WESTFIELD – The City of Westfield hit a home run by landing next year’s Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old World Series. They’re finally about to cross home plate.
On Thursday, President and Commissioner of Babe Ruth League, Inc., Robert Faherty is expected to officially sign a contract awarding the 2016 Babe Ruth Baseball 14-Year-Old World Series to the City of Westfield.
The event will take place late Thursday afternoon in the Whip City at the Shortstop Bar & Grill. Members of the city council, school committee, and various local World Series boards, and sub-committees are expected to attend.
“Greater Westfield Babe Ruth is excited to have been chosen to host the 2016 14-Year-Old World Series,” Westfield Babe Ruth Baseball President Dan Welch said. “We have hosted 10 regional tournaments and proven that our league volunteers are up to the task. Westfield is a baseball community and with tremendous support from all levels of Westfield city officials, businesses and community leaders, and league alumni, we look for forward to this premier opportunity to showcase our City.”
Faherty said the fabric of the Westfield community, and its “demonstrated commitment to youth” factored into the decision to choose Westfield as the 2016 destination for the 14-Year-Old World Series.
Said Mayor Daniel M. Knapik: “Westfield has a proud baseball tradition, with our teams having earned World Series berths several times over the course of our history, in places like New Jersey, California, and Washington State.
“We are proud to have been chosen to host the 2016 event, and we hope all participants and their families will experience all our community and the New England region have to offer.”
Event co-ordinators have already constructed a tourism package with the help of area tourism officials for visiting teams and their families, outlining destinations such as the Basketball Hall of Fame, Yankee Candle, and Six Flags.
A wave of improvements to the baseball portion of Bullens Field leading up to next summer’s big event have already begun. Those upgrades include: the relocation of exterior fencing, the installation of a new handicap accessible ramp, reinforcement to the concrete bleachers, an improved backstop, additional seats, and new LED lights.
The next step for board members associated with planning the World Series will be to finalize field preparations, recruit volunteers, seek out vendors, and construct a menu for the concession stand.
Nearly $150,000 has been raised though fundraising efforts thanks to several area business owners, and local donors.
“I congratulate Westfield Babe Ruth President Dan Welch and his entire team for bringing the World Series to the City of Westfield,” said series sponsor Nabil Hannoush, owner of Shortstop Restaurant. “I am honored and proud as a sponsor to be part of this exciting event.”
Westfield Bank has a long-standing tradition of showing its support for the community and local sports.
“We take great pride in our city’s successful baseball programs year after year,” said Westfield Bank President and CEO James C. Hagan, who has served as an All-Star coach for Little League and Babe Ruth teams over the last several years.
“All of us at Westfield Bank are delighted to support this event that bolsters our community’s economy and provides such a great activity for young people,” Hagan said. “Greater Westfield has a lot to offer, and hosting the Babe Ruth World Series will help our economy grow by shining a spotlight on Westfield for so many more people to learn what we already know – what a vibrant, special place we call home.”
