State Championship Victory
The Phenix City U‑12 baseball team clinched the state championship on July 15, defeating the Alabama‑based Coosa All‑Stars 9‑3 in a hard‑fought final. The victory secured a spot for the squad in the Southeast Little League tournament in Warner Robins, Georgia, where they will face eight other state champions.
Coach Case Rasmus, who has guided the team through a season of growth, notes that this year’s group is more experienced, faster and stronger than the one that fell early in last year’s regional play. He emphasizes that the players are eager to test their mettle against new opponents and to learn from each game.
Road to the Southeast Regional
The upcoming tournament, scheduled for August 6‑11, will open with a matchup against the North Carolina champions, a game that will be streamed live on ESPN. The schedule promises intense competition, but Rasmus sees it as an opportunity for the players to push through adversity and deepen their understanding of teamwork.
Fundraising has become a cornerstone of the journey. A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover travel, uniforms and equipment has attracted $680 toward a $1,500 goal, a modest sum that reflects the community’s willingness to support the young athletes. Rasmus says the campaign also helps the team maintain connections with local supporters.
Beyond the scoreboard, the coach hopes the experience will teach the boys the value of community engagement and empathy. By traveling together and sharing challenges, the team aims to emerge not only as better players but also as more connected citizens.