Senate Concurrent Resolution 510

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ORANGE GROVE "SOUTHERN HEAT" ALL-STAR BASEBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2009 CAL RIPKEN NINE AND UNDER SOUTHWEST REGIONAL BASEBALL TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, Orange Grove's "Southern Heat" Baseball Team couldn't have picked a better time to play their best game of the summer. With the Championship of the 2009 Cal Ripken Nine and Under Southwest Regional Baseball Tournament at stake Tuesday, August 4, 2009, the Heat came out sizzling. Orange Grove erupted for 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning en route to a stunning 14-1 win over St. Charles, Louisiana, at Clarence Johnson Jr. Memorial Sports Complex in Gulfport, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Orange Grove "Southern Heat" All-Stars from Gulfport, Mississippi, were selected from the Orange Grove Youth Association 9-Year-Old Cal Ripken Baseball Division from the 2009 season. Managed by Bobby Terwilliger and Coaches Bill Hardy, Jerry Shoemaker, and Porter Harrison, this 9-year-old group of players quickly showed their winning potential. Winning three out of their first four tournaments, the Southern Heat began to set their sights on their ultimate goal of playing in the Southwest Regional Tournament which was to be hosted by their league later in the summer; and

WHEREAS, while compiling a record of 27-8 along the way, the Southern Heat showed that determination and hard work pay off. Players, parents and coaches spent many late summer nights at the ball field planning fund-raisers, practicing fundamental skills, and most of all having fun; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Heat Team includes: Logan Terwilliger, Brendan Hardy, Jacob Shoemaker, P.J. Harrison, Jansen Switzer, Mason Campbell, Lawson Capers, Chase Jones, Chandler Feeney, Cody Palmer, Dillon Brown and Riley Gurley; and

WHEREAS, as the Regional Host Team, the Southern Heat went against the stereotype of a typical host team, and defeated many powerful teams from across the Southwest Region in this tournament on their way to the Southwest Regional Championship Title; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Heat won the following tournaments on their way to the 2009 Cal Ripken Southwest Regional Championship: 2009 Gulfport Youth Sports Association Father's Day All-Star Invitational; 2009 Gulf Coast All-Star Classic; 2009 Orange Grove Classic "Summer Slammin' in the Grove"; 2009 Orange Grove Classic "March Madness in the Grove" (runner-up); the 2009 Orange Grove Classic "Spring Cleaning in the Grove"; and the 2009 Cal Ripken State Runner-up; and

WHEREAS, the Heat will remain together and play tournaments throughout the year, and plans are to travel to the Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament in 2010 as well as attempt to repeat this year's success during All-Stars. The Southern Heat is representing Mississippi and in next year's age division a regional win would mean a World Series berth; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of young baseball players who have brought honor to their parents, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Orange Grove "Southern Heat" All-Star Baseball Team and their coaches for winning the 2009 Cal Ripken Nine and Under Southwest Regional Baseball Tournament, and extend to their parents and sponsors our best wishes for success next season.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Orange Grove "Southern Heat" Baseball Team and its managers and coaches and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.