The Natchez T-ball All-Stars are on their way to Searcy, Ark., to play on what might be the biggest stage of their young careers in the Dixie Youth World Series.

Only, the youngsters may not realize that just yet, at least not until the team arrives in Arkansas today.

“My whole life I played Dixie youth, and I want these kids to know how special it is,” Natchez coach Wes Middleton said. “They’re excited, but I don’t know if they grasp it yet … the parents might be more excited than the kids, but tomorrow evening when they get there and see (the sports complex) they’ll say, ‘Holy cow this is awesome.’”

Middleton said the trip was made possible by the success of the fundraiser the team organized, selling raffle tickets to cover hotel costs for the second weekend in the past three weeks.

“We had a really good response and it boils down to people in our community stepping up and supporting,” Middleton said, expressing gratitude to the families of the players.

The team will have to make what might be a critical adjustment, to complete a deep run into the tournament. The Arkansas T-ball rules call for a softer, less-dense ball than the standard baseballs the Mississippi branch of Dixie Youth plays with. Middleton said his team had a difficult time adjusting in practice this week.

“It’s different, a big adjustment,” Middleton said. “My outfielders expect the ball to bounce to them and it bounces over their head. I hate that for my first baseman … Some of the other teams (used to the soft ball) will have an advantage over us.”

Middleton said, while the spongier ball is harder to field, he hasn’t noticed a significant difference in the way the ball plays off the bat.

“It seems to fly pretty well,” Middleton said. “It seems to bounce off the bat more. Big hitters who hit to the outfield, you won’t notice much of a difference … I knew how tough it would be to get a 6-year-old to adjust.”

The Natchez T-ball All-Stars begin pool play Friday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Natchez will play at the same times Saturday, then seeding will be determined for the start of Sunday’s bracket play.