In the height of summer, it means baseball season is in full swing.

Whether it be the major leagues or tee ball, baseball is considered America’s favorite pastime and continues to engage communities across the United States, and Sampson County is no different.

The district tournament for the Dixie Youth Baseball AAA All-Stars has come to an end and Sampson County Parks and Recreation officials were proud to say that two of the community’s teams participated in the event held in Burgaw last month. These teams, Sampson National and Sampson American, “gave it their all” and have been recognized for their efforts, they said.

“Not only did the youth increase their knowledge of the fundamentals of baseball, but they learned important life lessons that will make them better leaders in the future,” a statement from the county rec department read.

Prior to the Burgaw tournament, two of Sampson County’s Dixie Softball Ponytail X-Play All-Star teams made it to the district tournament held in Hampstead. These teams, also labeled the Sampson National and Sampson American, competed against some of the best players within the district and were able to win one game within the tournament.

While both teams failed to advance past game two, recreation officials said both represented the county well, with one honored for their sportsmanship.

“Even though Sampson County did not bring home the district trophy, Sampson American was awarded the Sportsmanship Award,” the county rec department stated in its message. “This award is given to the team that demonstrates ethical behavior, fair play and integrity regardless of the situation. Sampson County is proud to sponsor youth baseball and we look forward to another excellent baseball season in the coming year.”

Sampson County Parks and Recreation will have youth football and youth volleyball registration from Aug. 1-26. For more information, call 910-299-0924.

The 2016 Sampson American All-Star Team for Dixie Youth Baseball AAA included, from left, front row: Jesse Smith, Johnathan Darden, Ayden Melvin, Cooper Ivey, Brayden Autry and Rylan Godbold; middle: Trent Blackburn, Tyler Fye, Reid Strickland, Cameron Wright, Derek Ezzell and Colin Ratliff; and back: Coach Jim Ezzell, Coach Timmy Strickland and Coach Kenny Ivey.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_allstar1.jpgThe 2016 Sampson American All-Star Team for Dixie Youth Baseball AAA included, from left, front row: Jesse Smith, Johnathan Darden, Ayden Melvin, Cooper Ivey, Brayden Autry and Rylan Godbold; middle: Trent Blackburn, Tyler Fye, Reid Strickland, Cameron Wright, Derek Ezzell and Colin Ratliff; and back: Coach Jim Ezzell, Coach Timmy Strickland and Coach Kenny Ivey. Courtesy photo

The 2016 Sampson National All-Star Team for Dixie Youth Baseball AAA included, from left, front row: Aiden Grimes, Gavin Hunt, Charles Marley, Tyler Hall, Reece Bradshaw and Josiah McLaurin; middle: Gideon Linton, Preston Gunner James, Timothy Weeks, Miles Faircloth, Benjamin Santos III and Seth Odom; and back: Coach Todd McLaurin, Coach Carlton Weeks and Coach Keith Marley.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_allstar2.jpgThe 2016 Sampson National All-Star Team for Dixie Youth Baseball AAA included, from left, front row: Aiden Grimes, Gavin Hunt, Charles Marley, Tyler Hall, Reece Bradshaw and Josiah McLaurin; middle: Gideon Linton, Preston Gunner James, Timothy Weeks, Miles Faircloth, Benjamin Santos III and Seth Odom; and back: Coach Todd McLaurin, Coach Carlton Weeks and Coach Keith Marley. Courtesy photo

The 2016 Sampson American All-Star Team for Dixie Softball Ponytail X-Play included, from left, front row: Morgan Matthews, Xuxa Trujillo, Cameran Poole, Madison Brown and Hannah Register; middle: Tazmine Greenway, Katie Hicks, Katelyn Ezzell, Jayden Sessoms, Tiyah Owens, Sariya Doss and Breanna Smith; and back: Coach Sydney Parker, Coach Amanda Pope and Coach Madison Tart.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_allstar3.jpgThe 2016 Sampson American All-Star Team for Dixie Softball Ponytail X-Play included, from left, front row: Morgan Matthews, Xuxa Trujillo, Cameran Poole, Madison Brown and Hannah Register; middle: Tazmine Greenway, Katie Hicks, Katelyn Ezzell, Jayden Sessoms, Tiyah Owens, Sariya Doss and Breanna Smith; and back: Coach Sydney Parker, Coach Amanda Pope and Coach Madison Tart. Courtesy photo

The 2016 Sampson National All-Star Team for Dixie Softball Ponytail X-Play included, from left, front: Taylor Hardison, Abby Phillips, Rylan Carter, Blair Baggett and Brianna Knowles; middle: Kendall Jackson, Ryley Honeycutt, Kelcey Harris, Morgan Fay, Makenzie Maynor, Marley Honeycutt and Marlei Phillips; and back: Coach Gracie Olson, Coach Ryan Maynor and Coach Ken Jackson.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_allstar-4.jpgThe 2016 Sampson National All-Star Team for Dixie Softball Ponytail X-Play included, from left, front: Taylor Hardison, Abby Phillips, Rylan Carter, Blair Baggett and Brianna Knowles; middle: Kendall Jackson, Ryley Honeycutt, Kelcey Harris, Morgan Fay, Makenzie Maynor, Marley Honeycutt and Marlei Phillips; and back: Coach Gracie Olson, Coach Ryan Maynor and Coach Ken Jackson. Courtesy photo
Team honored with Sportsmanship Award

From Sampson Parks and Rec