Hudson Timmerman threw a no-hitter in the title game

13U stars state champs

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee 13U all-stars are your 2023 Alabama Babe Ruth League state champions. The ballers did it in front of the home crowd on Saturday at Tallassee's Southside Field.

Tallassee hosted all three age divisons of the state tournament with the youngest group taking the title trophy in a sweep of Sylacauga 11-1 (5) and 12-1 (5).

Saturday's championship win included a stellar performance from Hudson Timmerman.

Timmerman went the distance on the mound striking out eight and walking three in five innings. He also hurled a no-hitter. He had a perfect game through the first three innings. In addition, Timmerman was 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs.

Jaden Griggs also drove in two giving Tallassee the early lead in the first with a single. Tallassee's big inning came in the five-run fifth. Braylon Rigsby and Kaleb Gillespie had the Tigers' other hits.

Most of the damage came by way of walks. Sylacauga walked 13 Tallassee batters. The day before in game one of the series, Sylacauga walked 12.

State Champs (kneeling, left to right): Jaden Griggs, Braxton Lemley, Branton Griffith, Kole Burton, Grayson Hammonds. Standing (left to right): Coach Pat Love, Whit Creswell, Coach Robbie Ellis, Clay Price, Hamp Love, Walker Boles, Hudson Timmerman, Braylon Rigsby, Coach Abe Rigsby, Kaleb Gillespie, Coach Tommy Burton.

In Friday's victory, Timmerman, Kole Burton and Walker Boles had hits. Boles got the win on the hill with three innings of scoreless ball. He allowed just one hit with seven strikeouts and no walks. Griggs threw three innings of relief striking out four and walking one.

"I'm excited to have a state championship for our town," said 13U manager Tommy Burton. "I'm proud of the group of boys I have. They take it seriously and have fun doing it. All of our success is from their hard work."

Burton gave credit to his assistants Abe Rigsby, Robbie Ellis and THS softball coach Pat Love.

"Advanced instruction with Coach Love contributes to our success. His practices are fast and correct. He's been a blessing to have on staff for years now."

Tallassee advances as the state champ for the Southwest Regional in Camden, Ark. Play begins July 20. If Tallassee can win it, it will qualify for the World Series to be held in Stafford County, Va. beginning Aug. 4.

"Tallassee baseball is still strong and hopefully we will get to show our talent in Arkansas," Burton added.

Brody Smith picked up a coupld of 'dubs' on the bump

Tallassee's other state tourney participant, the 15U all-stars, came up short in its quest for a second state championship for the hometown host on the same day. Opp knocked off the purple and gold 8-6 for the crown.

Tallassee jumped out to a 2-0 first-inning advantage after Bradley Smith's single scored Mason Henderson and Patrick Ernest's sacrifice fly scored Brody Smith. Tallassee led 3-0 after Xander Johnston's sac fly brought Avery Brantley home, but Opp answered with two of their own in the bottom of the second.

With Tallassee ahead 4-3 in the fifth, Opp broke out with a five spot to grab its first lead - a lead they would not relinquish.

The Tigers added two to make it 8-6 in the sixth on an RBI-single by Bradley Smith and another run-scoring hit from Abram Whittington.

After Hunter Denham opened the seventh with a walk, Tallassee's comeback was foiled by a couple of diving gap grabs by centerfielder Talan Wicker off the bats of Brody Smith and Jack Butler. Butler took the loss for Tallassee allowing five earned runs in six innings of work.

Tallassee finished the tournament with a 3-2 record in the eight-team field with wins over Grand Bay (5-1), Brewton (10-4) and Atmore (10-4) and losses to Monroeville (14-3) and Opp in the final (8-6). Brody Smith went 2-0 in his starts. Whittington also picked up a victory.

"The kids played really hard all weekend," said 15U skipper Tommy Wisener. "I'm really proud of them. I just hate that they came up a couple of runs short."

Burton applauded the strong runs by both teams.

"There used to be a saying that the road to a state championship comes through Tallassee. That was true for both teams this week. Our Babe Ruth League is strong to come out with a championship and a runner-up."

The 14U champion was Bay Minette, who beat Sylacauga 12-8. Tallassee Babe Ruth League president Robbie Ellis said the tournament overall was a big success.

"We didn't hear any negative responses. I think we're going to benefit financially. The high school baseball program will too. The people spent money in the city. It was a win-win."

PHOTOS: Tallassee Babe Ruth 15U State Tournament (Submitted by Kyle Thornton)
PHOTOS: Tallassee Babe Ruth 13U State Tournament
PHOTOS: Tallassee Babe Ruth 15U State Tournament