Peabody a good host for baseball tourney

I had the privilege as a Cal Ripken Baseball official of being a part of the just completed 9-year-old Cal Ripken Kansas State Tournament of Champions held in Peabody. The tournament featured district champions from the state who were vying for a berth in the eight-state 2007 Midwest Plains Regional at Derby.

The Peabody Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken organization did an excellent job of hosting an exciting and fair baseball tournament. Jonathan Richstatter, tournament director, and the many volunteers that worked with him are to be commended for their outstanding job.

Not only was baseball the spotlight during the four-day tournament, but sportsmanship and team play was promoted throughout. It was evident that all who participated in and attended this event had a good time, witnessed some excellent baseball, and left Peabody with fond memories.

Peabody Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball has hosted numerous district tournaments in the past and now added a state tournament to their resume. They did an excellent job of hosting our district champions from across Kansas.

Jonathan and his committee went beyond the call of duty to provide a special event for the youth involved in the state tournament. Each well-attended tournament game was proof that the Peabody Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Baseball organization put on a great event for all.

I heard many compliments directed toward the great baseball hosts as well as the Peabody community as a whole.

The city of Peabody can be proud of its Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball program. Many hours of volunteer work are necessary to provide a quality baseball program for the youth. It is not only an end-of-the-year tournament that makes a quality youth program, but what happens in the planning stages throughout the year and during the league season. It is evident the investments of these volunteers are paying great dividends.

To each of the volunteers and to the city of Peabody, Kansas Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball Leagues say thanks.

Paul Unrau

Assistant state commissioner, 9-year-old division

Kansas Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball Leagues 

Need for blood rises during summer

Temperatures outside can get so hot during these “dog days of August” that you could probably fry an egg on the sidewalk. While outdoor temperatures rise, though, our community’s blood supply continues to fall.

Regardless of the thermometer reading, a patient needs a blood transfusion.

It’s up to our community to be sure that life-saving gift is available.

You can help fulfill this need by donating at the Goessel blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Thurs­day, Aug. 9, at the Mennonite Church, 109 S. Church St.

Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE to make an appointment.

Since each donation is especially important this time of year, please be sure to keep the appointment you make. We count on you to save lives.

Rosemary Penner

Goessel Blood Drive chairman

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