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Spring Hill Nationals set for more

The state title winning team of 9- and 10-year-olds plays in the opening round of the 50th Dixie Youth AAA World Series today.

By LARRY BUGG
Published August 8, 2005

SPRING HILL - Members of the Spring Hill National Dixie Youth AAA baseball team don't have to prove they are winners. They accomplished that by winning a state title.

Today, the 13 team members will enjoy the fruits of that triumph and make more memories that will last a lifetime. The Spring Hill Nationals, comprised of 9- and 10-year-olds, will face a team from Midland, S.C., at 5:30 p.m. in the opening round of the 50th Dixie Youth AAA World Series in Auburn, Ala.

Nic Pasarela will be the starting pitcher for Spring Hill.

The winner of the game will face the winner of a match between Madison Heights American, Va., and Savannah, Tenn., at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Should Spring Hill lose its first game, the team would play the loser of the Madison Heights-Savannah contest.

There are 12 teams representing 11 states in the double-elimination tournament. All of the games will be played on the Auburn University campus. The championship game will be Saturday.

Spring Hill manager Dave Smith said generous people in Hernando County have contributed $8,000 to help pay the team's expenses.

"We are pumped and excited about the good things that are going on," Smith said. "The parents are excited. The community responded. We have 40 family members going for this. Hopefully, we will be there for six days."

Smith said this is the first team from Spring Hill to win a Dixie youth state title. The team players are: Gabe Abbadessa, outfielder; Mason Arroyo, third base; Drue Brooks, outfield; Brandon Brosher, pitcher-catcher; Alex Martin, second base; Danny Gendusa, outfielder; Derek Newman, outfielder; Nic Pasarela, pitcher-shortstop; Nick Ramirez, outfielder; Drew Sessa, outfielder; Brad Smith, first base; Evan Webster, outfielder, and Joey Wright, pitcher. Smith is the manager. Bob Pasarela and Dave Newman are the assistant coaches.

Spring Hill won seven games and lost one to win the state championship July 23 in Okeechobee. Wright was the winning pitcher as Spring Hill beat South Lake 9-3 for the title.

Today, Spring Hill, now known as Team Florida, gets to face what is recognized as one of the best teams in the South.

Smith doesn't think his players will be overcome with nervousness.

"The group of kids we have on this team gets up for the challenge," he said. "You don't see a lot of nervous energy. The focus is excellent."

"We are not concerned about the other team. We know it will be the team that throws the most strikes, commits the fewest errors and gets the timely hits (that wins). We are hoping that's us."

The team and its supporters left Spring Hill on Saturday morning for Alabama. Everyone was looking forward to Sunday night's opening ceremonies, which were to include fireworks and an appearance by former pro baseball and football player Bo Jackson.

The baseball team was also invited to attend an Auburn Tigers football practice.

Smith said team is thankful for all of the community support it has received.

"We really appreciate the financial support of the people in Hernando County," he said.

Now, he said, the team is hoping to provide a perfect ending for the story: winning enough games to bring home a World Series title.

[Last modified August 8, 2005, 02:45:22]