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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