Lexington's Young Baseball Stars Shine on the World Stage

Lexington, Kentucky is home to a group of talented young baseball players who are about to embark on the opportunity of a lifetime. Two local teams, the South Lexington 12U Red and the South Lexington 10U Red, have earned the prestigious honor of competing in the Cal Ripken World Series, a testament to their skill, dedication, and the unwavering support of their coaches and community.

Fulfilling a Dream, One Pitch at a Time

The Journey Begins at Wee Ball

For these Lexington ball players, the path to the World Series has been a long and arduous one, filled with countless hours of practice, determination, and a steadfast commitment to the sport they love. Their journey began at the tender age of four, when they first picked up a bat and glove and stepped onto the wee ball diamond. Through the years, they have honed their skills, developed their teamwork, and now, at the ages of 10 and 12, they find themselves on the brink of realizing a dream that many aspiring athletes can only imagine.

Coaches Reflect on the Past and Present

The coaches of these remarkable teams, Donnie Gillespie and Austin Kearns, are no strangers to the World Series stage. In 1992, they were teammates on the very first South Lexington team to win a World Series championship. Now, two decades later, they find themselves in a familiar position, but this time, they are the ones guiding the next generation of Lexington's baseball stars.

Funding the Dream

As the teams prepare for their journey to the Cal Ripken World Series, they have been working tirelessly to raise the necessary funds to make the trip a reality. This past Saturday, the South Lexington 10U Red team hosted a car wash and raffle, with the community rallying behind them to support their dreams. "We're appreciative of everybody that has taken time and effort and ultimately their money as well to help support these young men," said Gillespie, acknowledging the vital role the community has played in their success.

Embracing the Moment

For the players, the opportunity to compete on the world stage is a dream come true. Gillespie, who has been with these young athletes since their wee ball days, understands the significance of this moment. "To see them start at wee ball at four years old, and now at ten years old being able to be on the biggest stage that they can be, with 25 teams from across the world, it's incredible," he said, his pride evident in his words.As the teams prepare for their send-off on Monday evening, Gillespie has imparted some valuable advice to his players. "Everything we do we do together. So, we have a team goal, and I need you to enjoy it and focus on it. But also take all in the experience because you never know if you're gonna get back," he said, emphasizing the importance of embracing the moment and cherishing the opportunity they have been given.With the support of their community, the guidance of their experienced coaches, and the unwavering determination of the players themselves, the South Lexington 12U Red and 10U Red teams are poised to make their mark on the world stage. As they embark on this incredible journey, the eyes of Lexington and the entire baseball community will be upon them, cheering them on as they strive to bring home the championship trophy.