By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
Jan. 17, 2002
Meridian will be the host site this August for the Babe Ruth 14-year-old Southwestern Regional baseball tournament.
The eight-team event, which will feature state champions from Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and sub-state champions from Arkansas and Texas, is set for Aug. 1-6 and will be played at Meridian Community College's Scaggs Field.
Rob Bullock says the North Meridian Optimist club is excited about bringing the regional event to Meridian.
Last year,MCC was the site of the Babe Ruth 13-year-old state tournament which was won by the host North Meridian Optimist Club All-Stars.
After winning the state, the NMO All-Stars won the Southwestern Regional at Del Rio, Texas. They advanced on to the Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series in Wilson, N.C. where they finished third.
The Meridian All-Stars will draw its team from a strong NMO Babe Ruth League that features 10 teams. The entire rec league program has over 640 youths participating in the baseball program.
Kids from 9-through-12 play in the Cal Ripken League. The 13 and 14-year-olds play Babe Ruth.
The winner of the Southwestern Regional at Meridian will advance to the 14-year-old World Series at Clifton Park, N.Y.