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15 teams in Valley for NABF event
Round I
Ohio Glaciers vs. Maryland Monarchs, 9.a.m., Pemberton Park
Astro Falcons vs. Ontario Blue Jays, 11:30 a.m., Pemberton Park
North Coast Vipers vs. Brooklyn Cougars, 9 a.m., Firestone Park
Long Island Lions vs. Jackson 96ERS, 11:30 a.m,, Fields of Dreams
Long Island Titans vs. Houston Raiders White,
9 a.m,, Field of Dreams
Diamond Boys vs. Norwood Blues, 11:30 a.m., Firestone Park
Round II
Ontario Blue Jays vs. Ohio Glaciers, 7 p.m., Pemberton Park
Maryland Monarchs vs. The Outsiders, 2 p.m,, Firestone Park
Jackson 96ERS vs. North Coast Vipers, 2 p.m,, Pemberton Park
Brooklyn Cougars vs. Long Island Lions, 4:30 p.m, Pemberton Park
Norwood Blues vs. Long Island Titans, 2 p.m,, Fields of Dreams
Toronto Mets vs. Houston Raiders White, 4:30 p.m., Fields of Dreams
By CAITLIN COOK
TheNewsOutlet.org
YOUNGSTOWN
Teams from six states and one from Canada are in the Mahoning Valley to compete in this weekend’s National Amateur Baseball Federation 18-and-Under World Series.
Fifteen teams will begin a championship pursuit when play begins today at 9 a.m. at Pemberton Park on the city’s South Side.
Tournament director Bob Mingo said fans can expect a high level of play.
“I think this is going to be an outstanding World Series,” Mingo said. “A lot of these teams have a reputation for being outstanding ballclubs.”
Mingo has been involved with baseball in the Mahoning Valley for more than 20 years, and devotes much of his time to maintaining the Pemberton field.
Black Burn, executive director for NABF, said three major airports nearby and major interstates help make Youngstown an ideal location to host tournaments.
“It’s been 20 some years since I’ve been here, and I’m glad the tournament is back in Youngstown,” Burn said.
Two Valley teams — the Ohio Glaciers and the Astro Falcons — will compete in the tourney.
Andy Timko, manager for the Astro Falcons is optimistic for the tournament’s return to Youngstown.
“I think it brings teams from all over the country here and shows them what this area has in baseball,” Timko said.
The Ohio Glaciers and Astro Falcons will face off on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Pemberton.
The tournament also will feature last year’s runner-up, the Maryland Monarchs.
“It’s a good last tournament before school, and you play teams you haven’t played,” said Michael Marsh, 18, of the Monarchs who is hopeful for a college baseball career.
All teams will at least play four games. First-round games will be played at Pemberton Park, Fields of Dreams in Boardman and Firestone Park in Columbiana.
After Saturday’s games, eight teams will move on and play single-game elimination games to set up Sunday’s title game at 3 p.m. at Eastwood Field.
“Folks should really get out here and take a look,” Burn said. “These teams all have, I’d say, future minor and major league baseball players.”
The NewsOutlet is a joint media venture by student and professional journalists and is a collaboration of Youngstown State University, WYSU radio and The Vindicator.