|
|
School, starting earlier in Mississippi than surrounding states, has been put on hold. Warren, from Wesson; Nettles, from Brookhaven (Academy) and Roberts, from Bogue Chitto, also play football and basketball for their respective schools.
They were all on the same Babe Ruth team in the Southwest Mississippi League that is based in McComb. The right-handers played for Dairy Fresh.
Roberts had played against Warren and Nettles in their younger Dixie Youth Baseball League years. Roberts encouraged them to join the Babe Ruth program.
The BoSox cruised to the state tournament title and qualified for the regional in Bentonville where they went undefeated until the championship series against Eagle Pass, Texas. They bounced back from a narrow 4-3 loss to whip Eagle Pass 12-2 in the title game.
The BoSox are under the direction of Richard Cothern. Assistant coaches are Ken Whittington, Steve Brock, and Stephen Smith.
Were the players surprised by the team's success in the playoffs?
"I thought we would be pretty good," said Roberts who plays right field and pitches.
"Eagle Pass and Bryant (Ark.) were supposed to be the teams to beat in the regional," said Nettles, a shortstop and third baseman. "They were the toughest teams."
Warren, a second and third baseman, participated in football practice Friday before heading for McComb and baseball practice. He said the team enjoys playing for Cothern.
"He scouts other teams and finds out all about them," said Warren.
Roberts said there was no shortage of confidence on the squad as they entered the regional test. "We won the first game 20-8," over Neiderland, Texas.
"Our team had some good pitching and we hit the ball good, too," noted Nettles.
Other team members are Tanner Whittingon, Ladarius Coney, Ryan Cothern, Matthew Artigues, Dusty Brock, Phillip Strawn, Austin Smith and Mikel Jenkins.
At the regional in Bentonville, host families housed the players. Warren and Roberts spent last week in the home of Don and Joy Clay.
There will be host families for the World Series in Utah.
"Our parents enjoyed the trip, too," said Warren, with a grin. "They didn't have to keep any of us."
Mrs. Warren said the host families were warm and gracious and attended the regional tournament. "After the games, our kids would tell us, 'Bye," and leave with their host family. We said, 'Wait a minute. We want to visit with our children a little bit.'"
Asked about their favorite Major League Baseball players, Nettles said he likes Greg Nettles of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Warren follows Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves and Roberts likes Jason Bay of the Boston Red Sox.
All-Star parents: Proud parents are Clay and Debbie Roberts, Michael and Denise Nettles, and Scott and Cathy Warren.
