DPLL claims first state title

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B the team since they were playing on All-Star teams back when they were 8 or 9 years old. This year, that dream finally became a reality.

The Basics

Age: 14

Sport: Softball

Position: Pitcher, outfielder

Grade: Rising freshman

School: Windermere High

What would you like to study in college?

I kind of like the business area — especially for being an interior design artist. I really enjoy decorating things — especially my room or houses. I find that very fun.

What is your favorite hobby?

I really enjoy hanging out with my friends. I like to go shopping or swimming or somewhere fun like a themed park.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A sketch book so I can draw, a book so I can keep myself entertained and probably a pet just to hang out with.

What TV series are you watching right now?

“The Summer I Turned Pretty.” I like that it is relatable, sometimes.

Who is you favorite superhero?

Why?

I like Thor, because I think his powers are super cool.

Who is your favorite Disney character? Why? I like Rapunzel a lot, because when I was a kid, she was my favorite princess. I like that she’s kind of like me in a way … she is super brave.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To fly, because I feel like there’s

“It feels crazy, knowing that we made history; that’s wild,” third and first baseman Shakir Rodriguez said. “I never even thought that would ever happen, so it means a lot. I want to thank God, because it’s crazy that we are the first to ever do (this) at (DPLL).”

Leadership on and off the field also played a huge role this season.

“I’ve watched them in the batting cages helping (one another) with the swing,” Roy said. “I watched them on the field talking about how you made this right or wrong, also making our job a lot easier. That’s made them that much more close-knit and knowing they are going to work things out. I think that’s really the biggest thing.”

The team has enjoyed much success with its offense this season. It currently owns a .517 batting average, with Aaron Dominguez leading the team with a .778 batting average and Rodriguez coming in close second with a .739 batting average.

“The biggest thing has been our consistency with our bats,” Roy said. “Our lineup, one through nine, is going to be able to hit any type of quality pitching. You throw 80- to 85-mph pitches, and we are still going to be consistently hitting.”

The boys are excited to represent Florida at the regional tournament, which takes place starting Saturday, July 22, at Safety Harbor Little League.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” Diaz said. “Knowing you have a whole state behind you that you are trying to represent. It’s just fun.”

“I don’t really know how good the teams are going to be,” Rodriguez said. “I’m hoping they are all right, because the teams in the state championship they were all right, not good. So, I feel like we got it.”

The ultimate goal for all members of the band of brothers and their coaches is to get on a plane and travel to North Carolina to compete in the World Series. To do this, the game plan is to earn three wins in the first three games, which will qualify the team to play on the final round of the tournament. If the team does not win three consecutive games, the boys will enter the loser bracket and will have to play a total of six or seven games prior to qualifying to the final round.

“For that, you have to be able to have a lot of depth in pitching, which we do,” Roy said. “(We want) to try to maximize the first three games with three wins and wait to see who we are going to go against later.”

DPLL will face North Carolina Little League at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22.