MINOCQUA, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Minocqua is the host city beginning Friday for the Small Town Baseball World Series and thousands of visitors are likely to stop by to watch the action.
The tournament is the culmination of hardball baseball playoffs for 10 to 14-year-olds, with the provision that the teams all come from small towns, and are not all-star squads.
Jane Kincheloe from the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce tells WXPR Radio there’s lots of interest.
“We have a record number of teams scheduled for year two for Small Town Baseball World Series. We are hosting as we did last year. Working alongside the Lakeland Area Baseball Association, we’re really excited to host them for the second year in a row. It’s going to take place between July 19 and July 21st. They’re playing on several fields.”
She says most of the games will be at the Highway 70 West Park Complex, with other games at Lakeland Union High School and near the Chamber offices.
The teams come from communities whose schools have an enrollment of 700 or under. Tournament games take place throughout the Midwest with the World Series in Minocqua this weekend. She says teams from seven different states and Canada will compete. 48 teams have registered.
Kincheloe says the area benefits from the tournament as hundreds of families and friends come to watch.
“When they’re not playing ball, they’re going to be out and about in the area visiting our shops and visiting our beautiful area, eating out at our restaurants. We are thrilled to have them here and welcome them. Many of the people I spoke with last year, this was their first time to the Minocqua area and they certainly would be back.”
Games start at 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Games are open to the public all weekend.
