By Stephen Dawkins

The pride of small towns across the state of Alabama often rests on the successes of their high school football, baseball and basketball teams.
But this phenomenon, cities and towns identifying themselves mainly by their athletic programs, stretches even beyond the varsity fields and courts. Several youth league baseball teams this summer are making their respective hometowns proud.
Jemison’s 12-year-old team and Thorsby’s 14-year-old all-stars recently were invited compete in Dizzy Dean World Series.
In some cases, youth sports become the stuff of legend just like varsity athletics do. We’ll see if any of this year’s teams can write their name in both the history books and the collective consciousness of county residents.
If not, these players will experience the beautiful thing about youth sports. Unlike high school seniors who know the end of the season will bring the end of their careers representing their hometowns, youth players can always look forward to next year.
To more tournaments, more hotels, more road trips—and more representing their hometown.

– Dawkins is the assistant managing editor for The Clanton Advertiser.