Published: July 31, 2009 11:19 pm         

Whitfield eyes crown

Today when the 12-and-under Whitfield American All-Stars play in the Dixie Angels World Series, it will be a groundbreaking experience.

Literally.

Whitfield coach Robbie Sharp said today’s game against Tennessee, scheduled for a 10 a.m. start in a brand new sports complex in Sumter, S.C., will be the first game ever played on the softball field.

“The sports complex over here is unreal,” Sharp said in a telephone interview. “It’s like a small college stadium, and it’s built specifically for (the Dixie World Series).

“It has sunken dugouts, elevated fan seating and phones in the dugouts to call the bullpen and press box. It’s really different for kids softball.”

Perhaps the only element more superior for Whitfield than the venue will be the competition. At Friday night’s opening ceremonies, coaches and players from all 65 teams at the World Series had the chance to interact, and Sharp believes he has a feel for which states are the favorites in Whitfield’s 12-team age group.

“A lot of people think Tennessee is one of the two strongest teams,” Sharp said of Whitfield’s opening-round opponent. “Along with Alabama.”

After its opening game, Whitfield will play either two or three games Sunday, depending on Saturday’s outcome and possible inclement weather. Sharp said there was a “downpour” Friday just before the opening ceremony. Depending on how Whitfield fares in the double-elimination tournament, it could play through Wednesday when World Series champions are crowned.

     

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