Local softball teams chase World Series titles

A pair of local softball teams, the New Hamburg Heat and Heartland Nationals, are set to chase World Series titles this week.

The Heat leave today for the Babe Ruth 16 and under World Series in Greenville, NC. The team has played together most of the summer with the exception of four players.

"To me we're a balanced team," manager Tom Essner said. "We blend well together."

The Heat play the defending tournament champions from Texas on Saturday.

Like the other ten teams in the tournament, the Heat first won a state and regional tournament to qualify for the World Series.

Later in the week, the Heartland Nationals will try to win another title when they begin their run in the Babe Ruth 12 and Under World Series in Louisville, Ky.

The Nationals are guaranteed at least four games in the round-robin style tournament starting Saturday. The tournament consists of 12 teams with the top six advancing after the four games.

The team is made up of players from each of the 11 teams in the Babe Ruth 12 and Under league. The Nationals first won a regional tournament in Chaffee, Mo., then a state tournament by forfeit to qualify for the national tournament.

"These girls are very talented and athletic and they play with a lot of enthusiasm," said assistant coach Frank Glueck. "When you put that together it makes for a winning combination."

Another boost has been manager Kara Heuring. Heuring, a former starting second basemen for Southeast Missouri State, has been instrumental in helping the team come together, Glueck said.