MIF04

Today's update: The 18s continue to cruise and advance to the finals tomorrow morning. In game 1, they win another (yes another) run rule. Kirby Bellow (Ned), Tyler Erikson (Lum) and Jacob Felts (OF) handled the pitching chores. In the semi-finals, the Devils win 6-0 behind Jace Statum's (OF) complete game shutout. Taylor Terrasas (Santa Fe) hits a 2 run HR and Joe Robertson (BC) adds a RBI triple. Chris Muellner (WB) also had a triple for the Devils. The news was not as good for the 16s. They were eliminated 5-3, allowing 4 unearned runs. Tyler Butler (Barbe) was the hard luck loser. Price Jacobs (Baytown) had 3 hits while Cameron Dishon (BC) had 2. Stryker Trahan also had 2 hits including a massive 2 run home run. The 16s play in the 3rd place game tomorrow morning. And, finally, some warm weather !!!!

No sun tan but got some wind burn working. When we got to field today for first game, it was 31 degrees. It did warm up into the 50s and should be warmer tomorrow but this hasn't been balmy Arizona at all. Of course, when we played here in June it was 116...

Pool play is completed in Tuscon. The 18s won both games and enter bracket play as the #1 seed. The 16s split and enter bracket play as the #4 seed. The 1 8s run rule both of their opponents (again). In game 1, Dillon Pitts (La Porte) and Jace Statum (OF) combine for the win. Statum threw 2 innings of shutout relief. In game 2, the 18s blow open a close game late behind the pitching of Tyler Erikson (Lumberton) and Shane Waddell (LCM). Erikson claimed the "W" while Waddell earned a save with 3 shutout innings of relief. Jacob Felts (OF) and Joe Robertson (BC) had RBI triples to stake the Devils to their early lead. The 16s lose their 1st game, 7-5 (allowing 7 unearned runs in the first 2 innings). Trevin Sonnier (Ned) pitched well in relief with 4 shoutout innings. Cameron Dishon (BC) had 2 hits. In game 2, the game started as did the first: the 16s fell behind after allowing 6 unearned runs in the first, only to storm back to claim a 17-7 win. Colby Jenkins (Silsbee) was the winning pitcher with relief help from Price Jacobs (Baytown) and Gavin Cecchini (Barbe). Jacobs also had 3 hits while Caleb Henry (Silsbee) had a 2B and 3B. Matt Menard's 2 RBI single gave the Devils a lead they never relinquished. Both teams earned a 1st round bye as championship bracket play begins tomorrow.

The 16s and 18s played at same time and, given the blowout in the 18u game, I spent my time at the 16 game. They run ruled the 18s after 3. Mathis (Barbe) got the win [nice run support]. I know Cecchini hit a HR but there was a lot of offense, walks, etc. I do not have the book with me so I cannot give particulars. The 16 game was all about pitching: no walks, lots of Ks, etc. No errors on defense. Ronnie Sanchez of PA Memorial got the win. Runs were scored by Jacobs (Baytown), Hebert (Barbe) and Dishon (BC). 16s only had 2 hits. And, even though it is Arizona, it is cold. Temps in the 20s tonite. Awful cold for a wood bat tourney.

SE Texas Sun Devils opened play in the Under Armour Winter Championships in convincing fashion. The 18u team defeated Players Baseball Academy by some huge score (last count was 19-1). The 16u team (also playing up in the 18 division) defeated OSB Titans 3-0. Both teams play a DH tomorrow as pool play continues.

I couldn't find the clip but...there isn't a braver kid on the diamond than David. I am looking forward to seeing him starting (and starring) in the infield for the Coogs this Spring. Just rake...

Collegiate Baseball released the 1st preseason poll of the year and locals dot the landscape: LSU (Johnny Dishon-Bridge City) is #1. Texas A&M (Clayton Ehlert-LCM) is #9 Ole Miss (Tim Ferguson-West Brook) is #11 Oklahoma State (Ralphael Thomas-Lufkin) is #14 Southern Miss (James Ewing & Michael Ewing-West Brook) is #33 Although not ranked in the top 40, Houston (David Murphy- West Brook) and New Orleans (Jake Henderson-Kelly) also received votes. Can't wait...

The SE Texas Sun Devils have hired a new coach: Glen Cecchini. Coach Cecchini is the head coach for perennial national powerhouse, Lake Charles Barbe HS. While at Barbe, Coach Cecchini has guided the Bucs to: · 5 Louisiana 5A State Championships (including 2008) · 13 consecutive District Championships · Nationally ranked 15 of the past 16 years (including #1 in 1999) Baseball America called his program “One of the Nation’s Top 10 baseball programs of the decade.†In addition to being named National Coach of the Year, his wife (Raissa Cecchini) has been named the National Assistant Coach of the Year. She joins her husband as part of the Sun Devils’ staff. As far as select baseball goes, this continues the Sun Devils’ tradition of finding and hiring the best coaches to work with their players. Coach Cecchini is not only one of the best coaches in the country -- he also brings to the program contacts with college programs and Major League Baseball. This will allow the Sun Devils to continue to do what they do best: teach the game and assist their players in their goal to reach the next level. Matt Thompson remains the Head Coach and Director of Baseball Operations. Along with Coach Cecchini, JR Bardin and Jimmy Neale also coach within the program. Both the Sun Devils 18u and 16u teams will travel to Tucson AZ the week after Christmas to play in the UnderArmour Winter Classic. These games will be played at the spring training site of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox. The Sun Devils will return home and play 2-3 weekends before their players return to their HS team.

The SE Texas Sun Devils have hired a new coach: Glenn 8) ;D Cecchini. Coach Cecchini is the head coach for perennial national powerhouse, Lake Charles Barbe HS. While at Barbe, Coach Cecchini has guided the Bucs to: · 5 Louisiana 5A State Championships (including 2008) · 13 consecutive District Championships · Nationally ranked 15 of the past 16 years (including #1 in 1999) Baseball America called his program “One of the Nation’s Top 10 baseball programs of the decade.†In addition to being named National Coach of the Year, his wife (Raissa Cecchini) has been named the National Assistant Coach of the Year. She joins her husband as part of the Sun Devils’ staff. As far as select baseball goes, this continues the Sun Devils’ tradition of finding and hiring the best coaches to work with their players. Coach Cecchini is not only one of the best coaches in the country -- he also brings to the program contacts with college programs and Major League Baseball. This will allow the Sun Devils to continue to do what they do best: teach the game and assist their players in their goal to reach the next level. Matt Thompson remains the Head Coach and Director of Baseball Operations. Along with Coach Cecchini, JR Bardin and Jimmy Neale also coach within the program. Both the Sun Devils 18u and 16u teams will travel to Tucson AZ the week after Christmas to play in the UnderArmour Winter Classic. These games will be played at the spring training site of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox. The Sun Devils will return home and play 2-3 weekends before their players return to their HS team.

Way to go, Jake...couldn't be prouder...

Structure-wise, I like the way Babe Ruth does it. As the players approach/make HS age, the lines start to blur between age groups, etc. I am not a big fan of playing young boys up (why play a 7 up with a 9 or 10? It's just too early). The idea in the younger age groups is to get as many kids playing. You want all the 9's to play, all the 8's etc. Why take up a spot just so a kid can satisfy someone's ego of playing up? Sure, there are kids good enough to play up...some grow earlier, mature earlier, etc. But, it simply doesn't matter at that age. And, BTW...I've never seen a scout or recruiter at a 10 and under game looking for the next great 7 year old. Wait til they're older. I do sympathize with the situation of wanting your boys to play together...I had the same problem. My 2 sons never got to play together (no baseball, no basketball, etc.). But it was best for them to have their own team, their own time. In retrospect, it was the best thing. Best to all and, as always, JMO...

Class act all the way around by HJ tonite...waived admission for BC folks and fed band, players, etc. Very nice touch.

Man...that's gotta be tough on you. LOL....

First, I too wish Matt the best of luck with his future baseball endeavors. Second, I just don't get this move. I read the newspaper quotes like everyone else but simply do not get it. I understand that perhaps I am not supposed to get it, but I don't. It is a loss for baseball in SE Texas, a loss for BC and (when examined objectively) doesn't make sense. I repeat: maybe its not supposed to make sense to me. Just one man's opinion...

Because there is no story when a small town like BC gets wiped off the map. But they are trying everything they can to manufacture a story in Houston. Just like in Katrina. All the focus was on New Orleans, but the storm surge destroyed Biloxi. BC has been basically been destroyed but you won't hear much of that from the national media. CNN is airing a 2 hour special based from BC (with Anderson Cooper). It is on the air now.

Dishon Estates in BC underwater...5+ feet in houses. Bad, bad, bad...

Agreed...helluva run by the 14s...lot to be proud of.

Baytown Sterling’s Brett Marshall signed with NY Yankees yesterday for nearly $1.1 million (one of the richest deals ever paid a 6th round pick in MLB history). Brett spent the summer playing for the SE Texas Sun Devils where he was extensively followed by Yankees front office and scouting departments. Congrats Brett.

Baytown Sterling’s Brett Marshall signed with NY Yankees yesterday for nearly $1.1 million (one of the richest deals ever paid a 6th round pick in MLB history). Brett spent the summer playing for the SE Texas Sun Devils where he was extensively followed by Yankees front office and scouting departments. Congrats Brett.

Former LCM (and Sun Devil) standout Wes Schneider has signed a letter of intent to play for New Mexico State. New Mexico State is in the WAC...the same conference as nat'l champs Fresno State. Congrats to Wes.

Went 3 or 4 years ago for a Sox-Yankees playoff game. Unbelievable atmosphere. Great time.

Congrats.....keep it going.

Congrats to both. Can someone list the members of these teams? I think the boys deserve the recognition. And good luck !!!!

Geez...I only know what happened. These guys called to see when our players played, flew in for those games, and left immediately thereafter. They watched no other games. Called or talked to no other coaches. And why knock the kids who were special enough to have top programs come and look at them? Feel better?

The SE Texas Sun Devils 16s went 5-1 during the recent WWBA Nationals, hosted by Perfect Game in East Cobb, Georgia. While this team's performance on the field was stellar, these young men and this program were honored when Perfect Game selected the Sun Devils as the winner of the Perfect Game Pro Award. The Pro Award is given to one team at the nationals for their "professionalism, sportsmanship and class" and is awarded by Jerry Ford, the President and founder of Perfect Game. Being selected from a field of over 190 teams for the reasons more than 'wins and losses' is a true honor for this program. Congratulations are in order...