THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608040056
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: 101 lines
The Babe Ruth World Series banner hung limply in the August heat, waiting for the slightest summer breeze to kiss the Dare County administrative building.
But inside, with the series just two weeks away, County Manager Terry Wheeler was a whirlwind.
``We haven't slowed down,'' said Wheeler, his desk surrounded by boxes of baseballs, sent by manufacturers for use in the series. ``I've had a lot of sleepless nights. But I can sleep after the series is over.''
Sleep is the last thing on the mind of series organizers. Teams from the United States and Canada will begin play this week to determine the eight clubs that will join an Outer Banks squad in the 1996 Babe Ruth World Series for 16-, 17-and 18-year-olds.
The series starts Aug. 17 and continues through Aug. 24.
``There's so much to do,'' Wheeler said. ``But we've had so many volunteers from all over the place who have pitched in to help.''
County work crews were busy Friday putting a last-minute shine on the Manteo High School baseball diamond. About $3,000 worth of additional sod will go on the field. Temporary bleachers, similar to those used at professional golf tournaments, will increase the stadium's capacity to 5,000.
Wheeler expects a packed house when the first pitch is thrown by North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. Organizers estimate that 3,000 seats have been sold.
``We still have a lot of tickets out there,'' World Series Committee Treasurer Bobby Outten said. ``But the local banks and county parks and recreation departments are still selling tickets. We're going to put on our advertising push in the last two weeks, and that should help sales. Plus a lot of people are waiting to buy their tickets.''
Outten said sales should get another boost after the regional championships are decided next week.
``We expect to sell quite a few tickets to the fans of the teams that are coming,'' Outten said. ``We will sell out opening night.''
Outten said the committee so far has spent an estimated $50,000 in private donations on transportation from parking areas to the stadium, concessions, advertising, telephones, office space, advertising and other items for the event. The committee has also received a number of donations, both in funds and in-kind support.
But while the seats are filling up, many spots for volunteers are empty. Ticket takers, concession workers and parking help are needed.
``Things are slow right now,'' said Mary Hall, director of the Dare Voluntary Action Center. ``There's a concern that there will be a parking problem for people who volunteer. But those people who help out will receive a VIP parking pass, plus they'll get to see some great baseball while they work.''
Hall said volunteers will also be honored at a reception Aug. 14 at the Ramada Inn. A mandatory meeting for all volunteers will be held Aug. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Manteo High School baseball field.
``A lot of people may be waiting to volunteer,'' Hall said. ``But for an event this size, we need people to step in to help now.''
Parking for 5,000 fans may seem a daunting task for Manteo, a town of 1,400. But Wheeler says a parking plan is in place.
``I spoke with Kermit Skinner (Manteo Town Manager), and he said that 5,000 is about the same number they have in town for the Fourth of July,'' Wheeler said. ``We have parking for about 500 on-site. We'll also have remote parking at Westscott Field and the Dare County Regional Airport. The double-decker Beach Buses will be running all during the tournament to shuttle people to the field. In addition, we'll have 10 school buses ready to take people from the stadium back to their cars.''
Wheeler said all parking facilities will be watched by Dare County sheriff's deputies. Eight North Carolina Highway Patrol officers will be stationed along U.S. 64 to keep traffic moving.
Help is also needed for the Aug. 16 banquet at First Flight Middle School. Julia Ruth Stevens, the daughter of the legendary ``Sultan of Swat,'' will be the honored guest. Former National League President and St. Louis Cardinal great Bill White will be the featured speaker.
``We need about 20 people to help serve at the banquet,'' Hall said. ``We'll provide a room with Disney movies and someone to watch the kids if the volunteers have children. Plus, they'll get a great meal and be part of a great event.''
Players will live with 71 host families while they are here. All host family slots are filled.
``We'll have two players in each home,'' Wheeler said. ``I think it will be great for them.''
Along with the thousands of baseball fans expected to flock to Roanoke Island, a national cable television audience will be able to watch the play in the semifinals and finals. Home Team Sports, the Bethesda, Md.-based sports channel, will carry the tourney's final two days.
``I don't think the television will hurt our attendance,'' Wheeler said. ``In fact, I think people will want to come out for the chance to be on TV. It will be great.''
Platforms for four cameras are being built at the stadium to accommodate the HTS crew.
Some of baseball's biggest names will be on hand throughout the week, including Hall of Fame pitchers Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter and Gaylord Perry, and former American League President and New York Yankee great Bobby Brown. Scouts from all the major league clubs will be on hand, shopping for big-league talent.
Hunter, a resident of Hertford, and Perry, now living in Kill Devil Hills, will be honored during the tournament.
``On Wednesday, we're going to have Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter Night,'' Wheeler said. ``And on Thursday, we're going to honor Gaylord Perry. I think it will be a big thrill for the fans.'' by CNB