A large crowd was on hand to welcome the hometown champions of the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series. As Russell Edward, President of the Leland Youth Baseball League stated, “This league has been in existence for 47 years, and this is our first national championship. We are very excited for this team and this town.”
Tyler Whiteside, father of Nolan Whiteside summed it up. “This means everything to these boys. There is a lot of good baseball in North Carolina and there were three great teams that made it out there. The best team won. These boys work hard, they are coachable, and we have three of the best coaches, Shawn Watson, Steve Lanier, and Justin Norman. Leland beat Whiteville, NC, for the Championship.
The team was led by the Championship series leading hitter L. B. Lanier, who batted .727, with nine singles, four doubles and four home runs.
Town of Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman was leading the cheers for this team. “I am so honored to be the mayor of this town with some much love and appreciation for our children. These players have done something that hasn’t been done in 47 years. I am so proud of them.”
Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams was on hand to extend Congratulations to the players and coaches. “I’m excited about the team, excited anytime a championship comes to Brunswick County, much less Leland.”
Brandy Ward, mother of Wayman Ward (catcher), commented that “this whole world series was an amazing experience. The kids became a family, and this will be a memory for the rest of their lives.”
Watch the homecoming video at https://www.facebook.com/reel/674944254126855 and see the celebration gallery below.
