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Bradley Chasteen takes a lead from second base. Karmen Payne/The Leeds News
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St. Clair Dizzy Dean heads to state
ODENVILLE —
What is more American than apple pie, hot dogs and fireworks for the summer? Baseball! Summer didn’t close out the game for some area teens. It began a whole new season of play.
St. Clair County 17-19 year old Dizzy Dean players have worked hard this regular season heading toward the state tournament next week.
“All these guys are hard workers,” said Coach David George. “We have one more regular season game tonight. Then, we start to work on state play.”
The team is comprised of a smorgasborg of players from around the county. The 18 players cover five schools. Leeds’ Bradley Chasteen brings his love of America’s favorite pastime to the team. St. Clair County students Carter Alvis, Morgan Aldridge, Justin Coupland, Charles Colton, Ian Kennedy, Daniel Fortner, Joshua Childers, Nick Busby, Alex Walker, Tyler Holmes and Chase Newton all decided to continue playing for the summer too.
“These guys play for the love of the game of baseball,” said George. “Some of them have played all of their life. Some have never played before at all. We are all enjoying the game.”
George is a self-proclaimed baseball purist. He believes in teaching kids the principles of the game as well as the mechanics.
“Baseball is won and lost between their ears,” he said. “They have to think plays through before the pitch. I find myself telling them that consistently.”
Springville High has three players on the team. Taylor Parsons, Benjamin Beauregard and Ty Martin add their talent and skill to the roster. The Moody contingent is present with Tyler Brooks and John Hamilton. Victory Christian’s Larry Edwards rounds out the roster for the Alabama Braves.
“We are improving. All the guys get playing time in this regular season play,” George said. “We want a shot at going to the World Series game in Georgia after state but I want everyone to learn and improve their game.”
Chasteen belted a homerun out of the park last Friday night against Mount Olive.
The team is completing its regular season play. Next week Dizzy Dean State games begin in Calera.
“I’m looking forward to what these guys can do,” said George. “I love this game too and want them to give it their all.”
The Dizzy Dean Seniors World Series will begin in Boynton, Ga. on July 21.
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