2 minute read
From the Mayor
from theMAYOR
WHAT: Cal Ripken U8 Machine Pitch Invitational World Series
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WHEN: July 30-August 8
WHERE: Ocala Rotary Sportsplex, 5220 SE Maricamp Road
WHO: Qualifying teams from around the U.S. including host Rotary Rookie Reds.
Baseball families, welcome to Ocala!
BY MAYOR KENT GUINN
Among all the great things Ocala has to offer, perhaps right at the top of the list, may be its good old fashioned Southern hospitality. The warmth and generosity of its people are demonstrated every day on its streets, businesses, parks and numerous charitable organizations.
How great it is then to get an opportunity to showcase that hospitality to people from around the country, some who perhaps never heard of Ocala until it was time to come here. That opportunity takes place again the first week of August as Ocala hosts the Cal Ripken 8-Year-Old Machine Pitch Invitational World Series.
What takes place is more than just a baseball tournament, but an experience that the players and their families will remember for the rest of their lives. When they return home, they will talk about not just the play on the field or the wins and losses, they will tell everyone about this great city of ours and the time they had here. That’s where the people of Ocala shine. Folks from all parts of the country will be staying in hotels, eating out at restaurants, shopping in the stores and doing things that will necessitate interaction with the local population. Most of the time, they will be easy to spot – donning caps and shirts with team logos and players often decked out in their actual uniforms. I know I look forward to seeing them in town and letting them know how happy we are how to have them here, and I know everyone else should as well. The Ripken World Series has come to Ocala many times and perhaps the main reason is the superb facility at the Rotary Sportsplex, but also because of the reception given to the teams and their families. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event and worth watching, even if you do not have a child competing – this is baseball in its purest and most innocent form and is really fun to watch. Also, these kids are the best of the best, so you will no doubt be impressed with the talent level for such a young age. I remember when my kids were travelling to all-star baseball tournaments, those were times of creating special family memories and they’ve stuck with me and my children ever since. When I see these families around town, I know they are experiencing the same thing and creating memories of a lifetime. How wonderful it is to know that all these families will carry with them specific memories of Ocala for as long as they live. Who knows, among them may even be those taken in enough to see Ocala as a future home and perfect spot to relocate a business!
Let’s all open our arms with a hearty welcome to these families and show them Ocala is not just a burgeoning city, but one that still has those small-town charms with a hospitable local citizenry.
