Nothing like the first time
Taking Names and Keeping Score
Charlie Anderson
In another article in this week's paper I have detailed how three state representatives coming to the 2007 Dixie Pre- Majors World Series being held in Thomasville this week are from the same community that was here in 2006 representing their state. For one of those communities; Toccoa, Georgia; it is a third trip to Thomasville having sent a team to the 2003 World Series as well.

The fact that the teams from these communities continue to earn their way back to the World Series year after year is a good indication that the baseball program in those communities is consistently among the best in the state they are from and in many respects the entire Southeast. It has to be very exciting being part of a program that year in and year out is in a position to earn their way to a World Series. It also gives credence to the old adage that success breeds success. For younger players coming into the program, just knowing that there is a tradition of success being handed down to them from their predecessors has to make them want to match or exceed in some cases what has been accomplished in the past. As a by-product, that previous success also serves as a confidence builder for those who are just entering the program.

Some of the athletes on those teams making another appearance will possibly be making their second trip to the World Series. This experience of coming to another World Series, although different in many respects, will still be a good one and provide them with another chance to win the world championship title since none of their teams were able to win it last year. It is however those members of their team for whom this trip to the World Series will be a first that are going to experience the most.

For any ball player or coach the first trip to a world series has to be among the most special experiences in their entire baseball career. The sense of accomplishment that comes over you when you first realize you have earned the right to participate in the World Series is almost indescribable. Just knowing your team now has to be consideredamong the best in the level of competition you are participating in gives you a renewed confidence in not only your ability but that of your entire team.

As the team practices and prepares for the trip to the World Series, the anticipation of being on the field competing against the best teams from other states creates both excitement and anxiety in each coach and each player. Despite being totally confident in your team's ability there is still that question in your mind about how well you will match up with the other teams.

Depending on the distance you have to travel to get to the site of the series or if you have to travel at all, the days immediately preceding the first game are usually filled with last minute details and things that have absolutely no bearing on the outcome of a baseball game but things that are part of making the World Series complete. At the time most of them seem superfluous but when it is all over and you are looking back you can see their importance. At any rate that time frame will also produce some memories that will be part of the overall experience.

Naturally once the games get under way, winning and losing has a definite bearing on what kind of memories you will take away from the World Series. As a competitor the more you win the better the experience. But even in losing just having been there will be a good memory years down the road.

Having personally been part of several World Series teams as a coach at both the Dixie Pre- Majors level in 1986 and then the Semi-pro level with the Travelers several times years later, I look back on each of them with many fond memories. Each of them are unique and hold a special place in my heart but without a doubt it is the first experience at each level that I will remember the most.

It is my hope that all those participating in the 2007 Dixie Pre-Majors World Series here in Thomasville will some day look back on their experience with the same kind of good memories have of my experiences.

Until next time ........be safe!

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