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ANTHONY GAGLIANOThe International Baseball Championships World Series gathers some top teams.
As the major leagues celebrated the All-Star game, the International Baseball Championships already started its World Series. The IBC 12-and-under and 14-and-under tournaments began Sunday in Clearwater with strong representation from bay area clubs.
Tuesday, the players had a skills competition at Tropicana Field. They were timed running the bases, tested on throwing accuracy from 120 feet, plus there was a home run derby and an around-the-horn drill.
"We call it our major league experience," IBC national director Chuck White said.
The World Series resumes today with teams seeded based on records during pool play in the double-elimination tournament. Of the 21 teams in the 12-and-under division, the Tampa Bay Renegades have a big edge. Ranked No. 4, the Clearwater-based club has one of five byes after going 2-0-1 in pool play Sunday and Monday.
The team escaped big jams in its first game, as the Franklin (Tenn.) Outlaws loaded the bases in each of the first two innings. But they scored just one run as the Renegades got double plays started by leading hitter Danny Torres in each inning to wiggle out of trouble. Andre Ortega's two-run single gave his team the lead, and Todd Shorter's two-run squeeze bunt secured the win.
Mario Labrador scored twice and had two RBIs in a 10-5 victory against Team Puerto Rico in Game 2.
The Renegades went 18-5 in AAU this season and return nine players from last year's team that finished second at the IBC World Series as 11-year-olds to qualify for this year's tourney. The team is ranked tied for 36th in the nation and tops in Florida in its age group by www.USASportsrankings.com
"The IBC uses Major League rules," Renegades manager Rey Ortega said. "Little League is a kids' game."
Another local team trying to make its mark is the Tampa Blades. The Temple Terrace squad was fourth at the AAU International Tournament last month at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. The Blades are ranked seventh in the state.
Other local teams involved in the 12-and-under bracket include the Tampa Stix, the 11-and-under 2003 IBC World champs, the St. Petersburg Spartans and the St. Petersburg Defenders.
The Tampa Mustangs and West Florida Young Guns are participating in the 14-and-under tournament. Both division finals are Saturday.