The Boerne Little League team blew us all away by everything they accomplished in their season. Fair Oaks is proud to say that one of these amazing stars is a resident here. Ben Burkhart was one of the many players that Fair Oaks rallied around during the team’s exciting journey. At 12 years old, Ben is a 7th grader at the Geneva School of Boerne where he plays baseball along with football (though he would say baseball is his favorite because of its unpredictable nature). He loves living in Fair Oaks because he can play golf at the country club when he isn’t busy making baseball history. He’s been playing baseball since his T-ball days in Boerne and has stuck with the sport all the way up to the Little League World Series.

The journey to the top started in the regular little league season where Ben was on one of 8 teams. From there, three to four players were taken from each team to try out for the all star team. Ben made the cut and started practicing in June for what he didn’t know was going to be the best baseball season of his life. The team competed like champion athletes, winning districts and sectionals in Ingram. They went on to win the west state tournament in Abilene, then regionals in Waco. Finally, they made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ben’s favorite memory of the season was arriving in Pennsylvania on that first day and going to see the field. The team and him stood on a big hill overlooking the field, taking thousands of pictures in absolute disbelief that they had made it to that moment. It was unlike any baseball stadium Ben had ever seen, and he said he will never forget that feeling. The team’s confidence, perseverance, and competitive spirit had led them to the Little League World Series where they were excited to show the country what they were made of.

Ben said one of the best parts of the series was where they stayed. The International Grove houses all the players and coaches for each world series. This would be Ben’s home for the next few weeks. He said he met players from all over the world, and they had fun together by playing ping pong and arcade games despite the language barrier. 

When it came time for the final game, Ben said the team was confident but a little nervous, as to be expected. Out of the gates they came out strong with a 4-1 lead. Even when the opponent began to hit back, Ben was confident their top pitcher could shut them down. However, once the pitcher’s arm injury became more serious, luck got the best of the team. Even with the other great pitchers lined up, Boerne was unable to come out victorious. Of course, Ben and the team were upset, but they were also so grateful for the experience. Ben even said that it was nice to come home after being away for so long.

All of the families, including Ben’s, were able to attend all of the baseball games. Ben’s younger brother Joe never missed a game. Ben said, “He was my biggest fan the whole time”. The parents especially put so much time and effort into being there, saying it was all worth it for the memories the boys got to make.

Ben and his team accomplished something so incredible for the Boerne area, and the community of Fair Oaks couldn’t be happier for him!