There were squeals of delight as the girls arrived for the 12U Babe Ruth World Series Wednesday and opened their “goodie bags.”

The girls, who are from Franklin, La.; Mineral Area, Mo.; Halifax, Mass.; Othello, Wash.; Hazlet, N.J.; Fern Creek, Ky.; Lodi, Calif.; Oviedo, Fla.; East Brewton; Brewton; and Alexander City, began arriving in Andalusia shortly after 2 p.m.

First to arrive was the Hazlet Hawks of New Jersey. The girls said they’ve played together “since T-ball” and were ecstatic to make it to Andalusia after flying into Pensacola, Fla.

“This is an awesome experience,” said Sara Furch. “I can’t believe we’re here.”

To help make the week’s experience even more memorable, area businesses donated items for the girls’ “goodie bags,” which were sling-style backpacks filled with a Sorelli bracelet, cookies from Chrissie Schubert, notebooks, pens, snacks, sunglasses, OPI nail polish, a neck cooler and, of course, Andalusia’s signature item – dominoes, with the World Championship Domino Tournament emblem.

“Look, dominoes,” exclaimed Ashley Marino. When asked if she could play, she replied, “A little.”

Next to arrive were the Halifax Hurricanes from Eastern Massachusetts. This group flew into Montgomery and arrived shortly before 3 p.m.

Other teams’ arrival times were staggered throughout the afternoon with the majority flying into either Pensacola or Montgomery. Some teams, like Florida, Brewton, East Brewton and Alex City, opted to travel by bus or personal vehicles.

Once they received their goodie bags and went through orientation, the girls settled into their hotel rooms.

“I know we’re going to have a fantastic time here,” said Hazel Hawks team mom Susan Nestor.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

At 9 a.m., teams and their families will be treated to a come-and-go event at Springdale, complete with a live presentation of Andalusia’s history.
At 11:30, they will attend a luncheon banquet at the Kiwanis Center, with guest speaker, Troy University’s softball coach Melanie Davis
The South Alabama team will take to the mound at 5:30 p.m. in the first game of the series.
Opening ceremonies are set for 7:30 p.m.
For a complete schedule of today’s games see Page 6.