Parade in team's honor scheduled for Sunday
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
ROCKLEDGE - Following an unprecedented, undefeated season, the Rockledge Junior Little League Baseball team can now call themselves world champions, following a trip to Taylor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 18.
"We couldn't be more proud of the whole team, coaches and parents for an amazing job, spending the summer out on the road," said Mike Marconi, president of Rockledge Little League. "(The team has been playing) since June 15, and these families have dedicated their entire summer to baseball."
To show support for the team of 13 to 14 year olds, Rockledge residents came out by the hundreds to welcome them back from their trip Aug. 19.
"I think the baseball accomplishment speaks for itself," Mr. Marconi said. "There is something larger that this team has done. They have created a sense of community."
In response to the championship win, the city of Rockledge will be throwing a parade for the Junior League Rockledge All-Stars on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m., heading west on Barton Boulevard to McLarty Park.
"We are asking local residents and fans to come out. (The team has) been absolutely phenomenal," Mr. Marconi said. "They are the cardiac kids. They found themselves behind (so many times) and were unwavering in their will to win."
The team scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning to defeat Aruba North Little League, 12-10, to win the 32nd Junior League world championship.
For Rockledge, Mason Studstill had two home runs, two walks and four RBIs in the game, which was televised on ESPN2.
In the history of Rockledge Little League Baseball, a team had never before earned a place in the Junior Little League World Series. The current Rockledge team had a regular season record of 23-0 and an All-Star record of 24-0, making its overall record 47-0.
The team finished top of the USA pool with a perfect 4-0 record.
Mr. Marconi said the win will help the baseball program in the future.
"(The wins) brings a lot of notoriety to the Rockledge Little League program," he said. "I expect the senior team to be great."
Team members include Gavin Spinneweber, Mike Hall, Blake Beyel, Brady Martello, Mason Studsill, Justin Robedeau, Drew Parrish, Jackson Parker, Kevin Clanton and Trevor Payne, led by team manager Dave Clanton and coaches Tom Hall and Robbie Robedeau.