The Rebels started
in 1991 and are Lincoln's most experienced youth baseball program. It
began with Dr. Dave and Kathy Bingham and Dave and Barb Smith talking
in their front rooms about improving the level of youth baseball in Lincoln.
After numerous informal gatherings, a plan was devised to start Lincoln's
first select program. The response from Lincoln's youth baseball players
was overwhelming. Over 200 players attended the first Rebel tryout! Fifteen
players were chosen and the Rebels program had begun. This first Rebel
team successfully completed a season of 50+ games and won a tournament
in Fremont.
The Bingham's and
Smith's dream of having one team was realized in 1991. However, it was
obvious from the phenomenal interest for the first tryout that the youth
of Lincoln had a need for more teams. Therefore, the Rebels expanded to
include all age groups from 9 to 14. Because of this growth, the Rebels
needed someone committed to youth baseball to help its growth and provide
direction to the organization. This individual selected was Randy Brolhorst.
Coach Brolhorst is
the longtime head coach for Lincoln Southeast Varsity baseball team and
you would be hard-pressed to find anyone more committed to youth baseball
in Lincoln. Since 1992, he has provide the Rebels with leadership and
direction for our program. He works in conjunction with an Executive Board
of Rebel parents to set the goals and objectives of the organization.
Coach Brolhorst's commitment to youth baseball and his players have helped
make the Rebels the premier youth baseball program in Lincoln.
The Rebels support
six different teams from different age groups: 9's, 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s,
and 14s. We have paid coaches for each team, which is important and different
from many other teams. We pay our coaches because we expect them to make
the same commitment to the Rebels program that our players and parents
do. Coaching our teams must be a priority.
Is winning important?
Absolutely, and that is our goal whenever we take the field. We select players with a strong
work ethic and positive attitudes. We expect commitment from our players,
and in turn, our players receive a commitment from our coaches and organization
that we will all work to be the best team possible. The Rebels organization
believes being the best means being the best person, team and program
both competitively and socially. We want to win with integrity.
The overall philosophy
of the Rebel organization is simple. We expect our "Rebel Family" to act
with integrity and honesty in all matters. The goals for our players are
to improve as a person, learn valuable lesson through baseball competition
that will help in life and to improve as a baseball player.
