Land O’ Lakes Baseball Players Have Cooperstown Dreams

When it comes to legendary places to play baseball, it’s hard to top Cooperstown, N.Y.

That’s why members of the Land O’ Lakes Vipers AAU travel baseball team are raising money for a trek there in this summer. The team, which is made up of 12-year-old boys, will play in a tournament the last week of August at the Cooperstown Dreams Park.

The anticipated cost to take the children to the tournament is $12,000, said Coach Clint Thomas. That’s why the nonprofit organization is playing host to a golf tournament July 16 at Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes.

“(We’re) trying to make it as inexpensive (as possible) for each family,” Thomas explained.

Playing against 96 other teams from all over the world is a big accomplishment for the Vipers, Thomas added.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dream,” he said. “It’s beyond awesome. I don’t know who is more excited – the parents or the kids.”

Team members say they are.

“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Vipers player Jacob Thomas. “A lot of pro baseball players have gone there.”

Ethan Nuebling said he’s looking forward to the experience.

Blake Carroll’s reasons for wanting to go are a little different.

“We get more time to play baseball,” he said. “I just want to play baseball.”

The July 16 tournament has an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The cost to play is $100 per person or $400 per team. The price includes lunch, fees, carts and prizes. Sponsors are also being sought to help with the event and the trip.

For more information about the tournament, call Doug Klemm at 727-389-3342 or email dr_kat10@msn.com.