The Burleson Bad Boyz, a Burleson Youth Association in the PONY Elite Bronco-11 division, went undefeated to win the PONY South Zone Championship tournament July 21-25 at the new Chisenhall Fields. The tournament, the first event staged at the new complex, qualified the Bad Boyz for this week's PONY World Series in Chesterfield, Va. Team members are, front row from left, Adrian Garcia, Ethan Quintanilla and Blake Birdwell. Middle row, Grayson Lee, Thomas Santos, Devin Paz, Alec Wilson, Payton Strambler and coach Chris Gracia. Back row, Hunter Trotter, coach Greg Birdwell, Adam Oviedo and coach Fernando Paz. COURTESY PHOTO
BYA team wins first tourney at Chisenhall (Posted 7/30/2010 01:42 pm)
By MIKE ESKRIDGE

starsports@thestargroup.com
A Burleson Youth Association team earned a berth in the PONY World Series and the city’s sparkling new sports facility, Chisenhall Fields, got rave reviews after the first event at the facility.

The Burleson Bad Boyz, a BYA team in the PONY Elite Bronco-11 division, won six straight games to claim the championship at the PONY South Zone Championship on July 21-25 at Chisenhall Fields.

The Bad Boyz went undefeated in pool play, defeating fellow BYA representative the Burleson Renegades 13-3, Wellswood from Tampa, Fla., 13-8, the OSO Express from Corpus Christi 3-2 and the South Post Oak All-Stars from Houston 5-4.

In the semifinals, the Bad Boyz defeated Laredo 9-0 to set up a championship match against North Tampa, Fla., which beat the Renegades 10-5 in the other semifinal.

The Renegades went 2-2 in pool play to earn the runner-up berth in the semifinals from their pool. They beat the OSO Express 5-1 and Wellswood 21-19 in pool play.

The Bad Boyz provided little drama in the championship match-up, seizing the tournament crown with a decisive 19-2 blowout against North Tampa.

The tournament championship qualified the Bad Boyz for the PONY World Series in Chesterfield, Va., on Wednesday-Saturday.

The Bad Boyz won their first two pool games at the World Series, defeating Channahon. Ill., 7-6 on Wednesday and CBC of Chesterfield, Va., 4-3 on Thursday. Results from Friday’s and saturday’s games were not available at press time.

Because the Bad Boyz qualified for the World Series only three days before the opening ceremonies of the Virginia tournament, the teams’ parents had little time to raise money to fund the trip. Individuals or businesses who wish to donate to help offset the cost of the hastily-scheduled journey may do so through a link on the BYA website, which may be accessed through a link at www.burlesonstar.net.

While last weekend’s tournament went well for the local teams competing, Chisenhall Fields also received high marks in its maiden voyage, parks manager Ike Vera said.

“It was a very successful tournament,” he said. “The fields were in great condition, and I think for the first time out, it was wonderful.”
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