A youth baseball team based out of Thurston County is headed to the pinnacle of their competition: the 2023 Cal Ripken World Series. The 12U Black Hills All-Stars have secured a spot in the 2023 World Series and are gearing up for their trip to Branson, Missouri. This marks the second time in the history of the Black Hills Youth Baseball organization that a team has made it this far, the last one being in 2009.
Led by coach Geoff Pohl, these young athletes have shown exceptional talent and determination throughout their journey. As they prepare for this prestigious tournament, the team is seeking community support to help make this dream a reality.
Thurston County’s Black Hills All-Stars’ Path to the 2023 Cal Ripken World Series
Black Hills Youth Baseball operates under the Cal Ripken umbrella, which focuses on baseball age groups ranging from 6 to 12. There is an initial league season and league tournament that culminates in the formation of the All Star team. The All-Star team then competes in a selection of competitions to prepare for the state and regional tournaments.
The Black Hills 12U All-Stars’ season has been nothing short of remarkable. Coach Geoff Pohl describes the experience. “I wanted to choose tournaments that would challenge the boys,” Pohl states. “We participated in various All Star tournaments, and we also had the opportunity to compete in the Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament in New York,” Pohl explains. The Black Hills team finished in the top 16 out of 78 teams from around the US.
On the heels of this impressive showing, the Black Hills 12U squad turned in a dominant performance at the state and regional tournaments. With an incredible 153 – 10 stat line, the team swept the Washington State 12U State Tournament as well as the PNW Regional Tournament in Longview, Washington.
2023 Cal Ripken World Series in Branson, Missouri
The Cal Ripken World Series in Branson, Missouri will feature 34 teams from around the world, with 24 teams representing the United States and 10 international teams. The tournament structure will include five pool play games, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the bracket play. This tournament will represent the highest level of competition for 12U Cal Ripken baseball.
It’s a special time for the Black Hills 12U All-Stars as they gear up for this prestigious event. However, with short notice, they are facing logistical challenges. There is a fundraising effort to help cover expenses like airfare, lodging, meal, and more. Community support and donations will be crucial in helping these young athletes make their dream of competing in the World Series a reality.
Watch and Support the Black Hills All-Stars at the 2023 World Series
For those unable to attend the games in person, there is an opportunity to watch the Cal Ripken World Series games live on the GameChanger platform. The Black Hills Youth Baseball Facebook page and the Black HIlls Youth Baseball website provide further information on how to watch the games and offer support.
To help the team reach their fundraising goal, a GoFundMe page has been set up to accept donations. Black Hills Youth Baseball is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, making larger donations tax-deductible. Every contribution, no matter how small, will play a significant role in making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible for the team.
Thurston County’s Exceptional Youth Baseball Makes its Mark
Participating in a tournament of this caliber is a momentous experience for the players, their families, the coaches and the entire community. Beyond the on-field achievements, these young athletes will cherish the memories of bonding and camaraderie forged during their time together.
Coach Pohl emphasizes the mission of Black Hills Youth Baseball: “It’s not just about improving players’ skills. It’s about helping them become responsible and positive members of society. Our motto has always been to ‘Earn It’. Win or lose, I couldn’t be more proud of these boys for living up to that statement.”
The humble outlook of this team and organization makes them easy to root for.
The Black Hills 12U All-Stars’ remarkable journey represents the talent and dedication of youth baseball in Thurston County and the entire Pacific Northwest region. As they head to the World Series, communities can show support through donations, messages of encouragement, and spreading the word about this outstanding achievement.
