The City of Andalusia will play host to between 25 and 30 baseball teams and their supporters in 2023 when it hosts the Cal Ripken 8U State Tournament next week.
Teams from all over Alabama will arrive the state’s largest park Johnson Park on the afternoon of Thursday, June 29 and the opening ceremonies are scheduled at 8:15 a.m. in the morning on Friday the 30th of June.
Andalusia Parks and Recreation Director Willie Edwards, who also is the District 8 representative within the State Babe Ruth organization, explained that there is a bid procedure to win the right to host the event. In the past there were only winners from the district tournament or runners-up played, but there’s now an open invitation to participate.
“Our policy is to only send teams that have won or place second place at a tournament,” he explained. “But other teams can take part in tournaments if they pay their fee .”
Since participating teams pay entry fees, there’s no cost for admission at the gate. This means residents in the area can take advantage of baseball throughout the weekend.
Traditionally cities or included has hosted state and regional championships, they have had positive effects in the economy of local communities.
“I’ve done a search of all the hotels listed within our Tournament Packet (all hotels located in Andalusia and nearby cities) and each of them featured more than two teams residing in the area,” he said. “The Best Western was already booked to host a family gathering, or they’d have teams as well. .”
“Any occasion that we are able to hold an event like this one, we’re happy to host it,” Mayor Earl Johnson declared. “We have learned from our conversations with local merchants and keeping track of sales tax figures that ball tournaments and other special occasions like Candyland can help build the local economy. We have always had a mission to give people reasons to come to Andalusia and not only know it as a place to pass through on their way to the beach. .”
As at the time of writing, Wednesday morning there fifteen teams registered. There are another 10 teams in addition to 15 teams who are expected to register. The team from Andalusia’s 8U All Stars was the winner of in the District Tournament in Evergreen, and will be participating in the state tournament and Opp’s 8U All Stars.
Following the first round of competition, the winners of the tournament are eligible to advance. Winners of the 8U Cal Ripken Tournament will compete in the regionals at Hot Springs, Arkansas, July 14-17. The World Series to follow in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Edwards declared that his primary ambition for the state championship this week is for players to have a positive experience.
“The theme of the week’s games is good sportsmanship” he stated. “The most important thing to remember is that we’re watching our children engage in a sport and have fun, so take pleasure in the games as they are, and let players do the same. A good sportsmanship attitude is expected and expected of everyone in attendance .”
Food trucks will be available during the tournament, as well as T-shirts for the tournament, priced at $20, will be available for sale in the park.
The article Andalusia will host the an 8U Cal Ripken State Tournament was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.
