December 6, 2023
Over the weekend, teams across Louisiana and Texas gathered to play baseball at the 2023 USSSA Winter Nationals: Toys for Tots tournament.
The tournament consisted of 210 youth baseball teams with not only just a goal of competing on the diamond, but to give back during the holidays.
Teams were encouraged to donate toys and bikes to help bring joy to less fortunate children through the Toys for Tots organization.
Renegades Baseball’s 9U and 13U divisions brought a total of 35 bikes to support the mission.
Pictured: Renegades Baseball with a few of the bikes they donated to Toys for Tots.
“This event serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when communities unite for a common cause.” said Tournament Director Kayla Odom. “195 bikes and approximately 4,000 toys were generously donated by our amazing teams, parents, coaches, and sponsors. We want to extend a special thank you to the teams that participated in our event, our hard-working staff, Jerry Broussard and the Lafayette area Toys for Tots chapter, as well as the cities of Abbeville, Broussard, Carencro, Crowley, Eunice, and Scott, for the continued collaboration to make this event possible. The support of everyone means the world to us and will bring joy to so many children during this holiday season.”
One team who stood out on the diamond amongst the talent was LA Storm 11U.
Pictured: Winter Nationals 11U Open Champion – LA Storm 11U
The Storm went undefeated, 5-0 in the tournament to win the Winter Nationals 11U Open Championship, scoring a total of 48 runs and only allowed 6.
The Storm’s roster, led by Head Coach Chris Carter, included Quinn Bonin, Luke Arceneaux, Hayes Pierce, Jaxon Carter, Nate Matchett, Kase Paddy, Parker Tujague, Kohner Johnson, Graeme Owen, Ethan Porter, and Kelson Nagle.
“I am extremely proud of the boys with how they played this weekend overall as a team,” said Storm Head Coach Chris Carter. “We focused on playing great defense and throwing strikes, and it showed having only given up 6 runs in 5 games and not having a single error all weekend. We look forward to seeing what the future holds with this group of young men.”
