2009 Babe Ruth Regional Tournament

In early August Ukiah was host to the Babe Ruth League Pacific Southwest Region Tournament for 14-15 year olds. Teams from Guam and Utah traveled to California to join teams from Palo Alto, Selma and the local area for the competition.

Originally set to be played in Rohnert Park, difficulties with the fields prompted the organizers to find a new venue and Ukiah was the choice.

The games were played at Anton Stadium, currently in the middle of renovations and without covered bleachers. Even so, the local organizers and visitng fans and families made the best of it in the heat.

The Ukiah Host Lions became involved when Lions Tom Mason and Guy Mills asked the Club to host a BBQ dinner for the teams and their families on August 5th. Lion Tom is heavily involved in the Babe Ruth league and other local sports, and Lion Guy is currently spearheading the City's Anton Stadium Project. Of course, the Club jumped at the chance to help.

Led by Lions Bob and Gary Mirata, the BBQ Crew gathered before the teams arrived to get the fire started and the grills ready. The crew stopped for a moment to get a photo with the 25 tri-tips that were being cooked. From left to right, Lions Norm, Rick, Gary, Dan, Bob, Tom and Bob.

In the end, the kids devoured a lot of food! We sliced up the 25 tri-tips and threw on 150 burgers, too. For the health-conscious folks, we had veggie burgers available, as well. After the line went by, there was nothing left.

The tournament kicked off the next day and ran through the weekend, culminating in the championship game on Sunday.