5 things fans can expect at the Babe Ruth World Series

The Babe Ruth World Series is quickly approaching Cape Girardeau.

Both the Southeast Tropics and Charleston Fighting Squirrels are in the tournament as the host teams. Two rosters filled with local talent will take on the top 16-18U teams in the country including Canada, China, Aruba, Australia, and Taiwan.

Along with the talent on the field, here are five things fans attending games at the Babe Ruth World Series can expect.

__Big Crowds__

The demand to catch the games that are taking place at Cape Central High School and Capaha Park is expected to be big. Fans should expect to arrive early to secure a seat that has a seat back. For games at Capaha the Dugout Club will be rented out and the Southeast Health Party Deck will be open for viewing.

Peyton Hodges waits for a pitch during a June 2023 game at Capaha Field. Cape Girardeau will host the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series. Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian

__Concessions__

If you’re attending one of the games at Cape Central, the concessions will be similar to those during the high school season. That stand will be ran by the Cape Central Boosters. The concession stands at Capaha Park will feature one stand with burgers, brats, hot dogs, nachos and other classic ball park favorites. Another stand at Capaha will feature frozen treats to help fend off the heat. The concessions at Capaha Park will benefit the Charleston Fighting Squirrels program.

__Giveaways__

Each night will feature a different promotional item given away in a limited quantity. Day one, which is Monday, August 14, will feature a coozie giveaway to the first 1,200 fans. Other giveaways throughout the week include handbags, fans to fend off the heat and other items to reward fans for showing up.

__Merchandise__

The merchandise that will be available on site is one that rivals MLB merchandise according to Charleston Fighting Squirrels coach Michael Minner. They’ll have t-shirts, polos, batting cage jackets, tumblers, coffee mugs among other items.

__Honoring of Terry Slattery’s legacy__

As part of the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 14, the legacy of Terry Slattery will be honored. Slattery, former owner of Howard’s Athletic Goods store in Cape Girardeau, passed away in 2020 and Minner said he wanted to be sure to give Slattery and his family the proper recognition. Slattery’s wife and kids will be on hand to throw out a first pitch during the opening ceremonies.

The Babe Ruth World Series begins on Monday, August 14, with pool play games taking place from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

The schedule for the pool play round of the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series.Courtesy of Charleston Fighting Squirrels