Americus Travelers 2006 16 and Under Summer Roster (Number Order)

NUMBER
PLAYER
POSITION
SCHOOL
COMMENTS
2
Howell White
Left Hand Pitcher / Outfield
Lee County High School

"Howell will solidify our pitching staff as well as our outfield. He has a strong arm, great speed and hits for average and with some "pop." We are hoping he can be a good lead off guy and set the table for us early in the game. We're glad to have Howell as part of the Travelers."
4
Chad Crook
Right Hand Pitcher / Utility
Schley County High School

"Chad is one of our relief guys on the mound and plays both infield and outfield. He handles the ball well and runs well. When you think about a guy who can help you in many different areas, Chad is that guy!"
6
Will Webb
Right Hand Pitcher / Shortstop
Southland Academy

"Will is as good a shortstop as we have had in our program. He has tremendous range, a strong arm, and his footwork around the bag is amazing. He was one of our leaders in batting average last season, and we're hoping the hot bat continues in 2006."
8
Michael Swain
Right Hand Pitcher / Second Base
Tri-County High School

"Michael is one of our starters on the mound and plays a great middle infield as well. Offensively, he has good power and hits for a high average. He's a gamer and I'm proud to go to battle with him. He won our "Bobby Ryals Leadership Award" last year, and is truly a vocal leader as well as someone who leads by example."
9
Adam Fussell
Catcher
Southland Academy

"Adam made great strides defensively last season and could be the best we have ever had at the catcher's position. He works hard, has good footwork, a strong arm, and reads hitters well. He struggled offensively in 2005 but has worked hard in the off season and had a great school season."
10
Fuller Timmerman
Right Hand Pitcher / Third Base
Southland Academy

"Fuller hits with power and for average. He has good foot speed and will be counted on to score and drive in runs. Defensively, he is solid and will see time at both third and in the outfield. On the mound, he will be one of our weekday starters and a weekend relief guy. He's a great kid with a good work ethic."
11
Sean Kobs
Outfield
Southland Academy

"Sean is a long, lanky outfielder with great speed and a strong arm. He's a threat any time he gets on base. He'll see time in all three outfield spots this summer. I really like the way he handles the bat in bunting situations, in hit-n-run situations, and in the clutch. He thrives on pressure."
12
Miles Lee
Right Hand Pitcher / Utility
Southwest Georgia Academy

"Miles gives us added depth at the two middle infield and all outfield positions. He swings a good bat, and is one of our fastest guys on the team. His versatility will ensure him plenty of playing time.
15
Chandler Holloway
Right Hand Pitcher / First Base
Southland Academy

"Chandler is solid defensively, hits the ball with good power and runs well for a big guy. He "picks" the ball out of the dirt extremely well and is a great team attitude guy. We need for Chandler to drive in runs in the middle of our lineup. He led our club in homeruns last summer.
16
Caleb Cochran
Left Hand Pitcher / Outfield
Americus-Sumter High School

"Caleb was our ace on the mound in 2005 and we look for him to be one of our starters in 2006. He's got good command of his fastball and hits his spots really well. His off speed stuff is good and he also swings a hot bat. In the outfield, he gives our team a good glove and strong arm."
19
Will Gordon
Third Base / Catcher
Schley County High School

"Will is a good catcher and splits time there with Fussell. He will also split time at third base with Fuller and may see some time as a designated hitter. He hits with a lot of power and also carries a high average. He keeps our dugout loose with his sense of humor.
22
Jess Alexander
Right Hand Pitcher / First Base
Southland Academy

"Jess is a big, strong right hander with a good fastball and better than average breaking ball. He has made big strides in the past year and is coming into this season on a high note. He plays a good first base and has the potential to hit with power."


Head Coach:   Tim Estes
Assistant Coach:   Chip Langston
Assistant Coach:   Stephen Gordon

2006 16 and Under Summer Baseball Schedule


DATE(S)
OPPONENT
# GAMES
TIME
LOCATION
May 24
Vienna Post 202 Junior
One
5:30 p.m.
Bell Stadium
May 24
Georgia Avalanche
One
8:30 p.m.
Bell Stadium
May 26 - 28
Memorial Day Tournament
TBA
TBA
Albany - Eames Park
May 30
MSA Athletics
1 - 7 inn
6:30 p.m.
Bell Stadium
June 2 - 4
Travelers Weekend Challenge
TBA
TBA
Georgia Southwestern & Bell Stadium
June 6
MSA Athletics
1 - 7 inn
6:30 p.m.
Leesburg, Georgia
June 8 - 9
AAU Division II 16 & Under State Tournament
TBA
TBA
Marietta, Georgia
June 13
Dooly County High
1 - 7 inn
6:30 p.m.
TBA
June 15 - 17
Parkview Summer Shootout
TBA
TBA
Metro Atlanta
June 20
Georgia Avalanche
1 - 7 inn
6:00 p.m.
Bell Stadium
June 23 - 25
Gameday Baseball Open
TBA
TBA
Memphis, Tennessee
June 27
Albany Post 30-B
1 - 7 inn
6:00 p.m.
Eames Complex - Albany
June 29
Vienna Post 202 Jr
1 - 7 inn
6:00 p.m.
Bell Stadium
June 30
Blakely Post 11
1 - 7 inn
6:30 p.m.
Early County High (Blakely, Georgia)
July 7 - 9
4th of July Tournament
TBA
TBA
Albany - Eames Park
July 14 - 21
AAU 16U Div. II World Series
TBA
TBA
Disney World of Sports

Recaps Section



MAY 24 - VIENNA POST 202 JUNIOR / GEORGIA AVALANCHE

The Americus Travelers 16 & Under Baseball Club swept their opening night double header on Wednesday. In Game 1: Jess Alexander and Caleb Cochran combined to throw a four hitter in the Travs 8 - 2 win over Vienna Post 202. In Game 2: Michael Swain and Howell White combined to toss a three hit, 1 - 0 victory over the Georgia Avalanche. The 2 & 0 Travelers will begin play in the Albany Memorial Day Tournament on Friday at 3:00.

COACH ESTES COMMENTS: " Our Pitchers looked good tonight, especially to be this early in the summer. Defensively we were solid. We've got to hit the baseball better as a team if we expect to win on a higher level. We had some bright spots at the plate. Miles Lee, Chad Crook, Caleb Cochran, Michael Swain and Chandler Holloway all hit the ball hard at times. We just have to hit in combinations. I was especially pleased with the way Fussell threw the ball from the catchers position too. We're looking forward to tournament play this weekend and hopefully we can string some hits together and win a few games."


MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT (ALBANY)

The Travelers swept a pair of games in the opening day of the Albany Memorial Day Tournament defeating Vienna Post 202 by a score of 6 - 2. Caleb Cochran went the distance on the mound allowing only 2 runs on six hits, striking out 8 and walking 5. Michael Swain carried the hot bat with a pair of hits. In Game two, the Travs beat a good Albany A's team by the score of 8 - 5. Michael Swain picked up the win on the mound striking out 6 and walking only 2. Caleb Cochran and Howell White both pounded out three hits in the 12 hit win.

COACH ESTES COMMENTS: " Starting the tournament 2 - 0 is great but we've still got a ways to go. I thought Caleb and Swain threw the ball extremely well tonight. Those guys are go-getters. I was really pleased with the way we hit the baseball in game two, we had twelve hits by seven different people. We need to keep up that kind of offensive pressure. We executed our bunting game to perfection and that really makes us tough to beat. Our kids played with poise in a tough situation in game two and answered the bell every time. I hope we can come out tommorrow and carry this momentum into games 3 & 4. "


MAY 27 - MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT (ALBANY)

The Travelers battled back from a 10 - 4 defecit to defeat Albany Post 30 by a 11 - 10 score in the final game of pool play in the Albany Memorial Day Tournament. Howell White was the starting pitcher, going 3 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits. Will Webb then went to the mound for two innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits. Once the lead was gained, Caleb Cochran came in to slam the door in the final inning, giving up no runs on one hit and striking out the final batter of the game. Americus belted out 11 hits, with Caleb Cochran and Will Webb each getting two apeice. The win gave the Travelers the #1 seed going into championship play at 8:30 against Blakely Post 11.

In Game 2, Chad Crook was dominate on the mound, tossing a 4 hitter, giving up only one run as Americus cruised to a 10 - 1 victory. The Travs blasted 13 hits. Adam Fussell was the offensive leader with three hits, Will Gordon, Howell White and Caleb Cochran added two apeice. The win sends the local 16 & Under squad to the semi finals on Sunday at 1:00 against Vienna 202 for the 3rd time this week. A win in the semis will see the Travelers playing either the Albany A's or Troy, Alabama.

COACH ESTES COMMENTS: " In game one, I was really impressed with how our team handled being down. We stayed poised and fought through some adversity to scrape out a win. Offensively we did fine, we just had a tough game on the mound, but the bottom line is we battled through it and got a win. In game two, we were just totally dominant. Chad Crook threw a great game. He's really gotten better! We made some terrific defensive plays and as a team, we hit and hit and kept on hitting. That's the kind of baseball we can play when we're clicking on all cylinders. It's tough to beat anyone three times in a row but that's what we've got to do against Vienna 202 on Sunday. They play hard and both of their coaches are former Travelers so they know how to win. We've got to come out focused and do whatever it takes to get into the championship game. I think it says alot that 3 of the final four teams were in our pool!"


MAY 28 - MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT (ALBANY)

The Americus Travelers went into Sunday's playoff round of the Albany Memorial Day Tournament undefeated at 4 & 0. In the semi final round, Americus matched up for the second time with Vienna Post 202. Jess Alexander started on the mound and went 2 2/3 innings before Chandler Holloway came in to close out the remainder of the game. The two combined to allow 6 runs on 10 hits, walking 7 and striking out 2 but the Travelers bats propelled them to a 11 - 6 win. Offensively, Americus had seven players with one hit each in the win.

This victory catapulted the undefeated Travelers into the championship game against the Albany A's who had defeated Troy Alabama in the other semi final 10 - 2. In the 90+ degree heat, Americus would use three pitchers; Caleb Cochran, Chad Crook and Michael Swain. These three pitchers combined to allow 4 runs on 7 hits, struck out 2 and walked 2. With one out in the top of the seventh, the Travelers lead 3 - 2. Michael Swain walked Trey Lanndeneau, Michael Mathews singled and and the runners moved up on a ground out to the second baseman. Taylor Howell of Lee County High School then poked a single into center to score the tying and go ahead run. Americus couldn't manage to get a run across in the bottom half of the inning and lost the championship game 4 - 3.

The Travelers finished the tournament 5 & 1 and are currently 7 & 1 overall. They are back in action on Tuesday at Bell Stadium at 6:30 against the M.S.A. Athletics of Leesburg. Then on Friday - Sunday, June 2 - 4, the inaugural Travelers Weekend Challenge Tournament will begin at 1:00 on Friday at both GSW and Bell Stadium.

Coach Estes Comments: "I was really pleased with our kids efforts this weekend. We played hard in some extreme heat and played well. We always go into every tournament with the goal of winning a championship, so 2nd place is a bit sour right now but overall, we don't want to overlook the fact that we really played good. It'll be good to have a day of rest and then we'll get back at it on Tuesday. Our crowds were very supportive and I can't tell you how much that means to us. If this group will continue to work at it, they can be something special".


TRAVELERS WEEKEND CHALLENGE - JUNE 2-4

The Americus Travelers went a perfect 5-0 in the Weekend Challenge tournament, held in Americus at both Georgia Southwestern State University and at Bell Stadium. On Friday, June 2, the orange and navy pride started things off strong with a 13-0 shutout over Northside High of Columbus. Winning pitcher was Will Webb. The Travelers posted 14 hits in the game. In Friday's nightcap, the Travelers won against the Americus Avalanche, 10-0. The game went scoreless for the first four frames. Winning pitcher was Michael Swain.

On Saturday, the Travelers defeated Albany Post 30 "B", 5-3. Winning pitcher was Chad Crook, who allowed seven hits, walked a pair and fanned five. Later that day, the locals won against Chattahoochee County High School, 11-0, in five innings. Jess Alexander took the win on the mound; the Travelers pounded out 16 hits.

In Sunday's Championship game, the Travelers once again went against Albany Post 30 "B" and won a 11-0 shutout. Americus posted 13 hits in the contest. Winning pitcher was Caleb Cochran.


MSA ATHLETICS - JUNE 6

The Americus Travelers 16 & Under team avenged an earlier loss on Tuesday as they slugged their way past the MSA Athletics by the score of 12 - 6. Chandler Holloway pitched five innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, striking out 3 and walking 2. Jess Alexander pitched the sixth inning and Chad Crook finished things off in the 7th. Will Webb was the offensive hero with three hits, a single a double and a triple. Chandler Holloway and Sean Kobs contributed two hits each. The Travelers are now 13 & 2 overall going into the AAU State Tournament this weekend at East Cobb. On Thursday, Americus will face off against Homeplate and the East Cobb Grays.

Coach Estes Comments: "We hit the ball really well tonight, a carry over from a good weekend at the tournament. I just hope we can bring that momentum into the State Tournament. We're a really good defensive team right now. If our pitchers can be around the strike zone and we can continue to hit the baseball, I like our chances this weekend."


JUNE 8 - AAU STATE TOURNAMENT, MARIETTA

The Americus Travelers won the AAU Division II 16 & Under State Championship on Thursday at the East Cobb Baseball Complex. In game 1: Michael Swain pitched six innings, Howell White pitched the final inning as the Travelers defeated the Homeplate Dawgs by a score of 5 - 4. In game 2: Caleb Cochran went the distance on the mound as the Travs defeated the East Cobb Grays 7 - 6. The two wins mean that the Travelers are the top Division II team in the Georgia AAU Division II. On Friday, Americus advances to the overall tournament semi finals where they will square off against a Division I opponent. The Travelers will represent Georgia in the AAU Division II National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.


JUNE 9 - AAU STATE TOURNAMENT, MARIETTA

The Travelers lost to the East Cobb Astros, 15 - 0, and to the Southside Legends, 7 - 6.


JUNE 15-17 - PARKVIEW SUMMER SHOOTOUT, ATLANTA

The Travelers bats exploded to life in the annual Parkview Shootout in Atlanta (there were over 100 teams in this tournament). The team went 4 & 1 on the weekend. On Thursday, the Travs played flawless baseball in the opener to defeat the Centennial Knights (Coached by former Travelers head coach; Billy Nicholson), 9 - 6. Chad Crook went 6 2/3 innings before Caleb Cochran slammed the door for the win. Cochran went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles. Michael Swain and Will Gordon each had two hits. On Thursday night, Americus fell 6 - 4 to Lee County. Swain struggled on the mound through 3 innings and Will Webb finished the game strong on the hill. Cochran had a pair of hits; Gordon, Webb, and Adam Fussell each contributed one.

On Friday, the Travelers bounced back behind ace lefty Caleb Cochran's one hitter to defeat Collins Hill, 10 - 0, in five innings. Another highlight in this game was Sean Kobs "mammoth" grand slam home run! Kobs and Webb each had three hits. On Saturday morning, Americus made quick work of Tatnall Square Academy's JV squad by defeating them 15 - 0 in 4 innings. Michael Swain rebounded for a win on the mound. Kobs and Gordon contributed three hits, Webb and Swain had two each, and Cochran and Jess Alexander both had one. In the final game of the tournament, Americus blasted Duluth High School 19 - 4 in four innings. Alexander had a good outing on the mound. For the weekend, eleven of the twelve Travelers posted hits (there were 20 total) and many posted multiple hits. Chandler Holloway and Fuller Timmerman led with three hits. Swain, Gordon, Fussell, Miles Lee, and Kobs each had two. Cochran and Crook both had one hit.
  • Will Gordon - 10 - 17
  • Caleb Cochran - 8 - 14
  • Sean Kobs - 7 - 12
  • Will Webb - 7 - 16
  • Michael Swain - 6 - 17
  • Adam Fussell - 5 - 13
  • Chandler Holloway - 4 - 11
  • Miles Lee - 3 - 10
  • Fuller Timmerman - 3 - 11
  • Jess Alexander - 2 - 8
  • Chad Crook - 1 - 8

Coach Estes Comments: "I was really pleased with the way we hit the baseball this weekend. It is my hope that we can continue to swing the bats this well. Our pitchers were great! Swain struggled early in the tournament but bounced back to throw a terrific game later. Chad Crook had another good outing. Jess looked better than he has all year. Caleb looked even better than usual and Will Webb looked good. We are definitely getting better. We didn't play all that bad against Lee County, we just didn't hit in combinations and they made plays - no excuses here! I was proud for Sean Kobs. He was hot all weekend and a grand slam at any level is special. We got to play in some really nice parks and that was fun. I especially want to thank Coach Nicholson and the people at Centennial for opening their facilities up to us.

A lot of credit for our offensive turn around should go to Coach Langston and Coach Gordon. They put in some great work with our kids Saturday morning that really paid off. We're fortunate to have two guys who can teach the game like they can!

The competition level wasn't as strong as I expected but hey, we've got to play hard and smart no matter who we're facing, and for the most part we did just that. I'm proud of the way our kids handled themselves on and off the field. Now we've got to get ready for Memphis!"


JUNE 23-25 - GAMEDAY OPEN TOURNAMENT - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

The Travelers went 1-3 in this tournament. They began the tournament with a 2-1 loss after an error kept the sixth inning alive, leading to a two-run home run from Team Arkansas. Howell White allowed three hits, walked six, and struck out five. In game #2, they lost 7-3, allowing six unearned runs. Michael Swain scattered six and struck out four.

Game 3: Americus defeated the U.A. Athletic Wizards from Anderson, Indiana, 7-6. In their final matchup, they lost to the Franklin Vipers of Tennessee, 7-3. Caleb Cochran allowed eight hits and struck out five.



JULY 7-9 - 4TH OF JULY TOURNAMENT - ALBANY, GEORGIA

The Travelers went 2-1-2 in the 4th of July Tournament at the Paul Eames Complex in Albany, Georgia. Below are results:
  • Travelers, 3 - Albany Post 30 B, 1: Will Webb drove in the winning score.

  • Travelers, 1 - Dawsonville Post 247 JV, 1: Jess Alexander had Americus' lone run batted in.

  • Travelers, 11 - Duluth Post 251 JV, 11: The Travs gave up six runs in the initial inning before scoring seven in the sixth to knot the contest (Fuller Timmerman's squeeze bunt tied the score at that point). Howell White went 4-for-4 with a double and a pair drove in. Michael Swain contributed two RBIs.

  • Travelers, 9 - Americus Avalanche, 3

  • Albany A's, 4 - Travelers, 3: Caleb Cochran and Will Webb pitched in this game. Cochran contributed a pair of hits.


JULY 14-20 - AAU 16 AND UNDER NATIONALS - DISNEY WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX

Here are the results of the AAU Nationals Tournament, held in Florida:
  • Travelers, 5 - West Coast Rattlers, 0: Pitcher Caleb Cochran allowed five hits. Howell White and Michael Swain posted a pair of hits each.
  • Houston Miracles, 4 - Travelers, 1: Swain pitched the initial four frames. He also had a hit in the game, as did Will Webb and Chandler Holloway.
  • Travelers, 4 - Cincinnati Sharks, 1: White allowed a solo run on six hits and fanned seven. He also contributed a trio of hits, while Swain, Webb, and Adam Fussell had a pair each.
  • Travelers, 5 - Sumter County Warriors, 4: Chad Crook took the win on the mound; Webb had the save. In the bottom of the seventh with the contest in a 4-4 knot, Swain drove in the winning run as he was hit by a pitch.
  • West Coast Rattlers, 3 - Travelers, 2
  • Hamlin Park All Stars, 7 - Travelers, 0
  • West Coast Rattlers, 5 - Travelers, 2:
The Americus Travelers wound up 5th in the nation in 16 and Under AAU. The team has won an automatic berth into next year's national tournament as a result of placing in the top five. Also, our congratulations to both Adam Fussell and Michael Swain for AAU All American Tournament team honors.

The Travelers finish their 2006 campaign with a 29-13-2 worksheet.


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