Cal Ripken World Series Brings Best of the Best to NWA

Little league baseball teams from across the country converged on Bentonville on Friday night for the Cal Ripken World Series.

“It’s probably a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Bentonville’s starting pitcher, Sawyer Price said Friday before his game against Grand Forks, N.D.

The baseball series for 10-year-olds has been around since the early 1980s, showcasing the nation’s best little league baseball players.

The 2012 Cal Ripken World Series lineup features two local teams, Springdale and Bentonville.

Teams traveling to the site came from states like California, Connecticut, Florida, Oregon and Indiana.

“It’s the best of the best,” said World Series Host President Rob Featherston. “This is an event that rotates around the country from year to year, and to get it Northwest Arkansas is a tremendous honor. It’s a tribute to our volunteers and our community.”

While it is a lot of pressure competing against other elite teams, Price said he wants to make every pitch count.

“I think I should just have a good time and do what I do best,” Price said.

Springdale left fielder Alex Bowers said this year’s competition is tough.

“You have to face really good teams to be in this,” Bowers said. “I am just not used to losing all the time.”

But all in all, win or lose, these players are just excited about the experience.

“Not many people get to be in the World Series for Cal Ripken. It’s just a great opportunity to get to be in the World Series,” Price said.

The tournament wraps up Friday, August 17.