Powell Babe Ruth honored for 50 years

Posted 6/7/12

“There have been many coaches, presidents, board members and umpires who have spent countless hours of service on behalf of Powell’s youth over the last 50 years,” said current Powell Babe Ruth president Steve Sanders. “The current lineup of …

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Powell Babe Ruth honored for 50 years

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The Powell Babe Ruth program was recently recognized for celebrating its 50th anniversary with a plaque from the national Babe Ruth organization. The honor commemorates a half-century of teaching the sport of baseball to area youth.

“There have been many coaches, presidents, board members and umpires who have spent countless hours of service on behalf of Powell’s youth over the last 50 years,” said current Powell Babe Ruth president Steve Sanders. “The current lineup of coaches have dedicated many hours of service. Without their help, the City of Powell and the many sponsors, we could not enjoy what we currently have.”

According to Sanders, the inaugural season of Powell Babe Ruth baseball came in the summer of 1962 thanks to the efforts of Merle Johnson. With the help of Junior Harrington and donated materials from oil field supply outlets, the town’s original Babe Ruth field was constructed. Known as Smith Field, that original facility remained the home of Babe Ruth baseball until 1996, when play moved to its present location adjacent to Ed Lynn Field.

Another early highlight of Babe Ruth baseball in Powell, according to Sanders, was the organization’s role in getting Powell proclaimed as Wyoming’s baseball capital in the summer of 1965. The declaration came following a tremendously successful season by a number of Powell teams on the diamond that year.

“Over the years, many players have traveled through the program, which has helped them develop both mentally and physically,” said Sanders. “With their dedication and hard work, they have brought home a few championships. A few players have went on to play at the college level.”

That said, Sanders notes that he’s concerned about the organization’s future. Participation numbers have been dropping in recent years. This summer, only 29 youth are participating in Babe Ruth ball.

“We barely had enough to make three teams,” Sanders said. “Our numbers are down, but we’re hoping that’s just a blip. Babe Ruth baseball in Powell has been fortunate and would like to continue for many more years to come.”

Powell Babe Ruth baseball will be on full display this weekend as the community hosts a tournament. Play begins tonight (Thursday) at 6 p.m., with Powell teams starting play at 10 a.m., Friday morning. Pool play continues throughout Friday with bracket play starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

As part of the tournament, Babe Ruth kids are out selling tickets to a ball drop that will take place. Golf balls will be dropped out of a helicopter toward a target in the outfield. The owner of the golf ball closest to the target will win half of the cash generated through ticket sales.

Ball drop tickets are available for $5 each or five for $20 from any Powell Babe Ruth member.

Babe Ruth Tourney Pool Play schedule

Thursday

6 p.m. — Rockies vs. Cody A

8 p.m. — A’s vs. Cody B

Friday

10 a.m. — Powell Giants vs. Greybull

Noon — Powell Royals vs. Worland

2 p.m. — Rawlins vs. Cody A

2 p.m. — Riverton vs. Cody B (Legion Field)

4 p.m. — Rockies vs. Powell Royals

4 p.m. — A’s vs. Worland (Legion Field)

6 p.m. — Riverton vs. Greybull

6 p.m. — Rawlins vs. Powell Giants (Legion Field)

Saturday

Elimination bracket play, games and pairings TBA. The tournament championship game should start at approximately 6 p.m. at the Babe Ruth Field.

All games at the Babe Ruth field unless noted

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