Baseball is no joke in Key West, where the players start young and often go far.
The past two weeks found local ballplayers, aged 14 and under, with the Key West Little Conch Baseball competing in the Babe Ruth World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. The series featured teams from all over the country and 12 international teams. Key West represented the Southeast region.
Kade Maltz was named the team’s batting champion for the series, and Kaine Dickerson won the team’s Golden Glove award.
In addition to field practices, hitting clinics and several games, the team managed to squeeze in a history and social studies lesson by heading across the border to Mexico for a half-day. The team also toured a local courthouse and enjoyed a meal of Mexican food sponsored by the local Wells family.
“Key West 14U, you’ve captured our hearts with your talent and unwavering spirit,” states a post on the league’s Facebook page. “This World Series run has been a thrilling ride, filled with unforgettable moments. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, your dedication and hard work are undeniable. You’ve made us incredibly proud and have shown us what it means to compete at the highest level, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future.
A special thank you to our amazing parents, families, coaches and Key West community for their incredible support. Your tireless efforts and belief in this team have created an unforgettable experience for these players. They couldn’t have done it without you.”
