Playing for Keeps

By Valerie J. Calderon

The 14U Omaha Pacesetters launched the 2012 season in an Early Bird Tournament at Gladiator Park in Omaha, Nebraska the first weekend in April. Rain threatened but abated, and the Pacesetters went 4 and 0 with games against the Kingswood Knights, Bellevue Braves, Grand Island Sluggers, and a championship game against the Omaha Gladiators. 

Pacesetters pitching looked promising early, and two triples by newcomer, Logan L., highlighted the hits to complement on the offensive side. Big infield stops served to back up the pitching game, and a long connection from left field to catcher, Lucas R., at home plate was one of the defensive reasons that the team allowed a total of three runs in the tournament. 

Head Coach, Pat Merrill, noted, “We are fine. Pitching will continue to get stronger and defense looked pretty good. We’re looking forward to the next tournament.”

The Pacesetters won a mid-week game against the Frozen Ropes Red team to warm up for their first USSSA Tournament in Des Moines. (Although in all fairness, there was nothing warm about that game.) The Pacesetters will meet the Ankeny Scorpions to kick off the Central Iowa Sports Kick Off Classic NIT April 14 and 15.

The 14U team welcomes four new but experienced athletes to the organization—Daniel  V., Logan L., Eddie J., and Matt A. New assistant coach, former OU Bobcat and long-time Pacesetter, Bryce Butt will join head coach Pat Merrill to lead the Pacesetters in their final season with the organization. 

For the Players

Pacesetters, each time you take the field is an opportunity to give to your teammates, to learn more about yourselves, and to perform to your potential. Each game is an opportunity to make a memory, so play for keeps.