JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd is set to find its way back to Jamestown this summer, with the return of the Babe Ruth World Series.
"It's extremely exciting,” said Shane Swan, Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series host team manager. “It's been a long time coming.”
The 40th anniversary of the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series is returning to Jamestown's Diethrick Park August 14-21.
The city last hosted 16- to 18-year-olds in 2018, and the 13-year-olds in 2015.
"It's honestly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Swan. “They've been cooped up with COVID, and now that we're allowed and get out and play, these kids, they're ready to go.”
The event was canceled last year because of the pandemic, prompting Babe Ruth International to invite the city again to host it this year.
There will be 10, 15-member teams competing, with two from New York state, including the local host team, while the others are from across the nation.
"It's been a long journey,” said Swan. “The kids are extremely excited. I feel bad for some of the kids that could have played last year but can't this year because they aged out.”
Committee leaders say much of the planning is complete, but will make some adjustments now that COVID restrictions are being lifted.
The group is also looking to make the event free for player's families and anyone else who walks through the gate.
"We asked the local area to sponsor a day at the park,” said Kim Ecklund, Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series Committee VP, PR division director. “So we have sold out four of the eight days of ball play.”
Leaders say the event will cost about $200,000 to host, yet expect their economic return on investment to be a grand slam, at well over $1 million.
"You have 10 teams traveling with families,” said Ecklund. “All staying in local hotels. All spending money locally to eat out and to do things. So the impact is huge.”
The Babe Ruth World Series is a tradition that has been an important part of the city's rich history for the last four decades.
"You're going to see some great baseball,” said Swan. “Not just out of the host team, but the teams from all over the country. You could see great players that, quite possibly, you could be seeing them later on in life in college ball and pro ball.”
This will be the 18th World Series the city has hosted since 1980.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer at the event, or if an organization or business would like to sponsor a day at the park, click here or call Kim Ecklund at 716-664-0405. You can also email jamestownbrws@yahoo.com.