Westfield lines up with the other nine teams to be recognized for their accomplishments during the regular season during Wednesday’s opening ceremonies at the World Series in Kitsap County, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Kipp Robertson/The North Kitsap Herald)
BABE RUTH BASEBALL
WORLD SERIES NOTEBOOK
KITSAP COUNTY, WASH. – The Westfield Babe Ruth 13-Year-Old All-Stars took a break from the rigors of playing World Series ball for some rest and relaxation yesterday.
One day after being no-hit by Wait Park (Minn.) in the Series opener, Westfield enjoyed an “off” day which involved spending time with host families, kayaking, and for manager Mike Smith and his son, Tommy, and others, a day of sightseeing in Seattle, Wash.
“It’s a beautiful view,” said Mike Smith. “There’s a cascade of mountains, the Seattle skyline.”
The breathtaking encounter with the west coast comes at a time when Westfield is attempting to catch its breath after a whirlwind 24-hour span which encompassed a World Series game, a parade, banquet, and opening ceremonies.
Former Mariners manager Jim Lefebvre, a 1965 Rookie of the Year, was a guest speaker at the banquet, which also took on the flair of northwest Indian culture.
“There has been a lot of hoopla,” Smith said. “But now we have to play three days in a row. We have our work cut out for us.”
Westfield will try to get going against host team, Kitsap, in what figures to be a wild home crowd atmosphere Friday night at 7 p.m. Pacific Coast Time, 10 on the east coast. The Whip City’s All-Stars will then set their sights on the Southwest champ Saturday at 1 p.m., and Pacific Northwest representative Sunday at 1.
“We’re ready to keep rolling,” Smith said. “We’ve seen a lot of games now. I think we should be able to compete with many of these teams.”
Smith said California appears to be one of the early favorites, but Westfield already has run into some good fortune. The Golden State is not in the same pool of teams.
Westfield scrapped a morning practice Friday due to excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to hit the 90 degree mark, not your typical cool, soggy afternoon that folks back east associate with the upper northwest.
“We’re going to practice just before our game at 7,” Smith said.
No matter the outcome, the Whip City is already drawing praise for its positive attitude, according to the team’s manager.
“People are most proud of how well-mannered our players have been,” he said. Smith said the team earned praise for its behavior on the flight from a Boy Scout troop leader and explained that the compliments have continued in and around the ballpark, and with the host families, as well.
“Not one complaint has been issued,” he said. “As for some of the other teams…”
