Dexter Titans overcome early setback to claim championship in 9U Midwest Regional

SIKESTON, MO. — In the face of doubt and a challenging start to the 2023 Cal Ripken 9U Midwest Plains Regional Tournament, the Dexter Titans, brimming with confidence as the tournament favorites, refused to let an early setback define their journey.

After opening the pool play with a surprising loss to Mineral Area, a team they had previously conquered in the state championship back on July 15, their determination burned brighter than ever and fueled the team back to life, winning their next four games.

Their remarkable turnaround culminated with an 8-5 payback win over Mineral Area in the championship game on Sunday, July 30 at the Sikeston Sports Complex, earning them the title of regional champions and a well-deserved ticket to the 2024 Cap Ripken 10U World Series in Ocala, Florida.

A player for the Dexter Titans takes a swing against Mineral Area on Thursday, July 27, in the opening game of the 2023 Cal Ripken Midwest Plains Regional at the Sports Complex. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“It meant a lot [to win the tournament] because we worked hard,” said Dexter pitcher/outfielder Brock Miller. “I'm glad it all paid off".

Titans’ coach Clint LeBeau echoed Miller’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s resilience and their ability to bounce back from adversity.

“I'm very proud of the boys and the hard work they've put in this year to improve,” coach LeBeau said. “These were the biggest games they'd played this year and while you could see the nerves take over at times, they were able to collect themselves and control their emotions.

The Dexter Titans stand for a photo after winning the 2023 Cal Ripken Midwest Plains Regional at the Sikeston Sports Complex on Sunday, July 30. (Submitted)

“We knew it would be a great game against Mineral Area in the championship,” he continued. “They're well coached, have great pitching, and can hit the ball well. Giving up three runs to them in the first with a great pitcher on the mound could have caused the boys to give up, but they kept battling and found ways to score runs while our pitchers took control of the game.”

The Titans’ journey to the championship also included a 15-1 win over

Denver Southeast (Colorado) and a 17-4 win over the Sikeston All-Stars in pool play, and a 9-6 win over Denver Southeast in the semifinals.

Dexter’s Gus LeBeau and Ellis Carr were named the co-MVPs of the tournament.

Gus LeBeau finished 11-for-16 at the plate with 10 RBIs, while also pitching nine innings and striking out 13 batters. Carr went 9-for-13 with 11 RBIs. He also pitched five innings with six strikeouts.

Some of the team’s other standouts were Jacob Holden (six innings pitched with 13 strikeouts, and a no-hitter through the first four innings of the championship game) and Rex DeWitt (5-for-12 with five RBIs, provided the outstanding infield defense and was the closer for the championship game, recording the final three outs with two players on base).

“Team-wise, I was impressed with the growth the boys had this year in handling failure,” coach LeBeau said. “Baseball is a game of failure, and the boys took it hard early in the year as they were introduced to live pitch. They matured and learned how not to let one failure lead to bad attitudes and negativity. I'm looking forward to seeing the boys represent Southeast Missouri in next year's 10-year-old Cal Ripken World Series.”

Beyond the accomplishments on the field, the tournament also provided an enriching experience for all involved, fostering a sense of camaraderie, personal growth, and unforgettable moments that defined the event.

“We enjoyed the entire process of having this tournament,” said Sikeston Parks and Recreation recreation coordinator Abbi Lindsey. “ We were so excited to possibly welcome up to 12 teams, with two Canadian provinces, so I immediately started preparing to show them everything we have to offer in Sikeston. As team numbers dwindled we were worried we would have to cancel. Luckily, we finished with four teams with Denver traveling the farthest.

“We heard great things about hospitality from the teams when they ventured out to explore the city,” she continued. “Honestly, the only complaint we heard was that they were not prepared for the humidity. I joked and told them I ordered extra humidity so they got the full effect of our area.”

The Chamber and Tourism offices treated the players and their families to Jersey Mike’s during the Welcome Picnic on Wednesday, July 26. After dinner, everyone attended a team-building night with games and a home run derby.

The YMCA offered free passes to teams and families to use their aquatic center, fishing poles were provided at the complex lake and the Mineral Area and Denver teams were blown away by the “throwed’ rolls at Lamberts Cafe, according to Lindsey.

David Jenkins, Communications with the City of Sikeston, helped to provide live-streaming for the entire tournament and Sikeston Parks Department was on-call during the event to help assist with field maintenance, trash pickup, and even picking up patrons.

“Even with minimal teams, the tournament is a great success in my eyes,” Lindsey said. “We welcomed people to our town, played some very good ball, and saw little boys leave with smiles on their faces and lots of memories that’ll last a lifetime. My heart melted into a puddle when one of the Denver players, the son of retired NFL player, Will Perciak, asked if I would take a picture with him for his memory book.

“I’m blown away by the respect each player showed to their elders and the adults they encountered locally,” she concluded. “I’ve never witnessed so many young kids say thank you and you’re welcome without being promoted by their parents.”