×

Babe Ruth World Series To Return To Jamestown In 2021

This is the view from the press box at Diethrick Park in Jamestown. P-J file photo by Scott Kindberg

The Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series will be played at Diethrick Park.

It will just have to wait a year.

Less than a week after canceling the 2020 tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Babe Ruth League Inc. announced Tuesday that the same age group will return for a World Series in Jamestown in 2021.

“You hate to get rained out of a game and we got rained out this year,” Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series Committee president Russell E. Diethrick Jr. said, “but we’re going to do it next year.

“The community and the committee is still dedicated, and even looking at ways already, to make it better.”

Diethrick Park in Jamestown will be the site of the 2021 Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series. Originally scheduled for this summer, the tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. P-J file photo by Scott Kindberg

The city has played host to 17 previous World Series, including the first 13-year-old event in 1980. That made celebrating the 40th anniversary especially meaningful to the committee, according to Robert Faherty, Babe Ruth League Inc. vice president.

“Knowing the people of Jamestown and their sincere dedication to the Babe Ruth League program, we are confident in their commitment to provide the perfect setting for the managers, coaches, players, as well as their families and fans, to enjoy another big-league experience in 2021,” Faherty said in a statement.

Last week, BRL Inc. announced that it would forgo the traditional regional and World Series formats this summer.

“These are unprecedented times,” said Steven Tellefsen, president/chief executive officer. “And while it is upsetting to think of all our participants who will be disappointed by this announcement, Babe Ruth League’s highest priority remains the health, well-being and safety of our participants, families, volunteers and fans. It is our hope that our players will be allowed to return to their community playing fields and play as much baseball and softball as they can for the remainder of the 2020 year.”

Until that happens, BRL urges its membership to focus on the guidelines set by the organization, as well as all local, state and federal governments. For the most up-to-date information, continue to check the Babe Ruth League website (www.baberuthleague.org), social media, email and league portals.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today