MELROSE, FL (352today.com) – The people of Melrose are beaming with pride.
People from the little town in Alachua County made some big noise, with more than just the crack of the bat on the weekend of July 13 and 14 in Live Oak, Florida.
They took home two state titles in the Babe Ruth League baseball championship, winning the 14 and under and 13 and under categories. It’s an accomplishment that would make George Herman Ruth proud.
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However, it’s not the first time Melrose has won a state title. They also took home a championship in 2022, but this year was twice as nice.
“Melrose is a very small town,” said Dustin Williams, 13U coach. He’s celebrating his first championship, after serving as a coach for eight years. “We have a little pool to choose from compared to the other cities.”
In all, Melrose sent three teams to the tournament. They also fielded a 16U squad.
The program’s consistency continues to produce outstanding results. Parents say it’s a testimony to the baseball coaches who compose the staff. Dale Yarbrough won his second state title with the 14U team, adding to his resume which includes that championship in 2022.
“The players on the two teams that won the titles have been together for so long, since tee ball,” said Williams. He’s been the baseball commissioner for the Melrose Youth Sports Association for the past two years.
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Williams says the 13U team has a David and Goliath quality about them. They’ve overcome what seems impossible on the field.
“My 13U team went out and played 16-year-old teams and we won the Small League Invitational in June,” said Williams. “My team is special for sure.”
The 13U team is in Tallahassee this week to compete in the 2024 Southeast Regional Babe Ruth League tournament and the 14U team’s tournament is being played in Ocala. Both teams are scheduled to play on Thursday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
