POULSBO — In order to host the 2012 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series, the committee needs to raise a total of $145,000.
For Russ Barker and Brent Stenman, fundraising is a process that began about three years ago.
The committee announ-ced Tuesday it has raised $79,000, with commitments for about $26,000 more. The two co-host presidents of the committee have come a long way, but more is needed.
“We’re still pushing hard for sponsors,” Stenman said.
The Babe Ruth World Series is scheduled for Aug. 13-22 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Poulsbo was selected as the official host team last April. However, it is an event that will affect the whole county.
Along with finding sponsors, Stenman said finding host families for the traveling players is important as well. Part of the requirements of hosting the baseball tournament is housing the players that will travel to Kitsap from around the country. A total of 10 teams will play, including the host team. The World Series website, www.kitsapworldseries.com, says about 30 more host families are needed.
At the same time, the committee is working on selling tickets and finding volunteers for the tournament, including bat boys and ambassadors. There is also a banquet, which will be held at Kiana Lodge, and a parade to prepare for.
For the banquet, a keynote speaker is being sought. Barker said they asked if Ken Griffey Jr. could do it. That was a flat-out “no,” he said. Aaron Sele has prior commitments. Jay Buhner … He hasn’t said “no.”
Host team named
At the monthly World Series committee meeting Tuesday, coach Russell Shiplet announced the name of the host team.
The Kitsap County All-Stars will represent Kitsap and the host town of Poulsbo.
The team, which currently has 13 players out of the 15 maximum, has six players from North Kitsap and seven from outside NK. The team will play in its first tournament April 21 at Moses Lake.
So as not to cut into the World Series’ budget, Shiplet has begun fundraisers of his own to provide for uniforms and equipment. The next fundraising event is Saturday at the Kingston and Bainbridge Island ferry terminals. Players will be on hand with candy. Donations will be accepted.
