The fields at the City-County Athletic Complex may be busy now, but it's nothing compared to what it's going to be like next week.
Hosting five age divisions of the Baseball Players Association World Series, director Karl Swihart and his staff are prepping for a big week, beginning July 21 and ending July 26."This is the first time the BPA has had one location host this many different ages in its history," Swihart said. "There's never been five at one place before."
Warsaw will host the 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16-year old divisions, while the 8, 9, 10 and 12-year olds will play at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro, Ky.
The CCAC has been hosting six, BPA-sanctioned tournaments a year, but this one is the biggest.
"Last year, we had a state tournament, but this year, we really worked on getting the World Series," Swihart said.
With a minimum of at least 70 teams coming in for the tournament, Swihart will be able to use Boggs Field or Miller Field at Grace College for any games that may overflow.
And while there may be some overflow on the fields, local merchants may be looking for overflow of customers.
"This will be a terrific thing for the community," Swihart said. "We're looking at a minimum of 70 teams, that will be visiting hotels, will be shopping and going out to eat. It's going to be real nice for everybody."
To kick off the week, the BPA is also bringing Ken Griffey Sr. to speak at the Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College July 21 at 6 p.m.
On top of being a three-time all-star and two-time Major League Baseball World Series champion, Griffey may actually be best known for fathering Ken Griffey, Jr., who is currently playing for the Seattle Mariners.
"On top of playing in the World Series, he's also the father of Ken Griffey Jr.," Swihart said of Griffey Sr., whose son has hit 621 home runs since 1989. "So he's been on both ends of the spectrum."
The event at the OCC will be open to the public, and tickets will be $5 at the door.
Along with Griffey kicking the event off, the games get underway July 22 at 8 a.m., running until 10 p.m.
On July 23, a vintage baseball game between Warsaw and Winona Lake will take place at 6 p.m., followed by a home run derby.
A free country concert by Keith Anderson will occur July 24 at 6 p.m., with Colts In Motion visiting the facility at 11 a.m. July 25.
