Yucca baseball teams compete at state tournaments

The stay was shorter than hoped, but managers of both Yucca Little League teams who played in state baseball tournaments last weekend talked glowingly about their participation.

“It was, honestly, a great experience,” said Jesse Eden, manager of the Yucca 8/9/10 Little League team following the state tournament in Los Lunas, hosted by Enchantment Little League. “I’m extremely proud of each and every one of these boys.”

After losing the first two games, Eden said the result “wasn’t the outcome we expected or wanted,” but it created “memories that will last a lifetime. Yucca has a very bright future, and we hope to continue to grow.”

At the State Little League Majors Baseball Tournament, hosted by Roadrunner Little League in Albuquerque, Yucca faced several traditional New Mexico baseball powers. Sandwiched between losses to Carlsbad and Eastdale was a dominating 12-0 victory over Silver City, helping Yucca finish in fourth place.

“Not bad for our first time (at state) in 22 years — something to build on,” said Joey Timmons, Yucca Majors manager, about the experience.

“The boys never gave up, never let the energy down,” Timmons added. “That’s heart. That’s who Yucca is.”

In state softball tournament two weeks ago, Enchantment Little League represented Valencia County at the state 8/9/10 tournament as District 9 champion, posting a 1-2 record. s