Babe Ruth League is pleased to announce that in 2018 the city of Branson, Missouri, will once again host the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series.  All games will be played at Ballparks of America, Branson, August 3-11.

The great people who represent the City of Branson, the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Ballparks of America provided an extraordinary experience for the young players in 2017, as well as for the parents, coaches, supporters and fans.  Everyone involved was treated to nine consecutive days of highly-competitive play and sportsmanship-like conduct second to none.  Outside of the white lines, those same crowds were happy to be able to ‘Explore Branson’ with all of its charm and entertainment. 

The 2018 Babe Ruth League tournament trail will test the mettle of every team in the Cal Ripken Major/70 division.  Hundreds of young, talented baseball teams from around the world will start the 2017 season sharing one goal, but only 18 of those teams will survive and advance to the Cal Ripken World Series.  And while in Branson, those teams will face their biggest challenge – a tournament of champions that will narrow the field from 18 down to one to determine a World Champion.

Branson is a warm and friendly family destination that will deliver a memorable experience for everyone.  Located in the Ozark Mountains, Branson has long been a popular destination for vacationers.  There is an adventure awaiting everyone.  In addition to the numerous theaters for which Branson is famous, other local attractions include award-winning golf courses, Hollywood Wax Museum, White Water, Waltzing Waters, Wineries, Ride the Ducks, Ziplines, Cave Tours, National Tiger Sanctuary, Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Horseback Rides, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, and three pristine lakes.  Ripley’s Odditorium is housed in a building that has been made to look as if it is cracked open wide open by an earthquake or other disaster, while the Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale replica of the famous ship and iceberg. 

Check out a few of the reasons kids love visiting Branson:

• Horses! Kids of all ages want to giddy up and get to Dixie Stampede’s spectacular show.
• Youngsters with a need for speed can head straight to the go-kart track.
• Kids can go wild in Branson. Really wild. Like boa constrictor encounters at the Promised Land Zoo wild.
• Making fish faces is encouraged at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
• Tubing On Table Rock Lake. If you aren’t smiling, then you’re doing it wrong.
• Learning is cool at places like the Butterfly Palace.
• Branson has more mini-golf course per capita than any other Midwest town.
• Summer vacations don’t mean a thing if they ain’t got some swings at Silver Dollar City.
• You don’t just get to see the shows in Branson. You get to say hi to the stars afterward.
• Did we mention the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City? They’re some of the steepest, loopiest and fastest in the country.

Ballparks of America is the only facility to feature 2/3 replicas of five iconic stadiums spanning the history of baseball.  They are patterned after several classic ballparks, including Busch Stadium, Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium, Fenway Park, and Ebbets Field.  Each of these historic gems had unusual dimensions and elements that created a unique playing environment, which has been re-created at the Ballparks of America facility.  Each field features the latest technology in synthetic turf for a more consistent playing surface, and has covered dugouts, bullpen areas, MLB-style team suites, and stadium quality lights.

There is no question that Branson has something for everybody…and the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series will be a great trip for the entire family.