(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
St. Petersburg Youth Softball Team Wins Historic Babe Ruth World Series
ST. PETERSBURG, FL: A group of young athletes from Northwest Youth Baseball and Softball has made history by bringing home the city’s first Babe Ruth World Series championship.
The Northwest 10U Freedom softball team, made up of 13 girls aged 9 to 11, capped off a remarkable season with an 8-1 victory over Puerto Rico in Florence, Alabama. Coached by Lane Zimmer — grandson of legendary Major League Baseball player and coach Don Zimmer — the team finished the tournament with a 6-1 record.
A Rallying Cry: “We’re Just a Rec Team from St. Petersburg”
What started as a humble statement turned into a rallying cry for one of the most successful youth teams in the city’s history. The community celebrated their achievement with a parade on August 17, where proud families and neighbors cheered on the champions.
Coach Zimmer said the girls entered the World Series without expectations:
“We just wanted to play, have fun, and represent the city. The fact that they came away with the title shows their dedication and teamwork.”
Record-Breaking Season
The Freedom finished with a 22-2 overall record, scoring 275 runs and allowing just 65. Strong pitching was the cornerstone of their success, with three talented players sharing time on the mound during the championship game.
Harper Smith stood out as the tournament’s MVP and batting champion, becoming the first player in Babe Ruth history to sweep multiple individual awards in a division. She also earned spots on the All-World Series and All-Defensive Teams.
Her mother, Kate Smith, praised the coaches and teammates:
“It’s not just about one player — the entire team worked hard and supported each other. This is proof that with effort and dedication, you can achieve anything.”
Building a Legacy
The Freedom are the first team in the 53-year history of Northwest Youth Baseball and Softball to reach the Babe Ruth World Series — and to win it. Several other players, including Ivy, Ryleigh, Jamie, Berkeley, and Kalli, were recognized on All-World and All-Defensive teams.
Zimmer highlighted the team’s bond, noting that many of the girls have played together for several years:
“They’re more like a family than a team. What they accomplished doesn’t happen often in youth sports.”
Community Recognition
The Clearwater Threshers minor league team honored the Freedom before their August 17 game. Supporters now hope the Tampa Bay Rays will also recognize the girls for their historic achievement.
Zimmer’s grandfather, Don Zimmer, played a special role in St. Petersburg’s baseball heritage. Don, who served as a senior advisor for the Rays from 2004 to 2014, was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in April 2023.
🌟 The Northwest Freedom’s success is more than just a championship — it’s a story of teamwork, dedication, and community pride.
