An estimated 30 teams from across the country and abroad will be visiting Ocala/Marion County on Friday, July 28 through Saturday, August 5 for the Cal Ripken 8U, 9U, and 11U World Series.
For the seventh time since 2010, the week-long World Series tournament will be hosted in Marion County at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex, which is located at 5220 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala.
According to Marion County Public Relations, the upcoming sporting event is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of $1.2 million to Marion County since players, coaches, parents, and families will be visiting the area.
This year’s tournament has expanded to host three age groups at once, adding 9U and 11U for the first time, in addition to 8U.
Marion County was chosen as the host again this summer thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Parks and Recreation Department, Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Rotary Sportsplex Board of Directors, and the county’s tourism industry.
During the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting that was held on Tuesday, June 20, the commissioners and Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau recognized the volunteers and staff who helped bring the World Series back to Marion County. Several players and coaches then joined the commissioners on stage.
Commission Chairman Craig Curry told the players, “The relationships that you build and make right now will follow you the rest of your life. I am so happy that the adults have put together a ‘Class A’ venue for you to participate in. I appreciate you guys coming out here to participate and being part of the community. We are proud of all of you.”
The nine-day tournament will feature a variety of activities, both on and off the field. The week will kick off on Saturday, July 29 with an event-filled Babe Ruth Experience at the World Equestrian Center. The following day, on July 30, a parade will be held at the Downtown Ocala Square to showcase the talented youth baseball teams that are taking part in the competition.
The games will be played on Monday, July 31 through Saturday, August 5 at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex. The World Series will conclude with three championship games at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex on Saturday, August 5.
Separate from the World Series, the Cal Ripken B-State Tournament will take place this week, beginning on Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25. This tournament features 80 teams competing from across Florida in T-Ball, Rookie, Minor, and Majors divisions, ranging from 6 to 12 years old.
This marks the second consecutive year that Marion County is hosting the Cal Ripken B-State Tournament, and the estimated economic impact is over $1.3 million to the local economy, according to Marion County Public Relations. All games will take place at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex, and they are free to attend and open to the public.