World Series bound

The moment that the Ville Platte All-Stars, now Team Louisiana, have been waiting for is finally here.
It is time to lace up the cleats, tighten the gloves and put your mind in focus. The Dixie Youth World Series awaits.
For the majority of these young men, that wait is two years in the making, as three-fourths of this squad were one strike away from fulfilling the dream of playing in the World Series just two short years ago.
But, that memory has been put in the past and now, with a state title under their belt, the mission re-focuses on the main goal that has been on their minds all season long; a World Series championship.
“It is definitely special for us to be in this position,” head coach Delaney Fontenot stated emphatically. “Our guys have been dedicated all season long to the process of winning the state title. And now that we have that accomplishment checked off, our focus is now on trying to bring home the World Series title.”
And if you ask the players, they will tell you the same thing.
“This team is something special,” said a heart felt Isaac Leger. “To win the state championship with all of my friends was an awesome feeling. But, to win state and go undefeated brings it to a whole other level. We are definitely ready for the World Series.”
That process has given Ville Platte an undefeated record in all-star play. This group started in sub-district play and have basically handled all competition through district, regionals and in the state series.
So, what has made this season so special for these players?
“They are so hungry to win,” stated Fontenot. “I have never seen that look in the eyes of young players like that. They are truly mature in the way they prepare for the game. They soak everything in and just take it into the game. When they are on the field, you can tell they play with a clear mind. And if you can play with a clear mind, all the rest will fall into place.”
According to Remi Guillory, it has been the all-around play of the team that has been the difference.
“Our team has everything,” stated Guillory. “If we need pitching, we have it. If we need defense, we have it. And if we need the bats to come around, that happens too. Also, we are like a family. There is no jealousy among the team. We always encourage each other no matter what happens.”
Offensively, Team Louisiana has erupted with volcanic explosiveness throughout the entire season, espeically in the long ball department. In the regional tournament, the all-stars out scored their opponents 45-10 and in the recent state series they blasted past Cleary Playground by a two game combined score of 30-4.
“There is no doubt that we have really been hitting the ball well all season long,” said Fontenot. “The funny thing is we don’t preach hitting home runs. Our approach is to hit the ball hard and look for good hitting situations and its paid off. But, as good as we have been offensively, our pitching and defense have really saved us in some close games this season. Without those two parts of the game, we are not where we are now.”
One important factor that may help drive the team to the title this year is that two of the players, Isaac Leger and Hayden Fontenot, were part of Team Louisiana last year that came out runner-up.
“It has definitely been a plus to have those guys back this year,” commented Fontenot. “I think once we get over there, we will see that experience helps even more, just from the fact that they have been through that atmosphere. The other guys look to them to show how to approach the entire process.
For Hayden Fontenot, giving his team an inside track on what to expect is something he doesn’t mind, especially if it helps the team bring back the title.
“I tell them to stay motivated all the time,” said Hayden. “If something goes wrong, don’t get down because you have the next play or the next at bat to worry about. If you get down that is when things will go wrong. This is a championship team. If we play ball there will be a 1985, a 1995 and a 2016 sign hanging on the fence.”
The motivation to add another title to the Ville Platte Dixie Youth organization was taken to the next level on Tuesday after practice, as players and coaches from the 1985 and 1995 World Series championship teams came to give the current players a personalized pep talk before their departure for Laurel, Mississippi.
Among the group, were J.F. “Black” Lafleur, the head coach of the 1985 team and Dr. Chuck Aswell, the head coach of the 1995 team.
Lafleur, “Mr. Dixie Youth”, who coached in the league for over 60 years told the young players that he was proud of their accomplishment this season.
Aswell was also very inspirational in his address, telling the players that Louisiana has only won five World Series titles, two of those coming from Ville Platte.
“But I know after this season, you will be the sixth team in the history of Louisiana to win the championship,” stated Aswell. “Ville Platte is resilient. People like Coach “Black” put Ville Platte on the map in Dixie Youth baseball.”
David Vidrine, and assistant coach on the 1995 team also addressed the players.
“I just want you to know that we are all rooting for you,” said Vidrine. “Everyone around here is behind you 100 percent.”
For Fontenot, having the former players and coaches come and speak is important for the players in understanding how important they are to the community.
“Its amazing how this town has gotten behind us,’ said Fontenot. “It was definitely our pleasure to have these guys come out and talk about what it meant to them to be champions and what it meant to play on the Dixie Youth field. I think it really motivated the players. I just want to thank everyone who has supported the team. It is such a great feeling to have an entire city behind you.”
Along those lines, Hayden Fontenot summed it all up the best.
“It would be an honor to win the World Series with Ville Platte and Louisiana across our chests.”