Cobras advance to Disney youth baseball classic
A talented group of 8- and 9-year-old baseball players is being rewarded for their standout play with a trip to Disney.
The West Pines Cobras’ under-9 division youth baseball team earned a return trip to Disney’s Wide World of Sports World Series as a result of their success in the recent United States Specialty Sports Association Super NIT Tournament in Vero Beach.
The Cobras, who play their home games at Pembroke Shores Park, qualified for the World Series play starting July 15 by being a finalist in the three-day tournament. In the final round, the Cobras defeated Doral12-2 and Team Florida 5-2 before losing 9-3 to eventual champion MVP of Hialeah.
For the Cobras, a decision to play up one age group in the Florida Premier Travel League proved highly beneficial.
Competing at the 10-under age level, the West Pines squad gained valuable experience against older players that paid off during tournament play. The Cobras took the title in the Lake Worth Winter Bash and finished in first place at the Weston Hawks tournament.
“The kids are so excited to be going back to Disney after playing in the 8-under tournament there last year,” Assistant Coach Greg Irizarry said. “There will be teams at Disney from California, Texas, Georgia, all over. The kids have exceeded our expectations and are doing great. We’re all very happy.”
Head Coach Robert Pineyro has coached the team since its inception two years ago.
“All the kids play infield, outfield and pitch. … They play multiple positions and rotate,” Pineyro said. “Physically and mentally, we want the players to learn baseball and become students of the game.”