Hamilton, NJ… In a little over a year, Bismarck, North Dakota will roll out the red carpet to welcome the top 13-15 year old talent in the country to Municipal Ballpark, Home of Dakota Community Bank and Trust Field, for the 2019 Babe Ruth League 13-15 World Series. The World Series, one of the largest youth sporting events in the country, will draw 30,000 to 40,000 people and meet a variety of economic goals with dividends that will pay for years to come.
Municipal Field, a 1,600 seat ballpark, is maintained by the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. In 2013, a capital campaign included facility improvements that included a new, covered grandstand with stadium seats, a new concessions area, new press box, adjustments to the outfield fence, new dugouts, and the addition of practice/pre-game warm-up facilities.
Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota. In between games, there are many fun things to do and see in the area. You will find unforgettable activities, historic places, and genuine hospitality. From the captivating North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, the Dakota Zoo (home to more than 600 reptiles, birds and mammals), the Lewis & Clark Riverboat Cruises, the fresh outdoors at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the family fun at Raging Rivers Waterpark, several arts and science centers, to a vibrant downtown with an abundance of shipping and dining, there is something for everyone in and near Bismarck.
As the host community, the Bismarck Babe Ruth League will select its own 13-15 squad to compete in the event, which will also include eight regional champions from across the country and the North Dakota Babe Ruth 13-15 State Champion. The competition will begin with pool play before advancing to a single elimination bracket to determine the World Series champion.
“Bismarck is a proud baseball community,” said Randy Bina, Executive Director of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. “To take our baseball program to the next level and invite kids from around the country to Bismarck to play, is a dream come true for our community.”
Bismarck has a rich baseball history. Thousands of Babe Ruth Baseball players have called the Municipal Ballpark their baseball field. Additionally, several semi-pro leagues, including the Prairie League have called the Municipal Ballpark and Bismarck their baseball home.
“This is the type of community that is right for our kids,” Robert Faherty, Vice President of Babe Ruth League, said of Bismarck. “A trip to the World Series can be the first time one of our players has ever been on an airplane, traveled out of their hometown. When our players get here, they will see a town like their own, where the people care about kids, improve their facilities, put community first. That’s why we are coming here with our 13-15 World Series.”
The World Series serves as gateway experiences for many first-time visitors, inspiring large numbers to make plans for subsequent trips and vacations to the area and region. Area hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping outlets, gas stations, entertainment venues and other local business will experience direct spending from attendees.
Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to developing better citizens by providing properly supervised baseball and softball competition for 4 through 18-year-old players. It is the basic intent of Babe Ruth League that every player who has a desire to play the sport is given the opportunity to participate and have fun.