by Jamie Mercer

The Germantown Giants ended their 2008 season on a high note, winning the 9U division on July 4 at the NABF World Classic in Southaven, Miss.

Head coach Rudy Watkins has compiled a 115-38 record in his three years with the team. This season he was assisted by former Mississippi State University catcher Eddie Lyons and former University of Memphis shortstop Corey Glass.

"We play for the love of the game," Watkins said. "Also, we’re a Christian team, so we give all the glory to God.

"Our biggest struggle this year was to get our kids to play with passion, and not come out and just walk through the motions," he added. "I think we achieved that this year."

Watkins credits the unity of the players, coaches and parents for the Giants’ 40-10 record in 2008.

"These kids have been together for three years or better," Watkins said. "We’ve got an experienced group of coaches and a great group of parents.

"A lot of the credit goes to the conduct of our players and parents," he continued. "We didn’t have one single (negative) issue all year."

Unity was an important issue, considering the fact that the Giants traveled this season to compete in tournaments as far away as Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Colorado. Because most of his players come from the Memphis area, Watkins said it’s easier to keep his team focused – even during the off-season.

The roster includes:

Terrell Tatum, a lefty, is "the best outfielder in nine-year-old baseball," according to Watkins. The team’s lead-off hitter, Tatum recorded a .450 average;

Steve East, another lefthander, is the Giants’ No. 2 hitter. Watkins said East "has a really good bat" and is a strength in the infield;

Josh Rucker, Germantown’s catcher, has been playing competitive baseball since he was five-years-old. This season he recorded a .400 average as a hitter;

Bridges Tipton, an infielder/outfielder, is the team’s No. 2 pitcher. In 2008 he compiled an 8-2 record;

Ben Glass, who hit .375 on the year, is "an excellent athlete and the best third baseman in these parts," according to Watkins;

Jack Martin, first base, came out of the local recreational league to play for the Giants. In his first year on the squad, Martin had four game-winning hits;

Zack Genereaus, a catcher/second baseman, is "a great athlete and the fastest kid in Shelby County (Memphis)," Watkins said;

John Lyons, an outfielder, also completed his first year in competitive baseball. "He’s a good outfielder who helped us out a lot," Watkins said;

Braden Gutton, a second baseman/outfielder, has been with the Giants for the past three seasons. He’s been great," Watkins said of his team’s No. 3 pitcher; and

Riley Watkins, a pitcher/shortstop with a .600 batting average, a 62 mile-per-hour pitch and a 15-2 record on the mound. "He’s probably the best player on the team," his father/coach said.

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