July 27, 2012 at 2:38 p.m.
Hodag Little Leaguers proud after state experience
Hodag Little Leaguers proud after state experience
"We were a little disappointed, but overall it was a great learning experience for them," Rhinelander manager Jay DeMeyer said. "The competition down there is pretty impressive."
The Hodags went 1-4 against the competition at Gelein Field in Eau Claire.
Rhinelander started with a 9-2 victory over Lakeland (Salem) on the first day of the tournament, but dropped its final four contests and was eliminated after pool play.
The Hodags fell to West Bend, 10-2, on Wednesday, the final day of pool play. Had they won that contest, they would have finished fourth in the six-team round robin and advanced to the semifinals.
"That's how close it was," DeMeyer said. "The team that we beat is seeded No. 2 in the bracket. The kids realize how good they were, and to beat a team like that (is impressive)."
The coach added that the team was able to quickly put the loss in perspective.
"The kids had fun," he said. "Ultimately, they were 12 years old. It's amazing how fast kids can get over losing baseball games. As much as they love (baseball), 15 minutes after the game was over, they were all looking toward (eating at) Red Lobster, playing wiffle ball and going swimming."
Eau Claire National, Appleton West and Waunakee were the other teams in the tournament, which concluded after deadline Friday. Rhinelander was truly a small fish in a big pond, competing against much larger metropolitan areas.
"To get there alone, is just an honor," DeMeyer said. "These other teams down there are choosing from a whole lot more population than Rhinelander and northern Wisconsin is choosing from."
The Hodags lost to Eau Claire National (14-4), Waunakee (7-6) and Appleton West (17-5) to set up Wednesday's must-win game with West Bend.
"Our bats shut down on us," DeMeyer said. "Down there, if you're not hitting the ball, you're not going to win games, no matter how good the pitching is."
DeMeyer said Rhinelander was a shining example of an old sports adage: "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."
"Most of these teams down there, this was their third year (in a row) going to state. This was our first year. They said we were the classiest team they have ever played," he said. "That's coming from all the rest of the teams that are down there, and their parents."
DeMeyer added that the team already has its sights set on next year, as they move up to the Babe Ruth level. Team members will vie with other Rhinelander baseball players, and others in the Northwoods Babe Ruth League to get on the Northwoods' 13-year-old all-star team.
"They've got to keep working and keep improving," DeMeyer said. "There's no doubt after this experience and a week of playing some of the kids in the state of Wisconsin."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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