But just when it seemed like the team had built a dugout full of momentum, tragedy struck. Centerfielder Trent Smitherman, who was becoming a star before everyone’s eyes, lost his father in a wreck before a third-round series against Fayetteville, the top-ranked team in the state at the time.

Smitherman went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs in two games, but simply his presence in the dugout might have been his most significant contribution.

“I admire the kid for what he did and how he battled through,” Shanks said. “That would have been tough for me, going out there and coaching, much less a high school kid going out there and playing.

“I’m a big believer in prayer. I really felt like it was God’s grace pulling us together, because something like that can tear your team to pieces.”

Also, eighth grader Trevor Wallace pitched the final two innings of the series without knowing his grandmother had passed earlier in the day. Maplesville won the series against Fayetteville to advance to St. Luke’s, where they were eliminated.

Still, Maplesville might be more excited about baseball than it has been in a while.

“There’s been a lot more talented teams at Maplesville than what we had this year,” Shanks said, “but pure talent alone doesn’t do the things that those guys did.”