Every year the Babe Ruth Baseball Association Pacific Northwest Region hosts an annual tournament. Founded in 1951, the league is a well established tradition amongst youth baseball. In 1953, the Pacific Northwest Region was created with the formation of a 13-15 Year-Old Division that has now grown into a very strong group of teams.
After 64 years since its inception, the Babe Ruth Baseball League continues to attract, recruit and develop amazing players. A current example is Meridian’s player Derek Schumacher. At 11 years of age and in sixth grade, Derek plays for one of the teams that everyone in the tournament agrees is one to be reckoned with.
While 11 years may not be old enough to use the word history, I’d say trajectory is allowed as Derek has been playing baseball for most of his life. Derek started playing T-Ball five or eight years ago as he shared with OSN. The result after that many years? He now plays pitcher, first and third base.
Derek is very excited to be at the PNW Tournament and was eager to share that his team had just won their first game less than an hour before OSN interviewed them.
Meridian’s Coach Alan Rossi shared the details of the win against Worland from Wyoming. The score shows a clear win, 11-1 in favor of Meridian. Not a bad way to kick off this tournament wouldn’t you say?
Meridian’s teams have a long history in the league’s tournaments. Coach Rossi’s older son was part of the very first team to make it to the World Series years ago. Coach Rossi said that Meridian’s baseball has made a name for themselves amongst the league and OSN must share that this was indeed confirmed as we conversed with officials and other players.
As I interviewed him, I found out more about their team and it was easy to see the reason for their success. The Meridian team runs on a united-family like motto. The coach said that each of the kids and their families know each other very well not only in the field but off as well.
This kind of union has helped the team develop an important and focused strength that has a positive impact in their game. Coach Rossi stated that yes, the kids are friends and are having fun but at the end that’s what enhances their competitiveness. In the coach’s own words, “The best way to play baseball is to relax, play fundamental baseball and let the scoreboard take care of itself.”
However let us not mistaken the “relax” part as the team just having fun. Coach Rossi and his coaching staff have a very specific strategy based on two of their strengths: good pitching and good hitters. “We are big in pitching. If you pitch well, you have a good chance. You have to be defensively good as well. We have a good hitting team. Wins are based on how you pitch and how your defense takes care of you. It’s all about forcing the other team to put in and play.”
After seeing the enthusiasm of a player and the dedication of a coach, I know I have to share how it all works. We reached out to the West Linn Baseball Association and this is what member Heathry Nance told us:
“The planning commenced back in October 2014. Jason Daily is West Linn’s Regional Tournament Director. In addition President Lane Codaley and 80-90 volunteers have helped organize the event.”
Heathery reported that this was a very unique opportunity for West Linn as the tournament usually takes place in Montana or Idaho.
This tournament is hosting approximately 600 coaches and players. Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alberta and BC have represented teams who have traveled a long way to partake of this. Meridian’s Coach Rossi shared that their gracious host is doing a fabulous job. “This is our first time in West Linn. The facilities are top notch and fantastic. The running team has been wonderful and of great support. Is great when you come from out of town and they welcome you with a nice dinner in addition to everything else the team might need.”
Heathry Nance said it has taken months and the help of many people to put together and as with any event of this category, there was a $500 entry fee.
The tournament committee also received donations from Bellagios and a paper donation for printing purposes of informational packets and programs. Another valuable donation is that of hundreds of hours by 80-90 volunteers. They help with score keeping, announcer duties, opening and closing ceremonies logistics as well as working concessions.
With players, coaches, and location all in place the tournament kicked off with opening ceremonies on Wednesday night. As per Heathry, each team will play a certain number of games. Depending on their wins or losses they will move through the tournament’s placement bracket. Semifinals and Finals are scheduled for this coming Saturday, July 25th to close the tournament.
However this regional tournament is not the end for these players. Each category (9 UC and 10 UC) have a final destination to play at Jonesboro, Arkansas if they conquer the PNW’s Regional Tournament in the next couple of days.
All and all after a day of games, wins and losses, it is easy to see why Meridian and West Linn are two teams to look out for. As I typed this, I received a notification that Meridian had won their second game of the day with an outstanding 21-3 runs win against Kennewick American. Which I found interesting as Derek Schumacher, the Meridian player I had interviewed earlier in the day, had the following to say about them:
OSN: Which team are you worried about?
Derek: Probably Kennewick American.
OSN: Why is that?
Derek: Because I’ve seen them beat the second best team in the bracket (Willamette Valley) and the score was 10 -0.
This for sure goes to prove exactly what Coach Rossi said when OSN asked if there was a team he was looking out for. “I don’t look at anyone as a favorite. These are the best ten teams in the PNW and they represent their area very well. They all have a tremendous opportunity to do well. We plan every game as a championship. Of course there are some we know always show up such as Willamette Valley and West Linn.”
The first day of the tournament brought it all. Current standings go to prove exactly what Coach Rossi said. The best in the PNW is here and you just never know who will take the win.
If you are looking for a weekend full of action and great baseball, I say West Linn is the place to be for the next couple of days. For further information including current tournament standings please visit the West Linn Baseball Association website at http://www.westlinnbaseball.org/home.
OSN thanks the Meridian and West Linn baseball teams and associations and specially Derek Schumacher for making time to talk to OSN. We will be following the tournament until the end.
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