10u Padres Win Oakboro Tournament

The Pee Dee Padres 10u team traveled to Oakboro, NC for a one-day tournament on November 22.  When all was said and done, the Padres emerged with 2 come-from-behind wins over the Crown Town Crusaders to win the series and take home the championship. 

It was a total team effort in both games.  The stellar pitching performances of Hunter Watford, Corey Stagg, Riley Hendrix and Jason Grantham were supported by solid defensive play from Kam Rheuark and Tony DiCorte.  At the plate, the Padres' unrelenting offensive onslaught was led by McKendrie Douglas, Gunner Jordan and Slayton Stokes.  Equipment manager JC Carraway rounded out the total team performance by keeping the guys focused on their championship goals. 

It was a big day for Gunner Jordan.  Not only did he win a championship, he was serenaded by Kam Rheuark and Slayton Stokes for his birthday.

Padres Holding 3rd Annual Sports Equipment Drive for Carolina Kids

Pee Dee Padres to hold 3rd Annual

Sports Equipment Drive for Carolina Kids
Donations can be made at Burry Bookstore and Carolina Printing & Trophy
 

The Pee Dee Padres are partnering with Burry Bookstore and Carolina Printing & Trophy to make a difference in Darlington County through a sports equipment drive for Carolina Kids. 2015 marks the third consecutive year of the sports equipment drive.   

“We’re excited to continue this great program,” said Padre Coach Lawrence Hope. “This is a great opportunity for our kids to help others who may not have the same opportunities they do.” 
 

The concept for the equipment drive is simple. Collection bins are located at Burry Bookstore (130 W. Carolina Avenue) and Carolina Printing & Trophy (618 S. Fifth Street). The bins will be there from November 21st through December 14th. Simply drop off new or gently-used sports equipment in one of the blue bins. Once collected, the equipment will be distributed by Carolina Kids, a non-profit organization with the mission of enhancing the lives of children in Darlington County by investing in social change and breaking down economic barriers. 

“Obviously, we want to teach our players about the game of baseball. It’s also important for our coaches to demonstrate to the players how they can make a difference in the community. Thanks to our business partners Carolina Kids, we are able to do that in a very impactful way,” said Padre Coach Bruce Douglas. 

Burry Bookstore’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10am to 9pm. Carolina Printing & Trophy is open Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm.
 

The Pee Dee Padres are a travel baseball club made up three age groups (9u, 10u, 11u) with players from Hartsville, Darlington, Lamar, Lexington, Green Sea, Chesterfield and McBee. Formed in 2013, the Padres are sponsored by MKA Mechanical, Wilson Metal Roofing & Construction, Jiffy Print, Norwood Insurance, Palmetto Transport Specialist, Mitchell’s Painting Services, Hartsville Surgical Center, Luan Jeffords of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – Segars Realty, Lizard’s Thicket, Pee Dee Fleet Services and Bunce Buildings.

For more information about the sports equipment drive or the Pee Dee Padres, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeepadres@gmail.com. For more information about Carolina Kids, contact Andrea Pulling at carolinakids@roadrunner.com.  

Baylerball Invitational Schedules for 9u, 10u & 11u

 

 

10u Padres Take 2 Teams to Lexington

 

On October 17-18, a total of 20 10u Padres took the field for the 7th Annual Jay Criscione Classic in Lexington/Columbia.  When all was said and done, the two teams compiled a 3-5 record.  Ace Gibson and Evan Young both pitched complete games. 

 

Taking the field for the 10u Padres this weekend were:

Riley Hendrix

Kam Rheuark

McKendrie Douglas

Slayton Stokes

Gunner Jordan
Asher Wallace

Cooper Griggs

Corey Stagg

Preston Sease

Hunter Watford

JC Carraway

Evan Young

Tagan Roscoe

Shane Dillon

Brandin Jordan

Hoot Freeman

Law Hope

Ace Gibson

Tony DiCorte

Cooper Griggs

Noah McAteer Fund Information

It is said life can change in an instant and for the precious McAteer family that happened on the afternoon of October 8th. Their sweet 9 year old son was burned very badly in a terrible accident. He is currently being cared for at the Augusta Burn Center. He has a very long road ahead as he has suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns as well as burns to his cornea.

While waiting to be airlifted from Hartsville to Augusta, Noah told everyone he was thankful it was him that was hurt and not his brothers.  That speaks volumes about Noah and the loving environment he has been raised in.     

Noah's family is going to need donations as their expenses will be mounting with medical costs and both parents will be away from work. No amount is too small. The McAteer's are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers. 

Click here to make a donation to support Noah's family during this their time of need.

Padres Paint, Stuff & Walk

During the week of September 20th, the Pee Dee Padres took a break from the baseball field and took some time to explore, assist and support their community. 

Explore: On Monday, several Padres ventured out in their community and landed at the Black Creek Arts Center for a painting class.  Art instructor Jenny Altman led the boys in a Paint & Pitch Art Class.  At the end of the class, the boys had a finished painting to take home.  

Assist:  On Wednesday, nearly 30 Padres turned out to stuff food bags for Carolina Kids. Each week, Carolina Kids sends over 500 Darlington County kids home from school with food bags.  The boys worked together and did a great job stuffing the bags.

Support:  On Saturday, the Padres traveled to Gastonia, NC to support teammate Asher Wallace in the Children's Tumor Foundation's NF Walk. 

Unfortunately, our 10u team didn't get to play in their tournament in Cornelius, NC on Sunday.  Mother Nature had other plans.  The rain may have dampened the fields, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the team.  They were still excited to have participated in the NF Walk.  

Padres Take Part in NF Walk in Gastonia

On September 26, the Pee Dee Padres traveled to Gastonia, NC for the Children's Tumor Foundation's NF (Neurofibromatosis) Walk.  Padre Asher Wallace was honored at the event and given an NF Hero medallion to wear (picture below).

The team had a great time helping raise awareness of NF and walking around Gastonia. They even took some time to pose for a photo with a minion and play cornhole.  

Asher Wallace has been inspiring his Padre teammates for the past two years.  His love for and determination to play the game of baseball has been noticed by other travel ball teams and local news media.  We are truly fortunate to have Asher on our team! 

For more information about the Children's Tumor Foundation, click here.