SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WMBF) By definition a team is a group of people linked in a common purpose. No group of kids may represent what that word means more than the Surfside Beach Dixie Boy All-Stars.
"It's unity all the way. This group there's ten kids back from last year, seven of the nine played on the '09 world champion team. These guys have known each other for a long time," said Surfside's Head Coach, Jon Yarbrough.
Jacob Ziegler, who is on the team, agreed with his coach. Adding, "I played in 2009 when we first won it and it's been like family to me here."
The Surfside squad has dominated the area's youth baseball scene for the last few years, winning the last two Dixie Youth district titles and the 2009 World Series.
A key ingredient to the team's success has been their ability to let loose and enjoy the game they love.
"We all have the same characteristics. We all like to joke around some and when it comes to get serious, we get serious," said Bryce McCord, a Surfside player.
"When you have fun it helps you practice more and when you have fun it helps you get along with your teammates, so it builds chemistry," added Ziegler.
While the Surfside 14 year olds have enjoyed their success, they do hope in to follow in the footsteps of some players who came through the program before them.
"The St. James High School team had three or four guys who came through our program and we know how well they did this year," said Yarbrough.
Ziegler continued, "Hopefully we can do that when I go to St. James, hopefully we can win it again, but it's a hard thing to do and I'm proud of them."
"We use them as an example of how we want to win a state championship and how we want to carry on a tradition around here," agreed McCord.
The Surfside boys defended their Dixie Youth district title with a win Wednesday night, and will now turn their attention to the state tournament in Aiken next week.
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