Chaffee eager to capture first state Senior Babe Ruth tourney title on home field

~ The Squids hope to capture their first state title on their home field

The Chaffee Senior Babe Ruth baseball team would be excited under any circumstances about hosting the state tournament, which begins today at Harmon Field.

That the Squids are enjoying an especially strong season only adds to their anticipation, said coach Aaron Horrell.

"We're ready for it," Horrell said. "Everybody is excited."

Chaffee has compiled an impressive 29-8 record, although the Squids are just 6-5 in their last 11 games.

"We got off to a really good start, but we haven't played as well lately," Horrell said. "But overall we've had a really good year."

While a good portion of the Squids' players come from Chaffee High School, Horrell said the squad has been bolstered by players from other Southeast Missouri schools.

"We've got some great additions from out of town," Horrell said.

The seven-team, double-elimination Senior Babe Ruth state tournament features three first-round games today, including defending state champion Jackson vs. Mineral Area at 5 p.m. and Chaffee vs. the Charleston Woodpeckers at 8 p.m.

Also today, the Charleston Squirrels face New Madrid at 2 p.m. Boonville received an opening-round bye after a random draw.

There will be three games Friday and four Saturday. The losers bracket final is at 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by the championship at 5 p.m. An if-necessary title contest would be at 2 p.m. Monday.

"We're looking for a really good tournament. I think there are some pretty quality teams," Horrell said. "The Charleston Squirrels have won three state titles in the last four or five years. Jackson won last year and was one out away from winning the regional a couple of years ago.

"The teams from our area are strong and there are some good teams from outside the area. I think quite a few teams can win it."

Jackson coach Paul Sander feels the same way.

"I think it's pretty wide open," Sander said. "Our five-team league is probably as strong a league as there is."

Jackson struggled some early in the season but has come on strong, which gives Sander hope for a repeat.

"We've played a lot better the second half," said Sander, whose 22-13 squad was 9-9 at one point. "I certainly wouldn't say we're the favorite, but we're good enough to be dangerous.

"We've battled with consistency, but we've played better lately. It gives us hope we can contend."

The state champion earns a berth in next week's regional tournament in Charleston, Mo. If the Squirrels, who will host the regional, win the state title then the state runner-up also will qualify for regional play.

"It's always an exciting time," Sander said about the state tournament. "It's what you play for."