TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Five times, a Babe Ruth baseball team from Tallahassee has won a Babe Ruth World Series title. This year, the 15U Tallahassee-Leon squad looks to win the sixth. They know it's not going to be easy, but they've had some help from the past to get them ready.
"It's great to bring back good memories," said Thomas Watson after throwing batting practice to the 15U Tallahassee-Leon boys Friday night. Watson won a 15U title himself back in 2009.
"The tradition of Babe Ruth is so deep in Tallahassee, with great players," said Mike Harrison, head coach of this year's 15U squad. "Blair Huggins has come out numerous times to work with our catchers. Tom Watson came out today to speak to the team and throw BP."
"It's always a goal to bring Championships back and have people remember us," said Watson. "To be honest with you, Tallahassee baseball is just about as good, if not better, than any region in this country."
Next week, the guys are looking to prove just that- by bringing home gold.
"Play our hardest. Play as a team. Do everything the coaches tell us to do," said Tyler Sims of keys to bringing the title home. "Pitchers have to hit their spots, throw strikes, make the routine plays, have more runs than hits, and hopefully we'll come out."
"Each game is sold out. There's going to be 2500 people at each game," said Harrison. "It's a little different hitting in front of 2500 people then 25 people."
"There's a big difference," laughed Watson. "The Babe Ruth World Series was the first stage I ever played on in my baseball career where it was publicized. Those are experiences and memories you'll have for the rest of your life."
This years team needs six wins to take home the title. World Series play kicks off next week in Williston, North Dakota.
