Senate Resolution 31

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MADISON-RIDGELAND NATIONAL JAGUARS BASEBALL TEAM FOR THEIR PHENOMENAL 2002 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 2002 DIZZY DEAN 10-YEAR-OLD WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, displaying outstanding pitching, fielding, hitting and base running, the Madison-Ridgeland Jaguars captured the Dizzy Dean World Series (10-year-olds) in Birmingham, Alabama, with a 10-3 victory over Grenada. The Jaguars cruised through with an undefeated record posting additional wins over Whitfield, Georgia, (state champions); Brent, Florida; the Madison-Ridgeland Patriots; and Lakeview, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars were in the finals of every tournament they participated in with an overall record of 22-4. Along with winning the (10-year-old) Dizzy Dean World Series, the Jaguars also won the State Dizzy Dean Championship; the Gulf Coast Tournament; tied for first in Southaven, Mississippi, USSSA Tournament; and placed second in the Mississippi USSSA Championship; and

WHEREAS, this year's tournament marks the second year in a row a Madison-Ridgeland All-Star Team in this age group has won the World Series. Brayden Jones received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award for his outstanding play throughout the tournament. Jones also captured the MVP Award at the 2001 Dizzy Dean World Series for (9-year-olds); and

WHEREAS, the most pivotal game of the tournament was a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Madison-Ridgeland Patriots. This was the fourth time the two teams have played in Dizzy Dean Tournaments with all four games being decided three runs or less; and

WHEREAS, "In all of my 30 years of youth baseball, this was the best 10-year-old baseball game I have ever seen," said Donnie Stone, National Director of Dizzy Dean Baseball; and

WHEREAS, during the World Series, the Jaguars were led on the mound by Brayden Jones, Ryan Bolden and Ryan Ellis. The pitching staff allowed only 27 runs, while the team scored 51 runs. The Jaguars were led at the plate by Michael McKinney and Spencer Savage. Both hit 500 or better. The Jaguars committed only 11 errors in 5 World Series games and posted a 360 batting average and a 520 on-base percentage; and

WHEREAS, "I think a major factor in our winning this World Series Championship was an outstanding overall team batting average coupled with good pitching and a sound defense," said Jaguars Head Coach Bruce Savage; and

WHEREAS, Dizzy Dean Baseball, Incorporated, has been organized as a youth baseball program for all youth regardless of sex, religion, race or color, 5 through 19 years of age. The game is played on a baseball field suitable to the physical development of growing youngsters. The main purpose of this program is to expand Dizzy Dean Baseball, Incorporated, and to provide a recreation outlet for as many youth as possible with emphasis being on local league play rather than tournament play. However, state tournaments and Dizzy Dean World Series are for leagues wishing to participate; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of this group of student athletes who have brought pride to their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Madison-Ridgeland National Jaguars for their phenomenal season and for winning the 2002 Dizzy Dean (10-Year-Old) World Series Baseball Championship and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Madison-Ridgeland National Jaguars Baseball Team, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.