NATCHEZ — The Natchez Dixie Youth 9- and 10-year-old All-Star Team is using its first few days of practice to try to turn a collection of pitchers, shortstops and first basemen into a complete ball team.

Head coach Justin Robinson said the all-star team brings together the best players in the league, and often that means bringing together a team that has all played the same position throughout the season. The team completed its third practice Monday evening, and Robinson said they are still in an experimental phase.

“We are just starting to feel each other out,” Robinson said. “We are trying to find where the kids can play, because I can only use one shortstop and one pitcher. But everyone here can catch (fly balls) and has their own skill set.”

Robinson, who is coaching his third all-star team, said one benefit of bringing an all-star team together is having an abundance of pitchers.

“I think we have six (out of 12) that can pitch,” he said. “It’s excellent, because in sub-district there are only five teams (to play) before you advance, so we could possibly have one pitcher throw two games.”

Robinson said he thinks pitching and hitting will be the team’s strength, and he spent some of the day Monday trying to determine who could play outfield.

“Not one has played outfield,” he said. “But everyone can catch, and they are all good athletes, so it shouldn’t be too hard,” he said.

Robinson said his expectations are high for this team, so much so that he made them a deal if they reach the South State Tournament.

“If we advance out of district and play in South State, I’ll get a Mohawk,” he said. “They think it’s going to be hilarious. But I expect for us to do it. We really have a jam-up team.”

Robinson said the team only has two 9-year-olds this season, and he thinks having an older team will help.

“It’s definitely a plus,” he said. “Because we will be playing 10-year-old kids. But our (two) 9-year-olds will have to step up.”

The team will practice three days a week and has plenty of time to prepare. They will not take the field for their first game until July 6 in Bude, Robinson said.

Robinson said his team will be tested Thursday in a practice game against the best competition they will face all summer.

“We have a practice game with the 11-year-old team,” he said. “We’re not expecting to win, but it will give the kids playing time against pretty tough players, who are stronger.

“I told them, ‘If you can play with them, you can play with any 10-year-olds in the state.’”