Until this year’s merger, you have to go all the way back to the late 1960s for a time when Nederland had one only Little League. For the better part of 40 years the leagues were split.

Sure, there were positives that came from Nederland having two leagues. But when all-stars rolled around each year, it was North vs South. It was a civil war of sorts because only one team could advance from the district.

On top of that, the talent pool was split in half for a town that was already smaller than many of its competitors.

Now everything has changed and for the better. Because of a contract that ran out with land owners, Nederland South was forced to merge with Nederland North. While there were some hesitations and some who feared the change, Nederland has accomplished more than in its previous quarter century of LL baseball.

When the Nederland 12-year-old All Stars square off with Bellaire at 8 o’clock tonight in Tyler, it will mark the first time since 1983 that a 12-year-old team from Nederland has made it to state.

This 12-year-old group has accomplished more than that of the Brian Spells, the Eric Cammacks, more than the Brian Sanches', the Jesse Floyds, more than the Brad Sullivans, the Dustin Hoods or the Justin Walkers did when they were 12.

As anyone familiar with the town’s baseball history knows, those the above mentioned were super talents who went on to make their mark collegiately, in the minor leagues and in the major leagues.

"Talent wise, this group is as good as any group I've seen in a very long time," said head coach Leonard Ramoin, the father of Jared, who pitches, plays second and bats second for the team. Ramoin also served as an assistant coach to the 13-year old Babe Ruth team from Nederland that won the World Series in 1996. Ramoin's oldest son, Joseph played on that team. Joe was also a standout football player as well as baseball player for Nederland.

Comparing the two squads, Ramoin said the 2008 bunch has more talent.

"That group in '96 just had better work ethic," he said. "I've tried telling the boys what it takes to get there, and who knows, maybe we will, but there is still a lot that can happen. On any given day, any team can lose and any team can win."

The Nederand All-Stars head into tonight's matchup with a 7-0 slate. Only one of those wins came in squeaker fashion, as they edged Orwall 3-2 in last weekend's championship game in the Woodlands for the sectional tournament championship.

So, just how important has the merger been?

The past two seasons, Nederland South ran into Orwall in sectionals. At 10, Orwall beat Nederland and went on to win state. Last year at 11, Orwall did the same to the South. But this year, when the league mixed, forming the best of both leagues, (10 players from the former South and three players from the former North made the all-star team) Nederland prevailed.

"It definitely made a difference," Ramoin said. "We couldn't get past Orwall the last two years with the group we had at South. Then you put this team together with the North and we knock Orwall out — at their place."

The team roster is as follows: Dylan Chandler, Brian Feltman, Cameron Hernandez, Brendon Babino, Jamier Rogers, Jake Shipman, Jared Ramoin, Chris Bishop, Nate Cluck, Deshawn Washington, Colton Weisbrod, Preston White, Osmar Mendoza.