BY RUSTY ARMSTRONG
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
Over five exciting days, starting from Friday, July 21, a total of 22 gripping games took place at the picturesque West Ridge Park in Opelika, marking the 2023 Jr. Dixie Boys Baseball (DBB) World Series. Nine states proudly sent their best players, all vying for the coveted title of World Series Champions. The festivities kicked off with a gathering of local officials and an inspiring opening speech by Auburn University’s baseball head coach, Butch Thompson, setting the stage for the young athletes.
Amidst rain delays on both Friday and Saturday and enduring scorching heats, these dedicated young men gave it their all on the field. Despite the challenges, they left it all behind — dirty, sweaty and exhausted — but filled with cherished memories of a week spent competing at the highest level.
In the end, the final four teams emerged: Columbus County, North Carolina; Charlotte County, Virginia; Jefferson Parish, Louisiana; and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Columbus County dispatched Charlotte County, securing a six-run victory with eight hits, while Virginia scored five runs from eight hits. In a thrilling matchup, Mississippi and Louisiana went toe-to-toe until Louisiana notched the first run in the bottom of the fourth, and eventually claimed a tight 2-1 victory,
The championship game featured an intense showdown between the visiting Mississippi team and Columbus County, led by one of the tournament’s standout pitchers, Briley Tedder. Tedder had been in top form, pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 10 batters. Mississippi countered with Terry Barnes, who had also impressed with a two-inning outing, allowing no runs, just one hit and fanning four. Despite Tedder striking out the first two batters, Mississippi managed to score two runs in the top of the first inning and added another in the third. North Carolina responded with one run in the bottom of the third.
Tedder gave an impressive performance but reached his pitch count limit, finishing the game with one run given up on five hits and eight strikeouts. Going into the seventh inning, Mississippi held a commanding 7-1 lead and tacked on one more in the top half. North Carolina fought back, making it interesting by scoring four runs in the bottom half, but ultimately, Mississippi secured the victory and was crowned the 2023 Jr. DBB World Series Champions.
Congratulations to all the participants, including the players, coaches and fans, for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The West Ridge Park complex and the Auburn/Opelika Tourism group received heaps of praise for their exceptional hosting of the event. Special recognition goes out to Anthony Terling and Karen Gilmore of AO-Tourism, as well as D. Mark Mitchell, Alabama DBB state director, for making this a memorable experience for everyone involved.
