Fall baseball season kicks off

Madison Ridgeland Youth Club fall baseball began this week, and for the fifth and sixth graders on the Twins, it was a family affair. 

Family members became super fans, wearing matching T-shirts to support the kids and each player had their own song to walk out to the plate to. 

The Twins kicked off the season Sunday afternoon against the Mariners, winning 20-1. The team is coached by Head Coach Jay Phillips, Coach Chuck Roye, and Coach Nick Payne. They have been coaching together since MRYC tee-ball. 

“No matter where in Madison County these players are from or what walk of life, they get the team concept immediately; they have fun with each other, they befriend each other, and they play hard for each other,” Phillips said. “I can’t ask for anything more from my players.”

Phillips’ wife, Loraleigh, a partner in the law firm Upshaw Williams and a city of Madison prosecutor, was proud to cheer on her husband and son, Ford, on Sunday. 

“We already feel like we won this season of Fall Ball when we got 100 percent participation of moms and dads in matching MRYC TWINS fan T-shirts and we’re off to a great season,” she said. “We are already having so much fun!”

Jasmine Smith, a physical therapist and niece of State Rep. Ed Blackmon, was excited to cheer on her son RJ on Sunday. 

“It was amazing watching the boys’ hard work come together,” she said. “Our boys played their hearts out as a cohesive collective but more importantly they had fun with it and that’s what it’s all about.”

Julia Becking and husband Mark rocked their Twins shirts to cheer on son Stephen, saying they are looking forward to the season. 

Casse Largilliere’s son Owen is playing ball for the first time this year and is excited for the season. 

“So, this is the first time Owen has ever played organized baseball and, in the season opener, he learned why he already loves this game,” she said.