‘Call of a lifetime,’ Blountstown gets second chance at World Series

BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla. ( WMBB ) — The Blountstown Ozone All-Stars baseball team was given the ultimate second chance with a sport in the World Series.

The All-Stars were rolling in the postseason. They survived a competitive district to make it to the state championship final. In that final series, Blountstown fell to Avon Park.

“It was a pretty close game and we almost had it,” Ridge Smith said. “But we fell.”

It was a heartbreaking ending. With six players aging out, it was over for the team.

“It was a tough moment to get to come so close and not be able to win, but we feel like we’ve got that second chance again,” All-Stars head coach Travis Smith said.

Two weeks after the season ended, coach Smith got an unexpected call. One of the teams set to play in the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series backed out. Blountstown had two hours to accept the offer.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t turn down,” Smith said.

Of course, it was a unanimous decision for the players and parents.

“We feel like we’ve been given more of a chance, so we want to work even harder and give it our all,” All-Star player Drayton Hayes said.

The gift has given the players some extra motivation as they prepare for their World Series redemption tour.

“I think being so close, helps give you that fire inside,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of motivation there.”

Just making it to Bossier City is not enough. This team is coming in with something to prove.

“We want to know who we are when we leave there,” Smith said. “We’re not just going down there to participate and just be another name in the bracket.”

It’s a historic season, as they’ve made it to the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series for the first time.

“It’s something they’ll never forget,” Smith said. “I want people in Louisiana to remember who we were.”

Almost half of the Ozone All-Stars have been teammates since they first picked up a bat. Some have shared the diamond for the last seven years. That group was named by coach Smith, “the core four.” For those players, the World Series is the last ride with the team.

“Those younger years have helped them mold into what they’re able to accomplish now as 12-year-olds,” Smith said. “The foundation was laid when they were six and seven years old.”

The goal for this team is to play on the last day, in the championship game.

“It’ll be nice to win it all,” All-Star player Owen Beck said. “We have the chance.”

The team will start the drive to Bossier City, Louisiana on Wednesday, June 24.

The team is still fundraising for the trip. Below is the information to donate.

Venmo: @TeamFLORIDA-WorldSeries

The team will be at the Walmart in Marianna on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 fundraising as well.

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