|
The Kansas Babe Ruth “Classic” originated as an idea of State Commisioner Gary Kuntz in 1999 as a way to showcase the 36 most talented 15-year-old players participating in the
state Babe Ruth program. Each year the “classic” will be played at various sites throughout the state and will consist of two nine-inning games between the West team (Districts 1-4) and the East
team (Districts 5-7). Players are selected during District Tournament competition and managers are determined by State Commissioner Gary Kuntz. Each manager in turn selects two coaches from recommendations
of the District Commissioners. The 2000 Classic was held in Pittsburg on August 13. The 2001 “Classic” was held in Great Bend on August 12 with the East team managed by Gene Buie (Assistant
State Commissioner-16-18 Division) and the West team managed by Paul Unrau (State Treasurer). In 2002, Lyons hosted the “Classic” with Jim Nelson, Assistant State Commissioner managing the East team
and District 1 Commissioner Chad Knight managing the West team. Wellington hosted the 2003 “Classic” with David Branson (Assistant State Commissioner - 12 & Under Division) managing the East
team and Larry Gerwick (Assistant State Commissioner - 13 Year-Old Division) managing the West. Ulysses hosted the 2004 “Classic” with State Commissioner Gary Kuntz managing the East team and State
Secretary Kermit Hawley managing the West team. In 2005, Classic VII was threatened by heavy rains, but two seven-inning games were played in Burlington August 14 at Kelley Park. Managing the West team was
District 3 Commissioner Bob Willis and managing the East team was District 6 Commissioner Scot Jeffers. Classic VIII was played in Lyons in 2006 with Owen Kaufman, District 4 Commissioner managing the West team
and Gene Buie, Assistant State Commissioner-16-18 Year Olds managing the East team. Classic IX was played in Elkhart with Assistant State Commissioner 9 and 11 Year Olds Paul Unrau managing the East team and
Jim Nelson, Assistant State Commissioner, 14 Year Olds managing the West team. In 2008, Classic X will be in Fort Scott August 16 and 17. Mark Brooks, Assistant State Commissioner 10 Year Olds will manage
the West and the East will be managed by Daryl Spear, District 5 Commissioner.
See details of the first ever Babe Ruth “Classic” (1999)
See details of the 2000 “Classic”, 2001 “Classic”,2002 “Classic”, 2003 “Classic”, 2004 “Classic”, 2005 “Classic”, 2006 “Classic”, 2007 “Classic”, 2008 “Classic”. Below are the results of each Classic.
|
