13U RBI Red Wings

A virtual unknown amongst the Elite teams might be the first thing that comes to mind when you see the name RBI Red Wings.  But you soon come to realize the team has been on the scene for several years now - known as the Pittsburgh Wild Things. 2008 brings a new chapter to the team as the organization and the leadership changes.  Coach HB Mertz has retired and turned over the organization to his partner James Barton, and the team to Head Coach Bob Corrigan. The RBI Red Wings Organization, which hails from the South Hills of Pittsburgh and is led by James Barton, has highly competitive teams ranging from age 10U-18U.  

Their past accomplishments are remarkable for a homegrown team from Western Pennsylvania. The first team from the state of Pennsylvania to participate in the 9U Open World Series in St. Louis, they were quickly on the scene, placing 12^th out of 72 teams. At 10U, they were the # 1 AAA team in the country according to the USSSA Power Ranking, placing 4^th overall at the USSSA AAA World Series in Southaven.  In 2006 - at 11U, they set their sights on the Elite 24 and earned their berth. The team had a good start in the Elite 24, winning their first two games in bracket play. They came up short in the end, and tied for 9^th place.

2007 proved to be a good year for the team as they won several championships, including Ripken’s Opening Day Tournament, the Northeast Super NIT, Triple Crown’s Battle on the Border and the Morgantown Marathon, as well as Pittsburgh’s own Battle in the Burgh and the West Virginia  favorite, the Beast of the East.  In Disney for the 2^nd time, they again faced the best competition, won 3 games and tied for 9^th place. Although they came up short of their goal of placing in the final 4, they are hungry to return for a 3^rd run.

In 2008, the team is led by veteran pitchers Logan Corrigan (LHP) and Ben Nolan (RHP). Completing the pitching rotation are Nick Yobbi, Dom Fazio and Dakota Forsyth.   Michael Fetchet, Carter Grote and Troy Schoeppner, along with new members Brett DiCello and Matt Loether, round out the lineup.  Ben Mertz will also be part of the roster. With a solid combination of talent and experience, this team expects 2008 will be their year to make it to the next level.

The RBI Red Wings define their success by being able to play and compete with the best teams in the country, respecting all of the Elite teams and their accomplishments.  They plan to be in attendance at many of the best tournaments in 2008 with the ultimate goal of returning to the Elite 24. Expect to see them at several of the USSSA Super NITs – Charlotte, Allentown and Michigan. The team also looks forward to the Battle in the South, the MSA NIT, the Cincy Flames BCS Regional and the Freedom Classic as they plan to “take everything and give up nothing”.

www.eteamz.active.com/rbiredwings13uelite

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