1 Corinthians 9:25 - "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Contact or Learn More:
VOLLEYBALL: realsports925@gmail.com
N.C. BASEBALL: rs925baseball@gmail.com
OHIO BASEBALL: Visit realsports925.org/ohio
Powell Eagles
By REAL Sports
The Powell Eagles baseball club plays under the REAL Sports organization, a non-profit, faith-based sports ministry started in North Carolina and expanding into Ohio. REAL stands for Radically Equipping Athletes for Life and the program seeks to develop individuals physically, emotionally, socially, relationally and spiritually.
What We're All About
The Powell Eagles by REAL Sports in Ohio is fielding an 11U baseball team for the 2027 season! Players must not turn 12 until after May 1, 2027, to be eligible.
If you’ve been searching for higher competition and instruction but still want time to explore other interests, the Powell Eagles may be right for you. Our practice season will run January/February through June/July with both indoor and outdoor instruction, including a live hitting and pitching league at a local indoor facility.
We expect to play in five or more tournaments along with some exhibition or regular season games with the intent to play a total of 30-35 total games. Our goal is to choose mostly local tournament sites within closer driving distance of Powell, Ohio to offer an affordable and convenient alternative. We recognize the importance of family and believe this model can offer competitive baseball and growth that still leaves time to enjoy away from the diamond. We encourage our kids to play multiple sports during the off-season, with an off-season schedule that allows it: (no required games or practices from August – December). We do ask players to prioritize baseball during the 5-month season.
Our team is not affiliated with a specific school or program, and we are open to any Greater Columbus area residents. We play under the REAL Sports organization.
Our Mission
Our goal is to field a competitive travel baseball team that focuses on developing well-rounded athletes, not just baseball players. The heart of REAL Sports is to develop the whole person through a Christ-centered sports culture and to prepare athletes to achieve their fullest potential for God in all areas, including the sports they love. We do not require our athletes to attend church.
11U Tryouts
Tryouts for the 2027 season are complete. Anyone seeking additional information about starting - or joining - a team in the future, please email the Powell Eagles at powelleaglesbaseball@gmail.com.
2027 - 11U Roster
Noah Brown
Ayden Darling
Aidan Flanagan
Avery Hedman
Wyatt Keaney
Eli Linley
Will Merchant
Vivin Raveendiran
Tiago Rodriguez
Tucker Smith
Gabriel Stevning
Last Updated July 15, 2026
Fees
The Powell Eagles by REAL Sports believe in upfront pricing without hidden costs. While travel baseball can be expensive, we want to provide a more affordable option to our community that includes many essentials like home and away jerseys, hats, helmets, indoor and outdoor practice facilities and an indoor, live pitching and hitting league all rolled into your total cost. We are a non-profit organization, and all participants pay the same fee. Our goal is to avoid additional expenditures, such as hotel stays that are common to most travel organizations. See the flyer above for a look at "what you get" with our program (some offerings are subject to change and based on availability). Parents/players will be responsible for buying glove, USSSA bat, pants, belt, socks, cleats and other equipment. A team shop is available for optional branded apparel.
Fees for 11U during the 2027 season are expected to be $1,250 per player. Fees cover all of the above items listed as well as field costs, regular season and tournament fees and other administrative costs. A portion of fees will be due upon acceptance and a full payment schedule will be shared with families when offer letters are distributed.
In addition, limited fundraising efforts may be used to support the overall program.
More Information
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An athlete’s payment of player fees and acceptance agreement commits the athlete to this club and requires both athlete and parent to adhere to all guidelines and policies set forth by the club.
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All fees must be paid according to the team fee payment schedule. Unpaid fees can result in the athlete’s suspension from practice and tournaments.
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All fees paid are considered non-refundable. If extenuating circumstances (such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic) cause a cancellation of baseball activities, we will refund any fees that are refunded to the club. Should a player simply decide to no longer participate, no portion of their fees will be refunded.
Meet the Coaches
Our coaches have years of experience playing and coaching sports.
Coach
Dan Hedman
Coach Dan co-founded the Powell Eagles in 2025. He played baseball through high school, including on a New Hampshire State Champion and regional qualifying American Legion team from Exeter Post 32. He now lives in Powell, Ohio and attends Grace Powell Church. He has three sons and has coached locally through Olentangy Patriots Little League (OPLL) in the minors, coach pitch and tee ball divisions. He served as the head coach of the OPLL Minors (9-10) All-Star team in Spring 2025 and as an assistant coach in Spring 2024. Both All-Star teams participated in the Ohio District 6 - 10U Little League World Series qualifying tournament.
Coach
Wes Smith
Coach Wes co-founded the Powell Eagles in 2025. He played football and baseball in high school including playing for Greenville American Legion Post 140. He went on to play baseball and football at Ohio Northern University. He resides in Powell, Ohio and attends Adventure Church in Lewis Center. Coach Wes has two sons and has coached locally through Olentangy Patriots Little League in the minors, coach pitch and tee ball divisions. In Spring 2024, he led team UPS to a coach pitch (6-8) championship as co-head coach.
Coach
Geoff Merchant
Coach Geoff joined the Powell Eagles in 2025. He played baseball, basketball and football at Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio and American Legion for Post 221. He then played five years of Club baseball at Northwestern University where he eventually took on the roles of president and player/manager. Geoff was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Massillon. After years of moving to multiple states, Geoff moved to Delaware, Ohio in 2011. He has coached baseball or softball since 2016 for both travel and rec teams. Geoff is married and has one daughter and one son that are both active in sports and community activities.
