“Just the heart they had, and how Dusty [Tyson] showed up, played and did such a great job,” said Haslam. “Coach Jump offered me so many different positions to be apart of that team, and unfortunately I couldn’t take any of them because of my hamstring — but he called me after every single game, told me what was happening, and asked me my opinion about every single thing. You know, I’m always going to remember it and hopefully I can go next year.”

Baldwin All-Star Robert Jones was also elated that his team was able to pull out the necessary wins to capture the tournament.

“I’m glad for Coach Jump and for the team. We won game after game — and brought Milledgeville back the state championship. Baldwin, this if for you,” said Jones.

Jones’ Baldwin High teammate Tyler Jump, the son of Coach Jump, also had some lasting memories from his team’s exciting run in Guyton.

“Really, it helps me out a lot, and I know it helps out a whole bunch of the players. Because a lot of people thought that with our limited pitching that we were going to get knocked out the first two games — because people like Rick Griffin, Mech Melder and Chris Bradshaw weren’t going and weren’t going to pitch for us,” said [Tyler] Jump. “But DeAndre Thomas, Braxton Hurt and others really showed that they can pick up the slack when it comes to pitching, and they did. All of us really wanted the championship.”

The Baldwin All-Stars performance at the state tournament is just another sign that Baldwin County baseball can compete with any talent around — the proof is in the pudding.

Well champs, enjoy those trophies, and know that Baldwin County is certainly proud of you.

Congratulations to the 2009 GRPA Class “B” State Champs for bringing home the gold!