Boerne, Texas bulldozed through its first 13 all-star games this summer, mercy-ruling 10 Texas opponents and never letting an opponent score more than two runs.
But 3 1/3 innings into the Southwest Regional championship, Boerne found itself trailing 3-0 against Louisiana. Suddenly, a team which looked so dominant was pushed against the wall and was nine outs from elimination.
Instead of crumbling, Boerne pulled closer together. This is not a team with a leader. It is a team full of leaders and that victory epitomized it. Boerne stayed poised and focused, scored six fourth inning runs and won 6-3, securing the program’s first regional title and Little League World Series berth. How it did so symbolized exactly who this team is.
“You could see absolutely no panic in the kids’ eyes. They just did their thing and came out in the fourth inning and started hitting the baseball. It’s all about how they work together as a team,” Boerne Little League president Chris Carey said. “They always are picking each other up. They always have their teammates backs and I really think that’s how they won that game because they pulled together.”
Boerne is a hard-working team and is well-prepared each game. Turns out it also was well-prepared for when adversity struck. It’s easy to stay together when things are going well, but this team revealed its character with how it regrouped when things went wrong.
The thing is teams can practice hitting, pitching, fielding and baserunning. But the leadership each player has developed often comes from within. How blessed Boerne is then that all 12 players have frequently displayed their leadership qualities throughout the summer.
“It’s amazing to see the way they carry themselves on and off the field,” Boerne mayor Frank Ritchie said. ‘It speaks volumes about who they are and where they are from.”
Boerne is a tight-knit community, so it makes sense that its team features the same traits. This allstar squad was not selected until mid-June following the regular season. Most of the current teammates played against each other but their leadership skills translated well once they joined forces.
“There’s not a lot of time, but it’s just amazing how well they clicked and worked together,” Carey said. “They have a level of baseball IQ that most kids don’t have and they are all there for each other.”
It was that way long before Boerne started making its march toward South Williamsport, too. Carey saw it throughout the regular season. No matter the skill level or age, the all-stars offered constant guidance, support and encouragement.
Carey’s son was a 10- year- old playing against older players and they helped bring out the best in he and players in other situations. It extended to the lower age levels, too. The younger players look up to this group and this all-star squad is happy to help them grow and learn.
So, how Boerne has played since the all-star season began really is just an extension of who these players have been for so long.
“They carry themselves on the and off the field with such great sportsmanship,” Ritchie said. “They are very humble and thankful for the position they are in and you see it with how they interact and conduct themselves.”
“It’s a different kind of leadership. These guys are so even keeled,” Carey said. “These kids are always picking each other up. They’re always supporting each other and making everyone better.”
That flows from the coaching staff as well. Those coaches remained rocks when Boerne hit some turbulence against New Orleans. Attitude often reflects leadership, so kids who appear to be natural born leaders also receive a boost from the men teaching them the game.
All that came together over the last two innings against New Orleans. Nobody took bad swings at the plate. Hitters remained patient, fielders remained steady and pitcher Julian Hurst dialed in.
It was as if all the baseball intangibles Boerne has built the last few years led to that one moment. At the perfect time, those facets and preparation met opportunity and everything fell into place. Doc Mogford hit a go-ahead grand slam and Boerne played flawless from there as it continued making history, securing its first Series berth after winning the league’s first state title last month.
“ That’s what the coaches have instilled in those kids, that leadership mentality and working together and building each other up,” Carey said. “It’s something we’ve worked on throughout the season. They have developed those kids where they can get through those moments with the coaches not having to say a word. Their leadership style is exactly what these kids need.”
Boerne has made history and put together a remarkable summer-long run. But beyond the wins and title banners, the team’s lasting legacy might just be who they are as people.
These all-stars continue working with younger players in Boerne and are passing the baton. They have put their community on the map, but they also have best reflected its values and that has especially strengthened the bond between team and town.
“They had some close games but they kept they calm, cool and collected and relied and trusted each other. The key to their success is relying on each other,” Ritchie said. “They have represented Boerne so well and we are so proud and they will be so celebrated when they come home.”
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