Six Mile All-Stars Recognized for Tournament Performances

The 10U All Star Team and their coaches were the special guests at Six Mile Town Council's August meeting Tuesday night.

“This is a special day in the life of Six Mile and the Six Mile community,” Stoddard said. “We welcome all these young All Star players here. It's a treat for us to have you here tonight.

The All Stars won the Sub-District Tournament, then the District Tournament making them the first ever team from Six Mile to advance to the State Dixie Youth Baseball Championship Tournament.

The team is made up of Jaret Barnes, Tyler Bolick, Jackson Crosby, Thomas Friar, Ben Gilliam, Trent Hamilton, Jacob Hendricks, Connor Pilgrim, Aren Stewart, Isaac Stewart, Eli Story, Kennan Worley and coaches Benny Hendricks, Keith Gilliam, Keith Pilgrim.

Council adopted a resolution recognizing the team for their achievements. The resolution appears at the bottom of this story.

Six Mile Recreation Department Director Gary “Shem” Durham thanked the players and coaches for all their hard work.

“This is a great achievement, and the town of Six Mile congratulates you,” Durham said.

See our video for the rest of Durham's comments to the team.

Representative B.R. Skelton congratulated the team, on behalf of the Pickens County Legislative Delegation.

“Winning two tournaments and earning the right to advance to the State Dixie Youth Baseball Championship Tournament, what a great accomplishment for the Six Mile All Stars,” Skelton said. “The Pickens County Legislative Delegation joins me in congratulating you for this achievement and the way you have represented your team and the town of Six Mile. You have brought respect to yourselves and the team and you've put Six Mile on the map.”

Skelton said the team began practicing three or four times a week when the school year ended. He said the resolution outlined the result of that dedication.

“The sub-district tournament, they won it, district tournament, they won it, went to Charleston, didn't win it, but played very well and brought back a lot of respect and made a lot of new friends,” Skelton said.

Skelton also praised the team for holding car wash to help raise the funds needed to travel to the tournament.

“They raised over $1,500,” Skelton said, adding that amount was matched by a local business, Metrocon. “This team, both on and off the field, were a learning experienced for these young men. They learned that you have to work hard and practice to be successful. They learned about competition, about teamwork, about character, about sportsmanship and how to handle adversity. We're all so proud of you and we congratulate you for your success.”

Councilman David Yongue told the boys they'd remember their achievements for the rest on their lives. He directed them to a picture on the wall, part of the town's museum.

“This was 1972 – this was before your parents were even before,” Yongue said. “This is the Six Mile Braves right here. We actually went to the Upstate. We beat Greer, South Carolina that was supposed to win the state, we beat them and then I'll be doggone if Seneca didn't beat us.

“Right now, I'm 53 years old and I remember this better than I remember playing high school ball or anything like that. You'll always remember it, so cherish it.”

A Resolution in recognition of the members and coaches of the Town of Six Mile 9-10 year old baseball All-Stars (heretofore referred to as “the team”).

Whereas, through hard work and dedication, the Six Mile All-Stars defeated other upstate teams to win the Sub-District Tournament in Pickens, SC; and

Whereas, the team won the District Tournament held in Belton, SC; and

Whereas, the team made history as the first 9-10 year olds from Six Mile to advance to the State Dixie Youth Baseball Championship Tournament held in North Charleston, SC; and

Whereas, the team did well winning one game, but did not win the championship, but did win the hearts of the entire Six Mile Community; and

Whereas, the team overcame the odds to earn this memorable opportunity and increase community spirit in the process; and

Whereas, the team set a remarkable example of teamwork, character and good sportsmanship; and

Whereas, the team is an exemplary example of the residents of Six Mile, SC.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Six Mile Town Council hereby acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the following team members and their coaches – Jaret Barnes, Tyler Bolick, Jackson Crosby, Thomas Friar, Ben Gilliam, Trent Hamilton, Jacob Hendricks, Connor Pilgrim, Aren Stewart, Isaac Stewart, Eli Story, Kennan Worley and coaches – Benny Hendricks, Keith Gilliam, Keith Pilgrim.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Town Council also commends and thanks the parents of the team members for their untiring support, dedication and commitment.