Sports : Richland All-Stars host, win state tournament : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

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Richland All-Stars host, win state tournament

By Harry Lipsiea
Published on Saturday, July 11, 2009 5:02 PM MDT

harry lipsiea | sidney herald
Richland County All-Stars Casey Watson, left, and Parker Dean run off the field to celebrate after their team earned an 8-3 win over Miles City for the Eastern Montana State 10 and under title.

Sidney Herald

The ability to overcome adversity helped the Richland County All-Stars earn an 8-3 victory over Miles City and the Eastern Montana State 10 and under championship Saturday.

With the victory, Richland advances to Regional play in Medford Ore., July 23-25.

The tide of the game looked to change to the way of Miles City in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Richland second baseman Casey Watson made a nice play to get a runner out at second and help his team keep a 2-0 lead.

While the Richland All-Stars came into the huddle, runner’s interference was called on a Richland infielder and the All-Stars went back out on defense. Down 2-1, Miles City took its first lead of the game when Dillon Monroe flared a double into right to help his team take a 3-2 lead.

Richland pitcher Paxton Miller struck out the next batter to get his team out of the inning. The All-Stars looked determined to get a rally going to retake the lead in the top of the fifth.

In the first at-bat of the inning, Richland right fielder Adam Wentz drove a pitch to right and used good speed to earn an inside-the-park homer. With the momentum on its side and the game tied at three, Richland got another base runner on when Trace Jones flared a single to center.

Jones scored when catcher Brett Norby blasted a triple over the right fielder’s head to give Richland a 4-3 lead. The scoring did not stop there. A Garrett Basta single drove in Norby, while Basta used good speed to score on a passed ball.

Dawson McGlothlin, who walked and advanced to third after a passed ball, scored off of a Miller ground-out.

Casey Watson walked to keep Richland going in the top of the fifth. A single off the bat of Tristan Rost scored Watson and gave Richland an 8-3 lead.

Richland reliever Jones shut down Miles City in the fifth, striking out the side to help his team keep a lead of five.

Although Richland hit the ball hard, the All-Stars were unable to score any runs in the top of the sixth.

Jones was able to keep Miles City off balance for a second inning in a row and help his team earn the 8-3 win and the Eastern Montana State 10 and Under title.

Jones earned the win for Richland pitching two scoreless innings. Jones also led the All-Stars at the plate with three hits and two runs.

Richland got on the board early in the first when Jones scored on a double off the bat of Norby to take a 1-0 lead. Richland starter Miller held Miles City scoreless after the first three innings while adding seven strikeouts.

The All-Stars got on the board in the top of the fourth when a Miller single scored McGlothlin to give Richland a 2-0 lead.

The Richland County All-Stars are coached by Ron Brown and Rick Norby. Members of the team include: Jones, Basta, Norby, McGlothlin, Watson, Rost, Miller,Wentz, Parker Dean, Damian Martinez, Jared Jurgens, Braxten Larson and Colby Watterson.

sports@sidneyherald.com

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

Jeff Nesper wrote on Jul 17, 2009 5:02 PM:

" Congratulations guys! Good luck in MedforCongratulations guys! Good luck in Medford! I was able to watch a few games as well as umpire a few and I can say without question you players and coaches earned the right to represent Richland County as well as the state of Montana at the rgionals. Kudos also to all involved in organizing and hosting such a well run tournament. I know how much work they can be and good hosts tend to get more oppotunities in the future.GREAT JOB! Thanks also to all the sponsors, donors, and volunteers last week as well as those who have stepped up to the plate to help this "Gas House Gang" enjoy their trip to Oregon. All of Richland County should be proud and I know you will represent us well!d! I was able to watch a few games as well as umpire a few and I can say without question you players and coaches earned the right to represent Richland County as well as the state of Montana at the rgionals. Kudos also to all involved in organizing and hosting such a well run tournament. I know how much work they can be and good hosts tend to get more oppotunities in the future.GREAT JOB! Thanks also to all the sponsors, donors, and volunteers last week as well as those who have stepped up to the plate to help this "Gas House Gang" enjoy their trip to Oregon. All of Richland County should be proud and I know you will represent us well! "

Unreal wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:48 PM:

" I can't believe some of you people...get over yourself!! This article is about the boys winning state and going on to Oregon. We should all be cheering them on and instead all of your are having a pity party for yourselves and your kids!! That is not with this article is about. If you have problems with your kids in sports argue about it somewhere else! Congratulations boys and good luck in Oregon!! "

Wade Hagler wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:53 PM:

" I would like to pat the Richland County All Stars on the back and wish them good luck in Oregon. It is going to take alot more community support to send these boys from Richland County on this trip and I hope that all the citizens of Richland County continue there support of these boys. It is kind of sad that people use this forum to bash this program, success speaks for itself. I hope that with this positive expereince these boys will indeed take that next step to the Babe Ruth level, remember success breeds success, Good Luck Richland All Stars. "

Jodi Wentz proud mother wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:25 AM:

" I think the Sidney Herald did a great job of covering the tournament and have thorougly enjoyed reading the articles...until now. I was disappointed to see such a positive thing bring about such negative comments from the public! These boys have worked hard putting in many hours of practice. They have great coaches and great parental support who have also volunteered countless hours to promote this team and the tournament. Please don't minimize their efforts by making this about your personal conflicts...take it up with the commission. Lets keep this about the boys, applaud their success and cheer them on as they head for Regionals.

On another note...I do not know all of the baseball commissioners personally, but the ones I do know have never failed to impress me with their support and encouragement of all of the athletes, not just their kids. As far as the political part of it, it seems to me the commissioners are just an easy target. There are many other factors involved when you run a program dependent on volunteers. I am sure the commission would be glad to try to resolve any concerns when their are aired in the proper environment.

Go Richland All Stars!!! "

kristal Renders wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:20 AM:

" (cont) The bottom line is this -- we do as much as we can to help out. If schedules would allow for either Joe or myself to step up and take on a commissioner position believe me - we would be happy to take part. However, it would not be fair to other commissioners, the kids the coaches etc for either of us to take on a position that we could not completely fulfill. Numerous attempts to have questions about Babe Ruth were made by parents, coaches and kids alike with little or NO response. There are some on the commission who's hearts are in the right place and I applaud the efforts made on their behalfs to keep Sidney Baseball alive in the community. THANKS A BUNCH! Countless others have dedicated a TREMENDOUS amount of time to the Sidney Baseball program - again, THANKS! You all know who you are and as for me and my family - we appreciate you all. It needs to be understood that the Babe Ruth league did not suffer this year because of lack of caring, concern and effort on parent and player behalf. It is my opinion that the lack of scheduling, lack of equipement and lack of enthusiasm by those in charge were more apt to be the cause of the leaques dispair. "

Kristal Renders wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:48 PM:

" Vince and "Kirbster" - As a parent of a Babe Ruth player I take great offense to the statements made in your posts. I am very proud of the young men who stepped up to coach our young Babe Ruth players and give "high fives" to each of them for doing the best they could do for the boys. Whether or not a specific leaque of Sidney Baseball has a parent on the commission is irrelevent. Each kid pays to play on their respective leagues and deserves equal representation by the Sidney Baseball Commission. This year was my sons 3rd year in Babe Ruth and I can tell you both that many countless hours have been spent at the park by the Babe Ruth kids and their parents. I will not speak for other families but as for my son, he spent a great deal of time beyond game time and practice helping with clean-up, line painting, bathroom cleaning, concession selling and the like just because he loves baseball and wants the program to succeed. My husband was not a coach due to his job schedule but also has spent a great deal of time in the last few years volunteering to help with practices as he was able, transporting kids to and from games working concessions, being assistant coach when possible, helping with bleachers reparing equipment and more. I have personally worked many concession shifts and fair booth shifts and worked legion games(cont.) "

lol wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:11 PM:

" The aticle was about the boys winning state! NOT about the commission etc. CONGRTULATIONS TO THE BOYS & COACHES & THE BEST OF LUCK IN OR. & enjoy yourselves! "

Curious wrote on Jul 14, 2009 3:22 PM:

" I am just curious how many of you complaining on here have actually approached one of the four commissioners and if so who did you talk to and what kind of reaction did you get? I'm guessing that none of the complainers have sought a resolution the right way instead of airing their laundry on a blog. "

Baseball Mom wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:44 PM:

" To the Average Joe, I agree with you wholeheartedly. My boys have also been involved in the baseball program for many years & neither are considered "great players". There was only 1 coach who made it well known in the Cal Ripken league that everyone got to play equal amounts of time, whereas, my son sat out every game at least half of the game. How are these kids supposed to get better if they are never given the chance to play? Its very disheartening for me to watch as a parent & also as a spectator because we all have to pay to same amount of money for the kids to participate but some of us as parents aren't getting the same for our money I guess you could say. Even the better players should have to sit the bench equally because then they in turn appreciate getting to play & it teaches them ALL how to work together as a team. "

Hiding Behind a Screen Name wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:14 PM:

" Until people start posting under their real name instead of hiding behind a screen name, the comments that I see are simply unwarranted attacks on volunteers that carry no value because they would not say this to those involved. Isn't it easy to hide behind a screen name? Act like adults and man (or woman) up to your comments! "

curious wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:51 AM:

" Who does get to pick who is on the Baseball Commission? How many commissioners are there? Is there a limit??? "

average joe wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:49 PM:

" As a parent of an "average" baseball kid, I must make a comment. My sons have been in the Richland County Baseball program for 8 years now. They have never been the star players, but still continue to love the game. Actually,at every game, my sons are one of the kids who has to sit out so everyone can have a turn to play while the commissioner's kids (and a few more select greats) get to play the entire game EVERY NIGHT! It is not as easy to volunteer in the Richland County Baseball program as they would like everyone to think. Even though I take my turns in the concession booth and we have repeatedly told members of the commission that we are willing to help, NOT ONCE have I heard of ANY opportunity to volunteer to be on the Baseball Commission. They don't post a sign up sheet for that. The commissioners hand pick who they want on their little board. My husband even volunteered to be an assistant coach the last two years and wasn't even allowed to do that. So, I guess my question to the great baseball commission is When are you men that are trying to live your childhood dreams through your boys going to grow up and start realizing that there are more than just 14 kids that play in each league and that ALL OF THEM ARE IMPORTANT AND THEY ALL "

kirbster wrote on Jul 13, 2009 4:34 PM:

" Baseball parent: your information is absolutely, positively wrong. Initial discussions to solve the Babe Ruth dilemma and lack of coaching were initiated last fall after the commission had problems filling the void prior to last season. In Jan 2009, more serious discussions ensued. Furthermore, at NO TIME was discussion made by the current commission or any of its members about allowing the program to die as you say. There was however discussion about suspending concessions during Babe Ruth games due to lack of interest of running the concession stand by Babe Ruth parents. The backbone of any organization is the dedication and commitment of volunteers. Look at hockey, wrestling and swimming in our community as fine examples. It may appear that the current commissoners support the Legion and Cal Ripken levels more because that is where many of the commissioners have kids. What is wrong with that? But the burning questions is why instead of fixing blame instead of fixing problems have the Babe Ruth level parents not stepped up to represent the Babe Ruth kids on the commission. Why haven't these same parents volunteered to coach, run concessions and do the other dirty work involved? I guess it is a lot easier to cast stones and take anonymous pot shots to assinate someone's character in a public forum. Right? "

Impressed wrote on Jul 13, 2009 1:25 PM:

" Congratulations to these fine young athletes. They worked hard and their efforts paid off. "

former resident wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:10 PM:

" the complaints here are typical....it seems the least involved make the most noise "

Vince McGlothlin wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:26 AM:

" As the current president of Richland County Baseball I would like to congratulate the 10 year olds on winning state and the 12 year olds on qualifying for state. Good Job boys! I would also like to acknowledge the strong effort the boys put out during the Babe Ruth and Legion baseball seasons. Success within the baseball organization is built on the backs of volunteers, and the truth of the matter is that the more people are willing to volunteer the better the overall quality of baseball there will be. While it is easy to criticize, the simple solution to the expressed Babe Ruth issue is to volunteer, get involved, join the commission, coach. We need all viewpoints to be vocalized, and people who are willing to stand behind those statements. We are one organization, with the joint goal of recreation and competition. We should all enjoy the successes of these teams, build on them, and think of ways that we can continue to make Richland County Baseball better next year. Please feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or issues. "

Baseball Parent wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Just to clear things up a little bit. I think the boys who stepped up to coach Babe Ruth this year were awesome. If it wasn't for them stepping up, Babe Ruth wouldn't have existed this year because it was my understanding that the head of the Commissioner was going to let the ball drop and not let these 24 or so boys play because they didn't have coaches right away. Also, the money isn't the issue with the Babe Ruth, its the fact that there are no boys of the Commission on the Babe Ruth teams, so they really didn't care what happened to Babe Ruth this year. The boys that volunteered to coach Babe Ruth did an outstanding job. Hopefully one of them can get on the Commissioner next year so Babe Ruth has a voice that is heard.
Baseball is like every other sport, without the volunteer help of parents, coaches and others - it wouldn't exist. I think anything we can do for our kids is awesome. "

Proud Auntie wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:08 PM:

" As an outsider I think it's pathetic that you are arguing about money. If I am correct wasn't a new van or bus just purchased for the older boys? Let's be proud of these boys for winning State. This is something no other Richland team has experienced before. Lets do what we can to make sure these boys go to Oregon with or without you people who do nothing but complain. If I am correct the Babe Ruth hasn't done any fundraisers, you snooze you loose. Go Richland we are very proud of you!!! I hope all who read this supports the team and anyone who wishes to help please do so. "

Mike and Linda Dryden wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:48 PM:

" Great coverage Sidney Herald and very timely. Congratulations Richland and good luck in Medford.
Could the regional be any further away? Hawaii maybe.
Grandma says go get 'em Pac Man! Have fun boys, coaches, and parents. "

Justin Boyer wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:12 PM:

" Baseball Parent: I appreciate your concern about the Babe Ruth program. Our coaches from t-ball all the way up through Babe Ruth are all volunteers and receive no compensation for their time and efforts other than the enjoyment of working with the kids. We have a great group of parents that donate a ton of time and money to help the baseball program each summer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to know how you can help our youth organization. Thanks again to all of our coaches, parents, sponsors, volunteers and most importantly the kids! "

thinking wrote on Jul 12, 2009 11:20 AM:

" Not taking anything away from the boys, but these commissioner daddys will now be looking for money to send their own kids to oregon while the older programs continue to suffer with subpar eqiupment, etc. The problems for the older leagues should had been taken care on before the commissioners started to join leagues so their kids could play in tournaments. "

Baseball Parent wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:51 AM:

" It would sure be nice if the Baseball Commission would put half the effort into the Babe Ruth league that they put into the younger league. If you don't start doing something soon, these boys won't move up to Babe Ruth. Oh ya, I forgot most of the Commission has boys in this league so they will keep putting all the effort into which ever league their boys are in. Congratulations 10 and under boys. You did a good job! "

Justin Boyer wrote on Jul 11, 2009 9:20 PM:

" Congratulations Ron, Rick and all the boys on your state championship! Best of luck to you all in Medford we will be cheering you on from afar! "

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