Northeast Augusta All Stars to Play in Florida

Season Takes Unexpected Turn

Coach Justin Shifflett thought his Northeast Augusta Rookie League Machine Pitch squad’s campaign was finished after a third‑place finish in the state tournament. A Monday, June 29 phone call changed everything when officials said the second‑place team could not attend the regional tournament in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, due to a lack of participants. Shifflett quickly checked with every family; all 12 replied they could join. “It was a whirlwind,” he later reflected, adding that the sudden invitation still feels surreal.

Road to the Southeast Region

The 8U team, made up of 7‑ and 8‑year‑olds from Cassell and Wilson elementary schools, will face Okeeheelee, Florida, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Pool play continues through Friday, July 10, with the top four clubs advancing to a single‑elimination bracket that starts Saturday, July 11. In practice the machine sits 46 feet from home plate and throws about 43 mph. Shifflett praised the kids: “They’ve battled through adversity and anything you can imagine…they never gave up.”

Looking Ahead to Next Year

This summer marks the final season for machine pitch in the Northeast Augusta league; the 8U group will switch to coach‑pitch exclusively next year. Fans can track the All Stars on the GameChanger app by searching “NEA 8U Allstars‑ Shifflett.” “It’s unbelievable,” Shifflett said, “sometimes I sit back and think if this is really happening.”

Photo Gallery