RHINOS & THE MIRACLE LEAGUE

In support of one of our favorite Miracle League baseball players Jeremy, the Rhinos served as a 'buddy' to some of the Miracle League players on Friday night. Not only is Jeremy- Clayton's oldest brother and a huge supporter of our team, he is also a huge baseball and Braves fan!

Nico's buddy was the first up to the plate. With Nico's help, they earned a single and eventually scored!

Grayson, Blaise, Bo, Nicholas, Clayton & Brandon. Bo and Blaise were buddies and our pair of #5's as they both wear that #. Blaise had a fantastic time making a new friend and helping Bo field and throw the ball from center field.

ROCKDALE RHINOS 2010

Congratulations to the 2010 Rockdale Rhinos for a competitive and fun season! Perhaps we were the underdog from the beginning as the majority of 8U teams have been playing KP for a year or more. The Rockdale Rhinos debuted as a kid pitch team March 19th in the Atlanta Super NIT. 3 months later, the Rockdale Rhinos place 5th in the USSSA State Tournament.

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We are very thankful to our sponsors for their financial support this season. We are grateful for our coaches for focusing on our team and the game. We are especially proud of 12 players for what they have accomplished this season. Looking forward to building on this season's successes!

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We still have a couple of games left to post. Those will be coming soon.

SUB STATE, PEACHTREE CITY HIGHLIGHTS

The Rockdale Rhinos were able to secure a spot in the State Tournament for 8U KP by winning the Sub State Tournament in Peachtree City. Mrs. Marla gave them an incentive to win at the overnight days before.

Honestly, I forgot that she told the boys that we would get Coach Buz with a cooler of ice water, but they did not. The first one to ask about it was Saturday morning at our first game. By the championship game, Marla was running around trying to put together the little bit of ice and water that was left over in the park.

BERKLEY LAKE TIDES AND THE ROCKDALE RHINOS

The Rockdale Rhinos were invited out to Norcross HS to participate and watch the Berkley Lake Tides take on the Home Plate Chukars. The Tides won in extra innings over the Chukars. The kids had a fantastic time warming up with the Tides. Many thanks Karl Garcia, Head Coach of the Berkley Lake Tides for inviting the Rhinos out.

Dylan accompanies the starting SS for the Tides out on the field.

Eugene and Clayton accompany the starting 3rd baseman out as the players are being announced.

Thanks to the players of the Tides for taking the time with our 8 year old players.

PRE SUB-STATE CAMP OUT

Pre Sub-State, the Rockdale Rhinos got together for a camp out after practice. Interesting evening, to say the least!

The boys slept under a pavilion and the later it got, the cooler the air was. They started out like this, but ended up under blankets, sheets and towels.

The following morning, the boys got up early and headed to Stone Mountain.

Rockdale Rhinos conquer Stone Mountain!

After lunch at McD's, the team headed back to the pool for a couple of hours. Good fun and spirits leading into the Sub-State Tournament.

Sub State - Peachtree City - 6/12/2010

SUB STATE- PEACHTREE CITY 6/12/10

Tournament Information, Teams, Pool, Bracket

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Baseball Soccer Complex

Hwy 74, Peachtree City, GA 30269

(74 South of Cooper Circle)

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12:10pm Fld3 vs Bulldogs

3:20pm Fld3 vs Gamers Red

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(last weekend's tournament highlights and video coming soon)

SUB STATE HAMPTON, GA 6/4-6/5

SUB STATE~ HAMPTON, GA

Tournament Information, Teams, Pool, Bracket

Weather, Directions

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This weekend, the Rockdale Rhinos will be participating in the Sub State Tournament in Hampton, GA. Looking forward to good competition and great sportsmanship from all teams participating.

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North Forty Park

79 West Main Street, Hampton, GA 30228

2:20pm Fld 3 vs East Cobb Braves

3:55pm Fld 3 vs Raiders

ROCKDALE RHINOS vs DODGERS 5/21/2010

NIT HENRY CO SLUGFEST HIGHLIGHTS

The Rockdale Rhinos placed 3rd in the NIT Henry Co Slugfest over the past weekend with wins over the Dodgers, East Metro Titans and the East Cobb Braves. In addition to the good time had by all watching the boys play, we also celebrated Mrs. Debra's and Chase's birthdays.

Many thanks, again, to all of our sponsors. Riley and Clayton posing with our banner above.

Seth knocks one out on Saturday as the boys wait to beat on him when he crosses the plate. Great job Seth!



Against the West Forsyth Dogs, we had 3 of 4 batters hit out of the park home runs (see video above). Awesome job Chase, Brandon and Dylan!

NIT HENRY CO SLUGFEST 5/22/10-5/23/10

Tournament Information, Teams, Pool Play, Bracket

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There's no quitting in baseball and certainly will not be for any of the 18 teams that are competing this weekend in the NIT Henry Co Slugfest. Possibly the most competitive tournament this weekend, as the top ranked teams in USSSA are signed up. Because of the volume of teams, the tournament will be played in Rex, GA and Hidden Valley.

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The Rockdale Rhinos will play Saturday in Rex, GA at 3499 Rex Road, Rex, GA 30273. Directions from Conyers.

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Schedule:

11:40am vs Dodgers

2:40pm vs West Forsyth Diamond Dawgs

ROCKDALE RHINOS TEAM OF THE NIGHT - G BRAVES 5/15/10

Many thanks the Gwinnett Braves for the opportunity and to Tony Wilson for facilitating this event for the Rockdale Rhinos.

Nico's took a couple of hours off from celebrating his mother's college graduation to spend time with his team. After suffering from a hand injury, Nico came back strong last week with an out of the park home run.
(Congratulations to Mini!!!!!)

The boys and Gracie line up to take the field.
Pictures from the field coming soon!

ATPP 8U SPRING NATIONAL APRIL 25, 2010

While we had hoped for great weather, the 24th was rained out so the Rockdale Rhinos had 2 days of games to be made up on Sunday along with the single elimination bracket. We played for 6 hours straight and were led by a fantastic day for #44 Eugene.

Sore arm and all, Brandon came in during the 3rd game.

Great pitching and fielding by Chase.

Both Eugene and Nicholas had in the park home runs against the Sharon Springs Silver team. I can not say enough about Eugene's performance this weekend (see videos). He was driving the ball to the fence and is perhaps one of the fastest 8U athletes.
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On a side note, many thanks to all the opposing teams, coaches and families who recognize truth from fiction and all of their kind words regarding the Rockdale Rhinos!

Quadruple Points Weekend NIT -- 5/1/2010

Quadruple Points Weekend NIT

Criswell Park, 1190 Criswell Road, Monroe, GA

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Teams, Pool Play, Bracket after Pool, Weather, Directions

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9am Fld 7 Rhinos vs. Georgia Select

10:45am Fld 7 Rhinos vs Bulldogs

(highlights from last weekend, coming soon!)

ATPP 8U SPRING NATIONAL, MARIETTA GA

ALL- TOURNAMENT PLAYERS PARK APRIL 24-25th

3910 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066

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Tournament Information, Directions

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10:00am Fld 2 Rhinos vs EC Braves

11:30am Fld 2 vs Gamers Red

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Looking forward to fantastic weather and great competition. Please be at the field 1 hour prior to game time.

DIRECTOR'S CUP QUALIFIER HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to the Rockdale Rhinos for a fantastic weekend at RYBA. The team went 5-0 for a first place finish in the Director's Cup Qualifier.

Crazy kids. Not sure how they maintain this level of excitement and energy all the time, but I wish it would rub off on me on Monday morning at 6am!

Clayton was one of our big sticks this weekend with several home runs. This carried over Tuesday night in the HC Select League as he hit a grand slam!

Eugene was the first to hit on out on Saturday! He had a great weekend at the plate and in the field.

Gracie had a couple of great plays at 2nd. Here she fields and throws a kid out at first.

Congratulations to Blaise for THREE out of the park home runs! Not only did he hit his FIRST on Sunday, but he doubled up and then hit another out during the championship game. We tried to talk him into dinner with money that his grandpa gave him, but he wouldn't do it.

ROCKDALE RHINOS SLUGFEST 3/28/10

The Rockdale Rhinos competed in the Director's Cup Qualifier at RYBA this past weekend. We went 5-0, placing 1st over the Bulldogs Baseball. It was an interesting tournament, to say the least, as we were playing a field that was probably too small for 8U. Needless to say, it was a battle of the big bats.

Congratulations to Blaise Norman for not only hitting his first 'out of the park' home run, but on Sunday, he hit THREE of them!

HIGHLIGHTS MARCH 21-26, 2010

Our last game of the SUPER NIT, Chase hits a fantastic grand slam to bring the score 8-0 over our opponents. Sorry guys, but turn the volume down on this one unless you want to hear me yelling for Chase.

We might just have the cutest little siblings around! Thank you Mrs. Kay for teaching Samantha this cheer. I had to bribe her to let me film this so at the end she is walking over saying 'can I have my treat now...'.

Brandon and Clayton hit home runs on Thursday night in a HC Select League game. Debra was asking why I was filming and I told her that this might just be Clayton's night to hit one out. Congratulations to both boys!

DIRECTOR'S CUP QUALIFIER 3/27/2010

DIRECTOR'S CUP QUALIFIER, LEGION FIELD

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Tournament Information, Pool Play, Bracket

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Saturday 8:30am vs Walton Legends Fld 7

Saturday 11:10am vs Walton Outlaws Fld 7

2010 INDIVIDUAL RHINO SPONSORS

The Rockdale Rhinos would like to acknowledge and than the following individual sponsors:

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Dylan's grandparents, Bob and Sigrid Duren!

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Grayson's grandfather, Mr. Hopkins!

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Brandon's uncle, Mr. Sam Gibson!

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Thank you very much for your support!

SUPER NIT RECAP

The Rockdale Rhinos went 2-2 this past weekend at the SUPER NIT. Many thanks to our outstanding coaches Buz, Dusten, Sam, Jeff, Tony and Brett for another great weekend. It was obvious this past weekend that what you are all doing to get the Rhinos ready~ is working!

Samantha loves giving kisses to Coach Sam more than putting make-up on with Haley.

Chase had a fantastic weekend at the plate with an out of the park, grand slam home run in our final game. He was also dominate on the mound.

Nicholas relieved Brandon against the Yard Dogs Black on Friday night. The kid has a knack for putting the ball in play and did great at the plate over the weekend.

Blaise had his opportunity on the mound Saturday morning.

Riley is patiently waiting for 'his' pitch.

Grayson debuted behind this plate this weekend and did an excellent job. He was tested early and passed the test by throwing a runner out at second.

Congratulations to Brandon for a great job on the mound and his out of the park, grand slam home run!

This was Blaise's non verbal answer to the yackety yack on the outside of the fence. Marla~ 'swing the bat 5'... well he did and had solid base hit here.

Eugene goes after a ball that low and on the outside corner. Eugene big plays were Friday night as he threw two kids out at 1st from 3rd.

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Other exciting plays that were not captured in pictures, but video to be posted soon, including Chase's grand slam, Clayton's right field catches on Sunday, Brandon on the mound, Gracie on the mound and coming out of the box hitting hard....

THANKS TO THE SPA AT EVERGREEN FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The Spa at Evergreen has become the latest sponsor of the Rockdale Rhinos in 2010. They are located inside Stone Mt. Park at the Evergreen Resort. 20% off to Rhino team and families. For a list of services, please click here.

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Thank you Amanda! To visit The Spa at Evergreen online, please go to www.thespaatevergreen.com

ATLANTA SUPER NIT TOURNAMENT -- 3/19/2010

SUPER NIT TOURNAMENT 3/19-3/21/10

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Tournament Information, Pool Play, Bracket After Pool

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Games at Hidden Valley

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Friday 7:30pm vs Yard Dogs Black Fld 8

Saturday 12:20pm vs Signature Park Legends Fld 8

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Regarding the gate fee: Since the first Atlanta Super Nit in 2005 the gate fees have been as followed: 7 per day for 16 and up 5.00 for 6-15 and 5u free. We wanted this year to get away from charging kids all together. This was the reason for the change this year. However, with the economic times as they are and after further negotiations the Georgia State Office has lowered the gate fee from 10.00 per person to 8.00 w/ children 15 and under still free. Senior citizen discounts still apply. Hope everyone understands and let's get ready for some great baseball and hope for no rain on Sunday!!!!Bubba SmithGeorgia USSSA Baseball

(Click Here) As posted on www.nwgabaseball.org

THANK YOU DR. WOLF FOR YOUR SUPPORT

http://www.williamwolfdds.com/

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1253 Commercial Drive, Suite B, Conyers, GA

770-922-9932

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5041 Dallas Hwy, Bldg 1 Ste E, Powder Springs, GA

770-420-8550

Many thanks from the Rockdale Rhinos for your support of our 2010 season.

THE DUGOUT & BILL DALLAS SPONSOR THE RHINOS

THE DUGOUT, INC

50 Chamisa Road, Covington, GA 30016

770-787-4500

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Baseball & Softball instruction for all ages, pitching, hitting, defense.

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Cages rentals for individuals and teams. Please call Bill Dallas for rates and availability.

US AUTO SALES SPONSOR THE RHINOS

Many thanks to our latest sponsor, US Auto Sales.

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For a location closest to you, click here.

SHARPSBURG TOURNAMENT UPDATE

The Rockdale Rhinos competed in their first kid pitch tournament this past weekend in Sharpsburg, GA. First, we would like to extend our condolences to Nassier of the Yard Dogs Black for the accident this past weekend. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to hopefully seeing him back on the field soon.

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The Rhinos went 3-1 in a great first kid pitch outing. We are looking forward to many more tournaments!

Tic toc, tic toc..... Seth, Chase, Brandon, Nicholas, Dylan and Eugene all hit 'out of the park' home runs this weekend. The highlight being back to back by Dylan and Nicholas!

We had our own accident prone player this weekend~ Grayson. He couldn't get away from the ball on Sunday with a blooper to the eye. Then he was almost hit by a foul ball while in the on deck circle, followed up with being hit by a pitch in our final game. He was a trooper and even played with this bum eye.

Everyone is watching the ball go far, far, far into the woods. Great hit by Chase and excellent pitching too!

Brandon was a one man show on Sunday morning. He had excellent speed and control against the Gamers.

Dylan picked up his first win on Saturday morning with Blaise coming in for the save. 'Cautiously optimistic' was the phrase that Coach Buz used going into this weekend. I think the boys exceeded our expectation for our first weekend out and both parents and coaches could not be more pleased with how well they played.