- April 16, 2024
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The Ormond Beach recreational softball program wasn’t very relevant a few short years ago. Things change quickly.
BY ANDREW O'BRIEN | SPORTS EDITOR
To some, it’s just a group of softball players from Ormond Beach. But, really, it’s so much more than that.
The Ormond Beach 12U All-Stars softball team took second place last weekend at the Babe Ruth state tournament, which was held in Ocala.
Ormond Beach qualified for the tournament last month after winning the first district championship in team history.
The Ormond Beach team got off to a quick start in the state championship tournament, winning its first three games. The tournament, which is double-elimination format, featured the top 16 teams in the 12U age group throughout Florida.
Ormond Beach lost its fourth game to Gilchrist County, and so the team had to come back on Sunday and play Winter Park.
Then things took a wrong turn: Jessica Hanflink, Ormond Beach’s leadoff hitter and shortstop, was lost for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a sprained ankle when she tried to slide across a wet home plate.
Despite the injury, Ormond Beach carried on. Behind sound pitching and stellar defense, the team went on to top Winter Park, 5-0, to advance to the state championship — and a rematch against Gilchrist County.
Gilchrist went on to knock off Ormond Beach for the second time in two days, taking the state championship.
As the No. 2 team in the state, though, Ormond Beach qualifies for the Southeast regionals, which will take place July 18-21, in Virginia. But because of team conflicts, the team won’t be able to attend the regionals.
“It was a memorable weekend of softball, and I think all of the girls and their families enjoyed the experience,” coach Stan Stockhammer said.
Ormond Beach’s recreational softball league has come a long way in recent years, Stockhammer said. For the past three seasons, the teams have been competing in the All-Stars.
It wasn’t long ago that Ormond Beach would get crushed by opponents.
“Since the league instituted the Babe Ruth softball rules, our girls are getting better at the fast-pitch game, which is shown in the team’s success at the state tournament,” he said. “We surprised (teams) at the district tournament but weren’t able to sneak up on anyone at states.”
