When 8-u players left Roberta Monday night, they, along with their parents, felt hurt. How could it end this way? They weren't supposed to play West Macon again, they were supposed to play Crawford County. How could a coin flip come into play?
Wednesday evening, the team met with coaches as well as rec. department officials David Harrell and Andy Brand inside the CBRD conference room. The boys thought they were there just to sign a ball for a teammate.
Eli Wynne was in the hospital because of an allergic reaction. So the boys were asked to sign a baseball that Harrell would deliver to him as a pick me up. Harrell, Brand, along with head coach Roland Mullis and assistant Mike Edwards sat in the front of the room, addressing the team. Mullis said this was the best group of boys he'd ever coached.
Harrell and Brand had praise for the hard work of the boys. They also praised the coaches for their work and the good sportsmanship shown by everyone. Then when it appeared nothing else would be said, the good news was shared.
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| Though the reaction was much more subdued than expected, the team did look happy to know they were going to state. |
Bleckley will be going to state. Maybe it was being stunned, but there was little reaction form the boys. How did this change take place? Monday night and late into Tuesday, calls to officials were made. Those called include the tournament director and state director of Dixie Youth baseball.
The coin flip was done due to a misinterpretation of a rule. Once the rule was clarified, Bleckley received their invitation for state. Both Harrell and Brand stressed they did not wish to go on a technicality. But as a parent pointed out, the team was denied the opportunity to play for fourth place because of the brackets being wrong and the rule being misinterpreted.
One thing said several times was that procedures had to be followed. In other words, coaches could not openly argue, CBRD officials could not reveal they were lobbying. But Brand said no one should doubt they would fight for the boys.
Mullis said he was just grateful for the kids to get the experience of going. State will be the weekend of July 3-5 in Manchester. The team is seeking sponsors. If you would like to donate, call Cindy Mullis, (478)230-3941 or Rebecca McGuire, (478)230-3354.
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