Because of COVID-19, there are no little league games being played through the City of Greenville’s Parks and Recreation Commission this summer. But, 10 Greenville little leaguers are getting a chance to play on the road. “We’ve been playing tournament ball in a league in Winona,” said Deatrin “Tick” Cooper, coach of the Greenville Braves 11- and 12-year-old team. “It has been a good experience for the kids, and it gives them a chance to keep doing what they are used to doing at this time of year.”
When the City of Greenville canceled its league play, it naturally put a damper on these youngsters’ summer. But, when it was discovered that there was a venue for this talented group to play over in Montgomery County, Coach Cooper had to get his squad together. “We put together a team of kids who already had experience playing and who were familiar with the game,” he said. “It was really important that our 12-year-olds got a chance to play because this is there last year in little league. Next year, they will be moving on to play against high school players. They were really disappointed when it looked like they wouldn’t be able to play, but it all changed when they found out about Winona.”
With the support of several parents and local sponsors, the Braves have been able to hit the road with great support and just concentrate on having fun and playing well. Cooper said that thus far, the Braves have broken even in league play. On Wednesday, his team took some fielding practice at Maude Bryan Park in preparation for the state tournament. “The whole state of Mississippi will be represented this weekend at the tournament,” Cooper said. “This is why we come out summer after summer and coach these kids. They get experience and exposure that helps them learn and develop.”
