The Signal Mountain 8's All Star Eagles. Back row, from left, Coach Terry Cannon, Coach T. W. Francescon, Coach Warren Lusk and Coach Bill Bowman. Middle row, Andrew Baker, Garrett Wilson, Devin Dobson, Will Ratterman, Christian Thompson, Declan Goff and Thomas Francescon. Front row, Sara Hill, Caleb Zurawick, Hugh Witherspoon, Pearce Lusk, Preston Cannon and Kacey Bowman. Not pictured is Jacks Flenniken.
At the start of the season, the Signal Mountain (American) 8 year-old Dixie Youth Baseball All-Stars struggled, with many of their players playing positions they had not played previously and batting with their coach pitching from a further distance. The team didn’t give up, focused on the basics, supported each other as a team, and made sure they were having fun.
Surprising everyone, they went undefeated in the sub-district and district, including winning their district and giving them a spot in the DYB state tournament in Waynesboro, Tenn.
Signal Mountain won three and lost two to finish tied for fifth in the 16-team field, exceeding the expectations of many.
The team was made up of 14 committed players and families who focused not only on baseball, but on character on and off the field.
Andrew Baker played right field and was one of the most hard working players on the team. Centerfielder Jacks Flenniken was the most coachable and left fielder Garrett Wilson led the team in hits and demonstrated perseverance.
Pitcher Declan Goff was second on the team in hits and demonstrated humility. Kacey Bowman was ambitious as shortstop and led the team in runs scored. Preston Cannon played first base, had four triples, scored the second most runs, and was “respectful” of his teammates, coaches, as well as the other teams and umpires.
Third baseman Hugh Witherspoon had an excellent post season at third base and was the most dependable. Pearce Lusk played right field and was known for his hustle., while Will Ratterman played left field, was a servant leader in the outfield as well as at the plate.
Sara Hill, the only female player in the state tournament, played catcher, had two triples, and demonstrated “courage,” making some key outs at home, Christian Thompson played right centerfield and was mentally tough, Devin Dobson played right field, hit a triple and home run and was always positive while Caleb Zurawick was resourceful playing more positions than any other player, spending most of his time at catcher and outfield. Thomas Francescon played second base, had three triples, helped turn several double plays, and was the most focused.
In their last game at state, their opponent commented that the Signal Mountain American Eagles had demonstrated better sportsmanship than any of their other opponents.
Thank you for representing your families and community with honor and respect. You’re Dixie Youth Baseball All-Stars, on and off the baseball field. Well done; Go Eagles.