NATCHEZ — Andrew Beesley knew his team’s jersey was getting hung up at Sports Center Wednesday afternoon.

What he didn’t know was he would be getting a souvenir of his own.

Beesley was a member of the Natchez 12-year-old Dixie Youth All-Star team this summer that won the Dixie Youth Mississippi state championship. Head coach Terry Moffett and assistant coaches Jeff Webb and LeRoy Myles led the 12s.

The team submitted a jersey to be hung on Sports Center’s Wall of Champions, and all the players received state championship rings during the award ceremony — much to their surprise.

“It was unexpected. I knew we were getting our jersey hung up, but we had no clue about the rings. It was big surprise,” Beesley said.

This year was the first time a Natchez team competed in the Dixie Youth World Series since 2003. Natchez was also represented in the 1992 Dixie Youth World Series.

Clarence Bowlin, former president for the Natchez Dixie Youth League, addressed the players before they received their rings.

“I’m extremely proud of you, but that’s not important. What’s important is that the whole city is proud of you,” Bowlin told the Natchez 12s.

“All of you took the bull by the horns and won it. The coaches did an outstanding job directing these kids. Y’all are outstanding Natchez citizens, as we look forward to you guys winning another state championship down the road.”

Mayor Jake Middleton was also on hand to congratulate the players and coaches for what they accomplished.

“Not only did you represent us and Adams County, but you also represented the state of Mississippi,” Middleton said to the players.

“Not many young men get to do what y’all did, and the City of Natchez is proud of what you accomplished.”

Moffett said the experience was a lifetime memory for himself and his players.

“It was a special season for them. They deserved everything they got,” Moffett said.

“They worked hard and did everything they needed to do. And that work started a while back — it didn’t happen overnight.”

Middleton said he doesn’t think the 12-year-olds understand the gravity of what they accomplished now, but will when they get older.

“When they go out to the field and see the banner, they’ll realize it then,” Middleton said.

Dixie Youth Commissioner Porky Smith said there were more people from Natchez in Gonzales, La., for the Dixie Youth World Series than the host team had representing them. Moffett said he was very impressed by the number of community members that supported the 12s.

“That just tells you how much people enjoy (our sport). The community support, even through donations, you just can’t thank them enough for,” Moffett said.

“We were able to purchase the rings because of donations by the community.”

Middleton said the community representation in Gonzales showed how seriously Natchez takes sports.

“We’re just a sports-minded community, and we always have been,” Middleton said.

“That’s why I’m trying hard to push this new recreation complex. Natchez needs it. It’s good for the kids, and it’s an economic development tool.”

When the players were presented with their rings, some adults joked that they’d give it to a girl. But Beesley said he has no such plans.

“I’m going to wear it everywhere,” Beesley said.