In 2020, amid the pandemic's disruption of sports, a 12U baseball team from Whitefish began their journey together. Their camaraderie and hard work have now earned them a trip to the esteemed Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York. From August 2-8, the team, comprising 11 players from Whitefish and Kalispell, will compete in a tournament featuring over 90 teams nationwide. While coach Zachary Pitts hadn't initially envisioned this journey, dedicated parents made it a reality by managing registration, fundraising, and logistics.
The Cooperstown Dreams Park, neighbouring the Baseball Hall of Fame, hosts tournaments weekly during summer and includes skill competitions. Major Leaguers like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper once played here, attracting diverse teams nationwide. Coach Pitts emphasizes that this trip is about broadening horizons and inspiring dreams, rather than just victories. He recalled his son, Talis, expressing disbelief and excitement about the forthcoming experience. The community's support, through local businesses backing fundraising efforts, has been instrumental.
Originating mainly from the Glacier Grizzlies team of Whitefish, this team has consistently improved since their formation. After achieving significant success in local tournaments, they now aim for a transformative experience at Cooperstown. The team includes Talis Pitts, Kaleb Stevens, Brody Forthofer, Devin Meuter, among others.
Read More: Whitefish Pilot. (2023, August 2). 12U baseball team heads on trip of a lifetime to Cooperstown Dreams Park.
https://whitefishpilot.com/news/2023/aug/02/12u-baseball-team-heads-trip-lifetime-cooperstown-/