The District 12 Big League baseball All-Stars might not see a shorter path to the World Series. On the other hand, they may not play another Little League game.
As host of the Southeast Regional for Little League's top division, District 12 not only got an automatic bye into the tournament, but is three wins from advancing to the World Series in Easley, S.C.
District 12 is in great position in the bracket but will have to develop a strong sense of unity quickly.
The other seven teams have endured district and sectional tournaments, which help teams come together.
District 12 has spent limited time together since the end of the regular season.
"That is why we try to take a large group from one high school, or try to," District 12 coach Jim Savarese said.
District 12 will field six players from Dunedin High, including South Florida signee Joey Angelberger and Baltimore Orioles draft pick Danny Martin.
Also on the roster is Pinellas batting leader Chris Coghlin of East Lake. Coghlin batted .573 last season and has signed to play at Mississippi.
Pitchers John Petika and Cody Rainer join from Clearwater Central Catholic and were part of the Palm Harbor Senior team that won the World Series in 2001.
"We try to teach them to make the commitment to each other," Savarese said. "We'll see after the first game. They're either going to make us look good or make us look bad, but that's the way it always is."
Savarese also added former Palm Harbor players Josh Whittle, Ken Holmberg and Chris Pachik as coaches with the expectation that their experience and ties with current players will benefit the team.
District 12 faces the winner of the North Carolina-Georgia game in the second round at 1 p.m.
Florida representative Port St. Lucie plays Tennessee at 10 a.m.
Safety Harbor finally gets shot at state title
Safety Harbor's presence at the Junior softball state tournament is proof that the end sometimes justifies the means.
After enduring years of disappointing losses at sectionals, Safety Harbor has learned to translate its hard lessons into wins.
Safety Harbor overcame a loss to Seminole in its opening game last weekend to win the league's first section title.
Coach Mike Baker said he might have made a mistake by having his players sit through the morning session at Oldsmar, but won't make the mistake again.
"Maybe losing to Seminole was a good thing," Baker said. "We can't just throw our gloves out there and expect to win."
Helping keep the team focused are four players who came from the Senior division after the Tournament of Champions to play a final season in Juniors.
Allison Hackett, Brittany Lemminn, Samantha Ortega and Grace Ann Carlson made key contributions during Safety Harbor's two wins over Tampa Bay.
Baker said Carlson has helped keep pitchers Desiree Baker and Brittany Oates focused.
"She's like an on-field coach," Baker said. "She can probably see things that we don't see."
