By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

LAGRANGE – It was a special opportunity for LaGrange’s Davis Moncus.

The 8-year-old Moncus was chosen to participate in the Latin American World Series earlier this summer in the Dominican Republic, and he enjoyed a successful tournament from a team and individual standpoint.

Moncus’ team, “Baseball With a Purpose/New Maldy,” won the 8-and-under division, while finishing second in the 10-and-under division.

Moncus was a member of both teams.

Moncus, a third-grader at Callaway Elementary School, did his part to help both teams thrive.

He excelled at the plate, hitting .760, and he also fared well defensively as a first baseman and outfielder.

Moncus also got the chance to pitch in two games, and he was nearly untouchable.

In one of his pitching appearances, Moncus threw three innings and didn’t allow any hits with nine strikeouts.

In his other pitching outing, Moncus threw five innings, and he gave up just one hit while striking out 12.

According to Davis Moncus’ grandfather, Mike Moncus, he was selected for the World Series team after being seen during a game for his travel team, TC Baseball.

Esteban Maldanado, a former professional baseball player, was putting together a handful of teams to participate in the Latin American world Series, and Davis Moncus was chosen.

“He saw Davis in Peachtree City, and told my daughter (Amanda), and it developed into him playing in it,” Mike Moncus said. “It was a great opportunity for Davis to get to do that.”

The World Series was part of a busy spring and  summer for Davis Moncus.

In addition to his travel-ball tournaments, Moncus also played Troup County Parks and Recreation Commission baseball during the spring, and he was a member of the Troup National all-star team that competed in the district tournament.

This fall, Moncus is helping out as a ball boy for the Troup High football team, and he’s a regular presence on the sidelines during home and away games.