A Father’s Playbook
Corey Schultz stepped onto the diamond in Marion as the head coach of the ACBA All-Stars, leading the squad through the Pinto 8U International Baseball Classic. The tournament, held over several days in early July, gave Schultz a chance to share his lifelong love of baseball with his two sons, Tanner and Carter, who were integral members of the roster.
The All-Stars opened the competition with a 10‑7 loss to a team from Santa Cruz, Aruba, but quickly rebounded with a 20‑4 victory over the Carbondale All-Stars. A perfect 3‑0 stretch on July 11, highlighted by a win against a side from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, showcased the team’s resilience, though a subsequent defeat to the Jackson Tribe from Missouri on July 12 ended their run in the Gold Division quarterfinals.
Schultz, a former player and coach who was inducted into the CSBL Hall of Fame earlier this year, emphasized the importance of pride in performance and the memories forged on the field. He hopes the players will look back fondly on the tournament, cherishing both the competition and the camaraderie that defined their experience.
Beyond the scores, the event served as a community gathering, bringing together families, local supporters, and volunteers from across the region. For Schultz, the weekend was as much about the relationships built as it was about the games played, a sentiment echoed by the players and their parents.