THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604190524
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
This is Dare County's rookie year as a host site for the Babe Ruth Baseball World Series, but the league's chief executive officer said Thursday the Outer Banks has a great chance at hosting the tournament in years to come.
The series, for 16-to-18-year-olds, will be played Aug. 17-24 at Manteo High School.
``We don't look at Dare County as a one-time stop for Babe Ruth,'' league President Ronald Tellefsen said. ``We're looking at coming back for more than one World Series. It's something we're discussing even now. That's a credit to the organization here.''
Tellefsen was on the Outer Banks as part of a preliminary inspection tour of the World Series site. Though the weeklong baseball showcase is still more than three months away, Tellefsen said Dare County is ready. Tellefsen spent three days meeting with local committee heads, owners of hotels, motels and restaurants, and community leaders.
``From our meetings so far, I believe that if the teams were to arrive next week, Dare County would be ready for the World Series,'' he said. ``You can tell that the people who went to the World Series Training Center in Trail, British Columbia, last summer did their homework.''
On his initial visit to the Outer Banks in early 1995, Tellefsen expressed concerns about the stadium and the availability of hotel and motel rooms for staff and fans at the peak of the summer tourist season. But after meeting with local hotel, motel and restaurant owners, and getting a look at improvements at Manteo High's field, those concerns have vanished.
``We were concerned about seating,'' Tellefsen said. ``But there are going to be 2,000 permanent seats, and about 1,000 seats along the first and third base foul lines. The great thing about it is, Dare County will have a stadium for years to come that could host college tournaments and other baseball events.''
Tellefsen gave rave reviews to the park's new press box.
``It's the finest press box I've seen at a complex hosting the Babe Ruth World Series,'' he said.
Tellefsen's biggest worry was motel and hotel space. But after meeting with local businessmen Wednesday night, Tellefsen says there will be room at the inn for Babe Ruth fans.
``I left that meeting knowing that we are going to have enough room for our coaches, staff and fans,'' Tellefsen said. ``And the rooms are going to be affordable. It's a real tribute to the community, because during that time of year, those rooms were going to be filled anyway. The support we're getting is amazing.''
Former American League President Bobby Brown will be on hand for the tournament. Brown, who practiced medicine after a standout career with the New York Yankees, is one of Babe Ruth Baseball's biggest fans.
``The thing about Dr. Bobby Brown is that he's had three great careers: as a ballplayer, a physician and as president of the American League,'' Tellefsen said. ``But he has also been instrumental in making sure inner-city kids have a chance to play Babe Ruth Baseball.''
Another possible visitor in August will be Julia Stevenson, the daughter of the ``Sultan of Swat'' Babe Ruth.
Also expected are scouts from all 28 major league teams and countless colleges. The Babe Ruth World Series has been a key jumping-off spot for future baseball greatness. Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben McDonald and Chicago White Sox catcher Mike LaValliere are two of the series' alumni. LaValliere was MVP of the 1976 Babe Ruth Series.
Ticket sales for the event began well in December, but have trailed off. However, organizers expect that as the weather warms up, so will sales.
``I feel very comfortable that the seats will be filled,'' Tellefsen said. ``I've been associated with Babe Ruth Baseball for 26 years, and seeing the way things are organized here, this is going to be a super event.''
Tickets are on sale at local banks and parks and recreation departments, and at the Dare County Administrative offices. Series passes are $35 for individuals, and $50 for families. For more information, call (919) 473-1101, ext. 353. by CNB