Housing needed for World Series

MOSES LAKE — With less than five months remaining until the 2009 Babe Ruth World Series at Larson Playfield in Moses Lake, host families are still needed for participating players.

Babe Ruth World Series Tournament co-Director and Task Force Chairman Randy Boruff said participant housing is important for the tournament’s success in Moses Lake.

“If we don’t have homes, it doesn’t happen,” Boruff said of the World Series. “Housing is a huge priority.”

Boruff has made multiple trips to Babe Ruth World Series tournaments with numerous Columbia Basin River Dog teams and he said the opportunity to host participants is a unique one.

“I think it is a fantastic experience,” he said. “When people house these kids it’s an opportunity to get to know them, to get behind them and support them. (This) is an opportunity to share your home with someone from a different part of the country.”

Tournament Housing Co-Director Roger Martinez said they still need to place approximately 72 participants — enough for four teams.

“We have five teams placed,” Martinez said. “We need (to place) another four teams.”

Martinez said providing a home for visiting participants can be a memorable experience.

“I think it is a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “It is a (great chance) to be involved with the community.”

Moses Lake resident Rich Price has signed up to host visiting ball players and said the experience is unforgettable.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn how folks from other parts of the country live,” he said. “I don’t have the words (to explain it). It’s a great experience.”

Price hosted participants when Moses Lake hosted the Babe Ruth World Series in 2000 and he hosted participants when Ephrata hosted the 2005 regional tournament and he jumped at the opportunity to host players in 2009.

“It’s an experience you won’t ever forget,” he said.

To volunteer to become a host family for 2009 Babe Ruth World Series participants contact Roger and Eileen Martinez at (509) 765-1052.