6U Northside Park All-Stars play in World Series

The Northside Park 6U All-Star baseball team got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in the Dixie Youth Regional Little League World Series over the weekend after finishing second in the state tournament earlier this month.

This year’s team, coached by Trent Adkins, Josh Lewis, and Tyler Rounsaville, consisted of 12 players hand-picked for their performance during the park’s Little League season.

During the three-day state tournament in Petal, the All-Stars went on a hot streak, defeating Pike County 21-3, Magee 12-10, Lincoln County 12-11, and Petal 9-8.

The team then faced Pascagoula in the championship game on July 7, ultimately falling short 17-7. It was a one-run game heading into the fourth inning before the All-Stars ran out of steam.

“We played a lot of good teams that were very competitive,” said Head Coach Trent Adkins. “We played three one-run games that could’ve gone either way. It was a team effort.”

Adkins said each inning saw different kids contributing, whether through a big hit, getting on base, or making a good defensive play. All 12 players contributed to the team’s success.

The team practiced two to three times a week ahead of the All-Star games and scrimmaged other All-Star teams from surrounding areas like Sebastopol, Carthage, West Lauderdale, and Newton County.

“That really paid off,” Adkins said. “We wanted to give the boys some competition and experience that prepared them for the State Tournament.”

At the end of every practice, Coach Lewis held a hitting competition where each player received one pitch and had to swing no matter what. If they hit it fair, they moved to the next round.

“That was a good way to put a little pressure on the boys for game situations,” Adkins said. “That’s our favorite part of practice. Each time, it seemed like a different kid won the competition. They really looked forward to it.”

Adkins said he told the boys before the World Series to be proud of their accomplishments, believe in themselves, and enjoy the experience.

“They are only six once and are only going to get this experience one time,” he said. “We talked to the players and parents about going down there together, being encouraging, and whatever happens, happens.”

Several community businesses sponsored the team to help cover travel costs for the players’ families. They also got a team banner made.

The Dixie Youth Regional Little League World Series began on Thursday, July 18, in Laurel, with two pool play games. Unfortunately, Friday’s games were rained out.

Entering Saturday’s single-elimination bracket as the number four seed, the All-Stars beat Hartford, Alabama, 12-4 before defeating Oak Grove 11-6 to advance to the semifinals on Sunday.

Despite leading for most of the semi-final matchup against Petal, the All-Stars couldn’t quite hang onto it in the end and were narrowly defeated, 11-10.

Adkins said all the kids have improved throughout the season, and he hopes they understand that hard work, sweat, and determination lead to success.

“Baseball is a game of failure,” he said. “You can do everything right on a play and still not get the results you want. It’s about how you respond, get back up, and play the next pitch.”

Adkins deeper message to his players after the season is that we are ultimately on God’s team and must rely on our faith in Him to live a life that glorifies and honors Him.

“Myself and the other coaches have had a blast with them,” Adkins said. “It’s been a fun experience watching them grow, and it was very rewarding.”