Baseball Players Bring Economic Boost

They're playing ball in Bartlesville this weekend. Baseball teams from all over the country are in Bartlesville for the American Legion World Series. The fun began with a parade Wednesday afternoon,

Wednesday, August 22nd 2007, 4:50 pm

By: News On 6

They're playing ball in Bartlesville this weekend. Baseball teams from all over the country are in Bartlesville for the American Legion World Series. The fun began with a parade Wednesday afternoon, and will end next week with a new champion. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports itâ€™s a fun time for players and fans, and a grand slam for the area economy.

At Doenges Stadium, they're painting the grass, prepping the field and getting ready to roll out the red carpet. Thousands of fans are arriving in Bartlesville for the 2007 American Legion World Series.

"We think it's a great opportunity for all these kids coming in from all over the country," said Debbie Mueggenborg, event co-chair.

Eight teams, the best of the best, have made it through their regions across the country and will compete over four days for the championship.

Bartlesville hosted the American Legion World Series back in 2003, drawing 20,000 fans and a million dollar impact on Bartlesville's economy. It's a little out of the ordinary for Bartlesville to host the event again so soon. In fact, Bartlesville is the first city to ever host the American Legion World Series twice in a four year span. American Legion baseball says a huge part of the decision to return is because of tremendous volunteer participation.

"It's just a fun atmosphere,â€ said Mueggenborg. â€œWe have almost 350 people signed up this time to help."

Along with that enthusiasm, the stadium has new paint and giant fans have been added to keep the baseball fans cool. The tournament is an Oklahoma Centennial event and promises to send players and fans home with fond memories of Oklahoma and Bartlesville.

"People from Tucson, Arizona, or Washington, or wherever can come and have their pictures taken with an Indian Princess out here at the ballpark," Mueggenborg said.

"More than anything else, we just want them to understand the hospitality of Bartlesville and that this really is a great city," event co-chair Charlie Bowerman said.

Organizers say hotels are hard to find, but there are still some available for baseball fans. A home run derby, that is free to the public, is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday. The games begin Friday morning and run through next Tuesday.

For the schedule of games and ticket information you can visit the American Legion World Series website, www.alws2007.org.

Watch the video: American Legion World Series Swings Into Oklahoma