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Local Sports

Local sports in the Panhandle are not just a game, they are a lifestyle. Our community eats, sleeps and breathes cheering on our local athletes.
News13 is On Your “Sidelines” bringing you more than the score.
News13’s Stephen Gunter is committed to giving you stories of the Panhandle’s top athletes, intriguing match-ups and unusual sports you may not even know exist.
sgunter@wmbb.com

Sunday, August 13, 2006

World Series Champions!

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - One loss from eliminaton.  The Southport 13-year-old Dixie Boys baseball team knew the challenge they were facing.

One loss and it’s over.  The team used that as motivation, capping off it’s World Series championship run with 5 straight wins.

In the first game of the double-elimination tournament, Southport jumed out to a 7-0 lead on host team Grand Prairie.  In the bottom of the 7th inning, Grand Prairie scored 3 runs to win 9-8.

“I ran the dog out of them for about an hour to let them know they’re better than that,” assistant coach Louis Consoli said.  “I told them that was probably the worst team they were going to play in the tournament.”

“Losing the first game was probably an extra boost for us,” pitcher A.J. Howland said.  “If we lose, we’re totally out of it.”

Coach Consoli said that they’re were several turning points en route to the championship.  One was a bye game, allowing the team to rest for a day.  The other a home run hit by catcher Brandon Mayhann that allowed Southport to tie the game.

“The pitchers had good curve balls,” Mayhann said.  “Our coach on first was able to pick up their signs and told us what’s coming.  It was a 3-2 count and a fastball was coming.  I made good contact and it went over the fence.”

The team was welcomed back in town and were treated with Bloomin’ Onions, chili cheese fries, steak and shirley temples at Outback Steakhouse on 23rd Street.

The Southport team will be defending their title next year in Aiken, S.C.
Southport Allstars - World Champions

Southport Allstars - World Champions

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