Players on the Buckeye Falls 14 & under team have proven they can swing and they have proven they can throw. But the one thing that they hope to prove as a team, is they can win the 2012 Pony League World Series.
"I'm just excited, I think its crazy. I never really expected to go that far," said catcher Zack Kaetzel.
Assistant coach Steven Kreais couldn't speak enough about the young guys.
"They're all fired up and ready to go to Florida and support, represent the state of Ohio and multiple states around us."
These young men achieved their goals of winning the tournament and the league this season as they went 24 and 0 and outscored teams along the way by a roughly ten-to-one margin.
"They're hitting the ball, they're throwing the ball good. They play solid together and as a team that's where its all at," Coach Kreais said.
The last team in the Ohio area to compete in the Pony League World Series was in the 90's.
For these young men, its always been a dream. But to actually achieve the dream, now that is a different story.
"I just cant wait to get out there and have some fun on the field," first baseman Marcus Kreais said.
Coach Kreais said these guys are on cloud 9 and is definitely a lifetime experience.
As for the expectations for the East Central Regional Champs, it goes beyond just winning.
"I hope we win at least win a couple games and show everyone that Gibsonburg is pretty good. We want to put us on the map," said pitcher Preston Arriaga.
The one thing coach Kreais said was, "Do your best, leave it on the field, and they cant take that away from you."
The team leaves this coming Saturday July 21st. They begin play on July 24th and if they make it to the Championship game, it has them in Vero Beach, Florida till July 29th.
If you would like to donate to help the team with its travel expenses to Florida, email jodyclark2@gmail.com or call 419-680-3078 or 419-637-3001.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:55:39 GMT
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months. Firefighters arrived at the park Monday night to see a small building completely engulfed
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:03 GMT
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling off in the water.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:11:45 GMT
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road. Surveillance cameras captured the
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:58:11 GMT
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl. 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth was last seen on June
They are a solemn reminder of 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth who was last seen on June 2nd.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:51:49 GMT
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield. Officers tell 13abc a woman called 9-1-1 and told dispatchers someone shot
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:03 GMT
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling off in the water.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:11:45 GMT
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road. Surveillance cameras captured the
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:58:11 GMT
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl. 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth was last seen on June
They are a solemn reminder of 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth who was last seen on June 2nd.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:51:49 GMT
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield. Officers tell 13abc a woman called 9-1-1 and told dispatchers someone shot
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:39:16 GMT
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:10 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:10:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) has announced their All-Academic team and 31 Owens Community College student-athletes were featured on the list.
31 Owens student-athletes named to the All-Academic team.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:49:21 GMT
Aug. 29 – Thursday Liberty at Kent State, 6:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Illinois State at Ball State, 7:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Tulsa at Bowling Green, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU) Akron at Central Florida, TBA Aug. 30 –
MAC football kicks off Thursday August 29th, Bowling Green hosts Tulsa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:38:48 GMT
(Source: Michigan International Speedway) For the second year in a row, the NASCAR Foundation has recognized Michigan International Speedway's charitable and community efforts, naming the racetrack its
The NASCAR Foundation names MIS the "Track of the Year" for the second year in a row.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:35 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:35:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder at Ida, signs with the Express softball program
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder sign to play for Union College next season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:28 GMT
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension. In accordance
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:49:11 GMT
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus Figure 8 races were not to be stopped!
Monday, June 17 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:07:18 GMT
The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed. Veldman comes to Detroit after spending the 2012 season with
The Detroit Lions have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:06:11 GMT
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274 with 17 runs, 34 hits, seven doubles,
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:05 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:05:12 GMT
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District,
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District, All-Region and All-Monroe County as a senior.