Mary Kay Hopkins

Are they having fun, or what!

These are photos provided by Kennon Fontenot's mom. Here, Dugout, the mascot for the Little League World Series is leading the kids from both teams in a dance.

Before every game, the South Lake Charles team says a prayer.

Below, Kennon Fontenot at work as Shortsop.

He has just caught the ball and converting it to a double play against Hagerstown.

Kennon Fontenot's mom, Shelley Fontenot, provided me these "misc" photos today from Williamsport and Lamade Stadium.

I've always thought of Shelly Fontenot as kind and considerate, but the photos I am having to endure that illustrate all the fun they are having borders on cruel and unusual punishment! Because of her son, Kennon, I'm hooked on Little League and would much rather be in Williamsport.

Reminder, South Lake Charles plays Tampa, Florida in the US Semi Finals tonight.

The picture below really strikes me!

While I'm entertaining Trooper, the Ryder's lovebird and their two cats, taking litter box duty, taping the games, and clipping the newspaper articles about Kennon, these two are having the time of their life.

I've already called this foul play. Is there an umpire that will listen to my case.

Of course, Robert and Stephanie would argue that I'm drinking their beer, watching their TV, and eating their left overs. With that being their only "points", I'd put that debate down as a win for me by the mercy rule!

If I don't get one of those blue Southwest shirts, I'm gonna be some upset!

Kennon's sisters, Kristine and Emma painted Robert's head.

I've been asked what I think about the city council's decision to change the name of South Ryan Street to Dr. Micahel DeBakey Drive.

Knowing that I had not been in favor of previous consideration regarding another name change, it was assumed I'd be against this decision. NOT SO! The following are just a few of the reasons why the Lake Charles city council should be applauded for honoring Lake Charles native Michael DeBakey:

• DeBakey was internationally acclaimed for his cardiovascular accomplishments
• He has been called "the greatest surgeon of all time".
• The list of accomplishments, inventions, and contributions coupled with the articles and accolades that have been written about DeBakey would exceed the length of South Ryan should we print them!
• The name change will end the geographical confusion. No longer will we have to explain that "South" doesn't really mean "South."

Will it be a hassle to make the change? Probably. Worth it? Without question.

A proud Robert Ryder called me this morning to tell me about this morning's article in the Williamsport Sun Gazette.

Fortunately, the Sun Gazette publishes on line so it was easy to find this article on Lake Charles Pitcher Kennon Fontenot.

While the focus of the article is on "the buzz" about Kennon's pitching, the writer does an excellent job detailing Kennon's total talent.

Robert's favorite part of the article was the last line which was a comment made by Lake Charles Coach Charlie Phillips.... ""Kennon is pretty special to us," Phillips said. "We just love Kennon for being Kennon."

South Lake Charles Little League competes tonight against a team from Florida in the US Semi Finals. The winner advances to the US Finals on Saturday with that winner playing in the final game to determine the World Series on Sunday. Here's hoping I get to write at least two three more blogs about Team Lake Charles! And, to gain an insight into the family that supports theis outstanding young man, read an e-mail interview with Kennon Fontenot's parents. Go South Lake Charles!

South Lake Charles (representing Louisiana and the Southwest Region) dominant play in their first 2 games in pool play was such that they advance to the US Semi Finals in first place position despite a 6-4 loss to Hagerstown, representing the Mid-Atlantic Region. The game was televised last night on ESPN.

What's next for the SLC team? First all, I hope they relish the moment and consider what they have done to change Lake Charles Little Leage Baseball history.

Over the years, Louisiana has sent 6 great teams to the Little League World Series. Four of those have been from South Lake Charles. To my knowledge, only Lafayette has ever advanced out of pool play. Getting to the semi-finals had eluded South Lake Charles.

Thanks to a terrific effort by the SLC Little Leaguers, this is no longer true! And, not only do they advance, but they advance as the first place team from Pool A.

On Thursday night, SLC plays the second place team from pool B, Citrus Park Little Leage from Tampa Florida. The game will be televised on ESPN at 7:00 central time.

On a sidebar note, congratulations to the team from Hagarstown for their victory and their sportsmanship. Like South Lake Charles, they are a tribute to the spirit of Little League. Hagarstown can take pride in their entire team.

Go South Lake Charles!

{Note, this post was edited 8/22/08 thanks to a Lafayette well-wisher's comments}

{Note 2. SLC beat Tampa. On to the US Finals on Saturday}