Gaston County Lodge-03

The FOP Dirt Dobbers, our lodge-sponsored little league team, took first place in the 2008 Gastonia All Star World Series that was held July 14-17 at Martha Rivers Park.

The Dirt Dobbers went undefeated in the tourney by defeating six teams to become state champions. The Dirt Dobbers scored 67 runs in the tournament, and allowed only six opposing runs.

Five of the Dirt Dobbers players placed in individual competitions in the tournaments. Cotton Rouse took second place in Golden Arm competition and Aaron Nanney took third place. Justin Pace took first place in King of Swat; and Aaron Mauldin took first place in Road Runner with third place going to Alex Jamison.

The team is coached by Fred McMurray, Jerry Pace and Jim Poole. McMurray and Poole are Gastonia police officers and members of the Gaston County Lodge.

The FOP Dirt Dobbers are: (first row, left to right) Alex Jamison, Mitch Cunningham, Cotton Rouse, Aaron Nanney and Aaron Mauldin; (second row, left to right) Cole Poole, Wesley Woods, Justin Pace, Trey Stallings and Jacob Withers. (Back row) Coaches Fred McMurray, Jerry Pace and Jim Poole.