A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Batesburg-Leesville Coaches Pitch All-Star baseball TEAM and COACHES FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR capturING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA Division II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that the members of the Batesburg-Leesville Coaches Pitch All-Star team won the Division II state trophy from the state series held in Dillon in July 2023; and

Whereas, on their way to the Division II series, the All-Stars won the District III championship with a perfect record of 3-0 as they defeated Saluda with a score of 16-5, Edgefield 19-5, and defeated Edgefield again in the championship game with a score of 16-4; and

Whereas, in July 2023, the All-Stars were the number three seed in the twelve-team tournament for the Division II State Championship. They defeated Lewisville 8-2 before edging the always strong Hartsville National team 4-3. Then they downed Powdersville 7-4 and Gaston 7-1. In the semifinals, Batesburg-Leesville defeated Latta 5-2 to set up a rematch with Gaston for the championship; and

Whereas, the All-Stars led 5-2 going to the sixth and final inning, but Gaston rallied to tie the game and force extra innings. In the bottom of the seventh, Batesburg-Leesville strung together three hits to claim the dramatic 6-5 walk-off win, and to the cheers of their faithful fans, claim the team's first state championship; and

Whereas, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at the Dixie Youth Division II World Series, Batesburg-Leesville went undefeated in pool play before entering the ten-team bracket. The All-Stars defeated Tennessee 5-4 in the opener and then received a bye before facing the host team from Mississippi with the Magnolia State squad winning 10-2.  Batesburg-Leesville would then fight their way through the loser's bracket with a 4-3 win over Virginia and a 6-3 win over Texas to advance to the championship. The All-Stars faced off again with Mississippi and came up just short as Mississippi won the game and the championship 4-3; and

Whereas, during the playoffs, the All-Stars had a 14-2 record with the only losses coming to the World Series champions. They claimed the South Carolina Division II state championship and finished second at the Dixie Youth Division II World Series. In addition to their second place finish, they were presented the Sportsmanship Award for their outstanding play and conduct, voted on by the umpires; and

Whereas, in a sport that requires strength, strategy, and speed, Head Coach Chris Shealy and his skilled coaching assistants used their own athletic training and passion to build a championship team and teach these athletes valuable life lessons, both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly appreciates the pride and recognition that the Batesburg-Leesville Coaches Pitch All-Star baseball players have brought to their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Batesburg-Leesville Coaches Pitch All-Star baseball team and coaches for an outstanding season and congratulate them for capturing the 2023 South Carolina Division II State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Chris Shealy.

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