SANDY PLAINS BASEBALL FIRST-PITCH ALL STAR CELEBRATION

SANDY PLAINS BASEBALL FIRST-PITCH ALL STAR CELEBRATION Over 300 players and families were in attendance at the 2014 Sandy Plains Baseball First-Pitch All Star celebration. The event celebrated players from the Shetland and Pinto leagues making the 2014 All Star teams at Sweat Mountain Park. There were 12 teams making up six Cougar and six in-park National League All Star teams. The participating teams from the 5-6 year old Shetland League were the 6U Cougars Red managed by Brian Beaty, 6U Cougars Blue managed by Christopher Uher, NL Red managed by Jay Ashmore, NL White managed by Kevin Hannan, and NL Blue managed by Peter Turco. The 7-8 year old Pinto League teams were the 8U Cougars Red managed by Jeff Travis, 8U Cougars Blue managed by Mike Tamucci, 7U Cougars Red managed by Tommy Meek, 7U Cougars Blue managed by Chris Wilson, NL Red managed by Scott Genone, NL White managed by Rob Russ, and NL Blue managed by Andy Solinski. Each player was introduced and received an All Star pin. The 8-year olds were escorted by their parents in recognition of their final summer at Sweat Mountain. A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem was sung by Kelly Seaman, a teacher at Hightower Middle School. Steve Bocca, Baseball Commissioner, threw out the first pitch to his son Austin, an 8-year old Cougar Red All Star. Steve was recognized for his leadership and providing more opportunities for players to play during the summer. Competition was held with the Road Runner Contest, Around-the-Field contest, and Home Run Derby. All players left with sweat bands – complements of Campus Sports – or baseball cards!

(Above) Players stand for National Anthem as 8-year olds Michael O’Brien and Cole Tuggle hold the American Flags. (Left) Surrounded by All Star players, Baseball Commissioner Steve Bocca throws ceremonial first pitch to his 8-year old son, Austin, a member of the 8U Cougar Red All Star team.