By By Jared Florreich / staff writer
July 2, 2003
The Meridan All Stars nine-year-old baseball team will be hoping that 13 is not unlucky number for the squad as the team takes its first step to a possible Little League World Series berth.
Thirteen players from 10 teams that played in the Phil Hardin Park league have come together under the tutelage of coach Marty McMullen to compete in the Nine-year-old Cal Ripken All Star State Tournament in Vicksburg this weekend.
The double-elimination tournament runs from Friday to Tuesday, with the winner advancing to play in the regional playoffs in Gulf Port later in the month. The winner of the regional tourney will move onto the Cal Ripken All Star Little League World Series.
The Queen City squad opens play against the All-Star team from Oxford at 2 p.m. on the first day at Paul Halls Ferry Park.
The team will need to get into game shape throughout the tourney, because mother nature has not been kind to the squad's attempts to get ready for the games.
One of the main areas of concern for the Meridian All-Stars will be at the plate.
The constant rain that began last Sunday evening has kept the players from getting any extended period of time at the plate.
Though there has a lack of time on the practice field, McMullen said his biggest concern for the squad going into the tournament will be on the mound.
Despite the lack of practice time leading into the tournament, McMullen said his team has a good opportunity to walk away with the state crown.