2023 DYB Regional World Series, ‘best yet’

The Dixie Youth Baseball (DYB) World Series was hosted July 19-23 at the Center park and softball complexes. We had 50 teams in five divisions compete for a chance to be World Series Champions. When the final play came to an end, the five champions were T-ball – Bossier City, La.; 6U Coach Pitch – Montgomery American, Ala.; 7U Coach Pitch – Shreveport, La.; 9U – Laurel Jones County, Miss; 11U – Southeastern, Ala.; and Center 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 WS to be successful. I would like to personally thank anyone that had a part, small or big, in the WS.

For the opportunity to bid on the WS, I want to thank the Center 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 the 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. 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 the mayor for coming out and greeting all the families here for the WS.

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 and also the City of Center employees who helped on many parts of the WS.

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 WS 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