The 12U Ponte Vedra Thunder baseball team has been selected to play at Cooperstown All-Star Park.
The Thunder will compete against more than 75 other 12U teams from across the country during the week of June 3.
Cooperstown All-Star Village is a world-class family baseball resort located near the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The Thunder’s selection marks the first time that a team from the Ponte Vedra Athletic Association will make the pilgrimage to the birthplace of baseball.
“This will be an opportunity to compete against teams from across the country in a setting that celebrates the game of baseball,” said Thunder head coach Terrance Freeman, who previously coached for USA Baseball.
The team will compete in pool games for seating purposes on Sunday, June 3, Monday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 5, with a single elimination tournament beginning Wednesday, June 6.
Aside from the game action, the Thunder will participate in various skills competitions. During other free time, the boys will enjoy pin trading and playing various pickup games in the open fields with the other 100-plus teams. They also will have the opportunity to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The 12U Thunder consist of players from Ponte Vedra and surrounding areas. Participating players are Christian Baggs, Redlee Baggs, Jack Bishop, Cade Eidam, Jake Guarnera, Parker Gunnell, Ryan Hansen, Matty Hoag, Dominic Masto, Cole Mitchell, Doran Moore, Caden Napier and Ethan Yesensky.
Joining Freeman as coaches for this event are James Eidam, Dillion Hansen and Matt Masto.
Team fundraising efforts are ongoing, with proceeds aiding in players’ transportation to and from New York, as well as registration fees. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To donate or find out more information, contact Eidam at (904) 568-9651 or visit the team’s GoFundMe site at www.gofundme.com/pvthunder12u to donate directly.
