FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 15, 2014) – After beating out Kendall (8-0) in the Florida State All-Star Tournament, the Fort Myers American Little League Baseball 50-70 Intermediate team will head to Apopka, Fla., to represent the state in the Southeastern Regional Tournament this weekend. The team’s recent win was the first all-star baseball state title for FMA since 1981.
Playing at the Northwest Recreation Complex, located at 3200 Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka, FMA will start its first round of games in Pool A against West Virginia on Friday, July 18 at 5 p.m. followed by games on July 19 at 10 a.m. against Georgia, and at 4 p.m. against North Carolina. Semi-final elimination games will take place the following day against the winning team in Pool B, which consists of Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
“As former mayor of this great city, I have most enjoyed witnessing not only the success of Fort Myers American but also the respectful conduct of its athletes displayed both on and off the field,” said former Fort Myers Mayor James Humphrey. “With the continued support of their parents and families cheering them on at every game, this group of young men have achieved the state’s highest honor, and I am proud to have them represent our city in the upcoming series.”
If FMA wins this series of tournament games, it will travel to Livermore, Cali., to compete in the Little League Intermediate World Series from July 29 through Aug. 4.
“Our kids overcame quite a bit to win this state title, being behind in three of the four games they played,” said Rick Johnston, FMA team manager. “This team of young athletes has a ton of heart to go along with their talent, and they fight all the way to the last out. We are honored to be in this position and look forward to representing the state of Florida in the Southeastern Regional Tournament for the right to move on to the Intermediate World Series.”
Formed in 1955, Fort Myers American Little League Baseball and Greater Fort Myers Little League Softball is the oldest league in Southwest Florida. It is home to than 120 county, district, sectional, state and regional titles, and is still the only Lee County league to compete in a World Series. Recently winning the first all-star baseball state title for FMA since 1981, the 50-70 Intermediate team has represented Section 6 in the state tournament for the past three years. The 50-70 Intermediate Division includes athletes ages 11 through 13 with the current team consisting of 11 boys, nine of which are 13 years old, and two of which are 12 years old.
