The cities of Alachua and High Springs will make history next year by hosting the state of Florida’s first ever Babe Ruth Softball World Series. The cities of Alachua and High Springs welcomed Babe Ruth National Commissioner Robert Faherty Monday evening for the official signing of the contract to host the 2010 Babe Ruth Softball 12-Under World Series. Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady was the master of ceremonies for the contract signing ceremony held on Monday, October 20, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Alachua City Hall.
Santa Fe Babe Ruth is the official organization that signed to host the Babe Ruth World Series in August of next year. Santa Fe Babe Ruth Softball is a volunteer program composed of girls primarily from the Alachua and High Springs area and serves ages 4 to 16. Prior to signing the contract, Santa Fe Babe Ruth Softball President Earl Findley thanked the community for its support in luring the event to the area. In addition to the many dignitaries on hand for the ceremony, Alachua Mayor Bonnie Burgess and High Springs Vice-Mayor Byran Williams both spoke on behalf of their respective cities.
“The community support from both cities has been overwhelming,” said Brady. “We had the very first Babe Ruth Baseball World Series in Florida in 1992 and now we’re going to have the very first Babe Ruth Softball World Series in the state in 2010. This is a great event for our communities and we’re looking forward to the preparations leading up to August 2010.”
Also present were Gainesville Sports Commission President Ron Gromoll and Executive Director Jack Hughes who spoke to the gathering of supporters as they presented Santa Fe Babe Ruth with a check of $10,000. The Gainesville Sports Commission’s contribution will be forwarded to the national Babe Ruth organization as the first of four installments required to host the world series event. Additional check presentations for other major contributors included the Alachua Chamber of Commerce - $10,000, the City of Alachua - $20,000 and Wal-Mart Distribution Center 7035 - $10,000.
If any organization or individual wishes to contribute to the Babe Ruth Softball 12-Under World Series, they can contact Findley at (352) 538-5410 or (386) 462-1610.
