2018
Fierce 14S UNITED STATES CHAMPIONS
Congratulations Fierce 14s
United StateS jUnior LeagUe ChampS
A-1 Party Rentals, Inc. THE GOOD GUYS IN THE BLACK HATS 936.639.2595 • 414 S. First St. • www.partya1.com
2018
Fierce 14s
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONS A publication of
Publisher Jenniffer Ricks jricks@lufkindailynews.com 936.631.2602
editorial advertising Design Megan McConnell
Director Tammy Kedrowicz tkedrowicz@lufkindailynews.com
Copy Editors 936.631.2630 Jeff Pownall Stacy Faison Account Executives Vanessa Durham Sports Editor Debra Hughs Josh Havard Brittany Mendez Writer April Turner Josh Havard Creative Services Photographer Robin Nevills Cara Campbell Graphic Artists Megan McConnell Uriel Vega
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1089, Lufkin, TX 75902-1089 Street Address: 300 Ellis, Lufkin, TX 75904-3817 USPS 321-820 Southern Newspapers Inc., doing business as The Lufkin News, is published mornings daily. Periodicals postage is paid at Lufkin, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS, P.O. Box 1089, Lufkin, TX 75902-1089.
PILGRIM’S LUFKIN
CONGRATULATES
The Fierce 14s
J U N I O R L E AG U E B A S E B A L L T E A M O N T H E I R W I N
Pilgrim’s • 1710 West Frank Ave • Lufkin TX Pilgrim’s • 1710 West Frank Ave • Lufkin TX
contents 10
46
52
18
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players
coaches
17 18 19 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38
14 15 16
Chip Buchanan Charlie Deaton Gavin Del Toro
Head coach Oralio Flores Ryan Deaton Juan Miguel Hinojosa
Hunter Ditsworth Sam Flores Azael (Bebo) Hinojosa Cameron Jackson Kyle Johnson Kolby Kovar
Fierce 14s
Features 8 Letter from the Publisher 10 Twice is just as nice for Fierce 14s 40 Junior League World Series Bracket 66 Front page of The Lufkin Daily News
42
Ditsworth’s walkoff gives Lufkin thrilling opening win
44
Hinojosa dominates as Lufkin rocks Georgia
46
Lufkin rolls on: Local all-stars advance to US championship game with 2-0 win over California
48
Title Town, Texas: Team effort leads to another US championship
50
So close: Lufkin falls just short in world championship game
52
Fierce return: Lufkin fans give warm reception
54
Celebrate good times: Lufkin comes together to honor US champions
Christian Mumphery Mark Requena Ricardo (Ricky) Rodriguez Jr. Aidan Wood
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sJ
~ Fierce 14s ~
US
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ROY TRUSS M-10366 RORY TRUSS M-21835 Fierce 14s 2018
7
from the publisher
Players Chip Buchanan Charlie Deaton Gavin Del Toro Hunter Ditsworth Sam Flores Azael (Bebo) Hinojosa Cameron Jackson Kyle Johnson Kolby Kovar Christian Mumphery Mark Requena
We wish to extend a big thank you to all of our local advertisers that made this magazine a possibility. Without their efforts, a project like this would never have been possible. Not much can bring a community together quite like a local sports team. In Lufkin, we know that from first-hand experience as we pack stadiums, gyms and baseball parks in cheering on all of our local athletes. Over the past two years, a special group of youngsters have turned the “dog days of summer” into the experiences of a lifetime. From the Thundering 13 to the Fierce 14s, they have turned Lufkin into Title Town, Texas. One title may be special, but back-to-back championships are virtually unfathomable. This year’s group of 13- and 14-year-olds proved once again that when it comes to youth baseball, nobody does it quite like Lufkin. Taking the stage with a target on their backs thanks to last year’s run, Lufkin showed the heart of a champion is something that should never be underestimated. Not only were these boys the best Junior League baseball players in the entire nation, they also represented our city in the best way possible. From Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Taylor, Michigan, they were commended every step of the way. We’d like to thank all of the coaches, players and parents that made it possible for us to share a part in this venture. We take great pride in presenting this keepsake magazine that hopefully will let everyone relive yet another summer for the books. A very special than you goes to the following businesses for making it possible to provide a hardbound keepsake to each player and coach. Here’s one more congratulations to the Fierce 14s. You certainly earned it! Sincerely,
Ricardo (Ricky) Rodriguez Jr. Aidan Wood
Coaches Head coach Oralio Flores Ryan Deaton
Jenniffer Ricks, Publisher The Lufkin Daily News
Juan Miguel Hinojosa
GRUMBLES ROOFING CO. Ashley N Bratton 936-634-4628 This magazine is published by The Lufkin News. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher.
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U.S. CHAMPIONS 2018 Fierce 14s 2018
9
Twice is just as nice for Fierce 14s story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
W
hat happens when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity meets the chance for back-to-back titles? This summer in Lufkin, the answer to that question was something fierce. The Fierce 14s to be precise. With six members of last year’s U.S. champion Thundering 13, along with seven newcomers, along for the ride, a group of youngsters spent the summer with less fanfare but just as much determination. The journey took them across Texas before a stop in New Mexico proved to be the final step to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan, a suburb just 15 miles away from Detroit. By the time they walked off the field as back-to-back U.S. champions, they had recaptured the hearts of East Texas while once again making believers out of the rest of the world. For Charlie Deaton, Hunter Ditsworth, Kolby Kovar, Chip Buchanan, Christian Mumphery and Mark Requena, it was the rarest of accomplishments in youth baseball as they won back-toback titles at two different age groups. For Cameron Jackson, Gavin Del Toro, Aidan Wood, Bebo Hinojosa, Kyle Johnson, Sam Flores and Ricky Rodriguez, it was their first time to bask in the spotlight of being a national champion. And although the story for much of the summer was on a
10
Fierce 14s 2018
repeat, in some ways, it was the melding of a group of 13 boys, along with three coaches, that gave this team its own unique set of memories. “Whatever you want to call them, just be sure you call them U.S. champs,” Lufkin manager Oralio Flores said. “All they want is to play ball. They just happened to prove they’re better than any other team in the country at doing it.” While the team ended its run on the biggest stage Junior League has to offer, it simply started on the Morris Frank baseball fields. After the all-star rosters were announced, Lufkin quietly went to work during the heat of the summer. Away from the field, it was a nice story although one that didn’t seem to have realistic expectations of another title. On the practice field, it was a different story. Among the players, they didn’t think they would win. They expected it. “From the time we got on the field together, we knew we could win it,” Mumphery said. When they finally hit the field for their first game on July 5, they served notice they weren’t just a nostalgic story. A 16-1 pummeling of the host team La Grange served notice of what was to come. That was followed by a 10-0 win over Robertson City before a 10-1 dismantling of Bastrop handed Lufkin the Section I title.
That showing served notice to the rest of the state that another run to the World Series would have to run through a talented Lufkin squad. However, things weren’t quite as easy at the Texas East State tournament. Lufkin had all it could handle in the first two games, holding on for a 4-2 win over Jasper before grabbing a hard-fought 6-4 win over West University. That left the Fierce 14s one win from a trip to the regional tournament in Albuquerque. It wasn’t going to be that easy. For the first time in the summer, Lufkin was beaten — soundly. A 10-0 setback showed this could be the end of the road for the summer. However, as had been the case every step of the way over the past two years, Lufkin wasn’t going to be stopped. About 30 minutes after that loss, Lufkin turned the tables on that same West University team, coasting to a 13-3 win that was also called after five innings due to the mercy rule. Requena was phenomenal on the mound in a complete game effort and the Fierce 14s bats were unstoppable. Next stop, Albuquerque. Knowing they were three wins away from a trip to the Junior League World Series, Lufkin made the long bus trip to New Mexico. The state championship team from Colorado could do little to slow down Lufkin, which scored early and often in another runaway win. That was little of an indication of what was to come over the next two games as the host team from Eastdale, which was comprised of the best players from three different local Junior League organizations stood in the way. In the first game, things didn’t look promising as Eastdale broke up what had been a pitchers’ duel by plating three runs in the top of the seventh for a 4-1 lead. Lufkin wasn’t done yet as Flores’ walk-off RBI single capped a four ran rally that gave the Fierce 14s a 5-4 win. That would set up a rematch just two days later. This time, it was Requena that was up to the challenge as he pitched 6 1/3 innings before Hinojosa got the final two outs in giving Lufkin a thrilling 3-0 win.
Unbelievably they were headed back to the World Series. If there was any doubt of what their intentions were, they set that straight just hours before they would leave at 3 a.m. to catch a flight to Detroit. “We’re not going there just to play,” manager Oralio Flores said. “That’s not what we do in Lufkin. We’re going up there to win the whole thing. Why would you go up there if you think you’re going to lose?” Upon arrival in Michigan, Lufkin was immediately embraced by the locals, who also watched them capture the Little League title a year ago. If there was a favorite outside of the local team, it was certainly Lufkin. Little did they know exactly what the Fierce 14s had in store. In the opening game against a team from the Chicago area, Lufkin dominated in every facet of the game, holding a 4-0 lead headed into the seventh inning. That’s when things got dicey as Chicago struck for seven runs, leaving what looked like a sure win in dangerous peril of sending Lufkin to a quick exit. For most teams that would be the case. For the Fierce 14s, it only amped up the degree of difficulty. Wood and Buchanan walked before Jackson hit a bunt single. Ditsworth then played the role he has played in each of the past two summers by lacing a walkoff bases-clearing double to right field. Lufkin had survived 7-6. Less than 24 hours later, Lufkin looked nothing like a team that had been on the ropes. Hinojosa was spectacular on the mound and the Fierce 14s coasted to a 9-0 win over Southeast. That win set up a matchup between the two teams expected to be the biggest contenders. As it turns out, it was Requena’s time to shine in the spotlight. He threw a complete game shutout with pitches to spare in a 2-0 win over California that sent Lufkin to the U.S. championship game. While many would be nervous about the situation, Lufkin embraced it. Playing as if it was in the backyard rather than at a packed field in Michigan, Lufkin took a 5-2 win over that same California team. The unthinkable happened. Lufkin was the U.S. champion. Again. Title Town, Texas. It was a well deserved title for a team that played the game the right way. In the end, Lufkin may not have come away with the ultimate goal of bringing home a world championship, but the Fierce 14s still left their mark in what turned into a classic game. Going against a Chinese Taipei team seeking its sixth straight title, Lufkin pushed the world’s best Junior League team to the limit, putting the potential winning run on first base in the last inning. Although those dreams eventually came to an end with a groundout, it couldn’t dim the shine of an outstanding group of Lufkin youngsters. Back-to-back U.S. champions. It certainly has a nice ring to it. Fierce 14s 2018
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U.S. Junior League Champs
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Fierce 14s 2018
A special thank you to the people and businesses of Lufkin and Angelina County. Thank you for your financial support and your many words of encouragement to the F ierce 14s. Thank you to the F ierce 14s for all your hard work. It paid off! Winning the Junior League World Series U.S. Cha mpionship is a memory we will treasure forever. Back to back cha mpionships! We are proud of you ! Coach Bud and Judy Maddux
Fierce 14s 2018
13
Head coach ORALIO FLORES
Favorite baseball player: Pete Rose Favorite moment of the Junior League World Series: Beating California 2-0. Favorite moments of the Junior League World Series away from the field: Meeting all the volunteers, especially Eryn, our bus driver who carried the boys to and from the baseball park, and Chef Barry, who cooked the meals for coaches and baseball players, and Tom Suddak, from the grounds crew, who cheered for the boys at all the games. George was the chief umpire who I also got to know. Shout out to Sue, who cleaned the boys’ uniforms after every game! Scott and his wife were awesome host families. High school sports: I played football at Lufkin High School (all-district linebacker). Team coached during season: LSU Tigers 14 F i e r c e 1 4 2 0 1 8 s
coach
RYAN DEATON
Favorite baseball players: Jim Sundberg, Pudge Rodriguez. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series game: Coming back in the seventh inning against Central. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Hanging out with the Lufkin families at the “hospitality� room. Hobbies: Hunting and fishing Team coached during season: Clemson Tigers Fierce 14s 2018
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coach
JUAN MIGUEL HINOJOSA Favorite baseball player: Azael (Bebo) Hinojosa Favorite moments of Junior League World Series in a game: To be with my son and the kids during the special moments. Favorite moments of Junior League World Series away from the field: Being with my family and friends. Hobbies: Fishing and practicing sports Team coached during season: Clemson Tigers 16 F i e r c e 1 4 2 0 1 8 s
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Chip Buchanan School: Lufkin Middle School (eighth grade) Position: Right field, pitcher Parents: Jeff, Heather Buchanan Siblings: Blake Buchanan (12) Favorite baseball player: Brandon Belt Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Catching the last out in the USA championship. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Hanging out with my friends and other teams at Dave & Busters. Other sports: Football, track, school and select basketball Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, video games, board games What team were you on during the season: Florida Gators Fierce 14s 2018
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3
Charlie Deaton
School: Lufkin Middle School Position: Catcher Parents: Ryan, Jennifer Deaton Siblings: Caroline Deaton (19), Charlotte Deaton (12) Favorite player: Max Stassi Favorite moment of the Junior League World Series in a game: When I caught the outside curve ball on my knees and threw the runner out at second base against West. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Hanging out with the Southeast team at the hotel. Other sports besides baseball: Football Hobbies: Hunting and fishing What team were you on during the season: Clemson 18
Fierce 14s 2018
2 Gavin Del Toro
School: Lufkin High School Position: 2nd base Parents: Saul and Misty Del Toro Siblings: Analise (12) Favorite baseball player: Jose Altuve Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Walk-off win Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Hanging out with other teams. Other sports: None Hobbies: Going outside, Fortnite, baseball What team were you on during the season: Clemson Tigers
Fierce 14s 2018
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Hunter Ditsworth School: Lufkin High School Position: Pitcher, 3rd base, 1st base Parents names: Michael, Veronica Ditsworth Siblings: Conner (9) Favorite baseball player: Carlos Correa Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Hitting a walk-off threerun double against Chicago. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from field: Making friends with other teams. Other sports: None Hobbies: Eating, baseball What team were you on during the season: LSU Tigers 20 F i e r c e 1 4 2 0 1 8 s
14s
We Proudly Support the Fierce 14s!
2018
417 N Timberland Dr (936) 634-5003 1901 W Frank Ave (936) 634-9200 1805 S 1st St (936) 632-6006 512 N Temple Dr, Diboll (936) 829-3162 Fierce 14s 2018
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12 Sam Flores School: Lufkin High School Position: Shortstop Parents: Oralio, Kim Flores Siblings: Victoria (27), Adam (25) Favorite baseball player: Francisco Lindor Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Hitting a home run in the United States championship game and being the only American to hit a home run in the World Series. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Hanging out with Mexico and Georgia players back at the hotel. Other sports: I focus only on baseball. Hobbies: Playing baseball What team were you on during the season: LSU Tigers 22
Fierce 14s 2018
champs
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Azael (Bebo) Hinojosa School: Lufkin High School Position: 3rd base, pitcher, outfield Parents: Juan Miguel Hinojosa, Sandra Hinojosa Siblings: Juan Miguel Hinojosa Jr. (9), Alessandra Hinojosa (7) Favorite baseball player: Alex Rodriguez Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Playing West. Favorite moments of Junior League World Series away from the field: Eating at restaurants with friends, going to the Tigers/White Sox game. What other sports do you play besides baseball: Soccer Hobbies: Baseball, soccer, guitar What team were you on during the season: Clemson Tigers 24
Fierce 14s 2018
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EAst tExAs EyE AssociAtEs Thomas E. Duncan, MD 1306 W. Frank Ave. • Lufkin (936) 634-8381 Fierce 14s 2018
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1
Cameron Jackson
School: Lufkin High School Position: 2nd base Parents: Tiffany Jackson-Davison (mother), Ryan Dixon (father), Leonard Davison (stepfather) Siblings: Alesia Hale (19), Jakale Hale (17) Favorite baseball player: Dee Gordon Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Winning championship Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Meeting all the teams. Other sports: Football Hobbies: Sleep What team were you on during the season: LSU Tigers 26
Fierce 14s 2018
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14s CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIERCE 14s!
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11 Kyle Johnson School: Central Position: Pitcher, first base, outfield Parents: Rosalie Lowrey, Matt Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Bobby Gabehart Siblings: Macie (7), Mattie (12), Dominick (19) Favorite baseball player: George Springer Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Going to the championship against Chinese Taipei. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from field: Going to eat, watching Little League World Series games and Facetiming my girlfriend, Kenzie. Other sports: Basketball Hobby: Fortnite What team were you on during the season: LSU Tigers 28
Fierce 14s 2018
Congratulations Fierce 14s! 2018
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34 Kolby Kovar School: Lufkin Middle School Position: Outfield Parents: Shane, Stephanie Kovar Siblings: Chase (11), Kyle (5) Favorite baseball player: Mike Trout Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Playing against Chinese Taipei. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Being able to interact with the other teams at the hotel. Other sports: Football Hobbies: Playing video games, playing outside with my brothers. What team were you on during the season: LSU Tigers 30 F i e r c e 1 4 2 0 1 8 s
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13
Christian Mumphery School: Freshman at Lufkin Early College High School Position: Center field Parents: Shata Specks, JaMarkus Mumphery Favorite baseball player: Andrew McCutchen Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Hitting a bases-clearing double that helped put my team up in the game. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Meeting other teams and making new friends. Other sports: Basketball (point guard) Hobbies: Talking to girls, playing video games, watching YouTube videos and hanging out with friends and family. What team were you on during the season: Gators 32
Fierce 14s 2018
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15 Mark Requena School: Lufkin Middle School Position: 1st baseman, pitcher Parents names: Margie Solis, Oscar Requena Siblings: Austin Requena (21), Giselle Requena (17) Favorite baseball player: Jose Altuve Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Pitching in the semifinals. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Having conversations with the Mexico team Other sports besides baseball: Football Hobbies: Sports What team were you on during the season: Clemson 34
Fierce 14s 2018
A Job Well Done!
Congratulations to the Junior League World Series U.S. CHAMPS!
Congratulations!
Junior League World Series U.S. Champs!
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14
Ricardo (Ricky) Rodriguez Jr.
School: Lufkin High School Position: Third base, pitcher Parents: Ricardo Rodriguez, Dora Rodriguez Siblings: Damary Rodriguez (23), Fabiola Rodriguez (19) Favorite baseball player: David Ortiz Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: When we were one out away from winning the national championship. It was intense and nerve wracking, but all our hard work (the team and myself ) toward achieving that goal was totally worth it. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from field: Meeting players from other countries. Not only were we playing with the best Junior League baseball players around the world, but their sportsmanship and encouragement when we were playing is what kept our spirits going. It was a privilege to play with them. Other sports: Football and soccer but baseball has always been my passion. I started playing when I was two, and that’s where it all began. Hobbies: Fishing. I’m a family boy and love to spend Saturday or Sunday morning out on the lake fishing with my father. What team were you on during the season: Miami Hurricanes 36 F i e r c e 1 4 2 0 1 8 s
is proud to support our Junior League World Series U.S. Champions. Congratulations on a job well done!
Proud of the Fierce 14s!
Ryan Hinckley, D.D.S., M.S. • Derek Powers, D.D.S., M.S. (936) 639-1397 714 Largent Street| Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 564-1218 808 N. University Dr. | Nacogdoches, TX 75961
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Fierce 14s 2018
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7 Aidan Wood School: Lufkin High School Position: Left field, offensive specialist Parents names: Wes Wood and Laura Dixon Siblings: Makayla McCoy (10), Maddie McCoy (7) Favorite baseball player: George Springer Favorite moment of Junior League World Series in a game: Winning U.S. championship. Favorite moment of Junior League World Series away from the field: Pokemon hunting in Detroit, going to eat. Other sports you play besides baseball: Fantasy football, athletic training What team were you on during the season: Hurricanes 38
Fierce 14s 2018
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Great Job Fierce 14s!!! 203 S. Chestnut Dr. • 936-634-4744 Mon-Sat. • 10 am-9 pm • Closed Sunday Paul & Robin Stringer Owners
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1827 W. FRANK • LUFKIN • NEXT TO BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS • 936-632-3456 Fierce 14s 2018
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8 THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS
2018 Junior Leag 2018 Junior Leagu LUFKINDAILYNEWS.COM
Monday, august 20, 2018 THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS
Monday sunday 8/13/18
8/12/18
Chinese taipei
tuesday Monday 8/14/18 8/13/18
Wednesday tuesday 8/15/18 8/14/18
8/15/18
8/16/18
8/17/18
saturday saturday 8/18/18
sunda sunday 8/19/1
8/18/18
8/19/18
Chinese taipei
Lufkin
Chinese taipei
game 2 1 p.m. aruba
game 5 10 a.m.
Chinese taipei
aruba
Winner g5
aruba
Canada game 7 4 p.m.
Italy
Canada game 4
australia
7 p.m.
game 7 australia 4 p.m.
game 15 4 p.m.
game 11 4 p.m. Italy
Loser g5 game 11 4 p.m. Italy Fierce 14s 2018
Winner g15 International
australia
Winner g7 aruba
australia
game 15 4 p.m.
OPEN DAY
game 5 Mexico 10 a.m.
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thursday Friday Wednesday 8/16/18 thursday 8/17/18Friday
australia game 18 6 p.m.
Italy
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game 9 10 a.m.
Championship
game 19
International 2 p.m. Championship Mexico
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game 19 2 p.m.
game 18 6 p.m.
Winner g18
game 13 10 a.m.
Winner g11 Mexico
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THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS Monday, august 20, 2018
Friday 8/17/18
Friday thursday Wednesday 8/17/18thursday 8/16/18 8/16/18
8/15/18
Manhattan Beach, Calif. game 16 7 p.m.
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Manhattan Beach, Calif.
game 20 5 p.m.
game 17 3 p.m. Chicago
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noon onon a fantastic season All-Stars m/lufkin-all-stars-world-series EsPn
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Wednesday tuesday 8/15/18 8/14/18
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tuesday Monday 8/14/18 8/13/18
game 8 7 p.m.
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Elberton, ga. game 6 1 p.m. Lufkin
Brownstown, Mich. (host) Chicago
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game 14 1 p.m.
game 17 3 Johnsonburg, p.m. Pa.
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3B
Monday sunday8/13/18
8/12/18
Brownstown Mich. (host)
Brownstown, Mich. (host)
Manhattan Beach, Calif.
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Manhattan Beach, Calif. OPEN DAY
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Manhattan game 8 Beach, Calif.
7 p.m.
game 1 10 a.m. Manhattan
Johnsonburg, Beach, Calif Pa.
Elberton, Chicago ga. game 6 Lufkin 1 p.m.
game 3 4 p.m.
game 10 1 p.m.
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Chicago Johnsonburg, Pa. game g10 12 Winner 7 p.m. Elberton, ga.
Loser g8 game 10 1 p.m. Loser g3
Proudly Supporting game 14 Refuse to Lose!41 Lufkin’s All Stars!1 p.m.Good Luck “Fierce 14”! Fierce 14s 2018
Ditsworth’s walkoff gives Lufkin thrilling opening win
story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
W
hen it comes to the World Series, the boys from Lufkin certainly know how to put on a show. It also doesn’t hurt to have a familiar leading star. Faced with falling into the dreaded loser’s bracket after squandering a four-run lead in the seventh inning, Lufkin proved once again it won’t go down without a fight as Hunter Ditsworth roped a walk-off three-run double to deep left field, sending the Fierce 14s to a remarkable 7-6 win over the Warren Park Youth Baseball team from Chicago. With the win, Lufkin moved into the winner’s bracket, where it will take on Elberton, Georgia, the Southeast representative at 1 p.m. today. “I told Bud (Maddux) there close to the end that we were in a pickle, and he told me we still had three outs to work with,” Lufkin head coach Oralio Flores said. “So I told the boys we needed two to keep playing and three to win it. They said let’s go ahead and win it now.” Ditsworth’s clutch hit capped a stellar game as he had a pair of doubles and five RBIs at the plate in addition to pitching five scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh inning. He eventually allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks and a strikeout in six innings. “In the six or seven years I’ve seen Hunter pitch, I’ve probably
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only seen him lose a game or two,” Flores said, “so you always feel good when he’s out there. He did a great job in getting it done at the plate in the seventh inning, as well. But we’re so confident in this team. We feel like if he wouldn’t have gotten it done, then the next guy would.” For most of the day, it looked like he would be the story of the game, only in much less dramatic fashion. His two-run double sparked a four-run first inning that he made stand up until the seventh inning when things seemingly unraveled. Chicago’s seventh inning started with a pair of hits that didn’t leave the infield with Will Geiger reaching on an infield single to the shortstop before Joseph Perona delivered a bunt single. Nate Dancer drew a walk that loaded the bases and chased Ditsworth from the game. Ricky Rodriguez came on in relief and walked Zach James with the bases loaded to make it 4-1 before Mark Requena entered the game. He struck out the first batter he saw but ran into more bad luck when a Ke’Sean Watson grounder down the third base line managed to stay fair, making it 4-2. Chicago then brought out the big bats with Gabe Essex hitting a sharp single to center field to make it 4-3 before Alex Vasquez tied it up with an RBI single to left. Wyatt Atkisson gave Chicago its first lead of the game with a
two-run single to right that made it 6-4. “In the seventh inning, I said I couldn’t believe we’re about to give this one away,” Flores said. “This is one you can’t give away in a game like this. Fortunately, the boys have been here before and they knew what to do.” Lufkin stopped the bleeding by throwing a runner out stealing at second and getting a groundout to make a seventh-inning rally possible. Aidan Wood got things going by working a walk that chased Chicago pitcher Atkisson from the game due to the pitch count limit. Chip Buchanan followed with a walk of his own before Cameron Jackson laid down a perfect bunt that loaded the bases with no outs. “If those boys don’t get on, then Hunter doesn’t have a chance,” Flores said. “We were in a position where we had three outs to get three runs, and we ended up not using any of those outs.” Ditsworth wasted little time as he roped an 0-1 single to the gap in left center that cleared the bases and started yet another wild celebration for Lufkin, which won for the second time this summer when facing a multiple-run deficit in the seventh inning. In the early going, it looked like Lufkin wouldn’t need any lategame heroics. After Chicago put runners at second and third with one out in the top of the first inning, Ditsworth got out of the jam by inducing a groundout back to the mound before getting a flyout to get out of the inning. Lufkin immediately went back to work in the bottom of the inning with Buchanan getting hit by a pitch and Jackson reaching on an error after a sacrifice bunt.
Ditsworth got Lufkin on the board with a two-run double to center and Sam Flores followed with an RBI double that made it 3-0. After a flyout, Requena delivered an RBI single that made it 4-0. Lufkin threatened again in the second inning by loading the bases with one out but was unable to push any more runs across. That seemed to get Atkisson going as that started a run of 14 straight Lufkin batters set down between the second and sixth innings. After getting out of a threat when Chicago tried to steal home in the fourth inning, Ditsworth put down seven straight Chicago hitters in keeping Lufkin’s 4-0 lead intact, setting up a wild seventh inning. Requena got the win for Lufkin as he allowed two earned runs on four hits and a strikeout in an inning of work. Lufkin hitters were Ditsworth (2 doubles, 5 RBIs), Flores (double, RBI), Requena (single, RBI) and Buchanan and Jackson (single). Lufkin continues the Junior League World Series at 1 p.m. Monday. A win in that game would move Lufkin into Wednesday night’s winner’s bracket game at 7 p.m. “The boys are all excited, but we don’t dwell on wins for too long,” Flores said. “That win is behind us now and we’re looking forward to another one tomorrow that’s just as important.” A loss would move Lufkin into a loser’s bracket game at 7 p.m. Tuesday night against Johnsonburg/Kane/Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, the East representative.
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Hinojosa dominates as Lufkin rocks Georgia story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
W
ith a furious finish, Lufkin simply survived Sunday night’s Junior League World Series opener. On Monday afternoon, the local boys flat-out dominated. Bebo Hinojosa was lights out on the mound, pitching a complete game three-hit shutout, and he was backed by a relentless offense as the Fierce 14s pounded Elberton, Georgia, in 9-0 fashion in Taylor, Michigan. Now just two days after making its Junior League World Series debut, Lufkin is a win away from advancing to the U.S. championship game. It has today off before taking on Manhattan Beach, California at 7 p.m. Wednesday. To me, today’s game was just as stressful as it was on Sunday,” Lufkin head coach Oralio Flores said. “On Sunday, it seemed like we were cruising along then we gave up six runs. So you can’t ever
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relax, or it can come back to bite you.” Hinojosa worked around some early traffic before dominating late as he struck out four and walked only one. In doing so, he threw a full seven innings while only throwing 80 pitches. “He went out there and competed today,” Flores said. “He had a few mishaps yesterday, but he didn’t get down about it. Him going out there and throwing a complete game is huge because we don’t have to burn any more pitchers for later on.” He was backed by an offense that had seven batters combine for 10 hits against five Georgia pitchers. Chip Buchanan led the way for Lufkin with three hits and an RBI, while Christian Mumphery delivered a bases-clearing double that got the offense going in the first inning. He also added another RBI later in the game.
“Our offense was going from top to bottom today,” Flores said. “We practice it every day, and they’re going out and executing what they’ve worked on at a high level.” Following Sunday’s four-run first inning on Sunday, Lufkin put together a repeat of that performance against Georgia. Buchanan ripped a single up the middle before Cameron Jackson reached on an infield single to the shortstop. Hunter Ditsworth walked to load the bases. Sam Flores delivered a sacrifice fly that just missed being a grand slam that put Lufkin on the board. After a second out was recorded, Mumphery roped a clutch bases-clearing double to left field that put Lufkin in the driver’s seat. “He came up big for us in a big spot,” Flores said. “We expect every one of our players to come up with the hit in those situations, but it doesn’t always happen.” Georgia put up one of their biggest threats in the bottom of the inning as Trustin Allen roped a double and advanced to third on a passed ball before Cole Hudson was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the corners with one out. Hinojosa got out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout to first that maintained Lufkin’s 4-0 lead. Georgia threatened again in the third inning by once again putting runners on first and third with one out before lining
into an inning-ending double play. Unlike Sunday, Lufkin was finally able to start tacking on insurance runs in the fifth inning as Hinojosa helped his own cause with an RBI single that made it 5-0. The lead grew to 6-0 in the sixth inning when Ditsworth drove in his sixth run of the World Series with a two-out single. The Fierce 14s delivered the knockout blow with a threerun seventh inning. Mumphrey drove in the seventh run with a sacrifice fly before Kolby Kovar drove in a run with a groundout. Buchanan followed with a line drive single to left field, making it 9-0. Hinojosa followed by delivering a perfect seventh inning as he put down the final seven batters in order in keeping Lufkin in the winner’s bracket. Lufkin batters joining Buchanan and Mumphery in the hit column were Jackson (2 singles); Ditsworth, Flores and Hinojosa (single, RBI); and Mark Requena (single). A win by Lufkin on Wednesday night would put it in the U.S. championship game at 5 p.m. Saturday. A Lufkin loss would move it into a loser’s bracket game at 3 p.m. Thursday with the winner of that game advancing to the U.S. championship.
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Lufkin rolls on: Local all-stars advance to US championship game with 2-0 win over California story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
T
AYLOR, Mich. — When it comes to the World Series, teams expect the unexpected when it comes to plans of action. In Lufkin’s case, Plan A is working out just fine. Of course it doesn’t hurt when that plan involves a pitcher that pitches his best when games mean the most. Going up against a Manhattan Beach, California, team that is possibly Lufkin’s biggest threat at the World Series, Requena dialed up all the right numbers on his way to a complete game three-hit shutout. By the time he induced a groundout to second baseman Cameron Jackson that sealed Lufkin’s 2-0 win and sent the local allstars to the U.S. championship game, he left a talented California team stunned while confirming what his teammates and coaches already suspected. “We saved Mark for this exact game,” Lufkin head coach Oralio Flores said. “When we came here, we had a feeling this would be the one we needed him for. What more can you say about that kid? He goes out there and competes, and when he’s
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on, he’s nearly impossible to hit.” Requena finished the game by allowing just a single walk. He was so good that he only needed 77 pitches, easily avoiding the 95-pitch Junior League limit. “There was a game in Waco last year where I came out nervous and it hurt me,” Requena said. “Ever since then, I go out there with confidence knowing I can get it done. I just focus on throwing strikes and don’t worry about the moment. It helps that I’ve pitched in some big games we’ve needed before.” Meanwhile, he got just enough support from his offense against a California team that had a full arsenal of pitchers. In the end, it was a clutch hit and some good base running, along with a lucky break, that proved to be the difference. With the teams locked in a scoreless battle, California went to left-handed reliever Ben Gneiser to go up against Lufkin’s own lefty, Ben Flores. Undeterred, Flores responded with a rope down the right field line that rolled to the fence and led to a one-out double.
Following a Bebo Hinojosa walk, pinch hitter Ricky Rodriguez hit a grounder to the third baseman. After California got the out at second, it attempted to throw out Flores at the plate. The ball seemed to beat him there, but the catcher was unable to hold the low throw as Flores scored the go-ahead run. “Going up against a lefty is nothing new because that’s what we hit against in practice all the time,” Flores said. “We knew we needed to get something going. Then at the play at the plate, I knew I had a chance to score when I saw the ball get in the dirt. “He tagged me, but the ball wasn’t there. We knew Mark only needed one run so we felt pretty good after that.” As it turns out, Lufkin would add one more insurance run in the sixth inning. Gavin Del Toro got the inning started with a walk before being bunted to second by Hunter Ditsworth. Following a second out, Hinojosa delivered with a clutch RBI single up the middle that put Lufkin on top 2-0. In the seventh inning, Requena retired the first two outs
before an error left the door open for California. Requena slammed it shut by inducing the grounder to Jackson for the final out. “That’s a big one,” Oralio Flores said. “Mark wasn’t fazed by anything. We made almost every play behind him, and when we didn’t, he picked everybody up.” Gneiser took the loss for California, allowing two earned runs on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 22/3 innings. Robert Love worked the first 31/3 shutout innings, allowing no runs on three hits with four strikeouts. Lufkin hitters were Hinojosa (single, RBI), Flores (double), Chip Buchanan, Ditsworth and Charlie Deaton (single) and Rodriguez (RBI). Lufkin awaits the winner of the California/Chicago game, which will be played at 3 p.m. today. In the other game today, Australia plays Mexico. The winner of that contest will face Chinese Taipei for the international championship at 2 p.m. Saturday.
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47
Title Town, Texas: Team effort leads to another US championship story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
T
AYLOR, Mich. — In an unprecedented two-year run, a group of boys that has garnered the attention of a city, state and nation has worn many labels. Lufkin All-Stars, Texas East and Southwest have been labels they’ve worn proudly across their chest. Perhaps the one that fits them best is simply “Champs.” On Saturday night, Lufkin walked onto the field with six American champions. By the time they jumped into each other’s arms more than two hours later, they stood united as Junior League U.S. champions. Hunter Ditsworth pitched a gem, Sam Flores delivered a two-
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run homer and a Lufkin team took home a U.S. championship for the second straight year by picking up a 5-2 win over Manhattan Beach, California. “We weren’t losing this one,” Kolby Kovar said. “This was our time and we weren’t letting it slip away. From the time we got out here, we knew this was our championship to win.” Going against a team it had beaten 2-0 three days earlier, Lufkin knew it didn’t have any room for error thanks to the modified double-elimination format that would have sent the “Fierce 14s” home with a single loss. Lufkin flashed the full team effort that has been on display
throughout the summer but was never more evident against the best America had to offer. Sam Flores set the tone for the game with an early blast, Ditsworth was his typically dominating self and Lufkin held off a determined California team after it seemed to be against the ropes late in the contest. “We’ve got one more to go, but it feels like all that work we’ve put in has paid off,” Lufkin’s Aidan Wood said. “This is crazy.” Lufkin was able to win the U.S. title riding the right arm of Ditsworth. He dominated early before giving up a pair of fifthinning runs. He overcame those to finish 61/3 innings, while allowing two earned runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts before coming out of the game after reaching the 95-pitch limit in the seventh inning. Even that didn’t slow down the Fierce 14s, who handed the ball to Bebo Hinojosa. He recorded the final two outs on a groundout and a flyout. “I wanted to finish it off, but I knew that if I got it to Bebo right there, he was going to take care of it,” Ditsworth said. “I didn’t make a few pitches in the fifth inning, and that let them get a few runs, but I was able to get into the seventh. My offense had my back.” That offense was sparked by Sam Flores, who set the tone for the game just four batters in. After Chip Buchanan worked a leadoff walk and was sacrificed to second on a Cameron Jackson bunt, Flores stepped to the plate and came up with one of his biggest hits of the summer, a line shot that landed well beyond the center field fence for a tworun homer. It was Lufkin’s first homer of the World Series, and it came at the perfect time against Robert Love, who had shut down the Fierce 14s for 31/3 innings on Wednesday night. “I knew how good his curve ball was, but he gave me a fast ball that was down, and I wasn’t going to let it get past me,” Flores said. “It felt good, and I thought it showed we’re not a team that’s just happy to play in a game like this. We’re here to win.” Lufkin threatened to put the game away in the second inning before the most bizarre play of the tournament left both teams speechless. With the bases loaded, Buchanan lined a shot toward the second baseman that was ruled to have hit the ground before the fielder caught it. Unaware of the ruling, the second baseman attempted to get the force out at home. However, at the conclusion of the play, the home plate umpire explained the original ruling was a catch, leaving California to throw both to first and second base in an attempt to double up the runners. After two lengthy discussions among each other and another with the tournament director, it was ruled the batter and runners at first and second base were both out. However, the runner was allowed to score from third without tagging up due to the team not making the play at third base. That gave Lufkin a 3-0 lead that could have been even greater. “I still don’t understand what happened,” Lufkin head coach
Oralio Flores said. “I saw the ball skip into his glove so I knew it wasn’t a catch, but the umpire ruled he caught it. I’m not too worried about it now. I’m just glad the kids didn’t let it bother them.” Lufkin was able to add to its lead in the fourth inning when Hinojosa delivered an RBI single to center field that made it 4-0. On the same play, a California error ended up leading to a Lufkin out at the plate when it tried to put the fifth run on the board. Lufkin had another chance to break the game wide open in the fourth inning but left the bases loaded. That seemed to open the door for California, who used some two-out magic to finally push a pair of runs across the plate in the fifth inning. With one out, Love drew a walk before Connor Meidroth singled. Ben Gneiser then delivered a two-run single that cut Lufkin’s lead in half at 4-2. Although Lufkin was able to get out of the inning without any further damage, Ditsworth’s pitch count had skyrocketed to 88 through five innings. With the tournament’s pitch limit at 95, one of the keys in the game was his ability to get through the sixth inning with only six pitches. Lufkin got a vital insurance run in the seventh inning when Sam Flores was hit by a pitch and Wood eventually scored on an RBI groundout by Hinojosa, making it 5-2. Ditsworth got the leadoff man to fly out to center before Hinojosa came in to shut the door for the save. “I don’t even know how to explain it,” Lufkin’s Mark Requena said. “Knowing we’re the best team in the USA is a pretty good feeling.”
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49
So close: Lufkin falls just short in world championship game story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
T
AYLOR, Mich. — From the time both teams stepped onto the World Series Field in Taylor, Michigan, it seemed only fitting that the defending U.S. champions would square off against the five-time defending champions from Chinese Taipei. With neither team backing down in a battle of Junior League heavyweights, a game for the ages came down to the final play. Unfortunately, for the Fierce 14s, the Shing-Ming Junior League team from Chinese Taipei had the final answer in securing a thrilling 2-0 decision in front of a packed international crowd and a national television audience. Kuan Lun Huang pitched 62/3 scoreless innings to go along with a solo blast and Lufkin left the bases loaded in the last inning as Chinese Taipei escaped with its closest win of the tournament and the closest victory in its run of six straight Junior League world championships. “This was the closest game they’ve had in five years,” Lufkin’s Charlie Deaton said. “We showed what kind of baseball we can play. We just didn’t quite get it done, but I don’t think we have anything to hang our heads about.” Huang proved to be a major test for a Lufkin lineup that had been up to the challenge throughout the World Series. Using a biting curveball along with a blazing fastball, he shut out Lufkin until the seventh inning by allowing five hits and a walk. It looked like he would be able to cruise through to a shutout until the seventh inning when Lufkin showed the fight that has made them fan favorites at every stop along the way over the last two years. Trailing 2-0 in the seventh inning, Mark Requena led off with a single to right field. After the first out was recorded, Charlie Deaton delivered a single to right field. Chinese Taipei got the next out before Chip Buchanan put together a clutch at bat before lining the eighth pitch of his at bat into left field, loading the bases and putting the potential game-winning run on first base. It also chased Huang from the game after he surpassed the 95-pitch total, bringing Shui-Hsun Li to the mound. But with the crowd worked into a frenzy, an error-free Chinese Taipei squad came up with one final play as a grounder to the shortstop turned into a force out at second to end Lufkin’s run just short of its first Junior League World
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Series championship. “They showed today that no matter who’s in the other dugout, they’re going to just come out here and keep playing,” Lufkin head coach Oralio Flores said. “We had a shot all the way to the end. We just ran out of outs.” Lufkin was able to stay in the game until the end thanks to the pitching of Bebo Hinojosa, who was able to keep a dangerous Chinese Taipei lineup in check. He pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs on nine hits with a strikeout and no walks. He got the last out of the sixth inning on his 95th pitch, meaning Ricky Rodriguez would finish the game if Lufkin would have completed the seventh-inning rally. “With a team like that, you have to put every pitch where you want it,” Hinojosa said, “because if you miss one, they’ll make you pay for it. I went out there and gave it my best.” The Fierce 14s were able to keep Chinese Taipei off the board through four innings thanks to a flawless defense coupled with Hinojosa’s clutch pitching. Taipei put runners on second and third base in the fourth inning with only one out. Huang followed by hitting a sharp grounder to Hunter Ditsworth, who made a nice stop but was unable to make the throw to first base. More importantly, he was able to keep the runner from scoring. Tzu Yu Tseng followed with a slow grounder to third base before Ditsworth fielded it and got the force out at home. Tung-Han Lu then hit a liner that shortstop Sam Flores snagged to keep the game scoreless. Lufkin responded by putting runners on base when Flores was hit by a pitch and Hinojosa singled to left. However, a nice play by Tseng at shortstop led to the second out before a strikeout ended the threat. Chinese Taipei finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning when pinch hitter Hsun-Chieh Lee delivered a clutch two-out single. It added a second run on Huang’s blast that sailed well over the left field fence for a 2-0 lead. That set up the late Lufkin heroics that proved to be just one hit short. “It didn’t end the way we wanted to, but we’re certainly not going to forget this,” Lufkin’s Kyle Johnson said. “It was a great ride.”
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Fierce return: Lufkin fans give warm reception story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
F
rom South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to Taylor, Michigan, Lufkin has spent the last two years as the best Little/ Junior League program in the nation. On Monday night, an adoring Lufkin crowd showed there’s still no place quite like home. With hundreds of fans waiting on a warm humid night, they gave the Fierce 14s a wild reception back in their hometown. “Two years in a row, you’re United States champions,” Lufkin Mayor Bob Brown said. “Welcome to Lufkin, Texas. You played as a team and not as individuals, and we are so proud of you. “Thanks you for all you’ve done and the banner you’ll wave here in Lufkin, Texas. You’ll live with this for the rest of your life.” Before the team arrived at the old Kmart parking lot, the crowd started chants of “Southwest” while anxiously awaiting the team’s arrival.
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Fans of all ages were ready to see their team after watching them on ESPN2 just a day earlier. “They were awesome, and maybe we can even win another one,” Jaylon Roberts, the younger cousin of Mark Requena said. “He had a great time, and I’m just ready to see him get back.” This year, super fan Julie Ann Miles watched the Junior League World Series both online and on TV after spending last season following the team along its trip to Williamsport. “It’s absolutely incredible,” Miles said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and they’ve done it twice. It’s still overwhelming they’ve been able to pull this off.” Kim Flores, mom of Sam Flores, was in attendance in South Williamsport with the team last season before making the trip to Taylor this year. She is also a seventh-grade teacher at Lufkin Middle School, where she had five of the players in her classroom last season.
“For this to happen a second year is incredible,” Flores said. “Sam was there supporting the team last year, and he was just as thrilled last year as he was this year. “It’s great to see this type of support from all the fans. We could feel it all the way in Michigan, and now it’s great to see it back home.” Matthew Hubert, assistant director of Lufkin Parks & Recreation, said the team’s impact has been immeasurable. “Over the last 18 months, these kids have done more for the program than anything we could ever dream of,” Hubert said. “I can’t say enough about what a group of 13- and 14-year-old boys can do for the community, the state and the region.” Lufkin baseball coach John Cobb, who has worked with the players in the junior high program, was also one of the team’s biggest fans throughout the last two seasons. Several of those players won’t have a long wait before getting to work in the Panthers’ offseason program. Seven of the players are incoming freshmen this year, and 12 of the 13 will attend either Lufkin High School or Lufkin Middle School this year. “Last year I could totally watch it as a fan, but this year I had a little more invested since they were in the junior high program,” Cobb said. “It’s awesome how they’ve represented Lufkin over the last two years, and I’m excited to have them in the program. “I told them all to sleep in tomorrow and get rested up. At 7:45 Wednesday morning, we’re going to work on winning a state championship.”
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Celebrate good times: Lufkin comes together to honor US champions story by
JOSH HAVARD
photo by
cara campbell
B
ack to school and back to the business of being normal teenagers, the Fierce 14s were back to reality after another summer that ended with them standing above all U.S. competition that happened to stand in their way. But for another night, they were were the talk of the town at a Wednesday celebration honoring the back-to-back U.S. champions at Lufkin’s Louis Bronaugh Park. In front of another big audience, the team was showered with attention from a list of the city’s biggest names. “It’s easy to get caught up in the wins and losses, and this team has more wins than any other Little League team in the country,” state Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) said. “But these young men are also great ambassadors and great people.” Ashby presented the players with flags that had flown at the state capitol on Tuesday along with a certificate in recognition of their accomplishments. Lufkin superintendent Lynn Torres expressed her gratitude to the team and players while also talking about the team’s bright future.
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“Most cities never get to do this once,” Torres said. “To do it twice is an honor. As your superintendent, I’m glad to have all of you back in town.” A year after the Thundering 13 captured the attention of a national audience, the Fierce 14s proved when it comes to youth baseball, the sequel can be just as good. They ran through the Section I, Texas East and Southwest tournaments with only one loss along the way. Lufkin’s second loss didn’t come until the world championship game in a hardfought 2-0 loss to Chinese Taipei. Bud Maddux, who was the manager last season and was a major leader on this year’s squad, spoke on his fondness for the team. “These guys back here, they’re something else,” Maddux said. “Everywhere we went, even the teams we beat were pulling for us. That’s because how great of a group of guys they are on and off the field. “These guys are special. I love each and every one of them.” Lufkin assistant coach Ryan Deaton spoke on the team’s
only loss of the summer prior to Sunday as a testament to the attitude the team brought to the field every day. “We played West University at state and they beat us pretty soundly,” Deaton said. “Not one kid in that dugout got his head down, and we came back and beat them 13-3. Nothing ever fazes these kids.” Lufkin captured the U.S. championship on Saturday with a 5-2 win over Manhattan Beach, California. It led 4-0 early on and held off a late charge in its second win over its best competition on the American side. Oralio Flores recognized the players who brought Lufkin its second straight title. “I don’t know what to say about these boys,” Flores said. “They never put it in anybody’s face after any win. They tell them they played a great game. It just wasn’t great enough to beat us.”
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THE SUNDAY
LUFKIN NEWS 262 America’s best O UP T
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‘Fierce 14s’ win US championship at Junior League World Series, prepare to play for world title today
CARA CAMPBELL/The Lufkin News
Lufkin teammates Christian Mumphery, back, and Sam Flores leap into the air in celebration Saturday night at Heritage Park in Taylor, Michigan. For complete game coverage, see of their victory over California in the Junior League World Series U.S. Championship game Sports, 1B.
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Congratulations to the Fierce 14s!
We are very proud of you all!