His teammates and coaches often call him &8220;Speedy.&8221; The moniker is so becoming of the 9-year-old that it is the branded along the side of his batting helmet. During the closing rounds of last week&8217;s 9-10-year-old championship tournament, Barton took advantage of nearly every opportunity to show why he earned the nickname. After playing a considerable role in the Sellers and Company Indians&8217; semi-final win over the BankTrust Braves, Barton went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored against the Collins Communications Cubs. His efforts in that game helped the Indians force a title-deciding second game.

In the second portion of the championship tilt, Barton walked in the top of the first inning before scoring the first Sellers and Company run of the game. In the second inning, Barton drew another walk, stole second and scored again. But it is the third inning that will likely linger in Speedy&8217;s memory. In that frame, he stroked a homerun and a triple, amassing six RBIs. In the two game set, Barton went 3-for-4 with three walks, seven RBIs and six runs scored.

In addition to his offensive accomplishments, Barton displayed an invaluable versatility in the field while helping the Indians to hoist the first place trophy.