13U MEMPHIS TRAVELERS

The Memphis Travelers are a competitive 13 year old team that is part of an organization that has 37 years of tradition. While baseball is a game, the organization strives to teach young men to have fun and learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for the game of baseball.

The 2008 roster includes nine returning players and four newcomers.  Ross Adams (P, C, OF), Josh Cooley (C, 1B, 3B), Garrett Copeland (P, 2B, SS, OF), Ryan Garner (P, 1B, OF), Chase Hamilton (P, 1B, OF), Evan Michael (P, 3B), Daniel Nordwall (P, SS, 2B, OF), Caleb Powell (P, C, 3B), and Jordan Rodgers (P, SS, 2B, OF) return from the 2007 team that posted a record of 59-11, winning eight tournament championships.  Three of their eleven losses came to teams in older age brackets.  Among the season highlights were a hard fought championship at the prestigious Battle in the South, the Super Series State Championship, a third place finish at Cooperstown, and a second place finish in the Super Series National Championship. 

Jordan Barnes (P, C, OF), Matt Bolton (2B, OF), Reed Matheney (P, C, 1B, OF), and John Wesley Ray (P, 1B, 3B) have joined the Travelers for the 2008 season.  Barnes and Bolton played with the Memphis Tigers last year while Matheney was a member of the Jackson Coyotes.  Ray, also a former Memphis Tiger, spent last season in the Tampa, FL area after his family relocated.  His family has returned to the Memphis area and he has joined the Travelers.   

The coaching staff includes three returning members:  Curtis Copeland, Jason Rodgers, and Brad Garner.  Joining the staff this year is Johnny Ray, former Southwest Tennessee Community College coach.

Many players on this team were part of the 10U team that won the Grand Slam World Series in 2005 as well as back to back 10U and 11U NABF World Classic Championships in 2005 and 2006.  Scheduling conflicts did not allow the Travelers to defend their NABF championship in 2007 but they will compete in the NABF World Classic Championship and the Super Series National Championship this season.  In addition, the 2008 schedule includes three USSSA Super NITs:  Atlanta, Birmingham, and Kansas City in an attempt to qualify for the USSSA Elite 24 World Series in Orlando.  The Travelers participated in the Elite 24 World Series in 2006 but did not attempt to qualify in the 2007 season. 

The pitching rotation will be deep with returning starters Chase Hamilton, Evan Michael and Caleb Powell leading the way.  Ryan Garner and Daniel Nordwall are returning from 2007 arm injuries, and newcomers Jordan Barnes, Reed Matheney, and John Wesley Ray add even more depth to the rotation.  Garrett Copeland and Jordan Rodgers will also see time on the mound. 

While this group of Memphis Travelers has a history of strong defensive play, the 2008 team will be looking for a little more “pop” from its offensive lineup.  Leading the way will be 2007 Elite 24 Offensive MVP Chase Hamilton (who was on loan to the Rocket City Stingers). The season looks promising as several other strong bats return and new additions provide more offensive fire power.

The Travelers will open the season March 14 at First Tennessee Fields in the St. Patrick’s Shamrock Showdown Super Series Qualifier.  Other dates on the 2008 schedule include the aforementioned USSSA Super NITs, tournaments at First Tennessee Fields in Cordova, TN, the West TN Sports Complex in Jackson, TN, and Snowden Grove in Southaven, MS.  One of the toughest tests of the season will be a trip to Marietta, GA to participate in the Elite Travel Classic April 18-20.

Keep up with the Memphis Travelers at www.leaguelineup.com/memphistravelers .

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