Great tournament
To the Editor:
I had the privilege as a Cal Ripken baseball official of being a part of the just-completed nine-year-old Cal Ripken Kansas State Tournament of Champions held at Peabody. The tournament featured district champions from the state of Kansas who were vying for a berth in the eight-state 2007 Midwest Plains Regional to be held at Derby.
The Peabody Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken organization did an excellent job of hosting an exciting and fair baseball tournament. Jonathan Richstatter, tournament director, and the many volunteers who worked with him are to be commended for their outstanding job of putting on a quality tournament! Not only was baseball the spotlight during the four-day tournament, but sportsmanship and team play was promoted throughout. It was evident that all who participated and attended this event had a good time, witnessed some excellent baseball, and left Peabody with fond memories. Peabody Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball has host numerous district tournament in the past and now added a state tournament to their resume. They did an excellent job of hosting our district champions from across the state of Kansas.
Jonathan and his committee went beyond the call of duty to provide a very special event for the youth involved in the state tournament. Each well attended tournament game was proof that the Peabody Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken baseball organization put on a great event for all.
I heard many complimentary comments directed toward the great baseball hosts as well as the Peabody community as a whole.
The city of Peabody can be proud of the baseball program in Peabody. Many hours of volunteer work are necessary to provide a quality baseball program for the youth. It is not only an end-of-the-year tournament that makes a quality youth program, but what happens in the planning stages throughout the year and during the league baseball season. It is evident that these volunteers' investments are paying great dividends.
To each of the volunteers and to the city of Peabody, Kansas Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball leagues say thanks.
Paul Unrau
Kansas Assistant State Commissioner
Nine-Year-Old Division
Kansas Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball Leagues
