The Ouachita County Recreational Center and the city of Camden are set to host a huge baseball tournament throughout the weekend.
The 13U, 14U and 15U Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Tournament will start at 9 a.m. on Friday and continue through Sunday. A total of 17 teams are competing making for another large turn out.
The Camden News spoke with Assistant Tournament Director Mike Sherman as teams were checking in at the Event Center at Fairview Park. He spoke about the excitement surrounding the tournament and invited the public to come out to see highly competitive and fun baseball featuring some of the area student athletes. The winner of the tournament will represent the Southwest Region in the Babe Ruth World Series.
Sherman said that the 13U games had to be moved to El Dorado due to the recent weather's impact on the field at SAU Tech but that everything else was still on par. The teams attended a welcoming dinner at SAU Tech Thursday evening and a Commissioner's Breakfast was held at the Postmasters Grill. Sherman said that he was thankful for each venue's for hosting the players and coaches for the event.
The tournament is hosted by Arkansas Pulpwood and will include the champions from from West Texas, East Texas, North Arkansas, South Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. It couldn't be a better time for APW who has already had a good summer as its 18U team claimed the USSSA World Series earlier this week.
A welcome and congratulatory letter to the teams details the city's long history with the Babe Ruth tournament.
"Since our city was founded in 1842, it has proud heritage of hard working, dedicated, and loyal people with a strong work ethic," the letter states. "We are proud to be in our 58th year of playing Babe Ruth Baseball in Camden. It is important to each of us that your team, parents, and supporters have a great stay while visiting Camden"
Admittance is $10 for attendees 5 and older and free for attendance 4 and below. Tournament passes are $30. No outside fool or cooler will be allowed excluding team coolers. Full concession stand service will be available at all sites. Below is a schedule of Arkansas Pulpwood games on Friday and Saturday as well as their opponent and location. APW's performances on Friday and Saturday will determine is they advance to the Championship games that will be on Sunday.
Arkansas Pulpwood 13U (Union County Recreational Center - El Dorado)
Tallahassee, Al at 12 p.m. on Friday
Mid County, TX at 4 p.m. on Friday
Eagle Pass, TX at 11 a.m. on Saturday
Arkansas Pulpwood 13-15U (Camden Fairview High School)
Del Rio, TX at 11 a.m. on Friday
Hereford, Tx at 3 p.m. on Friday
Arkansas Pulpwood 14U (Ouachita County Recreational Center)
Eagle Pass, Tx at 9 a.m. on Friday
Bay Minette, AL at 5 p.m. on Friday
Sylacauga, AL at 11 a.m. on Saturday
Arkadelphia at 9 p.m. on Saturday