U.S. basks in third LL title in row

One of Ray Charles’ greatest hits has to be “Georgia On My Mind.” Most everyone was singing the lyrics to that age-old tune following Warner Robins’ (Georgia) 3-2 triumph over Tokyo in the eighth inning of the 2007 Little League World Series Championship game in South Williamsport, Pa.

In fact, that Georgia Little League powerhouse was probably on the mind of just about every Little League fan in the world. The victory was the third straight for United States teams in Little League World Series competition, with another Georgia team, Columbus, winning the crown last year while Ewa Beache (Hawaii) took the title in 2005.

Twelve-year-old Dalton Carricker turned out to be the game’s hero when he belted a game-winning homer in the eighth inning. Georgia trailed earlier in the game 2-0.

Cleared the fence

Carricker had been tremendous throughout the series and entered the game with a blistering .769 average. However, he was hitless when he stepped to the plate against Tokyo. He unloaded a shot that cleared the right-field fence and sailed over the hedges. As Pittsburgh

Pirates’ broadcaster Lanny Frattare would say, “There was no doubt about it.”

Carricker circled the bases and said he felt like he was floating on air, like Peter Pan, until he was met at home plate by his cheering and jubilant teammates.

Total jubilation showed in the big smile on his face and his heart had to be pounding with unbelievable joy.

What a way to finish off a season!

1997 Sharpsville team celebrates

The Georgia team was not the only one celebrating its highly successful season. The 1997 Sharpsville High School football team, a bunch of remarkable young men who captured the PIAA Class A state championship, enjoyed a shindig of their own as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of that amazing Blue Devil season last weekend.

It was a community effort all the way with a parade marching down Main Street to McCracken Field, home of the Blue Devils.

Tail-gating in the field adjacent to the stadium, also was held at which time fans and former players and coaches mingled and talked of the good old days.

Organizers of the event had contacted players of that 1997 team along with cheerleaders, band members and just about everyone associated with the team. A good turnout enjoyed the festivities.

And following the tailgating session, fans walked a short distance to the stadium to take in the 2007 Sharpsville Blue Devil opener against South Side Beaver. Members of the 1997 Blue Devil team were introduced to the gathering at half-time of the Blue Devil-Rams game.

Coach Paul Piccirilli’s Blue Devils, however, dropped its 2007 season opener to the Rams, 14-6, taking just a little glitter off the nostalgic evening.

Bucs hitting homers

It does the old heart good to see the Pirates on their recent home-run tear.

Not known for its long-ball hitting capabilities, Pittsburgh has exploded on the scene with a power-hitting surge that has left little to be desired.

Oh, yes, they are still battling to stay out of the cellar in the National League Central but the homer-spree has been almost unbelievable and has left opposition cringing. That all came prior to being swept by Milwaukee.

In a recent outing against Houston, the Pirates exploded for seven homers and left the Astros gasping for air. Nate McLouth, a good line-drive hitter, led the assault with a pair of homers.

The Pirates haven’t hit seven homers in one game since Yogi Berra was a youngster.

Also picking up in the power department have been Jack Wilson, Jose Bautista, Freddy Sanchez and Xavier Nady.

Baker was persistent

Former major league player and manager Dusty Baker had a bumpy start to his baseball career. He said his father cut him three times during Little League tryouts. Dusty, however, was persistent and kept coming back.

Dusty said his father didn’t like his attitude. The third time he was cut came after he was hit by a pitched ball during tryouts, so he decided to quit.

Baker said he learned a valuable lesson through that session, and that’s why he decided to change his attitude. He is now an analyst of Little League games for ESPN and ABC. He said he was highly impressed by the fundamentals and sportsmanship displayed by the players in this year’s Little League World Series.

Grandparent’s Day

Just in case you didn’t know it, this is 2007’s Grandparent’s Day. So to all of you out there who have reached that wondrous milestone: “Happy Grandparent’s Day.” Enjoy!