Ready to play The Tiger Point 6-under T-Ball team went 3-2 at the recent Dizzy Dean World Series in East Ridge, Tenn. They are (from left): Brooke Howe, Stephen Milleson, Tommy Joy, Cutter Wilson, Colsen Claudio, Austin Jones, Chase Masino, Teage Harris-Inman, Preston Harvey, Brody Durham, Andy Tharpe, Ethan Zehr and Aidan Irving. The Tiger Point 6-under tball team went 3-2 at the Dizzy Dean World Series recently in East Ridge, Tenn.

The Tiger Point 6s were able to compete thanks to the generosity of the local community.

“We were able to raise $13,000 to help offset the cost of the trip!” Head Coach Brandon Durham said. “We are so very grateful to the community for their support in helping to make a dream come true for 13 5 and 6 year olds.”

The tournament got off to a bad start for the Tiger Point squad.

“Upon arrival, we learned the bats they were using would not be allowed in World Series competition due to a recent rule change,” Durham said. “Many teams had been made aware of this rule change a few weeks prior, but unfortunately we had not and thus had to purchase new bats the day before the tournament.”

My turn Aidan Irving (9) grabs a drink thanks to teammate Cutter Wilson. Also pictured are (center, from left): Andy Tharpe, Chase Masino and Brooke Howe. The Tigers won their first game by forfeit as the Chattanooga Valley Generals had only eight players. They decided to scrimmage the Generals anyway and beat them 24-14.

“All members of the Tiger team were able to record at least one hit. Stephen Milleson, Austin Jones, and Preston Harvey helped the team with big hits in the hard fought battle,” Durham said.

The Tigers then edged the Acworth Blue All Stars 19-17. The Tigers were helped out early by the defense of Tommy Joy, who recorded four of the first six putouts.

Offensively, the Tiger bats erupted early, staking themselves to a 14-3 lead before having to hold off Acworth down the stretch.

Tiger Point earned a number one seed in the championship bracket with the win. “The kids returned to the hotel and celebrated by swimming late into the night in the pool,” Durham said.

Tiger Point’s final pool play game was a 23-11 to the East Brainerd Brigade.

In the championship bracket, Cutter Wilson, Tommy Joy, Andy Tharpe and cleanup hitter Brody Durham scored for Tiger Point in a loss to Acworth Orange.

“Though we played one of (our) best games, defensively it was not enough,” Durham said.

Teage Harris-Inman recorded a put out at second base from center field.

The teamwork of Ethan Zehr and Harris-Inman kept Tiger Point in the game with unbelievable stops in the outfield. Chase Masino earned three RBI's with a bases-clearing triple.

Andy Tharpe had three hits and three runs scored, while Aidan Irving had two hits, two RBIs and a run scored in a 27- 12 loss to Snow Hill.

“Brooke Howe and Colsen Claudio both recorded RBIs with some of the hardest hit balls all tournament,” Durham said.

Tiger Point was one of 52 teams competing in the tournament.

“The best part of this experience were the gigantic smiles from the team as they realized not only that we made it to the World Series but earned a spot in the championship bracket and the respect of the other teams,” Durham said.

“Without the sacrifices of the entire Tiger Point family and the support of the community, this dream would not have come true. I would to thank all of the parents for giving the Coaches Brad Wilson, Vic Claudio, Todd Milleson, Lee Irving and myself the opportunity to coach your children and share this World Series Experience with them.”