Published: August 07, 2008 04:53 pm            

Spirit of the Suwannee hosts Babe Ruth Regional Baseball banquet

More than 350 eager 13-year-old baseball players and their coaches and chaperons from Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Western North Carolina, Eastern North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee converged on the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park campground for the Babe Ruth Baseball Southeast Regional 13-year-old Tournament banquet July 30. The players, every one a winner as they represented their states, piled out of buses, cars and vans ready to see the opposition and get started on their quest for victory.

The 10 teams gathered for the banquet on their first night in town for a 6-day playoff event at the First Federal Sportsplex in Live Oak with Suwannee County as the host. Teams participating were the hosts, Suwannee County All Stars; North Florida - Normandy from Jacksonville; South Florida - Jupiter; Georgia - Bull Creek; South Carolina - West Ashley; Eastern N.C. - Greenville; Western N.C. - Union County; Virginia - McLean/Great Falls; Tennessee - Tullahoma and Alabama - Cottage Hill.

Wayne Littrell of local radio station WLOV was the emcee for the evening and awarded door prizes donated by local merchants.

Among the dignitaries present were Suwannee County Commission Chairman Doug Udell, who addressed the group and promised Suwannee County would one day see the Babe Ruth World Series played in Live Oak; Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch of Branford; Live Oak Mayor Sonny Nobles, who welcomed the group; Babe Ruth regional representative Cindy Meredith, who gave a rousing, encouraging speech to the players; keynote speaker Adam Faurot, CEO of Titus Sports Authority and tournament director Jason Furry. Also present were several city councilmen and area dignitaries.

The SOSMP hosted the event in the Music Hall where about 400 players, coaches, chaperons, invited guests and dignitaries all enjoyed a delicious meal. The meal was provided by the SOSMP, Cowboy’s Barbecue, Dixie Grill, Sheryle’s Buffet and Grace Manor.

        

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