Oxford Majors: The road to state

By Kumira Mason

Oxford Majors 2006 All-Stars started their season on June 23, in Piedmont. Oxford was facing many obstacles and overcame every one of them to become the Sub-District 2 & 8 Champions.

Oxford was defeated by Cherokee Americans by a score of 6-5, and fell to the losers bracket early. Oxford then played Piedmont (the host team for Sub-District) and defeated them by a score of 11-2 where Cody Stewart hit one home run. Oxford then had to play Cherokee Americans again and defeated them by a score of 10-4 where Gary Mason, Jr. hit 2 home runs followed by Dion Hobdy and Zach Cunningham with 1. Oxford then advanced to play for the championship knowing that they would have to beat the team twice because they were undefeated, Oxford defeated Cherokee National in the first game by a score of 12-4 where Gary Mason and Zach Cunningham had one home run a piece, which forced another game to be played. Oxford defeated Cherokee National by a score of 6-3 to be crowned the Champions. Once Oxford left Piedmont headed home after being crowned the Champions our very own Police Department picked us up at China Luck and escorted us back to Oxford Lake with the lights on!!!!!!!!!!!

Oxford won the right to advance to the District Tournament which was held in Fort Payne. Head Coach Gary Mason said, “My boys will go up a day early to rest and then play ball.” Some parents and citizens asked the question, “Why?” what will they be doing?, Well in the world we are in today, you don’t ask your Coach what they are doing, you can’t ask a school coach questions like this. By playing ball all of his (Gary’s) life he understands what works for a team. Gary had these 13 guys bonding and loving one another, something some people didn’t understand. Parents would say, “This is the best group of 13 kids we have been around.”

Fort Payne Scores:
Oxford defeated Douglas 3-2 when Gary Mason hit one home run
Oxford lost to Cherokee National 6-5
Oxford defeated Mountaineers 2-1 when Gary Mason hit one home run, and Zach Cunningham hit one home run and the umpire took it away saying, “he didn’t touch home plate.” CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?????
Oxford lost to Cherokee National 5-1 for the Championship.

I guess Cherokee National decided that we let them take the Sub-District from us they can’t have the District too, because this is the first year they have become a part of our District ( 8 ). Oxford became the Runner Up in the District and advanced to Troy for the State Tournament (the first time ever in O-Zone League). After returning from Fort Payne Oxford Police Department picked us up at China Luck again, and Escorted us back to the Lake where we popped Fireworks.

Troy Story:
Oxford Majors All-Stars departed Oxford Lake Parking Lot at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 21, with a Police Escort on their way to Troy. Coach Gary Mason, thought it would be an excellent idea to stop at his old playing grounds which was Alabama State University. Gary called Coach Larry Watkins on Monday and told him he was coaching an 11-12 year old baseball team and they were headed for the State Tournament which was to be held in Troy and wanted to stop by for a Pep Talk. Coach Watkins said, “Sure.” The bus arrived on Alabama State Campus at 12:15 p.m. and the guys were excited. Coach Watkins gave them a short pep talk about their Coach Gary and gave each child two souvenirs: the first one was a Pencil which he said it was for “Education” and the second was an Alabama State University miniature wooden bat. The All-Stars got to see a couple of Pictures on Coach Watkins wall of their own Coach Gary Mason. Coach Watkins also feed the guys and we were back on the road again. Thank you Coach Watkins and the ASU Baseball Team!!

We arrived in Troy at 3:15 p.m., and checked into our hotel rooms and had to be at Troy University at 5:30 p.m. for opening ceremonies. We would like to say thank you to our Host Team Mom (Mrs. Deanne Baget from Troy) for being very helpful to us. The team boarded their bus and were on their way to Troy University and had a wonderful time at opening Ceremonies. Upon returning to their hotel rooms they are anxiously awaiting for tomorrow (Saturday, July 22), for their First State O-Zone Tournament Game vs Chelesa at 6 p.m. Oxford Majors have made HISTORY, this is the very first year that the O-ZONE League was created and they have made it to the State Playoffs.

The Ball Team, Coaches, and Parents would like to say, “Thanks to Mayor Leon Smith, the City Council and the Friendly City for all of their support.”

The State Tournament bracket can be found at www.troyrecreation.org and we will update you regularly.

Our Goal is to become State Champions and Advance to the World Series!!!!!