Babe Ruth turns 50 for Wharton

The Wharton Babe Ruth Baseball League enjoys its 50th season this year.

The local league has had one 13 to 15-year-old team, one 16-year-old team and two 16 to 18-year-old team appearances in Babe Ruth World Series over the years and numerous appearances in regional tournaments.

"I personally want to thank all the volunteers that helped make this 50th anniversary possible," said Babe Ruth President Steven Tellefsen in a news release.

"I also want to thank the Wharton Babe Ruth Board members for allowing Wharton Babe Ruth to be open to all youth of Wharton County.

"There is nothing better then seeing kids from all over the county playing baseball on the same field and making friends for life. I also want to thank all of you for what you have done for the youth leagues in Wharton County and especially the Wharton Babe Ruth over the past years.

"Along with the Wharton Babe Ruth World Series appearances, we can't forget the 1952 El Campo 13-15 Babe Ruth appearance in the First Babe Ruth World Series in Austin.

"El Campo's Coby Rod was the Batting Champion for the 1994 16-18 World Series held in Wharton."

Jimmy Schulz is the Past President and Frank Reyna will serve as the 2008-09 President.