The Washington State Little League Baseball All Star Championship at Richland saw West Seattle Little League All Stars (11-12year old boys) win third place.

West Seattle won their first three games at the State Tournament outscoring their opponents 36-7 before losing in 101-degree heat to defending state champs Kent 14-3. West Seattle's three victories were against the District Champions from Sedro Woolley, Centralia and Vancouver. Kent went on to win the State Championship and advance to the Regional Tournament in San Bernardino, Calif.

In the State Tournament, West Seattle out scored their opponents 42-29, hit 9 home runs and finished with a 3-2 record.

"This was the first 11-12 year old All Star Little League team from West Seattle in memory, perhaps ever, to win the district title and advance as far as the winners bracket final," Coach Bob Hellinger said.

"Although this was a solid team effort, special mention is necessary for two players. Max Schwabe pitched us to three district and two state tournament wins to end his Little League All-Star career with 12 All-Star victories. Coal Winter's last minute hitting and pitching heroics in the district championship game, particularly his two-out, two run double in the final inning, which allowed us to get to the championship game and the state tournament. Our team made up of 12 almost equal parts, represented all 6 of our major division teams in West Seattle."

District 7 Tournament, hosted by Pac West Little League, was held June 30-July 9th. This district tournament comprised 11 All Star Teams each representing their Leagues from West Seattle to Seattle Central, Burien, Renton, Highline and Tukwila. Our West Seattle All-Stars won the District 7 Championship with back-to-back wins over South Highline National 4-3 and 17-6 and advanced to the State Tournament. In the District Tournament, West Seattle out scored their opponents 75-20, hit 12 home runs and finished with a 6-1 record.

The 2007All Star Team was coached by Bob Hellinger (manager), Joel Snow and Bret Lovely. West Seattle All Star players were; Jacob Eddy, Anthony Lamping, Mateo Lamping, Todd Lehman, Jackson Lovely, Bryce Morgan, Sam Hellinger, Max Sarver, Max Schwabe, T.K Snow, Joe Thayer and Coal Winters.

West Seattle Little League's 10-11 year olds also won their District Championship and a trip to their State Championship in Kirkland earlier this summer.

"Throughout the tournaments, we told the boys they needed to elevate their game, be mentally tough, play hard and have fun. They came through on all accounts," coach Hellinger said. "Working hard on a daily basis, they represented their community with sportsmanship, determination and class."