7/03/08

World Series destination for local softball team

by Beckye Randall

Later this month thirteen pre-teen girls and their families will be packing for a trip to Florida’s Disney World, but it will be a working vacation for the girls. Packed alongside the swimsuits and sunscreen will be softball gloves, uniforms and shin guards.

The girls, members of the 10-Under Blaze 97 fastpitch softball team, have earned a coveted spot in the softball World Series, sanctioned by the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), to be held July 26 through August 3 at the Disney World Wide World of Sports complex in Kissimmee, Florida.

“These girls have worked so hard,” said coach John Otto. “They really deserve the chance to compete at this elite level.”

Blaze 97 is a Select Fastpitch Softball team whose players, with one exception, are all from Snohomish County. Eight of the girls live in Marysville, while the others hail from Arlington, Snohomish and north Everett. One of the players, pitcher Alexis “Lexi” Pike, lives in the Whatcom County town of Everson. Players who are age 10 or under at the beginning of the year are eligible for the team.

With a USSSA record of 14 wins and only 1 loss this season, the local softball team is the only one from the state in the 10 and under age group to qualify for the championship tournament. Based on point standings, the team is ranked number one in the state.

“We knew we had a lot of talent going into the season,” said Otto, “but these girls just dominated the competition.”

The Blaze team plays against other Select teams from Canada to Oregon, with games usually scheduled every other weekend during the season. Since this is the first year for the club, the coaches began the season with a two-day slumber party for the girls. By the time the weekend was over, the 9- and 10-year-olds had formed deep friendships.

“Blaze softball focuses on teaching the values of hard work, commitment and responsibility in addition to athleticism,” Otto explained.

Lexi Pike, the team’s number one pitcher, has an impressive record of 8-1 and has pitched four no-hitters this season. Her earned run average (ERA) is a miniscule 1.49. The number two pitcher, Marysville’s Kymber Devlin, sports a 6-0 record with one no-hitter.

The youngsters play ball under the same rules governing college teams. In fact, Otto explained that one of the main goals of the Blaze system is to prepare its players for college-level play.

“Blaze has a 100 percent success rate for college scholarships” for its players, Otto said.

In his tenth year as a girls’ sports coach, Otto credited his coaching assistants and team parents for the team’s success.

“The other coaches, Brian Tocco, Jason Otto and Jaime Bombach, give 100 percent for these girls,” said Otto, “and this is the best parents’ group I’ve ever worked with. They’re just incredibly supportive and enthusiastic.”

Rachel Thompson, a little spitfire who will be attending Marysville Middle School next year, plays center field for the team. She’s been playing softball for six years and leads the team with on-base percentage. A petite 11-year-old, her small strike zone earns her lots of walks, but according to her teammates, she’s also an awesome hitter.

“I’m so excited about the Orlando trip,” said Rachel. “My mom, dad and sister are going too, and it’s just going to be so much fun.”

To help pay for the Florida trip, the team is planning several July fundraisers. “We’re trying to raise $15,000 to pay for the girls’ airfare and accommodations,” said Otto.

In addition to a garage sale and car wash, July 10 is McBlaze Night at the Marysville McDonald’s on State Avenue. From 5 to 8 p.m., the girls and family members will work at the restaurant and the team will receive 20 percent of the revenue brought in during those hours.

“We hope local families will come in to McDonald’s and help support these girls,” Otto said. “And it should be a lot of fun as well.”

The team has arranged to rent four 4-bedroom homes in the area rather than staying in an expensive hotel. The family homes, all within 5 minutes of each other, will serve as gathering spots for team activities while they’re in Florida.

About 30 teams will compete in the Disney Wide World of Sports World Series in several age categories. The Blaze 97 softball team is guaranteed to play in five games, one each day, but could play up to 10 games if they’re successful.

“Whatever happens, it will be a great experience for these players,” said the proud coach.