A look back at the 2003 and 2005 series

The last two times the tournament was held in Quincy, there were many noteworthy storylines both on and off the diamond.

The Babe Ruth World Series 14-year-old team from Jefferson Parish, La., celebrates after winning the 2005 championship game at Adams Field in Quincy. Photo by DEBEE TLUMACKI/The Patriot Ledger
 

By GUS SHLIMBAUM
The Patriot Ledger

QUINCY - As the excitement of the 2008 Babe Ruth World Series draws nearer, it is a good time to reflect on what made the tournament’s last two trips here so special.

Not only did it bring people from around the nation and world to the City of Presidents and provide a boost to the local economy, but it brought with it several other noteworthy storylines.

In case you forgot, here’s a recap of the 2005 and 2005 tournaments.

2003

Adams Field: Many questioned about whether the massive $800,000 reconstruction of Adams Field, in which new lights, grandstands and concession stands were built, would be finished in time for the opening game.

It was a close call, but workers completed the job with minutes to spare as the field was able to host all 29 games and the more than 56,000 spectators that came throughout the week.

International flavor: The Sons of Italy Quincy chapter sponsored a team from Rome, Italy, to participate in the tournament. They became fast fan favorites and made the event an international experience.

Local teams: Having three Ledgerland teams, Quincy, Weymouth and Plymouth, represented at the tournament added some local flavor to the event.

Plymouth earned their way into the event by winning the Eastern Massachusetts title, while Quincy and Weymouth received automatic bids as co-hosts.

Weymouth won two games in the tournament, but fell just short of advancing to the single-elimination rounds. Plymouth and Quincy also fell short of the semifinals with only one combined victory.

The champs: After losing its first opening two pool-play games, the team from Youngstown, Ohio, went on an impressive five-game run, and beat Williamette Valley, Ore., 3-1, in the championship game.

2005

The champs: Without question, the story of the 2005 event was the winning team from Jefferson Parish, La., and the tragedy that ultimately put a damper on their triumph.

One day after winning the title, the players and coaches watched from Quincy hotel rooms as many of their homes were destroyed, as Hurricane Katrina ravaged their town.

The team scattered across the country after the tournament, evacuated from their homes.

Quincy responded, holding a month-long fund-raising effort to benefit residents of Jefferson Parish with an ambitious goal of $1 million.

That same year, Jefferson Parish also won the 15-year-old Babe Tournament and 16-year-old team finished second. The program became so dominant that officials in their region changed the rules, and the program no longer plays in Babe Ruth baseball.

Return of the Italian team: The return of the fan favorites once again added excitement to the tournament.

Youngstown, Ohio, returns: The Ohio Valley champs returned to defend their 2003 title, a remarkable feat, which is a testament to the quality of their program, and enthusiasm of their fans.

This time they advanced past pool play but lost their first game of the single-elimination rounds.

Local teams: As host team, Quincy once again received an automatic bid, and played competitive games against regional champs around the country. They defeated the Italian team, 9-0, in pool play, but did not advance to the single-elimination rounds.

One exciting game was the opening round matchup between the Eastern Mass. champion team, Norwood, and the Western Mass. champions, Pittsfield.

Norwood won the game, 6-1, but neither team advanced to the single-elimination rounds.

Gus Shlimbaum may be reached at gshlimbaum@ledger.com.