World Series champs welcomed home

By Brittany Whitley

Published: July 31, 2008

Police escorted the Auburn Dixie Majors (17-19) All-Stars to Duck Samford Stadium Thursday, where more than 100 people welcomed the team home after winning the World Series in Dyersburg, Tenn.

The win came after a second place finish in the series last year. The team lost the championship game by one run.

Whitt Dorsey, a 19-year-old catcher, arrived at the stadium with the team at around 6 p.m.

“It was real exciting,” he said. “We came out strong … They (South Carolina) went up 5-3 on us. We got kind of nervous.”

Auburn rallied to win that game 6-5 in the opener Wednesday. Auburn followed with a 9-1 win over florida to claim the title.

In addition to winning the World Series title, the team also won the sportsmanship award.

“That’s a real important award. We showed a lot of class up there,” Dorsey said.

Coach Al Starr agreed.

“We’re proud about that. That’s just as important as the World Series title,” he said.

Family members and fans, including Auburn Mayor Bill Hamm, gathered at the park to welcome the team.

“We’ve got good kids here from Opelika and Auburn. They all played together and came together,” Hamm said.

The mayor invited the team to a celebration in its honor, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Duck Samford Stadium.

“They just played well,” Kenneth King, father of 18-year-old team Michael King, said. “They showed a lot of spirit ...”