The Hamilton Little Lads 12-and-under Lightning got a chance to pose with their host at the recent Cal Ripken Pigeon Forge Tournament. Pictured are (front row, from left) Will Gonzales, Cal Ripken Jr.; (2nd row) coaches Rene Gonzales and Brian Nodeland; Dylan Howarth, Billy Sikorski, Isaac Acosta, Alex Rodriguez and coaches Mark Meara and Mike Howarth (back row) Mac Meara, Steve Leonardo, Jeremy Ellis, Chris Nodeland and Austin Boddie.

The Hamilton Little Lads 12-and-under Lightning enjoyed a strong summer of 2017 this year.

Hamilton finished third in the Swan-Song Tournament at the Cal Ripken Pigeon Tournament, and also took third place in two skills competition – double play and outfield relay. Chris Nodeland won the home runs skills competition.

The Hamilton Little Lads 12U Lightning display the rings they received for advancing to the semifinals of the Cal Ripken Pigeon Forge Tournament.

It marked the final time the group would play together as a team as the players graduate to Babe Ruth. The HLL Lightning have played together since they were 8 years old and reached the Cal Ripken State Tournament in four of five seasons.

The team included players Will Gonzales, Dylan Howarth, Billy Sikorski, Isaac Acosta, Mac Meara, Steve Leonardo, Jeremy Ellis, Chris Nodeland and Austin Boddie, and coaches Rene Gonzales, Mark Meara, Brian Model and, Alex Rodriguez and Mike Howarth.