By Ernest Hooper, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
NORTH TAMPA — Joel Brewer says he took thousands of pictures, not so he could remember how the North Tampa Pony Bronco-11 team performed this summer, but so his son Joel Jr. could share the memories with his children.
What Brewer's grandchildren will hear is how a group of 11-year-olds pulled together to overcome wicked heat, cross-country travel and incredible opponents to win the Pony 2011 Bronco-11 World Series.
Guided by head coach Jay Recher, North Tampa won three tournaments in Florida, Texas and Virginia, posted 14 consecutive victories and outscored its opposition 149-30. They wrapped up the title last weekend with a 13-8 victory over a team from Torrance, Calif., in the World Series championship game in Richmond, Va.
From all accounts, it was a true team effort. Defensively, players rotated to different positions but seldom committed errors. At the plate, the lineup produced from the No. 1 hitter to the No. 9 hitter.
"The thing that really made them special is it's a real family-oriented team," said Recher, who noted some of the players had been together since they were 8. "We've been working since January to achieve this goal. There's a special bond not only between the players but between the families."
Allan Gutcher, whose son Daniel played on the team, said the most important aspect may have been how the players never got down and always found a way to pick each other up in tough situations.
"They had great camaraderie," Gutcher said. "They really were no major studs. They all played well together. Just watching them is a great example of how well-coached they are. They played the fundamentals and they didn't get discouraged."
Keeping a positive attitude was never more important than it was in the championship game. Macguire Weaver's throwing error allowed Torrance to tie the game 8-8 in the sixth inning. But Weaver atoned with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the frame that sparked a five-run rally.
Joel Brewer retired the side in order in the seventh to seal the championship. Weaver was named the MVP and officials immediately took his jersey so they could place it in the Pony Hall of Fame in Washington, Pa.
Luckily, they have pictures of the jersey.
A lot of pictures.
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