Boasting a 22-7 overall record, a recent West State Georgia Championship title and a move back up to the No. 2 spot in the nation in the United States Specialty Sports Association Power Ratings, the Hinesville Barracudas are preparing for their ultimate challenge.
The 14U Class AA squad will be playing for their biggest title: the USSSA 14U Class AA World Series title July 4 in Kingsville, Tenn.
But getting there might be the Barracudas’ biggest challenge, and they are looking to the community to lend a helping hand.
“The team will be placing some window stickers at various businesses throughout town to help take up donations to fund their trip to Tennessee,” Barracudas coach Chris Bell said.
People can purchase a window sticker from these merchants: Poole’s Deli in Hinesville, Mr. Cash in Midway, Pizza Peddler in Midway, EZ Pawn in Glennville, EZ Pawn 2 in Reidsville and Coastal Family Hair Salon in Midway. The $1 sticker will be displayed on the merchants store window showing support for the Barracudas.
The team also has set up a PayPal account for donations for the week-long trip.
Donations can be made through a link on the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bcudasbaseball.
Bell said their recent West State Championship tournament helped his team realize what a challenge the World Series games would present.
“The regional was a great warm-up for the upcoming World Series,” Bell said. “Playing seven games in three days (at the West State Tournament) was tough, but it will help to get them ready for a tournament where they could play up to 12 games over a five-day period.”
The Barracudas went 6-1 to earn the West State title, making it the second year in a row the Hinesville squad won its division title.
After beating the Foundation Sports Jays, 10-2, and the Jonesboro Twins, 7-6, Hinesville was in a lose-and-go-home situation
after it fell, 6-3, against Home Plate Copeland. But the Barracudas bounced back, pummeling Foundation Sports Tanner, 16-3, to send them to bracket play.
In bracket play, the Barracudas avenged their earlier loss by defeating Home Plate Copeland, 12-3.
Hinesville beat the Twins, 4-1 and 13-1, for the trophy.
The Barracudas are one of 18 teams to qualify for the World Series.