Cal Ripken league to host state tourney

A total of 265 kids participated this year in Cal Ripken League, which includes T-ball for 5-6 year-olds, Rookie League for 7-8 year-olds, six Minor League teams for 9-10 year-olds and four Major League teams for 11-12 year-olds.

The Dodgers won the Minor League tournament and State Farm won the Major League tournament.

The two younger leagues play at Jack Zerr fields near the high school, and the two older leagues play at Smith Fields, near the hospital.

For the first time, Whitefish will host the Montana 11-year-old state tournament in July.

The Whitefish Baseball Board would like to thank everyone who participated in the league. The non-profit organization is run entirely by volunteers, including parents, coaches, team sponsors who supplied uniforms, banner sponsors and umpires.

Parents coach, help with the snack shack, rake and clean fields, and perform many other jobs.

"This is a really great group of kids and families who support this activity in the community," said Tracy Armstrong. "Parents coach, help with the snack shack, rake fields, clean fields and many other jobs. It is a very large program and takes several board members and parents hours and outside funding to achieve this for the kids."