For the fifth year in a row, the City of Moody has rolled out the red carpet to those associated with the Dizzy Dean 10 and 12-year-old World Series. And for the fifth year in a row, the World Series has been a huge success.Opening day ceremonies were held last Friday and all total, 32 teams from all over the Southeast, and as far away as Maryland and Texas are calling Moody home for a week.
Each team was introduced as parents, grandparents and friends lined the field to take pictures of their little heroes.
Moody Mayor Joe Lee welcomed everyone. Lee and mayor pro-tem Linda Crowe, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Afterwards, one of the largest fireworks shows ever in Moody lit up the sky.
Lee said as always, it is one of his favorite events of the year.
“We always get excited this time of year,” said Lee. “Teams from all across the country are here. The economic impact is a huge boost to our city.”
Lee said during the week all the visitors are in Moody and surrounding areas, the economic impact for Moody should be between $350,000 to $400,000.
While Moody has held the World Series five years in a row, this is the final year of a three-year contract.
“The Park & Recreation Board will meet after the tournament and decide whether we want to continue with the Little League World Series or drop back to a state tournament. We will have a tournament here every year.”
Lee said Mike Staggs, director of the Park & Recreation Board, always does a fantastic job getting everything ready for the tournament.
Staggs said he just looks forward to everyone coming to the ball field and having a good time.
Donnie Stone is the National Director of Dizzy Dean baseball and he also welcomed everyone to Moody.
“When this season started, there were over 1,000 teams competing,” Stone said. “Now, we are down to 32 of the best teams in these two divisions. This is Moody’s fifth year to host this tournament. They have done a remarkable job and I hope they bid on this again.”
Marilyn Sullivan has a son who plays for the St. Petersburg, Fla. team and she said they have all had a wonderful time playing ball in Moody.
“The community of Moody has given us a very warm welcome,” Sullivan said. “Everyone has been so accommodating, always asking what we need, if all the kids are having a good time. The golf carts have been great. The field has been gracious with accommodating the kids with free meals of pizza and hot dogs. The tournament has been run very professionally.”
Sullivan and the entire team stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Pell City and she said they also have been very accommodating.
“The hotel staff have been very personable,” she said. “This has been a great experience for the kids. The trip up from Florida was definitely worth it, seeing the hills and all the
beautiful trees of Alabama.”
