World series task force assembles

MOSES LAKE - Members of the 2009 Babe Ruth World Series Task Force assembled Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn Express to prepare for next summer's baseball event.

Babe Ruth League selected Moses Lake to host the 2009 16-18 Babe Ruth World Series Aug. 13 to Aug. 22 at Larson Playfield.

Tournament Co-Director and Columbia Basin River Dogs manager Randy Boruff discussed tournament needs such as corporate sponsorships and team housing. Boruff said these projects are critical to making the 2009 World Series in Moses Lake more successful than the 2000 World Series, Boruff said.

"This is an opportunity to host another world series," he said. "The 2000 event was a huge success."

The tournament requires eight Hall of Fame Booster sponsors, Boruff said.

There are as many as 13 opportunities for Hall of Fame Booster sponsors, Boruff said.

Corporate sponsorship for the 2009 tournament is vital, Tournament Co-Director Kerry Garbe said.

"The most important thing is securing corporate sponsors and other sponsorships," he said. "Everything printed will have the corporate sponsors' names on it."

The Lauzier Foundation and Holiday Inn Express have already committed to become Hall of Fame Booster sponsors for the 2009 World Series.

A corporate sponsor must donate $7,500 to qualify for Hall of Fame Booster status and in return sponsors will receive advertising throughout the stadium and promotional materials.

Hall of Fame Booster sponsors will also have the opportunity to select an individual to throw out the first pitch at a 2009 tournament game.

Opportunities remain to become Hall of Fame Booster sponsors for the tournament.

Babe Ruth League Vice President and Commissioner Robert Faherty Jr. will travel to Moses Lake for a meeting with the 2009 Babe Ruth World Series Task Force at Larson Playfield on Oct. 14.

At that time Faherty Jr. will inspect Larson Playfield and discuss housing opportunities for visiting teams. That evening at the Moses Lake City Council meeting, Babe Ruth League will sign a contract with the city officially awarding Moses Lake the 2009 World Series.

The Task Force requires 81 homes for visiting players and coaches to stay while competing in the tournament.

These residences must be established as soon as possible, Boruff said.

For more information about hosting world series participants contact Roger and Eileen Martinez at (509) 765-1052.

To sponsor the 2009 Babe Ruth World Series or to volunteer with the task force contact Randy Boruff at (509) 750-4610.