Cal’s Kids Converge on Liberal

Liberal is hosting the 11-year old Cal Ripken State Baseball Tournament at Rosel Field Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Liberal’s baseball organizers raised 12-hundred dollars to pay for the event to come to Liberal. That means seven teams and their traveling parties will be staying in Liberal’s hotels, eating at the restaurants, swimming at the new pool, buying gas, using the parks, and shopping in Liberal. The fact that Bazaar Days are Friday and Saturday in Liberal gives shoppers and businesses the perfect storm this weekend. Teams from Ottawa, Wellington, SPIAA (Greensburg and Spearville areas), Columbus, Buhler, Fort Scott, and Andover will play at least three days in Liberal with four teams playing four days in the “Crossroads of Commerce.”

Assistant Commisioner for Kansas Cal Ripken baseball for 11-year olds Paul Unrau was here in 2005 when Liberal hosted state. “The tournament is very well organized,” Unrau said. “The volunteers do a very good job. And of course the field. There are places that don’t have facilities like you have here so it’s really nice to come here and the fans enjoy it. That’s what appeals to them are covered stands, grass infield, and everything is taken care of very well.” The games will be played on Rosel Field.

Thursday night there was a picnic catered by Billy’s at Bluebonnet Park. There was a running competition at Rosel Field Thursday night and then the kids were let loose in Adventure Bay Family Water Park. Friday morning was the coach’s meeting and breakfast at Liberal Parks and Recreation Center. The Sportsguys broadcast live from the rec. center.