Play Ball

America’s pasttime has deep roots in Hoover

BY KIM CRIPPS

“We’ll be at the ballpark this weekend!” It’s a common refrain for parents in Hoover, Ala. when their sons and daughters are old enough to hit a baseball off a back-yard tee.

I should know. T-ball is quickly coming onto our family’s radar. After all, at four years old, my son has an arm like nothing you’ve ever seen. I should add that, in southern sports, parent embellishment is par for the course.

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We’re in the right place because Hoover, the state’s largest suburban city, is also a sports destination. The city is well-equipped to accommodate the demand for local teams and regional and national competitions.

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex (Hoover Met), home of the annual SEC Baseball Tournament, offers six state-of-theart regulation-sized baseball fields that convert into eight synthetic turf softball fields. The city also boasts numerous community ballparks to accommodate the demand of baseball leagues and competitions. One year brings 1,550 youth, high school and collegiate baseball and softball teams to Hoover and the Greater Birmingham area for games and tournaments.

The city also has a multiyear contract with Perfect Game, a nationwide third-party organization that manages baseball tournaments and player showcases. This contract enables the Hoover Met to conduct

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Shannon James Ealy, general manager of the complex, credits the Hoover Met’s environment for attracting baseball and softball enthusiasts year after year. “Baseball and softball at the Hoover Met Complex provide a family-friendly atmosphere that drives individuals into Hoover hotels and restaurants,” says Ealy. “Hosting marquee events such as the SEC Baseball Tournament [May 23-28] enhances our reputation and culture related to baseball and softball.”

Hoover’s southern hospitality has paid off quite literally. The SEC Baseball Tournament, which the city has hosted since 1998, generates an annual economic impact that exceeds $15 million. Additionally, regional and national events at the Hoover Met created $55 million of economic impact during the city’s 2022 fiscal year from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022.

In addition to the economic impact and parental bragging rights, Ealy reminds us of some of the most meaningful aspects of youth sports. “Youth baseball and softball provide opportunities to participate, compete and take away valuable life lessons while bringing families together for quality time,” he says. And these priceless benefits will remain with the players long after the last pitch is thrown.