Travelers in grand slam world series

Opening Ceremonies on the beach. Pictured L-R Back: Coach Jeff McCarter, Korey Duckworth, Cody Harkins, Chaiz George. Front: Kaleb Garrett, Cole Baker, Nathaniel Otto. Scott Keen, Coleman Sullivan, Brady McCarter, Kyle McConnell, Coach Randy McConnell.

During the week of July 2430 the Union County Travelers played their first Grand Slam Tournament in Panama City Beach, Fla. The Panthers of consist of 13-14 year olds from Towns and Union Counties and

this is their second fall playing together. They are coached by Jeff McCarter, Kevin Hughes, and Randy McConnell.

The Grand Slam World Series and 115 teams aging from eight and under to fifteen and under representing 18 states. There were 29 teams in the fourteen and under division the Travelers played in.

After the opening ceremonies on the beach at The Edgewater Resort on Sunday, the Panthers first game was at 8 a.m. on Monday against the North Henry Tigers from Stockbridge, Ga. Chaiz George and Cody Harkins shared the pitching duties combining for five strikeouts. The Panther offense turned 7 hits in to 5 runs. Tying the Tigers in pool play.

The second game of the Tournament the Panthers faced the Collins Hill Eagles from Lawrenceville, Ga. Brady McCarter led off the pitching and Chaiz George came on in relief, together they had 6 strikeouts and only gave up 2 runs. The bats were hot lead by Scott Keen with a double and a triple with 3 RBIs which scored

McCarter, Harkins, and Korey Duckworth. Nathaniel Otto also had 2 hits with a RBI, and Kyle McConnell had a single with a RBI. Cole Baker sacrificed to score Otto and George scored after being hit by a pitch to give the Panthers a 7-2 win.

The next pool game was against the Mean Green from Little Rock, Arkansas. This game was a loss for the Travelers. With their only score coming on a sacrifice fly by Brady McCarter to score Kaleb Garrett. Harkins, George and McCarter pitched combing for 6 strikeouts.

Friday was a long day for the Travelers starting out with a 8: a.m. game against the MSA Athletics from Leesburg, Ga. The Athletics were a tough team having played 2 tournaments a month since April. The Panthers, which had only four practices as a team before heading to

Panama City, held them to 5 runs behind the pitching of Georgia with 6 strikeouts and defense of George, Coleman Sullivan and Kyly McConnell turning a double play. McCarter's RBI scored Garrett after he walk for the only run of the game for the Panthers.

With an hour notice the Panthers played a second game on Friday, which was the start of single elimination play. They faced the North Alabama Giants from Madison, Ala. The Panthers held the Giants (who went on to the championship) to 7 runs. The Travelers only score coming on a RBI by Korey Duckworth to score Brady McCarter.

This group of young men represented Towns and Union Counties will by being complimented on their sportsmanship by tournament officials. Coaches and parents were very proud of their performance this being their first major tournament with team from around the country.

The Travelers would like to thank the following sponsors without their help the team couldn't have made their help the team couldn't have made the trip. Kevin Green Construction, United Community Bank of Blairsville, Union Community Bank Of Hiawassee, Nathan Dixon-ReMax Realty, Fred and Gail Poteet-ReMax Realty, Hughes Grocery, L & M Builders, Nelson's Tractor, Rose's Auto Accessories, richard Copeland, Rex Johnson Construction, Randall Mcconnell, Hugh Hoodenpyle, C & J Outfitters, Noblet's 5 & 10, Jim Hallman, Northeast Ga. Exchange Service, Anderson's of Hiawassee, Stephanie Mcconnell Pc, Rick Stancil PC, Real Estate and Rental center, and everyone who supported our fund raisers.