Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth may be hard-pressed to match the historic All-Star success it enjoyed last summer.
That doesn’t mean the organization isn’t eager to try.
TLBR’s 14U and 13U All-Star teams are preparing for their respective Babe Ruth World Series appearances following another standout postseason. The 14U team, managed by Bruce Williams, will compete in Eagle Pass, Texas, from Aug. 6-16, while the 13U squad, led by Mike Harrison, travels to Jamestown, New York, for its World Series from Aug. 15-22.
Both teams arrive with confidence and expectations after championship runs in 2025.
Williams’ 14U All-Stars dominated the 15-team World Series field a year ago, posting a 7-0 record while outscoring opponents 57-9. The team went a perfect 17-0 through state, regional and World Series competition, piling up 108 runs while allowing just 17.
Harrison’s 13U All-Stars were equally impressive. They went 6-0 at the World Series and finished the summer 14-0 overall, outscoring postseason opponents 148-17, including a 45-10 margin during World Series play.
Now, both teams are looking to add another chapter to one of the most successful eras in Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth history. Prior to last summer, TLBR last won multiple World Series titles during the same season in 2009.
“I feel like we have a well-rounded team with pitching, hitting and defense,” Williams said. “I am excited because we have players that are returning that have played well on this stage after winning the 13U World Series last year. I think it’s exciting.”
Eight players on this year’s 14U team were members of last season’s 13U World Series championship squad, giving Williams’ group valuable experience on baseball’s biggest youth stage.
“We haven’t had a lot of time on the field because of the weather but we played well at the Southeast Regional and look forward to the challenges of Texas and the heat and the international teams that will be there,” Williams said.
The World Series field includes teams representing New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Panama, the Caribbean and Colombia.
Harrison said his players are embracing the opportunity and the expectations that come with representing a program that has become synonymous with success.
“It’s going to be a blast,” Harrison said. “As they say, pressure is a privilege. They know when Tallahassee shows up that we should be good. That’s a good pressure to have on you. It will be fun to let these young men experience for the first time and understand what it’s like to be in the World Series, to be on television, to have media coverage. To me, it’s a great lesson for them to learn at this age.”
The program’s track record backs up those expectations.
TLBR has captured seven World Series championships across the 13U-15U age divisions, beginning with the 1984 15U team that featured future Major League Baseball players Dean Palmer and Reggie Jefferson.
Harrison also pointed to the broader success of youth baseball throughout Tallahassee. Chaires-Capitola Little League’s 11U and 12U All-Star teams recently claimed state championships, with the 12U squad advancing to the Southeastern Regional. The regional champion earns a berth in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
“It has been an unbelievable run for Tallahassee youth baseball,” Harrison said.
Here is the TLBR 14U All-Star team
Cooper Bishop, Asher Brock, Robert Cooksey, Cole Duncan, Dresdyn Gilbert, A.J. Henry, Easton Hyde, Eli Kemper, Evan Higginbotham, Julian Fonseca, Michael Volpe, Nicholas Volpe, Parker Pennington, Robert Quinn. Manager: Bruce Williams. Coach: Paul Mauck.
Here is the TLBR 13U All-Star team
Harvey Reichert, Jack Wilson, Logan Faulk, Makai Harris, Owen Moore, Whit Jacobs, Alex McGee, Ben Campbell, CJ Usina, Cole Miller, Evan House, Gabe Harper, Grayson Goeke. Manager: Mike Harrison. Coaches: Jim Hage, Will West, Grant Harrison.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Defending Champs: TLBR’s 13U, 14U teams return to World Series
Reporting by Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
