REGION — It began with a group of four-year-olds playing T-ball together. From there, a core group of those children grew up together through Little League and Cal Ripken play.

Now part of the Babe Ruth League, the Tri-County team is going to the World Series.

First they went undefeated at the Maine state tournament and then played their way to the New England Regional Championship.

Team Manager Joe Trybus has coached most of the kids from their first time at bat, joined along the way by fellow coaches Darren Boyce and Mike Davis. All three have sons playing on the team. As a group, the team and their coaches share common goals.

“We’re developing players of future Oxford Hills Viking teams,” Trybus told the Advertiser Democrat. And in the mean time, the coaches work to “put the kids in a position to succeed on and off the field. We’re teaching them life lessons about personal values, about respecting their teammates and competitors whether they win or lose.

“As a team, our goal this year was to win the regional championship. And we have a new goal.”

As some regional Babe Ruth playoffs games continue, the Tri-County Team does not yet know their schedule or rivals.

Trybus said about 40 people, including family members, will travel to Texas on August 8 for the national championship and return August 18, after the World Series wraps up.

The 11-day stay at Eagle Pass is not just about baseball and family but education as well. Trybus said they will also tour the region to learn about the U.S./Mexican border, immigration, patrol and how southwestern cultures differ from New England.

The Tri-County Babe Ruth team is heading to the 2024 World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. Member of the team are: Front, from left, Derrik Trybus, Shane Plummer, Ethan Godomsky, Sawyer Poland, Cameron Palmer, Keegan Day; Back, Coach Joe Trybus, Finley Cavers, Nolan Cavers, Jacoby Boyce, Shawn West, Tucker Hilden, Carter Davis, Coach Mike Davis, Coach Darren Boyce. Supplied photo

Trybus gave a shoutout to each player on the Tri-County team, most of whom are from Oxford Hills.

“Keegan Day, 13, of Brownfield: A strong hitter, plays strong defense pitches.

“Ethan Godomski, 14, of Newry: The seasoned veteran on the team. He loves the game – he’s a fun, hard worker for us.

“Shawn west of Minot: He is our third baseman. He brings a good bat.

“Cameron Palmer, 13, of Norway: The role player, goes utility and wherever he needs to support team. He’ll pitch run or hit for us, and plays outfield.

“Sawyer Poland ,14, of West Paris: Our back up catcher and also versatile in the outfield and at the corners with a decent bat.

“Nolan Cavers, 14, of Otisfield: Strong and athletic, plays first base and pitcher. He’s a hard hitter.

“Finley Cavers, 13, of Otisfield: Like his brother, big and athletic and a hard hitters. He is our starting catcher. He has a real strong arm

“Tucker Hilden, 14, of Norway: He is the team lefty and pitches, play outfield or first base. He is the team anchor at bat and will hit in any direction.

“Carter Davis, 14, of Hebron: Our top pitcher, and best outfielder during tournaments year. He has good speed, a good bat.

“Jacoby Boyce, 14, of South Paris: He was the state’s MVP. He pitches and plays middle infield – both second base and shortstop. He bats third in the lineup.

“Derrik Trybus 14, of Norway: He is your typical manager’s kid. He has a high baseball IQ. He plays middle infield and pitches, he has special skills all around.”

The team is preparing to play more ball, but their families and their coaches are working to finance their trip to the big leagues.

Trybus is working to secure as many business sponsorships as possible. A GoFundMe account has been set up (at https://www.gofundme.com/f/kj7tv-world-series-bound) for anyone who would like to make a donation to help with the team’s travel expenses.

For those who do not do online transactions, checks made out to Tri-County Babe Ruth may be mailed to c/o Joe Trybus, 200 Main Street, Norway 04268.

If anyone prefers to reach out personally, they should send email Joe Trybus at trybusfamily@gmail.com, or call or text him at 207-890-1437.