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Brother, Sister In Baseball, Softball World Series

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By NICHOLAS J.E. MURRAY

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 11, 2008

TAMPA - Citrus Park Big League softball player Morgan McGuire says sports have always played a part in her family's life.

"Everyone in our family always played sports," she said. "All my cousins played softball. My mom played sports, her dad played sports, everyone played sports in our family."

Of course, that's true for a lot of families. In the last week, however, Morgan, her brother, Michael, and their father, Joe McGuire, have achieved something remarkable. Morgan and her Citrus Park teammates will play their opening game at the Big League Softball World Series in Kalamazoo, Mich. today, while Michael and Joe will play and manage on Friday in the opening game of the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

After her brother and father won 11-0 on Friday against Westside (Ala.) Little League, Morgan was standing at the gate with some of her teammates, waiting to celebrate their success.

For Morgan, going to the World Series isn't a new experience. She and current Big League teammates Alisha DeBold, Khrystyne Ely and Morgan Grove were members of the Citrus Park team that won the Senior League World Series in 2005. On Friday night, she was thrilled her brother was going to get to have a similar experience.

"We had thought about it, how it would be amazing to have two people go," Morgan said. "I was just glad my little brother was able make it, because they've been talking about it for three years."

Michael said he was glad he and his teammates were finally getting a chance to play for a World Series. Citrus Park's Little Leaguers have won three straight state titles, including this season, and had won the Little League under-10 Tournament of State Champions two years ago. Until now, however, he hadn't had the chance to equal his sister's World Series crown.

"It's going to be great to go to the World Series so I can match her," Michael said.

According to Joe McGuire, while Michael may be the more naturally talented athlete, the title is something Morgan has had to hold over her younger brother.

"Morgan has busted her butt to get to where she has gotten," Joe said. "She was co-award winner for the coaches award, and she was voted MVP for Sickles' high school team. Mike's done very well, he has a lot more natural talent than Morgan does, but Morgan has always had that world championship that she won in '05, and Mike hasn't won it."

That is, until now. With the way both teams have played through their respective regional tournaments, Morgan thinks there's no reason why both teams can't bring home championships.

"I think there is a good chance," she said. "As good as both teams we have are, we both have a chance of winning."

Nicholas J.E. Murray can be reached at (813) 259-8243 or nmurray@tampatrib.com

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