Yankees a part of Little League history

BONNERS FERRY — The Yankees clinched the first Little League State title for Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint this season.

Their win propelled them to the Western Regional Championships in Irvine, Calif., where they competed against the best teams in the western United States.

During the Western Regionals from July 19-24, the Yankees finished with a record of 1-3.

They won their game against Oregon but lost against California, Arizona and Hawaii. Arizona beat Hawaii to advance to the Little League World Series in Livermore, Calif.

The level of play was far above what in the Northwest, said assistant coach Ted Flint. Most of the teams at the tournament play year-round and are well-coached, said head coach Cal Bateman.

First baseman Trey Flint and catcher Brady Bateman had outstanding performances during the tournament. Trey Flint was one of the top hitters at the tournament with a .667 batting average. Brady Bateman was the heart and soul of the team and had a .538 batting average at the tournament.

“The boys and coaches were a great team,” said Tamra Hiatt.

Western Regionals were a great experience for the team since they were able to see what level of play is out there, said Bateman.

“Our boys played hard and represented Idaho as well as we could have asked with great sportsmanship,” said Flint.

Before the team’s last game against Hawaii, the home plate umpire said, “Idaho and Hawaii are my two favorite teams in this tournament, it will be an honor to umpire your game today.”

“If they didn’t win on the field, they won off the field,” said Bateman. “We are really proud of the kids in the way they handled themselves off field.”

There were many compliments from tournament directors, umpires, opposing coaches and parents on the how the boys were polite, respectful, mature and well behaved.

“The boys represented Boundary County very well,” said Hiatt.

“I’m proud of their sportsmanship and how responsible they acted. They should be proud of themselves.”

The support of the community enabled the team to experience not only the Western Regionals but also California.

The team, coaches and parents went to the beach, Universal Studios and attended an Angels/Twins major league baseball game in between games.

“We are extremely proud of our community and completely humbled by the outpouring of support we have received,” said Bateman.

“The financial support from family, friends, businesses, individuals and anonymous donors was incredible and made this trip possible. We are extremely grateful.”

After winning districts, the team raised funds for their trip to state with a bake sale and a pancake breakfast.

After winning the state title, the team had less than a week to raise funds for their trip to California but Boundary and Bonner counties stepped up to help the team.

The communities raised nearly $10,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bonner County helped since two of the players are from Sandpoint and joined the Bonners Ferry Yankees because there was not an intermediate Little League in Sandpoint.

Also making the Little League’s success possible were Jeff and Renae Bennett and the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board. Jeff Bennett, president of Little League, went above and beyond in running and supporting the league, said Bateman. The fields maintained by Parks and Recreation allowed the team to have a place to play.

“Without the support of the parents, we couldn’t have done this,” said Bateman. “These parents were 100 percent supportive.”

Playing in the Western Regional Tournament was a phenomenal experience for the team during the inaugural year of the Intermediate Division.

Written in Little League history are Kobe Norwood, Pacen Pluid, Anthony Bennett, Kendall Stone, Raul Rodriguez, Tyrone Larson, Trey Flint, Jesse Dunham, Seth Bateman and Brady Bateman.

“We have a good group of kids that like to play,” said Bateman. “Next year we will keep improving and getting better.”