Some of the best young baseball players in the United States are competing in the Ozarks through July 1 for the Premier Baseball Incoming Freshman Championship.
Thirty teams are involved in the event with teams hailing from Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. Seven local teams are participating, including four Midwest Nationals teams along with the Willard Tigers, SW MO Braves and Southwest Rawhide. Premier Baseball has partnered with the Springfield Sports Commission and Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring about 1,000 people to Springfield, including fans, families and players.
“Premier Baseball is excited to return to Springfield for the Incoming Freshman Championship and our Senior Championship,” said Don Patty, executive director of Premier Baseball. “Springfield is a wonderful place for our event. Springfield is more than a host city; they are true partner. They understand what we need to hold a successful event.”
Lance Kettering, executive director of the Springfield Sports Commission said he’s pleased Premier Baseball continues coming to Springfield for the events.
“We are excited to host multiple Premier Baseball Championships once again in 2013,” Kettering said. “We have some great community partners and host facilities that make this event a success.”
Teams will play a minimum of six games and the tournament will conclude with championship bracket play July 1 at Meador Park. The games are open to the public.
Single, daily admission for all venues can be purchased for $6. Discounts are offered for senior citizens and students.
Facilities in the Premier Baseball Freshman Championship are:
- Southwest Baptist University
- Evangel University
- Meador Park
- Willard High School
- Marshfield High School
- Hollister High School
- Forsyth High School
Springfield also will be hosting the Premier Baseball Senior Championship in the Springfield area July 9-14.
Premier Baseball is an alliance of 25 amateur baseball organizations across the United States and Canada. Players typically range from ages 15-18. Premier Baseball alumni include MLB players such as: Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Lance Berkman and Josh Beckett.
For more information about Premier Baseball, tournament results and schedule, visit www.premierbaseball.net.
People attending amateur sports events in Springfield spend an average of $100 per person per day. All the teams are staying at Springfield hotels during the six-day tournament.
To learn more about other tournaments and events brought to Springfield by the Springfield Sports Commission and Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 417-881-5300 or 800-678-8767 or visit www.springfieldmosports.org and www.springfieldmo.org. The Springfield Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization that enhances quality of life and stimulates positive economic growth for our community by promoting and developing the Springfield area as a sports venue. The Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the local economy through growth in tourism.
