Babe Ruth tourney expected to draw thousands

More than 2,650 people will visit St. Charles Parish next week as part of the 2012 Southwest Regional Babe Ruth Softball tournament, officials announced.

The five-day event, featuring approximately 50 teams from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, will take place at the West Bank Bridge Park daily from July 18 until July 22.

The 2012 event will be the fourth time in four years that a Babe Ruth tournament has been held in St. Charles Parish.

Players competing in the tournament will range in ages from 8 years old to 17 years old.

St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department Director Duane Foret said the major sporting event would provide an economic boost to St. Charles Parish while showing off the area’s facilities and recreational programs.

"As a department, we are elated to be able to host a tournament in which we can showcase our parish," he said. "It will also be a special opportunity for girls who participate in our program to play in front of their community and family members."

Babe Ruth Louisiana State Baseball Commissioner Mike Markins complimented the parish’s facilities and hospitality.

"Our participants here are well-received and have played on well-maintained and manicured facilities," he said. "The commitment from the parish when hosting a tournament is second to none, and we are excited about having our 2012 tournament here."

Other commissioners said the parish’s central location and availability of other outdoors activities make it a good fit for the tournament.