World Series To Open July 16

Approximately 35 teams have confirmed attending including teams from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Virginia. Two teams from Jackson County Parks and Rec. and a Jefferson team will also be in the series.

The series is for Dizzy Dean 11-year-old league teams from 13 states. The league is named in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean.

The main venues for the World Series will be the fields at Lamar Murphy Park and the East Jackson Park.

Ricky Sanders, Jackson County Park and Recreation director, said that the department and the staff have worked to prepare for the World Series since last year.

While the influx of spectators will boost the local economy, especially hotels and restaurants, Sanders said that he and his staff have worked to inform local business of the potential customers arriving in a matter of days.

“This is going to benefit (the businesses), and in turn, benefit the community,” said Sanders.

Also in efforts to prepare for the tournament, the recreation department has turned attention to prepping the fields.

According to Sanders the fields have received extra fertilizer and maintenance to prepare for the heavy use of several games per day.

“We’re dealing with about the same amount of kids and participants as we would for a regular baseball season, but they’re here for five days,” Sanders said.

While this is the first time the county has hosted the Dizzy Dean World Series, Jackson County Parks and Recreation has worked with Dizzy Dean for the last five years, hosting district and state tournaments.

Any businesses interested in the sponsorship program can contact Sanders at 706-367-6350. Individual sponsorships are also available for $25, which will get the sponsor a tournament pass and recognition in the program.

Sanders said volunteers are also needed.