Padres Go 6-2 Over Two Tournaments in West Columbia

To round the 2014-15 season, the Pee Dee Padres 9U team played back-to-back weekends in West Columbia.  After taking the Spring off to play Dixie Youth, it was the team's first tournament action since November. 

Despite the layoff, the team performed very well.  And had a lot of fun doing it.  In all, 18 players took the field for the Padres over the two weekends.  When all the dust settled, the team compiled a 6-2, including two wins over 10U teams, and took home the championship in 2015 Summer Sizzler for 9U.  Great job, Padres!

Padres to Play in Lexington on July 11-12

Come see us at Howard Park (157 Cougar Drive in West Columbia) on July 11-12.  We'll open play against the Shockwave on Field 2 at noon.  Our second game on Saturday will be at 2pm against the Midlands Marauders.  It will also be on Field 2. 

This will be the 9u's first tournament since November!  We'll be moving up an age group to 10u to prepare for the upcoming Fall travel season. 

Scores for Saturday's games and Sunday's game times will be posted later.

Padres Volunteer with Carolina Kids!

On December 10th, the Pee Dee Padres volunteered with 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. The Padres packed over 500 food bags in about 45 minutes!  More importantly, the team was able to play a part in providing food for over 500 kids.  Way to go, Padres!

Click here to learn more about Carolina Kids.

The Padres and Carolina Kids are no strangers to working together.  Now through December 22nd, the two groups are working on their 2nd annual Sports Equipment Drive.  Click here for more information about the drive.

Padres Drop Off Their First Load of Equipment for Carolina Kids!

Law Hope, McKendrie Douglas, Evan Young, Treion McFarland, Shane Oliver and Chanler Smith were part of a group of Pee Dee Padres who dropped off the first load of sports equipment to Carolina Kids.  The equipment was collected as part of the Padres' 2nd annual Sports Equipment Drive.  The drive benefits 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.

For more information about the drive, click here.

Padres, Carolina Kids hold 2nd Annual Sports Equipment Drive

 

The Pee Dee Padres and Carolina Kids are partnering to make a difference in our community through their 2nd Annual Sports Equipment Drive. Collection bins are located at Burry Bookstore (130 W. Carolina Avenue in downtown Hartsville) and Carolina Printing & Trophy (618 S. Fifth Street, also in Hartsville).  The bins will be out through December 22nd.

 

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 Carolina Kids, we are able to do that in a very impactful way," said Padre coach Bruce Douglas.

 

Any and all sports equipment is needed.  From footballs and basketballs to baseball bats and tennis racquets, new and gently-used; all will be appreciated.

 

The Pee Dee Padres are a travel baseball club made up two teams with players from Hartsville, Darlington, Lamar and McBee. The Padres' roster includes Andrew Askins, McKendrie Douglas, Ace Gibson, Quez Hadley, Riley Hendrix, Treion McFarland, Nolan McInnis, Kam Rheuark, Asher Wallace, Hunter Watford, Grayson Weekley, Cole Winburn and Evan Young on the 9 year old team and Dustin Gaymon, Law Hope, TJ Johnson, Trace June, Bennett Laney, Shane Oliver, Zachary Pulling, Andrew Shaver, Chanler Smith, and Caleb Walters on the 8 year old team. 

 

Burry Bookstore's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Carolina Printing & Trophy is open Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm.

 

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.

Courage, Sportsmanship on Display at Florence Travel Ball Tournament

 

After a recent USSSA youth baseball tournament at Freedom Florence, a very unique act of sportsmanship took place.  After his team, the Carolina Bruins, clinched the tournament championship and celebrated with a ring ceremony, Bryce Patterson ran over to one of his opponents.  Were they friends?  Relatives?  Former teammates?  Actually, they were none of the above.  The two had never even spoken before. 
 
Patterson removed his championship ring and handed it to his opponent.  In any circumstance, this would be an unexpected act.  In any circumstance, this would be seen as a great display of sportsmanship.  In this case, there was more at play than baseball.
 
Asher Wallace, who Patterson gave his ring, is an outfielder for the Pee Dee Padres.  Wallace’s play did not go unnoticed by Patterson.   Not because he hit towering home runs or made diving catches in the outfield.  Patterson thought Wallace’s play was spectacular because he was giving it his all on every single pitch. 
 
But, what made Patterson take notice of Wallace?  Don’t lots of kids play hard?
 
Wallace has NF1 Neurofibromatosis. This is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow in the nervous system.   Of course, Patterson didn’t know the details of Wallace’s disorder.  He just knew the kid with the distinct running style didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream of playing baseball.
 
Wallace’s hard work was first noticed by his coaches Joseph Winburn, Terry Weekley and Bruce Douglas.  “Asher’s work ethic and passion are unparalleled,” said Douglas.  “He’s been an inspiration for his teammates and coaches since the day he joined the team.  It’s great to see his enthusiasm and hard work inspire players on other teams also.  Bryce and Asher are both very special kids.”   
 
Both players had their share of successes at the tournament.  After winning the tournament, Bryce and the Bruins moved into the #1 spot in USSSA’s 9U national rankings.  For Wallace, he stole his first base in another heartwarming moment against the Carolina Outlaws.     
 
As both teams move on with their seasons, there’s no guarantee that Wallace and Patterson will square off on the field again.  But, there is one thing we all know for sure:  Wallace has the heart of a champion.  And, now, thanks to Patterson, a ring to match.   
 
Bryce Patterson is the son of Brantley and Angie Patterson of Florence.  Asher Wallace is the son of Larry and Pam Wallace of Hartsville.

Padres go 2-2 in Lexington

The Padres traveled to Lexington for the first time since their first tournament in November of last year.  After losing their focus in the first game, the Padres battled back to finish the weekend 2-2.  A huge win over the Predators was followed by a narrow 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Canes on Sunday.  Treion McFarland and Clay King made their pitching debuts in the tournament.  The Padres also saw some acrobatic diving catches in the outfield by Ace Gibson and Grayson "Hollywood" Weekley. 

The Padres are currently 7-5 since moving up to 9u.