Dizzy Dean State Tournament

Here we are.  Three weeks of intense preparation will climax with the Dizzy Dean Northwest Florida State Tournament this weekend.  Thursday, June 23rd, hundreds of families will begin descending on the Pensacola Bay area in hopes of capturing the coveted Dizzy Dean championship.  Many of these teams will move on to the Dizzy Dean World Series held in Georgia in July.  So parents, the question is this.  Are you ready for some intense baseball?  We have been polling traveling teams, past players, and parents on what to expect, what to bring, and how to encourage your player for this action packed weekend.

What to bring to the field:

1. Cash for entry fees and the concession stand
2. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses (especially sunglasses for your player)
3. First aid kit with Zip Lock bags for ice
4. Toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
5. Chairs, umbrellas, and portable shade tents
6. Water, Gator aid, or electrolyte replacement beverages
7. Cooling aids such as Frog Togs, cooling bandannas, or face cloths that can be placed in the team coolers (label your items with Sharpie)
8. Snacks such as peanut butter crackers, frozen grapes, frozen peaches, nuts, and Chex Mix are great to keep your players metabolism running.  Avoid candy, dairy products and heavy or greasy foods between games.  Don't forget sunflower seeds and bubble gum.

What to expect:

1. Heat!  Be prepared to keep yourself and your family cool.  Perhaps, keep your own cooler in your vehicle with drinks and snacks that you can go to in between games.
2. Official Dizzy Dean Rules.  Some rec leagues may play slightly modified Dizzy Dean rules.  Check out this link to brush up on the official tournament rules.
3. Rain delays or bad weather.  Games will be postponed or rescheduled for severe weather.  Be sure to have your hotel room secure for such events and in case you need to extend your stay.
4. Delays in between games.  Check out other players in action (remember to support your local teams) or bring along a travel game if your player tends to get board.

How to prepare your player for the big weekend:

1. Sleep!  Your player (as well as your family) must have significant sleep when playing in tournaments.  The heat and level of play will be intense and rest is critical.
2. Proper fuel.  It is essential that your player eats properly days before they start a tournament.  Start restricting fast food, candy, and sugar days before the big weekend.  Start hydrating days before they play and increase carbohydrates and potassium the day before the tournament starts and continue throughout the weekend.
3. Limit swimming and any extra physical activities during the tournament.  Most young athletes do not know their physical limits.  You do not want them running out of steam on the diamond.
4. Talk it out.  Remember to talk about what this weekend is all about, what they will be seeing and hearing, and the amount of people.  Ease fear and tension by constantly talking calmly about the events of the weekend.  Stay positive and let your player know that you have their back no matter what the weekend holds.
5. Just in case.  Know the nearest emergency room or hospital.  You never know but it is always best to be prepared.

Make the best of the weekend and make some cherished memories.  Take pictures and be silly.  These are the moments that you want to look back on with fond reflection and joy.  Their only this age once.

  

As always, Almega Sports has you covered for everything you need for the upcoming baseball and softball tournaments.

 



Rising from the Ashes: Lynn Haven FL 8U All Stars

This is a story of how one team was nearly reduced to rubble but came back from the ashes with fire and determination learning life lessons that cannot be taught but must be experienced. Original story is by Chris Hudson in a letter to the Lynn Haven, FL. City Manager.  Modified by Marie Walker. The Defeat:  One year ago we took a group of 7 year-old boys to the Dizzy Dean State tournament in Baker, Florida.  We got our eyes beat out.  When we left the tournament a group of parents got together and decided to see if our boys wanted to be State champions.  When we talked to our team and parents we received a resounding "Yes!" to that question.  The Goal:  It was then decided that the goal for our team was to go to the 2011 Dizzy Dean World Series. With that goal in mind, the team was informed of the responsibilities that each individual player would be held accountable for.  We practiced twice a week FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR!  Each boy was to take batting practice and fielding practice AT HOME EVERYDAY!  Those commitments were undertaken by our boys and parents with great enthusiasm. The Drive:  We then decided that we would start attending tournaments with the goal of playing teams that were better than us.  We played in many tournaments all over the tri-state areas.  We saw teams that were worse than us, and we saw teams that were better than us.  Something strange happened in the meantime.  Our boys started becoming one cohesive unit.  Not only did these boys spend time together on the field, they began forming unbreakable bonds with one another.  They learned that their actions had not only ramifications for themselves, but also for their teammates.  They learned that when they depended upon one another, that they were stronger.  They learned that when one failed, another could be counted on to pick up the slack.  In short, our boys learned how to set goals, work hard, rely on one another, and SUCCEED! The Victory:  During our time at the Dizzy Dean State Tournament, our team finished with a record of 5 wins and only one loss.  We outscored our competition by a score of 79-35!  This is the first time in Lynn Haven history that an 8u team has ever won the Dizzy Dean State Championship.  As a team these boys have won 5 tournament championships and been runners-up on three different occasions.  These boys have met and exceeded their goals. The Life Lessons:  I feel fortunate that I have been a part of this incredible experience.  I have witnessed 12 little boys do something that is truly wonderful.  I have seen the blood, sweat AND tears that these little men have shed for one another.  I have been there for their victories and their defeats.  I have held their hands and hugged them through their failures.  For that, I can never repay them.  They have taught me more than I will ever teach them.  I will always remember the summer of 2011.  I will always remember how 12 little boys went from embarrassing defeat, to becoming State Champions.  What they have taught me is priceless.  They will forever be etched in my heart because of what they have done.  I ask that you recognize them NOT for what they have accomplished.  I ask that you recognize them because they are the men I pray I could someday become. This is an incredible story of parents and players, working together, embracing defeat for what it is...a stepping stone to the next chapter in life.  Together they became stronger, formed bonds, and defeated their giants.  Together they became CHAMPIONS.

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Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament



Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament

Its All Star season! For many baseball players here in the Panhandle that means the best of the best are being selected to compete in tournaments of America’s greatest pass time. All Star season pulls together sportsmanship, competitive play, and an overall appreciation of teamwork to show players that if they compete at their best, and work their hardest, they can accomplish their goals. All that said, the finest players and coaches in Panama City are preparing for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament.



Coaches are looking desperately for the best equipment, gear, and uniforms with little or no time to spare. Well, our very own All Star team here at Almega Sports has you covered from beginning to end. We know the hectic nature of the game and how quickly your orders need to be filled. We specialize in custom team uniforms as well as garb for your team fans! With our walk in friendly embroidery and printing processes, Almega’s turn around time can’t be beat. Also don't forget our wide selection of gear that can meet any team’s needs. Want trophies for your winning picks? Almega Sports now does personalized awards so your players know the importance of the achievements they’ve made as a team. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as our low priced high quality items make your All Star season a little easier. Good luck to our fantastic teams, and may the best players win!

Facing Our Giants

We had our first experience in participating in a 7U All Star Dizzy Dean State tournament this past weekend.  We did our homework, researched, and starting preparing.  We practiced, sorted out scenarios, and conditioned our son as best as we could.  We journeyed on...

The day of opening ceremonies we walked onto the facility.  Those memories came flooding back to me all at once.  You know what I am talking about.  That feeling you get when you are about to do something that you think is much bigger than you.  The butterflies and queasy stomach.  It seemed like we were walking onto the battlefield and and we were about to send our first born off with a sling shot and a rock.  You cannot prepare for that.  It is what it is, an experience you walk through.  I gave him my "mom has your back" fist bump (he is now too big to give kisses and hugs on the field) and sent him off to face the giants.

The games begin.  As I watched our six and seven year old boys walk out onto that strange field, I saw them mature by ten years.  It was as if they were growing before my eyes.  They went through so many emotions in six innings per game.  They were down and came back.  They were defeated and then rallied.  There were some AMAZING plays and some major mistakes.  They honestly gave everything they had and then some.

The last make it or go home game was intense.  The opposing team looked so big and polished.  Our boys were watching every move they made as they warmed up.  I could tell what our boys were thinking.  "How are we going to ...?"  The coaches and moms were amazing.  They broke that train of thought and sent those boys onto the field feeling ten feet tall.  That game began and we were on fire.  They played great defense and hit like I had never seen them hit before.  They were in the other teams head.  Were we going to pull this off and play for the championship?  However, the opposing team rallied and came back strong and fast.  It's now the last inning and we are at bat.  This is it.  We had to score five runs to win.  Could we do it?

Our son was first up at bat.  He looked back at me before he stepped out onto the field.  I lifted my chin and gave him "our look" and he ran off.  I could barley stand still.  Pitch one, no good.  No swing, good eye.  Pitch two and he cracks the bat and took off like a shot.  It was a pop fly.  "Oh, please drop ball" I was praying.  The first baseman caught it in the air.  OUT!  I caught his facial expression when he saw the ball in the first baseman's glove.  He was completely defeated.  His head dropped.  It was as if I could hear everything he was thinking.  "I just cost us the game."  "I just let down my team and my coaches."  He ran into the dugout fighting tears and fear.  He just saw his giant face to face (disappointment).  I could not stop myself from running to him.  My heart felt like a hot poker had just pierced through my chest and tears were running down my face.  I just faced my giant as well (my child in pain).   I gave him my best moms got your back fist bump and sent him to his dad who is keeping stats in the dugout.  I had to walk away.

It turns out that we were not meant to win this tournament.  The boys took it hard.  They cried and were mentally defeated.  I applaud our coaches and parents.  We scooped up those boys and held them tight as to transfer their pain to ourselves.  The coaches gathered them around and talked to them like men.  I could not hear what was being said but I snapped a quick shot that would speak for itself.  The emerged from that huddle, stronger.

Although winning was not our destiny this weekend, I feel like we won something more.  Life lessons that cannot be taught but must be experienced is what we won.  Not only for the boys but also for the parents.  We faced our giants and came out better for the battle.  Stronger!