Blue Valley Recreation News

Wed, Apr 21, 2010 - [Sports]
Tournament has 98 teams from 19 cities.
Tournament has 98 teams from 19 cities.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –The 2010 Early Bird Tournament April 23-25 serves as the official start of the youth baseball season for Blue Valley Recreation. The tournament, held at the Recreation Complex at 137th and Antioch, is open to 9U-14U USSSA-sanctioned teams and features two divisions: A and AA/AAA. In all, 98 teams from 19 cities in Kansas and Missouri will travel to the area this weekend.

 

Many local teams use the tournament as training for the upcoming league season. The state of Kansas will have 12 cities represented from as far away as Topeka and Chanute. This year’s tournament also attracted many regional teams hailing from Independence, Oak Grove, Clinton and four other Missouri cities gearing up for the season.

 
Registration is up from last year’s tournament, which saw 86 teams play. One reason for the increase in teams is the location. The complex is centrally located and easy to access, plus there are plenty of things to do. The economic impact to the area is huge as more than 1,000 players, parents and coaches will eat at local restaurants and shop at local retail stores. Teams usually have a few hours between games and venture out to the community.
 
Tony Bybee brought his team from Spring Hill last year and chose to stay in the area between games. The team of 14 year olds ate at Red Robin one day and went to Twister’s for ice cream on another day. Parents followed the team to both places.
 
“The area is perfect for tournaments,” reflected Bybee. “It didn’t make sense to drive back to Spring Hill in between games. We just stayed in the area and hung out.”
 
Another reason for increased registration is the quality of play. Area Gold Glove teams have been practicing and are antsy to compete on the field. Many teams are already playing at a high level and are looking to improve performance.
 
“Teams competing in the AA/AAA division are guaranteed at least three games,” said Program Supervisor Larry Lindsay. “It’s a great opportunity to work on game situations.”
 
Games begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and championship games are scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Daily gate fee for the tournament is $3 for adults, free to 16 years and under. On-site parking is available at the Recreation Complex (9701 W. 137th St.).
 
 
 
Hours of Operation

Activity Center
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday - Friday, 6am-9pm
Saturday, 7am-7pm
Sunday, noon-7pm
913.685.6000
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099

Recreation Complex Office (Sports)
9701 W. 137th Street
Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6030
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099
 

Administrative Offices
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6000

Vision Statement:

"Enriching Lives, Strengthening a Spirit of Community"

Mission Statement:

"We will champion community and personal growth through dynamic lifelong recreation experiences."