smith, Brandon Goodman, Joseph Roberts, Walker Wells, Brody Wisener, Chase Chumley, Troy Kelley, Michael Butler.