The Heat of Play in the Heat of the Day

Opening Day Ceremonies at Citizen's Field

Aerial Photo courtesy of Brett Buxton

Jennifer Fisher, Head Softball Coach, CSU

World Series Ambassadors at Banquet of Champions

Series Teams at LCC Wellness Center Friday Evening Banquet

 Video and Photos by Russ Baldwin

It’s been a busy week so far for Lamar since the Babe Ruth 16U Softball World Series got underway this past Saturday, and more busy times are yet to come.

Ten games have been played so far since Saturday, and another five are on tap for today, Monday, August 8 at Citizen’s Field. Another set of five games will be played Tuesday before pool play ends and teams meet each other on the brackets.

Host team Lamar is 0-2 to date, dropping to Lodi Sunday evening, 6 to 0. Lamar had runners on the bases several times, but was not able to carry through on their batting to get the runners home to score. Lodi is 2 and 0 to date with their Saturday opening game win over North Olympic, 2 to 0. Lamar Mayor Roger Stagner and Prowers County Commissioner Gene Millbrand stepped up to the pitcher’s mound at Citizen’s Field Saturday morning to throw out the first pitches of the game, concluding opening ceremonies. Millbrand was on target with his softball pitch, but Stagner’s was a little high and wide.

The Banquet of Champion dinner at the LCC Wellness Center featured the parade of teams prior to the dinner as well as recognition of hosts, emceed by Dan Cochell of KRDO radio. The World Series Committee was introduced along with civic dignitaries. The keynote address was presented by Jennifer Fisher, Head Softball Coach at CSU in Fort Collins. The teams spent Friday getting acclimated to Lamar and enjoying an afternoon picnic at Willow Creek Park, as well as a free afternoon of swimming in the municipal pool. The Lamar All Stars are playing this evening at 8pm, against the New England Regional Team from New Hampshire.

By Russ Baldwin