Crown Point will host teams from around the world during the Cal Ripken 10U World Series from Aug. 5 through 12.
Almost 400 players will compete in games on the Crown Point Cal Ripken fields at Jerry Ross Park, 341 W. North St. The facility near downtown has three turf fields, six outdoor batting cages and stadium-like seating.
“We’re thrilled to welcome teams from around the world to the South Shore for this world series,” said Megan Goodan, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority chief sports and leisure officer, in a press release.
Goodan hopes players and their families also will have fun off the field.
“Teams are here for 10-plus days competing on the baseball diamond, and when they're not on the field, we hope they are making memories, building new friendships and enjoying all of the unique attractions, shopping and dining experiences Northwest Indiana has to offer.”
Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of the Babe Ruth League, according to the Region Sports Network.
Joel Boomsma, VP of Crown Point Youth Baseball, was very excited that one of the 24 teams planning to attend is from Australia.
“There isn’t always an international team, but each year the goal is to have one,” Boomsma said.
Teams also are coming from Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, California, Minnesota, Florida Hawaii, Arizona, Wisconsin, Alabama, Rhode Island, Oregon, Kansas and North Carolina.
Opening ceremonies are Aug. 4 at Bulldog Park. Competition starts Saturday morning. Games will begin around 10 a.m. and end about 7 p.m. The 59 games will be streamed live on regionsports.com. Tickets are $40 to $55 online.
