Observer teams swing into action

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Fifth-graders Brett Thoma and Anthony Marino huddled together as the news spread throughout the dugout.

The two quickly processed the information before turning to their teammates, who were already busy talking over one another. It was the start of Lakewood Ranch Little League’s spring season, and the boys had just learned they were going to be playing for The Observer.

“Our coach told us we were going to be playing for The Observer, and then he told us about the paper,” Anthony said. “Everyone started talking to the person next to them.”

“I was excited because we got to be in the newspaper,” Brett added.

Across the ballpark, the Miss Manatee Softball spring season was preparing to get under way, and 9-year-old Izzy Rines couldn’t have been more excited.

The Tara Elementary School third-grader spent three seasons playing T-ball before moving up to 8U, and after spending much of the off-season working on her hitting, the first baseman and catcher couldn’t wait to take the field.

And, if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, Izzy also learned she had been named to the MMS Observer Team.

“I was very, very happy,” Izzy said. “I’ve only been in the newspaper one or two times, and I just thought it would be so cool to be in the newspaper, because everyone is going to see it. It’s just awesome.”

The LRLL Observer Team officially opened its season Feb. 18, and the MMS Observer Team began its season the following week.

Through four games this season, the LRLL Observer Team has had to adjust being the youngest team in the Majors division.

“We are a young team with no Majors experience from last spring, LRLL Observer Team coach Todd Thoma said. “We’re playing against teams that have experienced players from last year, so we are on a learning curve. I expected us to start slow and be a much-improved team at the end of the season.”

The team has yet to win a game this season, but the boys, who have been playing together for several seasons, are confident that will change once they start swinging the bats more.

“We’re the youngest team, so it’s kind of hard,” Brett said. “I just want us to try and win at least two games. We just need to practice hard and get better at hitting.”

On the other side, the MMS Observer Team has started the season off a perfect 2-0. With a combination of both new and returning players, the girls are adjusting to new roles on the field.

“So far, we’re doing good this season,” Izzy said. “We have a really good team this year.”

Unlike other teams in their division, the MMS Observer Team has a specific batting order — whoever is next in line at the end of game bats first the next game. In addition, the girls also rotate positions every 11 innings.
“The girls have done great so far,” MMS Observer Team coach Paul Panik said. “The newer players are learning the basics and the more experienced players are reinforcing those basics. (Overall) I want everyone on the team to have fun and become better ballplayers regardless of their current skill set.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

Rosters

LRLL Observer
Brett Thoma
Tucker Smith
Bradley Lipsteuer
Jacob Eyre
Drake Theriot
Anthony Marino
Derek Marino
Andrew Sommer
Zack Misiura
Rory Atkins
Austin Jenkins

MMS Observer
Isabelle Pettis
Izzy Rines
Bailey Jenkins
Charlotte Traugutt
Miriam Traugutt
Nathalia Vega
Joslyn Chapman
Julia Dodge
Julia Thielen
Abby Panik
Sophia Creneti