The communities of Longview and Kelso are proud to present the 2014 13-15 World Series, the sixth Babe Ruth national event to come to southwest Washington.
Longview-Kelso is located 120 miles south of Seattle and 40 miles north of Portland, Oregon. The area is best known for the close proximity to Mount St. Helens, which erupted back in 1980. The volcano’s eruption caused massive devastation, but its recovery has been a wonder of nature. The volcano is a major tourist attraction in the area.
Longview is known as the planned city that was built by Kansas City timber baron Robert A. Long back in 1926. The city of 35,000 people features Lake Sacajawea, a beautiful man-made lake, right in the heart of the city.
Formed in 1889, Kelso is the oldest town in the Cowlitz County. The cities Scottish theme features traditions and events centered around the Highlander Festival.
Story Field on the campus of Lower Columbia College in Longview is the host field for the World Series. The venerable ballpark features an old-school feel with modern features. The infield is artificial turf, but the outfield is lush grass. The wood grandstands are from Seattle’s old Sick’s Stadium, the home of the 1969 Seattle Pilots. The facility also features a left field “party deck”.
Longview first hosted a Babe Ruth event in 1990, where Jimmy Rollins was on the Oakland team that won the Bambino World Series. The 1997 13-15 series was hosted by Longview, with Kelso qualifying for the event. Together, Longview and Kelso hosted World Series events in 2001, 2004, and 2009.
Major Leaguers and Babe Ruth alumni from Longview include Padres manager Bud Black and Brewers AA skipper Rick Sweet. Former Babe Ruth players from Kelso to make the big leagues include former Giants all-star Jason Schmidt and Jeff Bailey who played for the Red Sox.
The Red Lion Hotel in Kelso is the World Series host hotel. The cities of Longview and Kelso both appropriated money to make sure the event goes off without a hitch. The areas long history of hosting Babe Ruth district, state, regional and World Series events makes it a popular baseball destination.
There will be no shortage of things to do when the Babe Ruth players arrive in Longview-Kelso. Day trips to Portland or Seattle, water sports, Mt. St. Helens excursions, and great baseball in a beautiful ballpark will make this a special event.
World Series Schedule
