News Sports Opinion Photos Social Classified Obits Contact
 
 
 
Wisener

All-stars return from New York

By Michael Butler

Tallassee's 13-year-old all-star team finished up play at the Babe Ruth World Series in Jamestown, N.Y. last week. Atlantic Shores, N. J. defeated Norwalk, Conn. 10-7 to win the championship.

Tallassee went 0-4 in pool play failing to advance to bracket play.

"I know we didn't win a game up there, but what these kids accomplished was amazing," head coach Tommy Wisener said. "Thank y'all for the support and - by the way - we will fly to Fargo next year instead of drive."

The 14-year-old Babe Ruth World Series will be in North Dakota as Wisener referenced. The squad did venture through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York in the 14-plus hour trip by car. In the process though, they saw Niagara Falls and the National Baseball Hall of Fame during their stay.

Front row (left to right): Brody Wisener, Konner Taunton, Avery Brantley, Jack Butler, Slade Carleton, Mason Henderson. Back row (left to right): Baylor Clayton, Xander Johnston, Luke Chandler, Hutson Lewis, Brody Smith, Donovan Aldridge.

The team opened up with a 5-1 loss to Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Aug. 14. Tallassee grabbed the early lead on Slade Carleton's single scoring Hutson Lewis. It was all the scoring that Tallassee could muster despite getting 6 2/3 solid innings from Baylor Clayton on the mound. Carleton, Clayton and Brody Wisener had the only hits. Wisener was named the Ron Tellefsen Player of the Game, awarded to a player from each team after every game.

On Aug. 15 vs. host team Jamestown, Tallassee jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but the "Krusaders" answered with 10 runs over the next three innings and cruised to a 12-6 win. Lewis led Tallassee with two hits. Wisener, Brody Smith, Mason Henderson and Konner Taunton also had hits. Lewis was named the player of the game from Tallassee.

At Niagara Falls

After a day off, Tallassee returned to action on Aug. 17 vs. Kai, Hawaii and lost 5-1. Jack Butler led Tallassee at the plate with two hits and an RBI. Lewis, Wisener, Clayton and Henderson also had hits. Butler was named the player of the game.

Luke Chandler rounding the bases

Tallassee's final game was pushed back a day to Aug. 19 due to a rainout. West Fargo, North Dakota beat the Southwest Region champs 6-5 with a last-inning rally coming up short.

In the top of the seventh, Henderson and Avery Brantley led off with walks. Butler singled scoring Henderson to cut it to 6-2. Luke Chandler singled. Lewis then singled with Brantley crossing the plate for a 6-3 score. Smith hit into a fielder's choice bringing Butler in to make it 6-4. Wisener walked as did Clayton with the bases loaded to cut it to one, 6-5. Carleton's flyout to left-center turned into a game-ending double play.

Chandler led Tallassee with two hits. Lewis, Wisener, Clayton, Carleton, Butler and Donavon Aldridge had a hit a piece. Clayton won the player of the game award.

Wisener was thankful to his coaches, parents and the community who supported his team's quest for the World Series championship.

"I would have never dreamed we would get that much support," he said of the backing and fundraising efffort. "To the parents, y'all have a very special group of young men that makes coaching them so much fun. Thanks to each of you for the support you gave through all of this."

*View Photos