TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - Last year, the Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 13U baseball team fell short of a World Series title, settling for second place.
"Coming in second has basically been hanging over our shoulders for this whole year," said outfielder Adam Parzych.
Seven players from last year's World Series runner-up squad are on this year's 14's team, and this year, they're ready to win it all.
"I've been around a lot of the guys this spring, and that's the first thing they mention," said head coach Mike Harrison.
"Last year we got so close, and I really want to win it this year," added Parzych.
"The majority of the guys that are back, that's really what they've spoke about that we were so close last year," said Harrison. "I'm looking forward to working hard and trying to get back."
Summer baseball is a mesh of different kids from different programs. Six different high schools are represented on the 14's Tallahassee-Leon team, but they're all fighting for that one common goal, win State this weekend and inch closer to the World Series.
"It's pretty neat playing with different players from different high schools, getting to know them," said Parzych. "We're definitely going to have to our game. We'll have to play to our level instead of other team's level. We're the number one seed coming into this. We're expected to win."
"Lots and lots of players have come through the organization and they know the tradition they have to keep up," added Harrison. "They look forward to coming back and playing."
Lots of tradition, and a lot of excitement to keep it going.
"Playing with a target at your back means you're the best," smiled Parzych. "Just being the team that everyone wants to beat just feels good."
It's a good feeling, that looks to get even better. The 14's play Thursday at 5:00 at Tallahassee Community College in their opening game of the State Tournament.
