Cincinnati Bulldogs 12U: Coach Waddell, Team Ready for Another Big Year

The Cincinnati Bulldogs 11U select baseball team put together an outstanding 38-9 record last year in the American League, coming in third place behind the Haubner Hornets and the West Side Raiders.

They are back for more in 2011.

“It’s hard to improve from [38-9], but we don’t base success on wins and losses. If each kid improves as a player and a person, then we feel like it’s a successful year,” said head coach Sean Waddell.

After a few minor adjustments to the coaching staff and roster, the Bulldogs are ready to go. However, tougher opponents will be on the schedule this year, as the team has moved up to the American Gold League. Elite clubs such as the Midland Warriors and the Dayton Dodgers are matchups the Bulldogs will have to endure if they want to be considered one of the big boys.

“We prepare for each team differently, but we give each player an opportunity to succeed,” said Waddell. “We want to stay competitive in every game...we want to improve as individuals and as a team throughout the year.”

The Bulldogs have a specific strategy that they’ll use against these local powerhouses; one that helped them rack up 38 wins a year ago.

“We pray before and after each game,” said Zack Waddell, son of head coach Sean Waddell. Zack is the team captain and plays shortstop. “It wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t.”

Cold weather, sickness and lingering injuries have influenced a slow start for Waddell’s crew. The ‘dogs are 2-2, but aren’t worried about the sluggish beginning to a long season, one that enters into July.

“Including the preseason, we’re 4-2. Most people would take that with the teams we’re playing,” said Waddell. “We just need to eliminate the little mistakes.”

Winning 38 games in the American Gold League seems just about impossible, but don’t tell that to this hungry team. For the Cincinnati Bulldogs 12U baseball gang, the sky is the limit.

“We have great speed, team chemistry and pitching depth. We need to improve our overall team hitting, but these kids are only 12—there’s plenty of room for improvement,” said Waddell.

The Bulldogs continue their season tonight against the Dayton Dodgers, and will take on their league rival Haubner Hornets (who tied for first place last year), on Tuesday night.