Post Oak Little League players ready to get back to business.
Players remain even-keeled en route to regional tourney
An hour after arriving at the Courtyard Marriott in Tyler for a pizza party, the Post Oak Little League All-Stars had a pause in their celebration.
Manager David Rook, along with his two assistants, pulled their club out of the shindig in the hotel’s conference room and into the lobby. They had a reminder for the boys.
Rook told the group to have fun that night but stressed the importance of getting back to work. The players were given three days to rest and then it was back to business.
Post Oak advanced to the Southwest Regional Tournament in Waco by defeating Port Neches 2-0 for the Texas East State championship. It will open by playing the Arkansas state champion at 8 p.m. Thursday. The winner of the regional advances to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
A first for the program
The businesslike mentality with which Rook manages the 12-and-under club is something the players have grown used to. Rook has coached Post Oak for seven years and led the same core group to the Texas East State title as a 10-and-under team in 2016.
Two-a-day practices for five days were typical weeks for the boys this summer. While many of their friends were poolside, at amusement parks or on family vacations, the Post Oak AllStars were busy perfecting their craft.
“On one hand, they would love to be doing what other kids do all summer,” assistant coach David Wylie said. “On the other hand, they’re competitive. They’re athletes. So they love it. I’ve never heard anybody complain about it.”
But giving up their time isn’t the only sacrifice the players have made.
The boys on the roster have bought into the idea of putting the team’s success over chasing personal accolades. Not everyone is given equal playing time and they are asked to play whatever role is best suited for the team to win.
“We’re all on this team for a reason, not just because we’re the best and play shortstop in the regular season,” catcher Andy Guy said. “It’s being a team player and definitely putting your team first.
“It’s about the name on the front of your jersey, not on the back of your jersey.”
Support from the community has been strong. There exists a large alumni base for the Post Oak program, which in July captured its first 12-and-under state title in its 62-year history. Former All-Stars drove up or flew in to see the club compete in regionals. For some, the trip took 24 hours.
Sam Pitts is a Post Oak alum whose son, Carter, is a pitcher for the club.
“I think you’d much rather see your kids succeed at something than actually succeed in it yourself,” the elder Pitts said. “They are significantly more talented than any team I ever played on at Post Oak.
“The camaraderie and friendships they’ve made that’ll last a lifetime has really been special to watch.”
It’s Williamsport or bust
As talented as the group is, the players don’t act like it. The boys have a quiet confidence about them. They never get too high or too low.
After the last out against Port Neches was recorded in the state final, gloves were thrown in the air, water was poured on Rook and pictures were taken.
The jubilation lasted 20 minutes. Then, the team walked over to support the 11-and-under Post Oak Little League squad, which also clinched a Texas East title in Tyler.
“You don’t yell at them,” assistant coach John Klosek said. “You coach them a different way. They’re always very evenkeeled.
“You never know if we’re winning or losing by the demeanor in the dugout.”
Last year, Post Oak lost to Pearland before the Texas East State Tournament.
This time around, the group would believe it came up short if it doesn’t punch its ticket to Williamsport.
After practice Monday evening, Rook stood in front of his boys, who sat huddled together on the grass field.
“What do we play for?” Rook asked his players.
“Banners,” responded the youngsters.