REGION — When the Tri-County baseball team returned home after playing at the 2024 World Series in Eagle Pass, TX, they came without the banner and trophy.

That was won by a team representing Mexico.

They did not finish the the competition with a winning record. They won three games, lost three games. It was not their year.

But what they did was play for each other as much as for themselves. They played hard and finished every game.

Nolan Cavers of the Tri-County Babe Ruth team stretches to the last inch possible to record an out at first during the Babe Ruth World Series tournament, held in Eagle Pass, TX this month. Supplied photo

And they demonstrated exactly what team sports is all about, in sharp contrast to a team from a different state that had a chance to take the whole series but ended up as forfeiters and quitters.

There were a few factors Maine’s sluggers faced from the start, according to Joe Trybus, the team’s manager.

“We had some big obstacles,” Trybus said. “It could have been a few things. First, some of the kids got pretty sick. It’s hard to say whether it was heat stress, or if it was a virus” or the different environment. “Every day it was 100-105 degrees, and on the turf it got to 130.”

Trybus said the hosts went overboard to make sure all the players had constant access to cold water. Maybe a few of them did not drink enough to stay hydrated in the intense heat. But they definitely struggled with flu-like symptoms.

But they did not stop playing. Eleven players made the trip, with family members who also got sick in the middle of it. The league rules stated that if a team could not field 10 players as well as a designated hitter in each game, they would lose by forfeit.

“We weren’t sure if all the kids could take the field,” Trybus said. “We lost three games in a row. But they stepped up and they played through it.

“They couldn’t each play their best, but they made sure to be there for their teammates. That’s about the biggest life lesson you can learn. That’s why we play sports.”

The team representing Alabama was playing well. But they were not able to reach their potential and instead of finishing what they came to do, they quit and refused to play in their final game.

“They beat us good day one,” Trybus said. “They had 11 players, like we did.”

The Alabama team kept winning – until they didn’t.

In a game they were winning – playing the team from Mexico – a player at bat argued with the home plate umpire when what he thought were balls were called as strikes.

“You do that, you’re going to get thrown out,” Trybus said. “He was ejected from the game.”

That kid broke one rule and paid the consequences. Which broke a second rule – the team no longer had the minimum number of players and the game was ruled a loss by forfeit.

Alabama lost the game they were winning, the semi-final game that would have sent them to the finals and set up a chance to be the world series champions.

Had they finished the game and won, they would have played in the final.

“Mexico got the forfeit win and went on to win the championship.”

After the forfeit, the Alabama team was relegated the next day to playing for third place.

But they refused to play at all.

“Baseball, it’s a mental game,” Trybus said. “A lot more happens than what you see on the field, to win the game. We had to battle through some things. And we played through.”

The Tri-County 14U baseball team is competing in the 2024 Babe Ruth World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. The team is, front row, from left, Derrik Trybus, Shane Plummer, Ethan Godomsky, Sawyer Poland, Cameron Palmer, Keegan Day; back row, coach Joe Trybus, Finley Cavers, Nolan Cavers, Jacoby Boyce, Shawn West, Tucker Hilden, Carter Davis, coach Mike Davis, and coach Darren Boyce. Submitted photo

In addition to competing at the highest level of youth baseball, the Tri-County team also got the experience of seeing a different part of the world beyond western Maine.

“The people (of Eagle Pass) were wonderful to us,” Trybus said. “Everywhere we went, they were very interested in us and invested in having the tournament in their town.”

The Maine kids and their families were treated to a barbecue hosted by Eagle Pass’s mayor and his family. The teams were given a tour of the border region and visited the Mexican city of Peidras Negras and learn about the community’s history and culture.

Trybus emphasized how grateful he and the whole team are to have been able to make the trip.

“We need to thank the entire community. Their donations made it possible for us to pay for all the players and parents,” he said. “There were local businesses [and] lots of individuals that helped us get there.

“The next thing our team is going to do is think of ways that we can express our appreciation to Oxford Hills.”