One of Covington’s very own got a chance to make a big play on one of the largest stages this past week.
Fourteen-year-old Chandler Hicks, a ninth grader at Alcovy High School, hit a home run on national television, helping his team, Team Halo of Atlanta, win the National Youth Baseball Championships (NYBC) in Yaphank, New York on July 31.
“Chandler had a great tournament,” said coach Curtis George. “He might’ve been the MVP of the tournament just because he was the hottest hitter all tournament. He had a great series.
Team Halo finished 5-1 in the tournament, playing against teams from New York and Connecticut. After winning the first game 12-4 against the CT Capitals Blue, the 13U team from Atlanta fell 7-6 in Game 2 against the Max Bat Titans.
The team then won their next two matchups, securing their spot in the championship game against Team Steel White.
“We were winning 4-2, and the next inning he came up and hit a home run to make it 5-2, which probably would’ve made it with the pitcher that we had on the mound enough to win, but we put up three more runs,” George said.
The game was broadcast live on CBS, making Hicks’ big moment that much bigger.
“If you go back and watch the tape, you’ll see my hands go up in the air,” George said. “I was just excited, even for him as a kid. He’s been working hard in this game, and it’s about repetition, so the hard work finally paid off for him. He got to show everybody on national TV.”
Hicks’ mother, Cellosa, joined the team in New York and got to witness her son’s moment firsthand, saying the tournament helped to boost his confidence and love for the game.
“It was just exciting because we went there for a purpose: to be on TV and to win the world series, and we got both things accomplished,” George said. “I’m proud of them.”
The NYBC is a travel ball championship for ages 9-Under to 14-Under. According to its official website, teams must qualify by winning a title at select events around the nation. MLB.com and CBS Sports Network are sponsors.
Members of Team Halo include: Breon Horne, Chandler Hicks, Connor Jurek, Damian D'Alessandro, Damien Whitfield, Gilbert Croley, Hunter Elliott, JonPaul Wheat, Khari Gee, Kobe Harris, Logan McGuire, Michael Braswell, Natarious Smith, Tyler Neely and William Sower.
