To the editor:

I had the privilege, as a Kansas Cal Ripken Baseball official, of being a part of the recently completed Kansas 11-and-under State Baseball Tournament of Champions in Marion.

The Marion tournament committee did an excellent job hosting an exciting and fair baseball tournament.

Marion has hosted many district, state, and regional tournaments in the past, and this was another one of their many tournament successes! Not only was baseball the spotlight during the four-day tournament, but sportsmanship and team play were promoted throughout.

All who participated had a great time, witnessed some great baseball, made many new friends, and left Marion with fond memories.

Russell Cain and his tournament committee went beyond the call of duty to provide a very special event for the youth involved in the state tournament. I heard many compliments about the great baseball hosts, the fine facilities, the friendliness of the local citizens, and the Marion community as a whole.

The city of Marion can be proud of the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball program in Marion.

Many hours of volunteer work are necessary to provide a quality baseball program for the many young people now participating.

It is not only an end-of-the-year tournament that makes a quality program, but what happens throughout the year; whether it be in planning and organizing, running the local league game schedule, or hosting tournaments such as this. It is evident that these volunteers’ investments are paying great dividends.

To each of the volunteers and to the city of Marion, Kansas Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball Leagues say thanks for hosting this tournament and doing it with class.

Paul Unrau

Kansas State Commissioner

Cal Ripken Baseball