BRIEFLY: CAPE SR. BABE RUTH TO DEBUT

Cape Girardeau's Senior Babe Ruth baseball team for 16-18-year-olds, the Commerce Bank White Sox, opens its season today with a 6 p.m. doubleheader against Marion, Ill., at Capaha Field.

Coached by Steve Williams, Gregg Muench and Aaron Bruening, the squad will feature 18 players.

Playing for high school programs this spring were Cape Central's David Hamm, Brian Beard, Michael Minner, Paul Dobbins, Matt Welker, Greg Craft and Mitch Ogles; Notre Dame's Ryan LeGrand, Scott Essner, Matt Essner and Bryan Drury; and Kelly's Jon Ziegler.

Also on the team are Travis Klipfel, Steve Laudie, Troy Hooper, Joe McCullough, Chuck Brown and Trent Redfearn, who were not on high school squads this year.

The White Sox will compete in the seven-team SEMO South League along with Dexter, Sikeston, New Madrid, Portageville, Caruthersville and East Prairie.