THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 2, 1995 TAG: 9502020426
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Planning began almost immediately Wednesday for the 1996 Babe Ruth Baseball World Series for 16- to 18-year-olds.
Dare County won the coveted prize over Concord, N.H., and elated officials quickly went to work preparing for the 10-day tournament.
About 25 people, including members of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, cheered as League President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Tellefsen made the announcement by phone from the organization's Trenton, N.J., headquarters.
The 10-team double-elimination tournament is set for late August in Manteo.
``I'm floating,'' said Dare County Babe Ruth Commissioner Ray Hollowell. ``Our next step will be to form the many committees thatwill be needed to properly host this tournament. We have a pool of about 500-plus volunteers. Volunteers will not be a problem for this tournament.''
The four-member delegation that toured Dare County last month had all but made up its mind to award the tournament to Dare County before it flew out after a four-day visit, Tellefsen said. The North Carolina site was chosen over Concord, N.H., for the 1996 series.
Tellefsen said a contract for the series will be signed within two months.
``In all my 25 years of being involved with Babe Ruth, this was the finest on-site inspection we've ever had,'' Tellefsen said. ``I've never seen a county so ready for a visit.''
Even though Dare County was the clear front-runner early on, Tellefsen said fairness was an issue in the decision-making process.
``We knew when we left here we wanted the series to come to Dare County,'' Tellefsen said. ``But we had to be fair to Concord.''
Minor changes will also be made at the Manteo High School baseball field, including alterations to the bullpen areas. On the whole, however, Tellefsen praised the facility.
``The playing field is excellent,'' said Tellefsen. ``As for the press box - my Lord, you could live up there.''
County Manager Terry Wheeler credited the large turnout at a reception for Babe Ruth officials at First Flight Middle School for playing a large role in Wednesday's decision. Nearly 1,000 residents turned out for the event.
``This is the greatest thing that's ever happened in Dare County,'' Wheeler said. ``It's a real tribute to our people. I think the decision was made when he (Tellefsen) walked into the gym that night and saw all those people.''
The tournament will cost the county at least $40,000 up front, with a projected economic impact to the area of $1.5 million. The first installment of the $40,000 is not due until November.
``We'll begin the process to find public and private sources of revenue,'' said Wheeler. ``This will cost more than $40,000, but we will start working immediately to identify sources of funding.''
He added, ``Personally, I'm very grateful to this Board of Commissioners who has been supportive of this effort from day one. I met with all of them when we began this effort, and they told me to go for it.''
Dare County got some big league help in its efforts to land the tournament. Hertford native Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter and Williamston native Gaylord Perry endorsed the effort.
A third name - former National League President Bill White - entered the picture Wednesday. White, a frequent visitor to Hatteras Island, contacted Tellefsen by phone in support of Dare County's drive for the World Series.
Tellefsen said a number of former big leaguers, as well as big league scouts, will be on hand for the tournament.
The 1995 World Series will be held in Trail, British Columbia. by CNB