Local baseball teams are tearing up state tourneys

Sebring's boys of summer are doing great at their respective state baseball tournaments. Most age groups blew through districts and into state. All remaining teams are in the winner's bracket and headed for the state title and the world series.

For those who don't know, Highlands County is home to some amazingly talented young baseball players. They start young and the level of volunteerism from parents and others to make the experience as good as possible is unmatched.

There are several idiotic parents who take things too far. They scream at umpires and their own children. They take it all too seriously. Some coaches also go overboard as well and sometimes forget that this is about the kids, and not them. But all in all, Highlands County youth baseball is in great health.

Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring all have strong programs. They usually do well at the district and state tournaments. This year is something special for Sebring, with so many age groups blowing through the competition.

We're rooting for these local teams and hope they soon are heading to the Dixie Youth World Series. We've had teams go there before, but few are as talented as the teams we have that are still contending.

As for the other teams, they have next year to shoot for the state title. Considering the talent around here, there will be more contenders coming from Highlands County.