World Series champs: Meridian Park Bombers win 14U Dizzy Dean World Series
The Meridian Park 14U All-Star team could have easily folded.
The Bombers dropped their opening game in the 14U Dizzy Dean World Series, falling 7-1 to the DC Tigers.
Facing elimination, the team responded in impressive fashion and returned to Tallahassee as World Series champions.
"One of the best group of baseball players I have had the honor to coach," Meridian coach Brandon Davidson said.
"I can not say enough about the heart and fight these young men have. When things seemed to be going against them at every turn, they kept fighting and found a way to win."
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Meridian Park shows its resiliency
Meridian Park stormed to four consecutive wins, punctuated by a 8-5 victory over the Greenleaf Mississippi All-Stars Monday to win the 14U Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Mississippi.
Even in the championship game, the Bombers showed their resiliency after squandering an early 5-1 advantage.
Heath Couch's RBI single pushed Meridian Park in the lead for good in the late innings.
Matthew Drake belted a two-run, inside-the-park home run to add to its margin, while closer Reid Cox struck out the final two hitters of the game to secure the win for Drake and the title for Meridian Park.
“I am so incredibly proud of all the hard work our players and volunteer coaches put in to earn the title of World Series Champions," Meridian Park Baseball President Mehgean Willoughby said in a park release.
"I am also very grateful to all of our baseball families, board members, sponsors, and the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department for their support in helping these players experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. This would never have been possible without the full support of them all."
Not an easy road
The Bombers beat host Southaven twice, 11-6 and 13-7, and Crestview 8-7 to reach the title game.
William Olsen, who recorded a complete-game victory in the semifinals against Southaven and started the game-ending double play, was named the tourney's MVP. He was also joined on the all-tournament team by Heath Couch, Mason O’Connor, Reid Cox and Matthew Drake.
Davidson, a veteran coach in Tallahassee, credited the commitment of players, parents and park leadership.
"They put in weeks of practices in extreme heat to get ready," Davidson said.
"Also an amazing group of parents to have experienced this with. Thanks to the Meridian Park board for their hard work to make this happen. Also a special thanks to Elizabeth Oscar, Mandi Dyal as Team Moms, and Mehgean Willoughby for taking care of the logistics so that I could concentrate on coaching."
Tallahassee's Capital Park All-Stars went 2-2 in the tourney.
Meridian Park 14U All Stars
Heath Couch; Timothy Cox; Matthew Drake; Jerry Dyal; Mason O’Connor; William Olsen; Luke Oscar; Max Pauli; Max Quinton; Beau Rush; Dylan Smith; Nolan Williams
Head coach: Brandon Davidson. Assistant coach: Mark Drake. Practice coach: Bobby Nylen. Practice coach: Rick Kelly
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Meridian Park Bombers win 14U Dizzy Dean World Series
