DYB World Series Letter of Thanks

The DYB World Series was hosted July 19-23 at the Center Park and Softball Complexes. We had 50 teams in 5 divisions compete for a chance to be World Series Champions. When the final play came to an end, the 5 champions were: T-ball – Bossier City, LA; 6u Coach Pitch – Montgomery American, AL; 7u Coach Pitch – Shreveport, LA; 9u – Laurel Jones County, MS; 11u – Southeastern, AL . Center, TX was Runner-Up in 11u.

The World Series was a huge success to our community and had great economic impacts. It also created a unique chance for our local players to experience this tournament in their hometown. There were a lot of different areas that had to come together for the World Series to be successful. I would like to personally thank anyone that had a part, small or big, in the World Series.

For the opportunity to bid on the World Series, I want to thank City Council. A special thank you goes to all our wonderful Sponsors. This was truly one of the best tournaments and it
couldn’t have happened without the Sponsors. For allowing use of their facilities for the opening ceremonies and team meal, I would like to thank Center ISD, Jake Henson and Jesse Ruiz and his staff for all their help at opening ceremonies. For coordinating the team meals and ordering all supplies, I thank Rose and Tommy Specter because if you were there, I don’t have to explain their impact. Thank you to Shelby County Cookers for cooking the meat for team meals.

There were a lot of players and coaches that needed to be fed and kept at bay. I can’t thank enough all the volunteers that helped out that night. With me focusing on the upcoming opening ceremonies, it was great to know that the team meals were covered. The following volunteers helped out during team meals and cleaning: The FBC Barnabas Class, Stephanie Williams, Cindy Mitchell, Deborah and David Chadwick, Rose and Tommy Specter, Brandy Fitz, Amanda Treat, Stephanie and Mike Elswick, and Ginia Hooper. I also want to thank the UPC and FBC church families who prepared the desserts for each team at the dinner.

Opening ceremonies wouldn’t have been the same without Chris Watlington who announced each team player by player and Mayor Chadwick for coming out and greeting all the families here for the World Series. 

To the many people who kept score, gate, concessions, trash pickup, field work, or helped with all the preorders, you made this a success by showing up day after day, including the ladies that worked the Chamber tent: Tammie Luman, Elena Almaguer, Amanda Treat, Sandra Russell, and Deborah Chadwick. I thank Matt Lawson for his many hours spent working on the softball fields spreading turface and helping to get them right. Also thank you to the City of Center employees that helped on many parts of the World Series.

To Ashley Hughes, thank you for handling the concession stands and coordinating all the staff and supplies. I owe a big thank you to Tasha Jones. There are a lot of moving parts to put on a tournament and Tasha was there to help every time I asked. I hope I didn’t leave anyone off, but in case I did, thank you. This World Series Tournament might have been the best
one we put on and it would not have been great if it weren’t for all involved.

Thanks again,
Jason Mitchell