Fighting Squirrels prepare to host Babe Ruth World Series

After graduating from Meadow Heights High School, Will Green thought his days of playing baseball were over.

Then he received a text from Charleston Fighting Squirrels head coach Michael Minner, asking him if he would be willing to join them.

This year, a summer with the Fighting Squirrels is unlike any other because it ends with the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series in their backyard. A chance to finish his baseball career in that event before heading off to Mineral Area College was something Green couldn't pass up.

"I've always loved to play baseball," Green said. "I've heard of the World Series, and I knew it was going to be a fun experience. It's a big plus coming here knowing that the World Series is going to be here."

There are four different Babe Ruth World Series events based on age group. The Fighting Squirrels are hosting the age 16-18 series at Capaha Field from August 13-20. The Squirrels will be competing against teams from other nations across the world.

"I'm sure we'll see a lot of great competition from other countries," Noah Pruitt said.

By hosting the World Series, the Squirrels' ticket in is already punched. This means every game leading up to it is a tune-up.

"The coaches talk about this; the first month and a half is a spring training," Green said. "We're gonna get ready, just get ourselves prepared and get prepared for the World Series."

Green and the rest of the Squirrels experienced the turf field for the first time this summer in the SEMO Showcase this past weekend.

"I like that it's turf," Rafe Byassee said. "There's not that many bad hops as opposed to playing dirt when there are lumps and stuff like that."

Many of the Squirrels' players have played in small schools with dirt fields, making Capaha's turf a welcomed change of pace.

"If you can field the ball well on dirt, the turf will be a lot easier," Green said. "Like if you go from playing at Meadow Heights, it's pretty rough. It's a cow pasture and if you come here, it's pretty easy to field."

The Squirrels had a good showing in the SEMO Showcase highlighted by a 4-3 win over the Missouri Bulls 17u team and a 13-0 rout over the St. Louis Redbirds. The Squirrels entered the week with eight wins in their first 11 games.

"All the guys already have chemistry and fit in pretty well together," Nic Massey said.

Scott City's incoming senior Lawson Graff said that compared to playing high school ball, every game with the Squirrels feels like an all-star game. Along with him and Semoball finalists Peyton Hodges (East Prairie) and Levi McKinnie (Chaffee), Graff is confident in his team and their chances going into the World Series.

"We got one of, if not the best, teams in Missouri," Graff said, "and in my opinion, one of the best teams in the nation. Once we get to August, we'll be together and flowing as one machine."