Yard Goats take top spot at Nocona

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Yard Goats, a local baseball 14U travel team, won the championship at the Nokona Iron Jacket VII Baseball Festival for the 14 & under age group.

The tournament was held in Nocona, Texas and sponsored by the famous Nokona baseball glove manufacturer located there.

Each member of the Yard Goats received a gold ring and a Nokona glove, while the team was awarded the championship plaque.

“The boys all played great through the whole tournament,” coach Justin Read said. “Everyone  did more than their fair share to win.”

The Yard Goats defeated the Aledo Athletics 9-4 in the first round and trounced Texas Desperado-Floyd 13-5 in the second game.

The next game was a 9-3 win over FBA Young Guns.

The Yard Goats were paired up again in the championship game against the Aledo Athletics, winning 8-5 in the second match.

“We hit the ball well,” Read said. “The guys averaged almost 10 runs per game which is really good.”

The team is comprised of mostly Albany youth; however, three out-of-town players had to be substituted in due to recent injuries.

The team is coached by Justin Read and Tony Wheeler.

Albany members of the team include Cason Fairchild, Zane Waggoner, Cole Read, Caden Price, Lute Wheeler, Adam Hill, Ashton Bailey, Tyler Chapman, Lanxton Viertel, and Bryson Herring.

The Yard Goats also earned free entrance to another Nocona tournament in October.