Babe Ruth World Series Continues

Van Buren students went back to school Monday, but some still get to compete in the Babe Ruth Baseball World Series. Ten teams from across the country shared a meal together Monday night at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

“We’ve worked too hard to come this far and you know not win games,” said Michael Gabriele, a player from Niskayuna, New York.

The Babe Ruth Baseball World Series kicked off Friday. “We’ve been having a lot of fun, but the focus is always on baseball for us,” said Gabriele.

Teams traveled from as far away as California to compete. “We’re lucky to get here and it’s a real cool experience,” said Chris Phelps, a player from El Segundo, California.

The competition is stiff. “It’s the world series. That kind of says it all,” said Jerry Tipton, a parent.

Tipton drove more than 700 miles to watch his son, Jack, play at the Field of Dreams in Van Buren. The team from Lexington, Kentucky has not lost a game. “All of them were really close games that could have went either way,” said Tipton.

Players ages 13 to 15 play under extreme pressure. “It’s a huge deal,” said Phelps.

Teams want to leave with a title. “You know how baseball is, anything can happen,” said Tipton. “Take your swings and let’s see what happens.”

“We’re taking it in, but again we want to win,” said Gabriele. “That’s what we’re here to do.”

The games pick back up Tuesday at 12 p.m. The tournament runs through Saturday.