(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The Eleuthera Junior Baseball League attended the 10th Annual Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships that was held in Freeport Grand Bahama from Wednesday June 20th to Sunday June 24th 2012. The league was represented by the Rock Sound Sports Center Marlins in the 11-12 Senior Bantam age group. The Marlins won the 2012 champions in Eleuthera by defeating the Spanish Wells Divers team. The Marlins were coached by Coach Larry Forbes and Coach Lincoln Young.
The Marlins team waiting for Bahamas air at the Freeport International Airport
At the tournament the Marlins lost game one 13-2 to the Junior Baseball League of Nassau, lost game two 8-6 to Legacy Baseball League-Grand Bahama, lost game three 17-5 to Grand Bahama Little League, lost game four 12-11 to All Abaco Baseball League, and lost game five 10-1 to Freedom Farm Baseball League –Nassau. Although the team did not win any games the experience they gained in tournament play and the new friendships they developed with kids from other Islands are truly immeasurable.
Coach Larry said that although his division team went up against all-star teams from all the other leagues they made a very good showing as his team had the second highest run production. His team hit the ball well but the lack of good pitching was their downfall. Also the majority of the kids on the other teams were 11-12 but only three kids on his team was 12-12 and the others were 9-10. With the experience his team gained in the tournament and the off season work-outs he has planned for his team, coach Larry expects that his team will be in a good position to make the medals round at next year’s tournament.
Coach Larry and Coach Lincoln along with the assistant coaches and the entire executive board, would like to publicly THANK the parents, corporate sponsors and individuals that contributed financially and made the trip possible. The League will be thanking you in a more personal way at a later date.
Editor’s Note: The Hook N’ Jooks out of Spanish Wells also attended the championships. They did not win any games but benefited from the experience.