Babe Ruth World Series Underway in Van Buren

The first pitch of the Babe Ruth World Series has been thrown in Van Buren. Now, all ten baseball teams are competing to take home first place.

But Van Buren city leaders want the competition to mean something more to the players.

“It’s not just to win the final game, but to have had an experience that’s going to stay with them for a lifetime,” said Van Buren Mayor Bob Freeman.

Volunteers, host families, bat boys and many others have joined forces to host the Babe Ruth World Series this year. Van Buren is hosting the Babe Ruth World Series for 13- to 15-year-old players, and players have come from all over the country.

“This is about a community pulling together and what it means in that regard,” Mayor Freeman said.

Host families said they’re excited to show the players around Van Buren.

“We want to take them definitely to downtown Van Buren and let them see it,” said Laura Moore, one of the volunteers. “And also take them to the wall [downtown] and let them see the artwork the kids have done over the years.”

Another volunteer, Traci Wilhelm, said she plans to take the players she’s hosting out to a farm, where they can learn to fish and hunt.

Teams will be in town for games through next Saturday.

For anyone interested in attending one of the games, a single ticket costs $4. Or you can buy a family pass and attend all 25 games for $25.

For more information about the Babe Ruth World Series, click HERE.