With the 13-U Kansas Rebels leading by five runs in the sixth inning against the Lawrence Thunder on June 21, a Rebels batter popped a ball up in foul territory down the first-base line.

Thunder catcher John Flory dove head-first after the ball, but missed it by inches, and the Rebels closed out the game in the next inning.

But after the game, Thunder coach Steve Seratte gave a long speech offering almost nothing but encouragement to his players, giving Flory the game ball and saying he was proud of the way they played.

For the Thunder, in their first year as a traveling team, every practice and every game is step in the players’ development.

They might not win each game, not with playing in the tough Shawnee County Association Baseball Assn. Pony league during the week and battling other traveling teams in tournaments on the weekends, but they’re working hard, getting better from week to week and having a good time doing it.

“A lot of times, traveling teams have the mentality, win or go home, but that’s not how we approach it as a coaching staff,” Seratte said. “We’re trying to get these guys to play hard, learn something about the game, and try to be better all around.”

Not that the Thunder hasn’t had success this year. They’re ranked fourth in the state among 13-U AA baseball teams, and they won a national qualifying tournament in their first games of the year. As a result, they will play in the AA national tournament held in July in St. Louis.

But things have been tougher in the Topeka-based SCABA league. The Thunder are 3-7 in league play, which includes AAA teams like the Rebels, and 14-U teams who often dominate the division.

“When you play tough competition you get better,” Seratte said.

The Thunder have developed a reputation for their work ethic and positive attitude.

“I’ve had a bunch of people tell us that they appreciate the way we play,” Seratte said. “We’ve gotten out brains beat out and they’re still giving it their all.”

Losing can be frustrating for the players, many of whom played together the last two years in the Douglas County Amateur Baseball Assn. But the coaches believe that it is all part of the process.

“We’re coming together. Maybe not as fast the kids want, but they might not know it, but they’re learning,” said coach Dave Urban.

The Thunder don’t worry too much when they lose, and don’t let it go to their heads when they win, important character traits off the field as well.

“Baseball has a lot of lessons that will go over in life,” Seratte said.

And for the Thunder players, whose bodies and skills are still in the developmental stage, this experience could make the difference down the road.

“Hopefully when they’re 16, they’re a step ahead of everyone else,” coach Monte Hobbs said. “Some of these kids will get better and surprise you.”

Those improvements could benefit the Thunder in next year’s campaign.

The team doesn’t plan on having tryouts next year, and all current players will have a spot on the team as long as possible.

“I’m going to play these guys as long as they want to play,” Seratte said.