2007 Americus Travelers Preview The 2007 edition of the Americus Travelers will have a much different look than in the past. The addition of several regional players should make the Travelers a much more potent offense. The downside of the outlook for 2007 is that the schedule has been "beefed up" to prepare the team for a National level of play. Head Coach Tim Estes said he expects the team's overall record to be around the .500 mark when they enter the World Series in Gastonia, North Carolina on July 16th. "We've really got a tough schedule this summer, and when you play that many quality teams, the overall record doesn't look as good. While I'm not as concerned with what people may think as we battle through the season, I just hope that our kids don't get frustrated and quit on us. We may have one of the toughest schedules in the country for teams in our age division, but I have always been a firm believer in the theory that you try to play teams that are more talented than you. If it comes together in the end, it will have all been worth it." The team will start the season in Albany, Georgia at the G.C. Croft Memorial Day Tournament and will play in the Senior Division (19U). The following weekend will be the Travelers Weekend Challenge in Americus. The next weekend, the team will travel to Montgomery, Alabama for the Faulkner University Showcase. Toward the end of June, the team will make a one hour trip to Middle Georgia College for the Savannah Chain Showcase. In July, the final tournament before heading to World Series play will be at Greenville, South Carolina in the Upstate Carolina Baseball Independence Day Showcase. The World Series will be held in Gastonia, North Carolina on July 16-22, 2007. Defensively, the Travelers will feature several college prospects. The two catchers, Adam Fussell and Will Raines, are both considered among the elite in Southwest Georgia. The middle infield of Michael Swain (2B) and Will Webb (SS) are also highly touted at their respected positions. A strong starting pitching staff should make the Travelers a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Lefty's David Byrd of Schley County and Howell White of Lee County will be counted on to give quality starts each time out. While several players have the ability to play at the next level, everyone will be counted on to fill a certain role and Coach Estes looks forward to the challenge. "I like the makeup of this team, and believe if the chemistry is right and we get a few breaks, we can have a great summer."