A REAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE!!

It’s that time of year to start thinking about a family vacation. A simple family adventure can do a world of good for you and your family. Don’t let the everyday hustle and bustle rob you of your right to excitement, as well as great relaxation and rejuvenation.

Are you tired of doing the same old thing every vacation? Don’t you work hard all day, every week, for months, simply waiting until you can get away from it all! You owe it to yourself and to your family to create the best family vacation possible.

We have the answer!! What could be better than a family vacation to one of the nine Babe Ruth World Series sites this August! Experience the thrill of America’s pastimes and the locales hosting the Series. A Babe Ruth World Series offers so much more than just the thrills of watching teams battle it out for the win. It’s a great opportunity for social and cultural exchanges. Many World Series sites offer a vast array of vacation options, such as first-rate hotels (at very affordable prices that were negotiated just for the Series) and a wealth of fun outdoor activities for the entire family.

Listed below are the locations, dates and some information on each of the 2005 Babe Ruth World Series:

12U Softball World Series – Cherry Hill, New Jersey - August 12-20, 2005. Cherry Hill is conveniently located just minutes from Philadelphia. Philadelphia, the birthplace of our democracy, abounds in historical sites from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell. Other cultural attractions include the Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Kimmel Center. And no matter what season it is, you can always catch a professional sports game in the Philadelphia region, whether it is the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, or the Flyers. Southern New Jersey also offers its own unique attractions: the Camden Riverfront provides the New Jersey State Aquarium, the Camden Riversharks baseball team and the Battleship New Jersey Museum. Cherry Hill is less than an hour away from Six Flags Great Adventure as well as the New Jersey shore beaches, boardwalks and fishing; it’s 2 hours to New York City and about 3 hours to Washington D.C.

16U Softball World Series – Varina, Virginia (Henrico County) – August 12-19, 2005. Varina is a community whose history dates back to the beginning of Virginia. In 1607, a group led by Captain Christopher Newport sailed from Jamestown up the James River to a place occupied by the Arrohattoc Indians, on of the tribes ruled by the Chief Powhatan. The explorers became the first Englishmen to set foot in Varina. Henrico has the most Civil War battlefields of any county in the United States. The historic Dabbs House – used as General Robert E. Lee’s headquarters – still stands and is now the eastern precinct for the Henrico Division of Police. Henrico has an extensive network of parks. The Varina Athletic Association is proud to have the use of one of the jewels – Dorey Park. The 400-acre property was once one of the largest dairy farms on the East Coast. Fields are provided for soccer, rugby, football, tennis, softball and baseball. Dorey Park also regularly hosts picnicking families, disc golfers, fishermen, hikers and horsemen.

Cal Ripken 10-Year-Old World Series – Russellville, Arkansas – August 5-12, 2005. Russellville is unparalleled in regards to the options available to its citizens and visitors for recreation and sports. Lake Dardanelle, located in Russellville, is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the region. It is well known as the location for trophy bass in Arkansas. Boating, competition water skiing, and sailing are all enjoyed. Russellville serves as the gateway city for the Tri-Peaks Region. Mt. Nebo State Park, Petit Jean Mountain State Park, and Mount Magazine State Park are known as the Tri-Peaks. Each park provides scenic vistas, hiking trails and lodging. Russellville’s recreation facilities include an additional nine parks managed by the Russellville Parks and Recreation Department. They offer lighted tennis courts, soccer fields, an Olympic size swimming pool, basketball courts, six lighted softball fields and seven lighted baseball fields.

Cal Ripken 12-Year-Old World Series – Aberdeen, Maryland – August 12-21, 2005. In 2005, Aberdeen has the honor of hosting the sixth annual Cal Ripken World Series. Aberdeen, in Harford County, is closely located to many major cities. It is only 35 miles from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. I-95 runs through the center of Harford County making a trip to Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore or Washington D.C. only a car or train ride away. For the sports lovers in the family, you will be able to play on one of 12 challenging and unique golf courses, or take in a game at Ripken Stadium, home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds, a New-York Penn League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Or, head over to historic Havre de Grace, established in the late 1700’s and visit the antique shops, boutiques and casually elegant waterfront restaurants.

13-Year-Old World Series – Jamestown, New York – August 20-27, 2005. Jamestown is at the base of picturesque Chautauqua Lake. Jamestown has been awarded the “Tree City USA” designation award by the National Arbor Day Foundation for twenty consecutive years and is proud of its 20 parks consisting of 540 acres of land. Along with its ball diamonds, picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds and soccer fields, Jamestown’s parks system features the 4,000 seat Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park, where baseball lovers watch the Jamestown Jammers, a Florida Marlins Class A affiliate. Jamestown is blessed with an abundance of outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, boating and camping opportunities and the 57,000 acre Allegheny State Park.

14-Year-Old World Series – Quincy, Massachusetts – August 19-27, 2005. Quincy has much to offer visitors; from history to restaurants; from shopping to beaches; from parks to proximity to Boston. Quincy is sure to provide visitors with a memorable stay. All along Quincy’s 27-mile coastline are beaches, scenic vistas and opportunities to shop and eat. Lovely Marina Bay is a “must see” as quaint shops and fine restaurants line the boardwalk. Wollaston Beach is the place to go for sunning, swimming, a walk in the sand or to enjoy some beachfront eats. The 3-mile long beach is Quincy’s most active recreational area in the summer. Visitors can stop by the site of John Hancock’s birthplace, now home to the Quincy Historical Society. A quick trip to Boston can be made easily by public transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line trains will take you to Boston in less than 15 minutes. The Harbor Express water shuttle will transport you into Boston in 20 minutes, allowing a beautiful view of Quincy’s coastline and the islands of Boston Harbor.

13-15 World Series – Abbeville, Louisiana – August 13-20, 2005. Situated in the central southernmost region of Louisiana, is an area which surrounds Vermilion Parish. Abbeville’s recreational facilities include two parks and numerous youth sporting activities. Abbeville, as well as the surrounding Acadiana area, is known worldwide for its Cajun cuisine and traditional French/Cajun music. Excellent hunting, fishing, and hiking are easily accessible. The Gulf of Mexico is only a thirty minute boat ride from Intracoastal City, located 20 miles south of Abbeville. Fishermen can find an abundance of tarpon, white and blue marlin, dolphin, red fish, trout and red snapper. Fresh water fishermen can enjoy perch, bass, sac-a-lait and white perch fishing as well. Abbeville is also located some 20 miles southwest of Lafayette, home of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette; 80 miles from the state capitol of Baton Rouge, and just a little over two hours away from the Big Easy, New Orleans.

16-Year-Old World Series – Weimar Texas – August 6-13, 2005. With a population of only 1,981, Weimar was one of the smallest communities to ever host a Babe Ruth World Series in 2003. Weimar is located in South Central Texas between the major cities of Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Within approximately one hour’s drive are shopping malls, sporting and entertainment venues, and tourist attractions for all ages and interest. Weimar also offers the serenity and relaxed pace of an “everyone knows everyone else” community. For Weimar, “stop and go traffic” means that they stop when they want to stop and go when they want to go. Weimar and the surrounding areas have many golf courses, unique stores, seasonal hunting and fishing, and an overwhelming love of baseball. Visitors will also enjoy visiting the Alamo, the Riverwalk in San Antonio, NASA and Six Flags Astroworld in Houston.

16-18 World Series – Newark, Ohio (Licking County) – August 12-19, 2005. From a sunrise across Buckeye Lake to a sunset over the city, Licking County offers visitors rural charm and city conveniences. Enjoy a picnic in the Japanese Garden at Dawes Arboretum, a hike through the challenging hills at Blackhand Gorge, or a step back in time at Moundbuilders Earthworks. Golfers may choose from over a dozen courses, including the Donald Ross-designed Granville Golf Course. Race fans may enjoy drag strip racing at its finest at National Trail Raceway. Or take the whole family to the newly renovated Heath Pool, with a lazy river, water slides and play center. Downtown Newark is just minutes away from the ballpark, with several restaurants, The Works Center for History, Art and Technology, and The Midland Theatre.

As you can see, all nine World Series offer a wide variety of entertainment and activities to suit any family. But as much as each is diverse, it is the same. What does each have in common with the other? Outstanding Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball! See the best of the best amateur athletes in the country compete for the World Series crown. There is nothing like it!

So what is our advice? We encourage you not to sell yourself short. You and your family deserve a unique and great vacation. For something as important as this, treat yourselves to the very best. And you won’t have to spend a fortune. Pick up the phone and call Babe Ruth Headquarters at 609-695-1434 to book your vacation at one of our World Series. It will be a memorable and enjoyable time for all! Please also feel free to visit www.baberuthnetwork.com for full details after the World Series begin.

Best wishes, and we hope to see many of you along the tournament trail.