Alabama Rockets 13U: My Site News
Alabama Rockets 13u ScheduleMarch 11-13 Tuscaloosa,Ala. 4-0 1st Place
March 18-20 Chattanooga,Tn. 3-1 1st place
March 25-27 Off Easter
April 1-4 Atlanta, Ga. Super Nit Qualifier for Disney 1-1 13th place
April 8-10 Charlotte,N.C. Super NIT Qualifier for Disney 5-1 1st Place
April 15-18 East Cobb,Ga. 6-0 1st Place
April 22-25 Off
April 29-May 1 Chattanooga,Tn. 2-1 round robin
May 6-8 East Cobb,Ga. 6-0 1st place
May 13-15 Huntsville,Ala. Super Nit Qualifier for Disney 4-1 3rd place
May 20-22 Off
May 27-30 Atlanta,Ga. Cherokee Reds Tournament 2-2 tied for 3rd
June 3-5 Chattanooga,Tn. 4-0 1st place
June 10-12 Chattanooga,Tn. Cancelled Rain
June 16-19 Pigeon Forge,Tn. 7-0 1st place
June 24-27 Off
July 3-8 Southaven,Miss. NABF World Series 8-0 World Champions
July 15-17 To Be Decided
July 23-27 Practice in Huntsville for Disney
July 31-August7 Orlando,Fl. Elite 24 World Series Disney World 2-2 tied for 16th
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2004 Rockets Year End Accomplishments
The Alabama Rockets 12U captured third place in the USSSA Elite 16 World Series held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
After a first-game loss against the Greesnboro Batting Center in their opening game of the double-elimination bracket, the Alabama Rockets battled back to win the next four games against the Columbus Cobras, Greensboro Batting Center, and Texas Gladiators (twice); before falling to the Texas Express. In every game except the final one, the Rockets out-hit their opponents by a significant margin.
What a feat - finishing in the top four teams in the country three years running in the USSSA Major World Series event! We'll have to check the history books to see if that has ever been done before. Congratulations to all the Rockets players, parents, coaches, and fans for the great accomplishment and the lasting benefits of friendship and life lessons learned through quality baseball.
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Three Rockets Players Named All-World
Three Rockets players were named "All-World" in the 2004 USSSA Elite 16 Tournament held at Disney's Wide World of Sports. The players (see picture) recognized for outstanding accomplishments were Cody Blanchard, Stafford Booth, and Derrick Workman.
Monday, August 2
Rockets Finish Pool Games for Elite 16 Tournament
The Rockets went 1-1 in pool play for the 2004 USSSA Elite 16 Tournament at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which only affects seeding for the main tournament. After losing 2-0 to the Woodland Bulls, the Rockets came back the next day to defeat the Greensboro Batting Center 5-2. The Rockets have pitched six different players who have combined for a tournament ERA of 1.0 in the two games (two runs total in 12 innings pitched). Defense continued to sharpen in the second game, with several key plays in the middle infield. Bats also started to heat up, and will hopefully continue to build through the rest of the week.
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The 2004 USSSA Elite 16 Tournament held opening ceremony at Disney's Wide World of Sports on Saturday, July 31. The Alabama Rockets 12U will begin pool play on Sunday, August 1.
Elite 16 Tournament Status / Progress
The Alabama Rockets 12U begin the 2004 USSSA Elite 16 tournament at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida with Opening Ceremony Saturday evening, July 31. The Rockets face two great teams for pool play Sunday (vs. Woodland Bulls) and Monday (vs. Greensboro Batting Center) before beginning a double-elimination tournament which leads up to the final four. The stage is set!
Rockets games starting Monday afternoon or Tuesday can be heard in the Huntsville area on 1450 am radio, or over the internet at www.espn1450.com
Rockets are Handed Tough Loss at BPA
The Alabama Rockets 12U were handed a tough loss in East Cobb, GA at the BPA Southern Region World Series. In the championship series, the Rockets were leading 5-3 after the first extra inning of play; but allowed three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Rockets now go through a break time before an intense practice schedule, leading up to the Elite 16 tournament at Disney's Wide World of Sports in early August.
Rockets Compete in Smoky Mountain Shootout
The Alabama Rockets 12U competed in the 2004 Smoky Mountain Shootout hosted by the Knoxville Stars in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee June 18-20. The Rockets went 4-2, falling to the Greenville Gators by a score of 7-3 on Sunday.
Rockets Just Miss State Championship
The Alabama Rockets 12U missed by one run in capturing what would have been a third consecutive Alabama State USSSA Championship. After outscoring the competition 70-14 in the first five games, the Rockets were edged 3-2 in the final game against the Tuscaloosa Thunder.
ROCKETS CAPTURE ELITE 16 ENTRY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Alabama Rockets 12U won first place in the USSSA Super NIT held in Sterling Heights, Michigan on Memorial Day Weekend (2004). The Rockets were undefeated in six games, run-ruling four of their opponents including the last two championship games.
By winning this tournament, the Rockets are granted one of only sixteen entries in the USSSA Elite 16 tournament to be held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida in early August.
Rockets Just Miss Comeback in Southaven
The Alabama Rockets 12U barely missed a comeback in the final inning of a 4-3 loss to the Germantown Giants, ending their long winning streak and making their season record still an incredible 32-2. Next weekend will be a trip back to East Cobb, always filled with good competition.
Rockets Come up Short at East Cobb
Although the Rockets have been dominant in just about every previous tournament played at East Cobb, they came up short in the semifinal game against the East Cobb Astros. This loss should serve to motivate even more hard work in practice sessions this next week, in preparation for the USSSA Super NIT at Sterling Heights, Michigan on May 29-31.
Rockets Rained out while Undefeated at East Cobb
For the second weekend straight, the Alabama Rockets 12U were rained out of a tournament after going undefeated in prior pool play. The AAU Super Regional Tournament at East Cobb, GA was called due to rain on Sunday, May 2. The Rockets are now an incredible 29-1 for the season!
Rockets Rained out in Championship Game of Blaze Tournament
The Alabama Rockets 12U were poised to win yet another tournament, this time at the Blaze Spring Blast held in Huntsville, Alabama on April 23-25, 2004. The Rockets were undefeated in pool play Friday and Saturday, and won the semifinal game against the Chattanooga Chiefs on Sunday. But then heavy rains set in during the final championship game with the Rockets leading 2-0. The game was cancelled due to weather.
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The Rockets won their fourth straight tournament in as many weekends by capturing first in the USSSA Regional Qualifier in East Cobb, GA on April 10, 2004. Derrick Workman rejoined the team and hit a bomb over the ~25' fence in a power hitting demonstration. Next weekend will be a rare break for the Rockets.
Rockets win 2004 Copperhead Clash
The Alabama Rockets 12U captured first prize in the 2004 Copperhead Clash held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 2-4 by going undefeated in the tournament. After run-ruling the Mudcats and the Copperheads, the Rockets had to squelch an attempted comeback by the Tri-City A's on Saturday afternoon to score first seed in Sunday's championship games. A solid win against the Alabama Buccs on Sunday led to the championship game against the (hometown) Southside Sidewinders, which the Rockets put away with a convincing 12-2 victory. The Rockets are now off to a great 18-1 start for the 2004 season!
Rockets win 2004 Battle of of the Bats
The Alabama Rockets 12U won first prize in the 2004 Battle of the Bats in Rome, Georgia on March 28. After beating the Cherokee Reds twice, the Rockets had four scoreless innings against the North Gwinett Bulldogs before exploding for a 7-1 win.
Sunday, March 21
Rockets Win Maulers Spring Kickoff
The Alabama Rockets 12U captured first prize in the 4th annual Madison Maulers Spring Kickoff tournament held in Huntsville, Alabama on 19-21 March, 2004. One game was close - against the Titans - but all the other games were wins with big run margins. Saturday included a good win against the rival Germantown Giants. This tournament will hopefully launch the Rockets into full gear for the spring season.
Rockets Kick off 2004 Season
The Alabama Rockets 12U kicked off the 2004 season with the Border Wars Tournament in Chatanooga, TN March 12-14,2004. After run-ruling the Franklin Storm and Roswell Raiders, the Rockets had to come from behind to defeat the Chatanooga Chiefs. Then on Sunday, cold bats and early-season mistakes caused the Rockets to fall victim to the Gresham Park Mustangs.
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| Rockets take Fourth Place in 2003 USSSA World Series 11U |
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USSSA World Series 2003
After a strong start of 9-1 to win their division in the 2003 USSSA World Series in Gulfport, Mississippi, the Alabama Rockets 11U were in the final four. It seemed that the Rockets would repeat as world champions. But a tough comeback by the Texas Rattlers in the final inning left the Rockets with fourth place. With a record of 98-14, the Alabama Rockets finish the 2003 season with legendary accomplishments.
Welcome Carpenters!
The Rockets welcome back player Josh Carpenter and his family after a long leave. Josh was an original member of the Alabama Rockets as they played their first tournaments at the end of the 8-yr old coach pitch season. Josh spent last year playing up with the 12U Alabama Vipers, a competitive team winning their Cooperstown week and a regional world series. The Rockets also get another top quality coach in Josh's dad, Barry.
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Rockets Battle Back in USSSA World Series
After one early loss to the Nevada Wildcats, the Alabama Rockets battled back all the way through a double-elimination bracket, winning their division the hard way. The team showed an incredible ability all year long to endure to the winning finish.
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Rockets Family Builds Friendships
A hallmark of the Alabama Rockets team since its inception has been the friendships made between team members, parents, and siblings of team members. Quite a few tears were shed that last day of the World Series Tournament, realizing that yet another great season had come to an end.
Monday, July 7
Rockets win East Cobb Summer Classic
In the last tournament before the USSSA World Series, the Alabama Rockets once again captured first place in the East Cobb Summer Classic. This tournament featured some top teams, such as the Cherokee Reds and the East Cobb Blazers; but the Rockets continued to roll, leaving their record going into the World Series at an incredible 89-12 (and four of those losses were against 12-year old teams).
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| Rockets Win Smoky Mountain Shootout |
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How sweet it is! It just doesn't get much better than enjoying fine baseball competition and fun at the Smoky Mountain Shootout in Pigeon Forge, TN hosted by the Knoxville Stars. The Rockets were crowned champions of this tournament for the second straight year. It featured Rocket victories against some of the best teams in the country, including the Knoxville Stars, Cincinnati Flame, and the rival Germantown Giants. The 11U Rockets current season record of 82-10 is quite an accomplishment, considering some of the losses are against 12U teams.
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Rockets win USSSA State Championship
The Alabama Rockets 11U once again won the USSSA State Championship, this time by going undefeated in the tournament at Heritage Park in Cullman, Alabama. After a slow start, the Rockets turned up the heat to win the final game 9-0 against the Mobile Bay Pelicans. The Rockets are now off to an incredible 73-5 start to an incredible year.
Rockets win Outback Memorial Day Classic
The Alabama Rockets 11U once again captured a tournament championship, this one the Outback Memorial Day Classic held in Milton, Florida on May 23-25, 2003. Rockets victims included a surprisingly good team, the Mobile Gators (a late addition to the tournament), as well as the hosting Thoss Travelers. The weather was perfect, the beach and social time between games outstanding. For the season the Rockets' record stands at an incredible 67-5.
Sunday, May 11
Rockets Undefeated in Cherokee Reds Invitational
The Alabama Rockets 11U went undefeated in four games of the Cherokee Reds Invitational tournament in Towne Lake, GA during May 9-11, 2003. The tournament was called due to rain after the first game of the championship rounds on Sunday. Before the rain set in, the Alabama Rockets handed a sound defeat to a top AAU team, the Greensboro Batting Center 11U team 9-1.
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Rockets win AAU Super Regionals
The Alabama Rockets 11U won first place in the AAU Super Regionals tournament hosted by the East Cobb Yellow Jackets in Marietta, Georgia on May 2-4, 2003. Sixteen teams competed in this age group. A rainout on Friday night caused some rescheduling and the cancellation of the final championship game, settling the championship based on runs allowed during championship games. The East Cobb Blazers, who defeated the Rockets in the makeup pool game and went undefeated for the weekend, were handed second place for the tournament. But the Rockets players and coaches decided to extend their southern hospitality and respect to the Blazers by exchanging their first-place trophies for second-place ones.
Rockets win Spring Blast
The Alabama Rockets 11U won first place in the Spring Blast, hosted by the North Alabama Blaze in Huntsville, Alabama on April 25-27, 2003. This tournament included several really challenging teams, such as the Knoxville Stars and the North Alabama Vipers (both 1-run victims to the Rockets) and the Pensacola Aquasox (defeated 10-3 by the Rockets).
Rockets Upset in Spring Invitational
The Alabama Rockets 11U were defeated after a comeback by the Chattanooga Chiefs 11U, at the Spring Invitational in Decatur April 11-13. Trailing 7-2, the Chiefs rallied to tie the game and finally scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning. A week of rest and practice should fire up the Rockets for their next tournament in Huntsville.
Rockets Back to Winning
The Alabama Rockets 11U got back to their winning ways at the USSSA Coke Classic tournament in Southaven April 4-6, 2003, winning all three of their games before the rain set in. But they did not get a chance for revenge against the Germantown Giants, as the championship game was cancelled due to the weather.
Rockets Winning Streak Ends at 42
In a game with a blistery wind and rain, the Albama Rockets 11U winning streak ended at 42 games with a loss to the East Cobb War Eagles. As part of the "BPA Battle of the Bats" tournament in Rome, GA on March 28-30, 2003, a loss Sunday to the Germantown Giants capped a disappointing weekend. Remembering what it is like to lose may make the Rockets an even stronger contender down the stretch toward the "Big Show" in Gulfport.
Alabama Rockets 11U 2003 Spring/Summer Schedule
March 14-16 - Chatanooga, TN - "Border War"
March 21-23 - Huntsville, AL - "Mauler's Spring Kickoff"
March 28-30 - Rome, GA - "BPA Batle of the Bats"
April 4-6 - Southaven, MS - "USSSA Coke Classic"
April 11-13 - Huntsville, AL - "Giants Spring Invitational"
April 18-20 - (Easter break)
April 25-27 Huntsville, AL - Blaze Spring Blast
May 2-4 East Cobb, GA - AAU Super Regionals
May 9-11 Atlanta, GA - Reds Invitational
May 16-18 - {break}
May 23-25 Milton, FL - Memorial Day Classic
May 29-6/1 Cullman, AL - USSSA State Tournament
June 6-8 Southaven, MS - USSSA June Jam NIT
June 13-15 Cullman, AL - Vipers June Jam (12u)
June 20-22 Pigeon Forge, TN Stars Smoky Mtn Shootout
June 27-29 Cullman, AL - BPA 12U State Tournament
July 3-6 East Cobb, GA - ECB Summer Classic
July 11-16 Huntsville, AL - Combined Team Practices
July 20-27 Gulfport, MS USSSA Major World Series
Rockets win Mauler's Spring Kickoff
The Alabama Rockets 11U won first prize in the Mauler's Spring Kickoff Tournament held in Huntsville, Alabama March 21-23, 2003. One game on Saturday featured four different Rockets hitting homers.
The Rockets have now won an incredible 41 straight games, for a 2003 record of 41-1 !!
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| Rockets Celebrate Trophies at the March 2003 Border War Tournament |
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The Alabama Rockets 11U captured first place in their first tournament of the Spring 2003 season, the "Border War" tournament hosted by the Tennessee Tornadoes at East Brainerd Baseball Complex near Chattanooga. The Rockets faced some good teams and tough situations, including being down 10-4 to the hard-hitting Cherokee Reds, before coming back for the victory. Four different Rockets players hit homers in this tournament. The Rockets have now won an incredible 36 games in a row, for a 36-1 record so far this year.
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The Alabama Rockets 11U team won first place in the NA Giants Fall Classic held on October 25-27 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Rockets had to battle back from a 9-2 deficit against the 12U Trojans, but did so with the usual flair and class.
This was the Rockets' final fall tournament, and gives them an incredible 30-1 start on the 2003 season. The Rockets are currently ranked number one in the USSSA national rankings for 11U teams (Majors).
Alabama Rockets 11U 2003 Spring/Summer Schedule
March 14-16 Chatanooga, TN - "Border War"
March 21-23 Huntsville, AL - "Mauler's Spring Kickoff"
March 28-30 Rome, GA
April 4-6 Southaven, MS
April 11-13 Huntsville, AL
April 18-20 - (Easter break)
April 25-27 Huntsville, AL - "Blaze Spring Blast"
May 2-4 East Cobb, GA
May 9-11 Atlanta, GA
May 16-18 - {break}
May 23-25 Milton, FL
May 29-6/1 Cullman, AL {State Tournament}
June 6-8 Southaven, MS
June 13-15 TBD
June 20-22 Pigeon Forge, TN
June 27-29 TBD
July 4-6 East Cobb, GA {tentative}
July 11-13 {practice, possibly July 11-15}
July 20-27 Gulfport, MS (USSSA Major World Series)
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The Alabama Rockets 11U won first place in the Madison (AL) Mauler's Octoberfest Tournament held at the Huntsville Metro Sportsplex.
The Rockets continue to bring home the trophies. In the fall season so far, the Rockets are 25-1 and have outscored their opponents by a margin of almost 3 to 1.
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The Alabama Rockets 11U won first place in the USSSA Fall Nationals at Southaven, MS on October 13, 2002. Sunday's championship games were especially riveting. Making the wins more difficult included spotting the Germantown Giants a 5 run lead in the first inning, scoring only two runs in the win against the Tuscaloosa Thunder, and committing six errors to the opponents one in the final two games combined.
The Rockets continue to battle through adversity to bring home the trophies. In the fall season so far, the Rockets are 22-1 and have outscored their opponents by a margin of almost 3 to 1.
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The Alabama Rockets captured first prize in the "Battle of the Bats" tournament hosted by the North Alabama Blaze on September 28-29, 2002. For game scores and results, click on "Schedules" to the left and look for the link to "Battle of the Bats".
Rockets Rembember
The Rockets wish to express their sorrow for the passing of Bill Smart's grandfather. Contact Coach Whitt for more information on funeral arrangements.
Rockets to Compete in USSSA Fall Nationals
The Alabama Rockets 11U will compete in the USSSA Fall Nationals tournament on October 11-13, 2002 in Southaven, Mississippi. The pools and game brackets have now been posted. For information on tournament location, click on "Locations" to the left and look for "Southaven / Snowden Grove." Possible hotel locations include the Drury Inn at Horn Lake, the Grand at Tunica, or other nearby hotels.
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Rockets win Arab Skinners Classic
The 11u Alabama Rockets won top prize in the Arab Skinners Classic 12u tournament 9/8/02, which saw four different Rockets players belt home runs over the fence.
2002 ALABAMA ROCKETS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2002 10U MAJOR USSSA WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS
2002 10U ALABAMA USSSA STATE CHAMPIONS
10U LEAGUE CHAMPIONS IN GNABA LEAGUE
#1 NATIONAL RANKING IN USSSA 10U MAJORS
#3 NATIONAL RANKING BY USA SPORTS RANKINGS
64-15 OVERALL RECORD
For additional information from the 2002 season go to history and check out the details from 2002.
THE ROCKETS WELCOME DERRICK WORKMAN TO OUR FAMILY
Just when you think things couldn't get any better, a family like Larry and Laura Workman come your way. We are excited about getting to know their family and of course watching the things their son Derrick is able to do on the field. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to have such a talented player join our roster, but more importantly we are blessed to be able to build lasting relationships with such a wonderful family.
Rockets Capture First in Russellville
The 11U Alabama Rockets captured top prize in the 12U category in Russellville on September 15, 2002 at the G&S Concessions Tournament. During the weekend tournament the Rockets went long on six occasions, including Coty Blanchard's back-to-back homers (walk-off homer in one game and leadoff homer in the next).
Mustangs Fall Frenzy September 20-22
The 10U Fall Frenzy tournament scheduled for September 20-22 in Cumming, GA was cancelled due to weather. No makeup games are expected.
2003 Over the Fence Club
Derrick Workman
Coty Blanchard
Casey Whitt
Nick Tanielu
Ryan Preston
Stafford Booth
Spencer Palmer
Evan Brooks
Seth Gordon
Alabama Rockets Team History
Having coached his older son through competitive travel baseball, Head Coach Joe Bob Whitt knew he wanted to create the same fulfilling thrills for his younger son, Casey. So immediately after the local recreational league spring season, the Alabama Rockets 9u were formed in 2001. They gathered the best available talent from the Monrovia and East Madison County area to put together the initial team, which was an immediate success. That fall the Rockets won the Tennessee State Coach Pitch Tournament, featuring 9U teams from GA, TN, AL, and KY.
After demonstrating a successful team, it became easier to attract new talent. Coaches and parents from all over the Southeast wanted to be a part of the Alabama Rockets. In 2002 several top 10U players within a 150 mile radium joined the team, most with dads who were also talented coaches. That year the Rockets 11U team went on to win first place in the USSSA Alabama State tournement, the GNABA tournament, and the USSSA Major World Series, also finishing at top of the USSSA national point standings. They continued into the fall, winning first place in the USSSA Fall Nationals and amassing a fall record of an incredible 34-1.
2003 looks to be another chapter in the Rockets legend book, based on early results. The season will culminate in the USSSA Major World Series in Gulfport, MS, July 20-27, 2003.