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Community Pitches In To Aid Town 'N Country Ball Team

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 16, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Thanks to some big league help, some young baseball stars will be able to make it to the national finals this weekend in Texas.

The Town 'N Country Pony League 9-year-old Mustang team qualified for the national finals earlier this month. As the boys celebrated their spot in the tournament, parents worried how they would raise the money needed.

The team raised about $3,200 by soliciting donations outside a grocery store, but that was far below the cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms and ground transportation. When media reports highlighted the team's struggle to raise the money, the Tampa Bay Rays took notice.

Rays officials told the team if it could raise $5,000, the Rays would match that amount through their foundation. That sent team parents on a solicitation spree and they were able to hit the $5,000 mark in one night, thanks to local businesses and community members.

One $500 check came from former Minnesota Twins pitcher and Jesuit High School alum Brad Radke. The Rays presented a $5,000 check to the team Tuesday night during practice.

"We heard about this team's efforts and decide to help because it follows the foundation's focus on youth education and youth recreation," said Suzanne Murchland, director of community relations for the Rays. "We are happy to be helpful and good community partners."

The team leaves Friday for the weekend tournament in North Highland Hills, Texas. The team is the only East Coast representative in the eight-team tournament.

Coach Bob Neugebauer said his team is lucky to get the community support to make the trip when many other teams struggled because of the economy.

"I don't think the boys have grasped how huge this is yet," he said. "I went through this myself when I was 15. This is something they'll tell their grandkids about."

Team catcher Devin Brackin said he's looking forward to meeting boys from across the nation.

"I'm really excited because I love meeting new challenges," he said. "We've been practicing a lot. I'm excited about going to Texas but I'm most excited about winning."

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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