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RISING BASEBALL STARS<br />
<strong>2021</strong><br />
FREE!<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
1
CONGRATULATIONS!<br />
To All Little<br />
League Teams<br />
3035 Watson Boulevard, Suite 3<br />
Warner Robins, Ga 31093<br />
(478) 202-9130<br />
2 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
PUBLISHED BY<br />
Houston Publications, Inc.<br />
1210 Washington Street • P.O. Box 1910<br />
Perry, GA 31069<br />
Phone: 478-987-1823<br />
www.hhjonline.com<br />
Houston Home Journal<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
Cheri Adams cadams@hhjnews.com<br />
Advertising<br />
ADVERTISING MANAGER<br />
Lori Kovarovic lorik@hhjnews.com<br />
Nathan Mathis nmathis@hhjnews.com<br />
AJ Kovarovic ajk@hhjnews.com<br />
Creative<br />
ADVERTISING DESIGN<br />
Kayley Trischan production@hhjnews.com<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGN<br />
Ashley Eberhardt ashleywe@georgiaprinters.com<br />
CONTENTS<br />
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
4-14<br />
PERRY RECREATION<br />
16-18<br />
REMEMBERING “MR. BASEBALL,” A LEGEND<br />
20-22<br />
WARNER ROBINS AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
24-31<br />
WARNER ROBINS PARKS & RECREATION<br />
34-37<br />
Congratulations to all our <strong>2021</strong><br />
We Are Very<br />
Proud of You All!<br />
<strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Baseball</strong><br />
<strong>Stars</strong>!<br />
700 Watson Blvd, Warner Robins GA 31093<br />
www.wrga.gov | 478-293-1000<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
3
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Perry Junior League was founded in the 1950’s<br />
at Ochlahatchee Park. It started as a location<br />
for baseball as during the time there was no recreation<br />
department established in Perry. The park started with<br />
the original field and referred to as “Tolleson Field”<br />
named after Cap Tolleson who was instrumental in the<br />
land being appropriated for Perry Junior League. As<br />
the years progressed, and programs added numbers,<br />
additional fields were built and girls slow pitch softball<br />
was added. In the early 80’s slow pitch softball was<br />
replaced with fast pitch that we see today. Both the<br />
boy and girls compete at league play and post season<br />
all-stars. We are affiliated with Dixie Youth <strong>Baseball</strong> and<br />
Dixie Softball Inc. We cater to players in and around<br />
Perry Georgia.<br />
Angels 6U<br />
Angels Coed<br />
Athletics 6U<br />
Bandits 6U<br />
4 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Bandits 8U
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Bandits 15U<br />
Blue Jays 8U<br />
Braves 6U<br />
Braves 8U<br />
Braves 9U<br />
Braves 10U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
5
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Braves 12U<br />
Braves Coed<br />
Cardinals 6U<br />
Cardinals 12U<br />
Cubs 6U<br />
6 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Cubs 8U
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Cubs 10U<br />
Cubs 12U<br />
Cubs Coed<br />
Diamond Backs 8U<br />
Diamond Backs Coed<br />
Diamond Divas 8U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
7
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Diamond Divas 10U<br />
Diamond Divas 15U<br />
Diamonds 10U<br />
Diamonds 15U<br />
Dodgers 8U<br />
8 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Dodgers
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Eagles 6U<br />
Eagles 8U<br />
Eagles 15U<br />
Giants 6U<br />
Giants Coed<br />
Mets 10U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
9
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Mets Coed<br />
Nationals 12U<br />
Orioles 6U<br />
Phillies Coed<br />
Pirates 12U<br />
10 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Rangers 8U
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Rangers 12U<br />
Rays 6U<br />
Rays 10U<br />
Rays 12U<br />
Red Sox 6U<br />
Red Sox Coed<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
11
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Reds 9U<br />
Reds Coed<br />
Rockies 6U<br />
Rockies 8U<br />
Rockies 9U<br />
12 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Rockies Coed
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Royals 12U<br />
Stingrays 15U<br />
Thunder 10U<br />
Thunder<br />
Tigers 8U<br />
Tigers 12U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
13
PERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE<br />
Twins 8U<br />
Twins 9U<br />
White Sox 9U<br />
Yankees Coed<br />
We Support Our Youth<br />
League <strong>Baseball</strong> Teams!<br />
Supporting Our<br />
Houston County Youth Leagues<br />
ashley marie’s<br />
B O U T I Q U E<br />
Women’s and Men’s clothing and accessories!<br />
478-224-2667<br />
913 Carroll St., Downtown Perry<br />
Follow Us On Facebook & Instagram!<br />
Founded By Firemen<br />
1369 Sam Nunn Blvd<br />
Perry Marketplace Next to Kroger, Perry<br />
A portion of your purchase goes to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation<br />
to be used to provide lifesaving equipment to first responders<br />
14 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
Infant, Children, and Tween Boutique<br />
Grayson Waller<br />
Harrison Waller<br />
917 Carroll Street<br />
Call us at: 478-987-0970<br />
Mon-Fri 10 am - 5:30 pm ~ Sat. 10 am - 4 pm<br />
www.facebook/sugarplumtreega<br />
Instagram @sugarplumtree<br />
www.sugarplumtree.com<br />
912 JERNIGAN ST<br />
PERRY, GA 31069<br />
478-987-1173<br />
www.walkerrhodestractor.com<br />
Walker Rhodes Tractor Co.<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
15
PERRY RECREATION<br />
Our T-Ball is intended as an introduction for children to<br />
develop baseball and softball game skills. The program<br />
plays in accordance with the Georgia High School<br />
Association with modified changes to some age groups.<br />
Practices and games will be played at any City Park area.<br />
T-ball registration is in February with the season running<br />
April to June for ages 3 to 6. This age group is coach ran<br />
from practices to officiating the games (game schedules<br />
are completed by the Athletic Department).<br />
The age groups 3 to 6 will receive a uniform and<br />
individual end of season trophy from the Athletic<br />
Department. Recreation programs are coached by<br />
community volunteers.<br />
Angels 3-4<br />
Angels<br />
Bears<br />
Braves 3-4<br />
16 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Braves 5-6
PERRY RECREATION<br />
Braves 7-8<br />
Braves 9-10<br />
Bulldogs<br />
Cardinals 5-6<br />
Mets<br />
Panthers<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
17
PERRY RECREATION<br />
Reds<br />
Rockies<br />
Perry Pool Service<br />
Keith Simpson 478-550-3170<br />
621 General Courtney Hodges Blvd, Perry<br />
Visit our shop<br />
for ALL your<br />
Supplies!<br />
HIT A HOME RUN WITH<br />
MANY ONE OF A KIND ITEMS!<br />
LOOK FOR<br />
THE CHIEF!<br />
987-5867<br />
522 General Courtney Hodges Blvd., Perry<br />
18 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
Shine Bright<br />
<strong>Baseball</strong> <strong>Stars</strong>!<br />
Great Job on a Great Season<br />
with the Rockies!<br />
Samuel “Sam” Norris<br />
Congratulations Dalton Roland<br />
on a Great <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Baseball</strong> Season<br />
with the Braves! Love, Mimi<br />
Gifts<br />
Monogramming<br />
We are so proud of you!<br />
Papa & Lovey<br />
Stationary<br />
Tues. - Fri. 10AM - 5:30PM<br />
Sat. 10AM - 4PM<br />
478.224.2425<br />
918 Carroll St., Perry, GA 31069<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
19
Remembering<br />
“Mr. <strong>Baseball</strong>,”<br />
a legend<br />
By: Tyler Meister<br />
HHJ Staff Writer<br />
It’s hard to think about <strong>Baseball</strong><br />
in these parts without thinking<br />
about Claude M. Lewis.<br />
Undeniably a renown legend of<br />
Middle Georgia, “The Father of<br />
T-Ball” impressed his mark on<br />
the world through a career that<br />
lasted over 28 years by guiding<br />
the Warner Robins Recreation<br />
Department, coaching, and<br />
an acting Bailiff for the State<br />
Court of Houston County.<br />
As players come together<br />
and form teams, play games<br />
and put points on boards, it’s<br />
important they know how the field got there in the<br />
first place.<br />
Lewis was born August 14, 1926, in Macon. He<br />
attended Lanier High School where he played as a<br />
4 Star Athlete, however before he was able to put<br />
his earned scholarships to use, Lewis was drafted<br />
by the Army to serve as a Squad Sergeant in<br />
the 11th infantry Regiment K-9<br />
Corps, active combat unit, for<br />
World War II. Upon his return to<br />
Middle Georgia in 1946, Lewis<br />
attended Mercer University.<br />
After a stint of time working<br />
as Assistant Superintendent<br />
of Recreation for the Macon<br />
Recreation Department, Lewis<br />
made his way to Warner<br />
Robins in 1958, and began<br />
working as the Superintendent<br />
of Recreation here.<br />
It’s been said before that Lewis<br />
literally built the Recreation Department from the<br />
ground up – when he arrived here, the Recreation<br />
Department was made up of one building and a<br />
ball field. Over the course of the next 28 years,<br />
the name of the game was expansion. Land was<br />
bought, facilities were built, and programs and<br />
services were developed and organized.<br />
20 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
In 1958, Lewis created the great game of tee<br />
ball. Simpler and safer for children to play, Lewis<br />
eliminated the position of Pitcher, and set the ball<br />
on a batting tee instead. Lewis wrote the rules<br />
to the game, and built the first tee ball league. It<br />
wasn’t long before other people were asking to<br />
share in his creation, hoping to teach other young<br />
kids this new game. But it wasn’t just people in<br />
Georgia, nor was it limited to the United States.<br />
No, people from across the globe were asking<br />
Lewis not only to share the rules with them, but<br />
asking him to travel to places like Israel and the<br />
Philippines to help them build leagues of their<br />
own. By 2007, the game had spread so much that<br />
President George Bush invited Lewis to participate<br />
in a Tee Ball celebration on the White House lawn.<br />
Later that same year, Lewis was inducted into the<br />
Georgia Recreation Hall of Fame. The Warner<br />
Robins Recreation Department was awarded as<br />
the Outstanding Recreation Department in the<br />
state three times in 25 years – in 1963, 1968,<br />
and 1986.<br />
After nearly 30 years directing the Recreation<br />
Department in Warner Robins, Lewis retired – but<br />
that does not mean he was done yet. No, Lewis<br />
continued to work within the community as an<br />
active Bailiff for the Superior Court of Houston<br />
County, as a coach and teacher for many baseball<br />
teams, and as a volunteer at Warner Robins High<br />
School football games. When it came time for<br />
Little League in Middle Georgia to grow, Lewis<br />
got involved by helping get land donated for the<br />
Little League Complex, and even assisted with<br />
start-up costs.<br />
In honor of Lewis’ many accomplishments, the tee<br />
ball field at Flint Energies Complex was named<br />
the Claude Lewis Field. The Recreation Center is<br />
named for Lewis as well, and in 2013, Lewis was<br />
inducted into the Warner Robins Hall of Fame.<br />
Lewis acted as a Bailiff for 30 years, and as<br />
a coach for 25. On September 26, 2016, Lewis<br />
called court to order for his final time.<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
21
On May 10, 2020, Lewis passed away. He was<br />
preceded by his parents Ruby Norman Lewis and<br />
Claude M. Lewis, Sr., as well as his wife of 54<br />
years Mary Fussell Lewis, his brother Donn Lewis,<br />
his sister Peggy Fussell, and his brother-in-laws<br />
Guy and Bernard Fussell. Lewis was survived by<br />
his two daughters Maria Claudia Lewis and Dona<br />
Lewis Heller, son-in-law Larry “Butch” Heller,<br />
grandson Cody Lewis Heller, special family friend<br />
Cathy Craft, and sister-in-laws Frances Fussell<br />
Kroger, Clarice Dent Fussell, Donna Evans Lewis,<br />
and several nieces and nephews.<br />
story. As long as there is recreation in Middle<br />
Georgia, as long as tee ball is being played, and<br />
as long as we keep in our hearts the love of the<br />
game, Lewis’ legacy continues.<br />
Lewis is well known for the lives he touched. He<br />
changed life in Warner Robins as we know it with<br />
activity and joy, and brought a helping hand to<br />
everything he touched. This is not the end of Lewis’<br />
22 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
HIT A HOMERUN WITH<br />
LOCALLY OWNED<br />
HARDWARE | NURSERY<br />
GARDEN CENTER | ANIMALS<br />
HARDWARE<br />
Spa Facials, Teen Facials, Dermaplaning,<br />
Microneedling, Anti-Aging Treatments,<br />
Acne Treatments, Men’s Facial,<br />
Peels, O2 Facial, Nano Oxygen Therapy,<br />
Glass Facials, Botox Contour Facials,<br />
Cosmetic Dermatology, Hydrafacials<br />
Call 478-955-6099<br />
to book an appointment<br />
Liam<br />
Stuckey #8<br />
Over<br />
20<br />
Frosting<br />
Flavors!<br />
Over<br />
20<br />
Toppings!<br />
Freshly<br />
Baked<br />
Gourmet<br />
Cinnamon Rolls<br />
100% Dairy & Lactose Free<br />
NURSERY<br />
Inside the Hello Beautiful Salon,<br />
1019 Jernigan St., Perry<br />
Open Daily 10am - 9pm<br />
478-359-3255 | cinnaholicwarnerrobins.com<br />
810 GA-96 Ste. 1100, Warner Robins<br />
GARDEN CENTER<br />
ANIMALS/SEASONAL<br />
Mona Bridges Realtor<br />
478.714.0902<br />
monabridgesfive@gmail.com<br />
4851 Russell Parkway<br />
Warner Robins, Georgia 31088<br />
478-923-9707<br />
602 GA-247, Bonaire, GA<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
23
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Local League<br />
The final, most important component is the local<br />
Little League. The league provides its services in the<br />
community. It furnishes physical facilities, volunteer<br />
services, and resources to provide a program for<br />
children, families, and communities to enjoy the sports<br />
of baseball and softball in a way that is engaging,<br />
exciting, and fun.<br />
Overview<br />
Through effective leadership, enthusiasm, and<br />
commitment, together with training extensions and<br />
adherence to rule and policy at the District and local<br />
league levels, Little League provides inclusive, enjoyable<br />
opportunities for any child and volunteer to participate in<br />
a community-based program that is distinctive, unique,<br />
and promotes life lessons beyond the field of play.<br />
Angels C<br />
Angels Major<br />
Angels Minor<br />
Angels R<br />
24 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Angels T
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Athletics C<br />
Athletics Major<br />
Athletics Minor<br />
Athletics Rookie<br />
Bandits Major<br />
Braves C<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
25
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Braves Major<br />
Braves Minor<br />
Braves R<br />
Braves T<br />
Cardinals R<br />
26 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Cardinals T
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Charge Minor<br />
Diamondbacks Minor<br />
Flames Major<br />
Heat C<br />
Heat Major<br />
Heat Minor<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
27
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Marlins C<br />
Marlins T<br />
Mets Major<br />
Mets Minor<br />
Orioles Rookie<br />
28 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Orioles
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Pirates Minor<br />
Pride C<br />
Pride Major<br />
Pride Minor<br />
Racers C<br />
Rangers C<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
29
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Rangers Major<br />
Rangers T<br />
Rays C<br />
Rays Major<br />
Rays Minor<br />
30 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Rockies C
WARNER ROBINS<br />
AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE<br />
Rockies Minor<br />
Rockies T<br />
Sunbirds<br />
Yankee Major<br />
Yankees C<br />
Yankees R<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
31
Congratulations<br />
on a Successful<br />
Season!<br />
Apply<br />
Today!<br />
GMC.edu<br />
Dinkara Shetty, M.D.<br />
THE EXPERT IN ANYTHING WAS ONCE A BEGINNER!<br />
Houston Primary Care<br />
John Brown, M.D.<br />
Deborah Blessinger, PA<br />
Linda Vanosdol, FNP Jenna Franz, NP Delana Bongiovanni, NP<br />
• In House Labs<br />
• X-rays<br />
• Ultrasounds<br />
• Ekgs<br />
• Echocardiograms<br />
• Papsmears<br />
New Patients Welcome<br />
24hr/7<br />
NO REFERRAL<br />
NECESSARY<br />
SAME DAY<br />
APPOINTMENTS<br />
Most Insurance Accepted<br />
Active Medical Staff<br />
Houston Medical Center<br />
TELEHEALTH<br />
Online Doctor’s Visits<br />
SCHEDULE PHONE AND VIDEO APPOINTMENTS<br />
WARNER ROBINS<br />
478-328-7674<br />
1719 Russell Pkwy., McNeal Center Building<br />
32 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
NEW LOCATION<br />
BYRON<br />
478-956-3477<br />
218 N. Hwy. 49 (Next to Dairy Queen)<br />
AFTER HOURS<br />
Till 6PM<br />
AND Saturdays<br />
9AM - 5PM
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
33
WARNER ROBINS<br />
PARKS & RECREATION<br />
The city of Warner Robins baseball and fast pitch softball<br />
program offers youth the opportunity to participate in a<br />
fun, organized and safe environment. Emphasis is placed<br />
on having fun while learning basic skills of the game.<br />
Youth <strong>Baseball</strong> and Fast Pitched Softball is offered each<br />
spring from the end of March through the middle of May.<br />
The program is offered for boys and girls ages 4-17.<br />
Practices will be held throughout the county.<br />
Games will be held at Simpson Park located at 700<br />
Johnson Road. Please note some age groups may have<br />
games in Byron.<br />
Each child will be issued a uniform which they will<br />
keep. Participants must furnish their own footwear<br />
and socks.<br />
Angels Jr Sr<br />
Astros U10 Softball<br />
Athletics 6U<br />
Athletics 8U<br />
34 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Bluejays U6
WARNER ROBINS<br />
PARKS & RECREATION<br />
Braves 6U<br />
Braves 8U<br />
Braves 12U<br />
Braves U10 Softball<br />
Cardinals 6U<br />
Cubs 6U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
35
WARNER ROBINS<br />
PARKS & RECREATION<br />
Dodgers 6U<br />
Dodgers Softball<br />
Indians 12U<br />
Marlins 9U<br />
Mets 8U<br />
36 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
Mets 12U
WARNER ROBINS<br />
PARKS & RECREATION<br />
Mets Jr Sr <strong>Baseball</strong><br />
Rays Jr Sr Softball<br />
Red Sox Jr Sr<br />
Rockies 6U<br />
Tigers 8U<br />
White Sox 12U<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
37
CONGRATULATIONS<br />
To All Youth League<br />
<strong>Baseball</strong> Teams<br />
On A Great Season!<br />
From The<br />
HHJ Staff<br />
478-987-1823<br />
1210 Washington St., Perry, GA<br />
38 RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong>
Keep Your Eye On The Ball<br />
478-328-0900<br />
1112 Russell Pkwy, Warner Robins<br />
brownseyecenterwr.com<br />
478-287-6600<br />
678 Lake Joy Rd, Kathleen<br />
RISING BASEBALL STARS <strong>2021</strong><br />
39
Hit a Home Run Every Time With<br />
Middle Georgia’s Diamond Specialist<br />
478-971-1200<br />
satterfieldanddempsey.com<br />
621 South Houston Lake Road | Warner Robins, GA
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