THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606060356
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: 75 lines
About 400 family passes have been sold for the 1996 Babe Ruth Baseball World Series Aug. 17-24, organizers said Wednesday.
Crowds of between 4,000 and 5,000 are expected each night for the weeklong tournament at Manteo High School.
Dare County Manager Terry Wheeler said plans are on track for the national playoffs featuring teams of 16-to-18-year-olds.
``Since we had never hosted a World Series before, we didn't know if we were on schedule or not. But we talked to the folks in Trail, B.C., and found out that we were ahead of where they were last year at this time in advance sales.''
The British Columbia city hosted last year's series, which drew 6,000 fans a night.
Wheeler is optimistic that the tournament will sell out each night. He said organizers are looking for ways to help make the series more affordable.
``We've been working with the Dare County Tourist Bureau and the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce to get information about the World Series out to tourists,'' Wheeler said. ``Also, we're working with Dare County Social Services to provide tickets for families who otherwise would not be able to attend.
``There would not be anything sadder than seeing a kid peeking through the fence because his folks couldn't afford a ticket. We want to give everybody a chance to come and enjoy good baseball.''
Ten teams from throughout the United States and Canada will play in the tournament, which will include some of the nation's best young baseball talent. Scouts from all the major league teams and colleges and universities are expected to be on hand.
A key aspect of the Babe Ruth World Series involves housing for players. Host families open their homes to the youngsters for the tournament. Wheeler said 72 host families will each take in two boys.
``We have a number of folks who have been host families for tournaments before,'' Wheeler said. ``The families and the kids get real attached. At the end, as teams are eliminated, you see a lot of kids and families crying. It's hard to say goodbye.''
The Northeastern North Carolina Economic Development Commission is negotiating with Home Team Sports, the Baltimore-based cable channel, about telecasts of the tournament.
Commission member Ray Hollowell has a contract with the network, and the commission has earmarked $57,000 for the TV deal. However, that funding hinges on final approval by the commission.
``The World Series committee is not involved in that,'' Wheeler said. ``But we welcome the opportunity to have the games televised. Our understanding is that the Northeastern North Carolina Economic Development Commission wants to use the broadcasts as a vehicle to promote this part of the state. We think that's a good idea.''
In other cost-related matters, Wheeler said the tournament has generated $70,000 in corporate support and donations. The county invested $75,000 for a press box and restroom, and $170,000 for new seating. Most of that cost - some $120,000 - came in the form of a grant from the tourist bureau.
``Without the press box and the seating, we would not have gotten the World Series,'' Wheeler said.
The tournament has also picked up another celebrity guest for opening night ceremonies. Former National League President and St. Louis Cardinal great Bill White will be on hand. He will join former American League President Bobby Brown at the series. North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. has been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. However, it is not known if Hunt will be able to attend.
With just over two months before opening day, Wheeler said, more than 200 volunteers are busy with everything from parking to concessions. A shuttle service from parking areas is also being considered.
``We usually have about 5,000 people for the Fourth of July fireworks in Manteo,'' Wheeler said. ``We think we'll be able to provide ample parking for everyone.''
Series tickets are $35 for individuals and $50 for family passes, and are on sale at local banks, parks and recreation offices, and at the Dare County Administrative Offices on Budleigh Street. For more information, call 473-1101, Ext. 353. by CNB