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© St. Petersburg Times, published June 29, 2002
Palm Harbor Little League has plenty to look forward to as the District 12 All-Star tournaments kick off today.
After capturing senior and junior baseball titles last year, Palm Harbor's hopes now rest on its major baseball squad.
It all starts with good pitching, and Palm Harbor American has plenty of live arms.
Jamison Sweat, Zachery Sobel and Ryan Garton were all part of Palm Harbor's Tournament of Champions team that won the District 12 title two weeks ago. The three combined to go undefeated this spring and have a 42-game winning streak dating back to last season.
"Sometimes you just get a good crop," assistant coach Mike Sobel said. "It's going to be a darn good team."
The team can swing the bats, too. First baseman David Gubernick, who also pitches, hit 11 home runs this season and third baseman Greg Donovan batted over .600.
Even with all the talent, Sobel knows Palm Harbor American has its work cut out for it.
"You get humbled in this business," Sobel said.
Other likely contenders for the District 12 crown are defending champion West Pasco and crosstown rival Palm Harbor National.
Last summer, Palm Harbor American won the Little League Senior World Series in Kissimmee. On Monday, begins the long road back by facing the winner between Clearwater and Dunedin National. Palm Harbor also won the Tournament of Champions, defeating West Pasco.
In junior baseball, defending champion Palm Harbor is looking to regain its dominance. Palm Harbor went 6-0 in last year's tournament, outscoring opponents 79-17. Other teams expected to contend are last year's runner-up Dunedin American, Largo National and Tournament of Champions winner West Pasco.
The District 12 major softball tournament also gets under way today. Tournament of Champions winner and defending champion Safety Harbor opens against Oldsmar, while Palm Harbor tangles with Tarpon Springs. Dunedin and West Pasco are also likely contenders.
In junior softball, West Pasco will try to defend its title against Tarpon Springs on Monday. Tournament of Champions winner Safety Harbor also opens Monday against Palm Harbor.