Memorial Day Weekend, often associated with picnics, pool parties, and the like, meant BASEBALL—lots and lots of BASEBALL—for over 150 Varsity homeschool baseball players this year, 2002. Ten different teams from the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas gathered in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas for the Third Annual Homeschool Baseball World Series. The Homeschool World Series is a production of the Homeschool World Series Association (HWSA), and has been in existence since May 2000 where it was formed at the inaugural World Series in Nashville, TN. The 2002 participating teams follow: Atlanta, GA Barons, Atlanta (South), GA Knights, Augusta, GA Eagles, Conroe, TX Mustangs, Dallas, TX Angels, Houston, TX Eagles, Huntsville, AL Falcons, Nashville, TN Monarchs, Oklahoma City, OK Broncos, and the West Florida Mudcats.

The vision of the HWSA is to create a memorable “experience” for homeschool baseball players in all aspects of the tournament. Selling screen-designed T-shirts and baseball caps, distributing a printed baseball programs and monogrammed mini-bats, and hosting a “Texas Welcome Banquet” to honor each team are a few of the ways that HWSA achieved that goal. Also part of this year’s “experience” was a live concert by a Christian, homeschool band, the Living Stones, and a special Sunday morning All-Tournament Praise & Worship service with guest speaker/performer, Joel Goddard, and his wife Stacie.

Another goal of HWSA is to produce more opportunities to award homeschool baseball players for their intense effort in improving themselves both on and off the field. This year the graduating seniors from each team were presented with a gold lapel pin. A brief biography about each senior’s baseball experience and plans after graduation was featured in the Graduating Seniors pages in the baseball program. Also, each participating player received a monogrammed mini-bat and a baseball program as souvenirs to remember the 2002 Homeschool Baseball World Series. Twenty-two awards were given to honor the tournament All-Stars from each team. Players, coaches, and field managers voted to determine the tournament All-Stars. Medals were awarded to each player and coach on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. The Championship team was also outfitted with a 2002 World Series CHAMPIONS T-shirt, and received the honor of taking home the coveted Silver Cup.

After 20 Round One pool-play games, four Round Two playoff games, and three Showcase Round playoffs, the final tournament outcome was determined. The Atlanta, Georgia Barons crept by the Houston Eagles to secure their position as the 2002 reigning World Series Champions. The Houston, TX Eagles have met the Atlanta, GA Barons in the Championship game each year since the inaugural Homeschool Baseball World Series in 2000. The Dallas, TX Angels defeated the Atlanta, GA (South) Knights, taking third place overall. HWSA would like to acknowledge each player and coach for their hard work and preparation for the 2002 World Series.

The HWSA is grateful to the Promised Land Dairy, the 2002 World Series Foundation sponsor. Further appreciation is extended to the Radisson Hotel at Downtown Market Square for their cooperation and service as the 2002 Hotel Sponsor. The Via Metropolitan Transport System and the San Antonio Visitor Information Center deserve many thanks for their donation of streetcar system, downtown San Antonio, and field maps. HWSA would also like to thank the Athletic Directors of UTSA, San Antonio Christian School, Alamo Heights, and Olmos Basse Bain for the use of their fields and batting cages. Further thanks goes out to the World Series GOLD sponsors and Homeschool Christian Youth Association Baseball Alumni Sponsors who have helped make the World Series possible. A special thanks to the 2002 World Series Restaurant sponsors: The County Line Barbecue, Fuddrucker's, Hard Rock Cafe, and Starbuck's. Last but not least, HWSA is grateful for the 2002 College Station, TX sponsors: 1) CC Creations for their first-class screen-design of the All-Tournament T-shirts, World Series baseball caps, Championship T-shirts, monogrammed mini bats, 2) Copy Corner for the quality printing job that they completed for the baseball program, and 3) Robert Earle at Awards Etc. for his time and talent in designing the World Series awards.

Plans for the 2003 World Series will commence in September. At that time a 2003 World Series location will be determined. Discussion regarding the induction of Regional Tournaments to determine placement in the World Series is anticipated. Congratulations to the Atlanta Barons for their victory at the 2002 Homeschool Baseball World Series.

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