SIKESTON BALLPLAYERS MAKE US ALL PROUD

The scene in Sikeston one night last week was one of exhilaration when 14 young men returned home from the Babe Ruth World Series in Tallahassee, Fla.

The group of 13-year-old baseball players didn't win the series, but they did place third against some tough competition. It was the best finish for a Sikeston Babe Ruth team since 1959, when the city's team of 15-year-olds claimed second place in the Babe Ruth World Series in California.

More than 150 people turned out to greet the team. They had, after all, defeated Beaverton, Ore., 10-8, then lost to New Orleans 13-3. The team beat a team from Washington, D.C., 12-5 and again defeated Beaverton 13-5 before being eliminated by New Orleans by a score of 13-4. Tallahassee, a team Sikeston never got to play, was the champion.

It had to be quite an experience for the young men. They got to play ball in 40,000-seat Dick Howser Stadium at Florida State University.

Blake DeWitt was named to the all-tournament defensive team at shortstop. He also pitched 17 innings. DeWitt and centerfielder Scott Keenan were selected to the all-tournament team. Both batted above .400 in the tournament.

Sikeston Mayor Bill Mitchell told the boys: "You showed them. We are proud of you as ballplayers, and we are proud of you as fine young men."

We are pleased to add to the accolades: Congratulations for a job well done.