Babe Ruth Regional opening ceremony at League Stadium

Jasper Youth Baseball is hosting the Ohio Valley Region Babe Ruth 14-year-old Regional Tournament Thursday to Sunday, but on Wednesday, all 12 teams took part in the opening ceremonies at League Stadium.

The unusually pleasant weather and setting made for a fun opening for the regional tournament with teams coming from Northern Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia.

After the unveiling of the flag by Jasper’s team accompanied by the Celebration Singers rendition of “America”, the 12 teams paraded around the infield and spread out behind the giant flag while being introduced by Scott Saalman in the press box.

Afterwards, everyone was invited to a meal provided by Schnitzelbank Catering and paid for by the Jasper Youth Baseball. The tournament is supported through a grant from Dubois County Tourism Commission and 77 local businesses and individuals.

Geneseo, Il, team members scrambling over snacks — Team members from the Geneseo, IL, scramble over the dessert table prepared by Schnitzelbank Catering at League Stadium after the opening ceremonies Wednesday night. *Photo by Jack Greener*

Jasper Babe Ruth All Stars respond to announcer Scott Saalman’s intro from the League Stadium Press Box. *Photo by Jack Greener*

After the meal the teams took part in various games and fun activities organized by the host committee.

Emma Ruxer, daughter of Jasper Babe Ruth Regional host committee member Ryan Ruxer, hands a member of the Warren Athletic Club All Star team from Trumbull County, Ohio, a cup of water for one of the games at the opening ceremony. The blindfolded individual was required to carry the cup of water on their head to a waiting 5-gallon bucket. *Photo by Jack Greener*

And then the bucket of water is used to do this – Taylor Kleinhelter and Sarah Reckelhoff dumped a bucket of water on a baseball player at the Babe Ruth Tournament opening ceremonies. *Photo by Jack Greener*

Over 600 people attended the opening ceremonies and more are expected to be arriving over the weekend when elimination play begins.

Tournament play begins Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Jasper Youth Sports Complex on both Babe Ruth Fields. Jasper opens their tournament play at 8:00 p.m. Thursday against Connersville.

The winner of the tournament will play in the Babe Ruth World Series held at Moses Lake, WA.