Clean Up Crew Takes Third
Place In State Tournament

by Dwight Turner

The Clean Up Crew, a nine-year-old All-Star Baseball Team from Limestone County, continued its march toward the World Series by capturing third place in the recent State Tournament, held in Hanceville, Alabama.

The “Crew” won its first two games in the 16-team field, but came up short in the third game and had to work their way out of the loser’s bracket. The team played inspired baseball on both offense and defense and, as a result, won their next two games.

The victory put the Crew in the position of playing for either a spot in the tournament final or for the third place trophy. In the deciding game, the score was tied going into the sixth inning, but the Crew’s opponents plated a couple of runs to take the game.

Members of the Limestone County Clean Up Crew, who won third place in the State Nine-Year-Old All-Star Tournament, include, from left, front row, Randall Stafford, Justin Usery, Peyton Moran, Blake Tucker, Grant Baugher; middle row, Hunter Brazeal, Jared Bailee, Dakota Siniard, Hunter Morgan, Hunter Moore; back row, Coach Patrick Baugher; Coach James Stanford; and Coach Brian Siniard. (courtesy photo)

This is the deepest advance by any Limestone County nine-year-old All-Star Team.

The players were not the only ones to take honors at the tournament. The team’s parents also garnered the Good Sportsmanship Award, given by tournament officials at G.W. Park.