By By Jared Florreich / staff writer
July 10, 2003
Experience is one word to describe the 12-year-old Cal Ripken All-Star team.
The squad went to the World Series two years ago, and the core group of players is still intact and poised for another run at a World Series berth. The team has competed in every state tournament and regional since they were nine year olds.
The team will be competing in the double elimination State Tournament in Orange Grove from Friday to Tuesday. They will play the host team Orange Grove at 10 a.m. Friday.
Head Coach Bubba Hannah, who has coached many of the players on his team for five years, said he doesn't see any weaknesses on his squad.
Hannah said that the endless rain hasn't hurt the squad's preparations.
If the squad wins the State Tournament, it will advance to regional action in Fort Smith, Ark, beginning July 25. Should the team win the regional, it advances to the World Series in Aberdeen, Md., played at Cal Ripken Stadium, beginning Aug. 15.