OTTUMWA – The 13-Year-Old All-Star Ottumwa Babe Ruth team has made it to the big leagues!

The team had a 4-0 record in the state tournament handing losses to Newton, Rathbun Area, Burlington, and Boone. The All-Star Team won the honor of representing Iowa last night beating out Boone 12-2 in Burlington.

The regional games will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 5th, 2010.

But baseball isn’t all these boys have to think about right now. They also have to raise money to help pay the expenses of the trip for themselves and their families. Approximately $1,200/player is needed to cover the cost of uniforms, entrance fees, transportation, and lodging for the 12 players, their families, and coaches.

“They are very excited about going to the tournaments” said Nancy Rupe, a team parent assisting with the fundraising. “What parent would want to miss seeing their kids play!”

The team is holding several fund-raising events over the next week to cover costs. The team will be accepting donations at a car wash at the Ottumwa South Hy-Vee tomorrow, Saturday July 24th from 10a-1pm. They will also be accepting cash donations and pop can donations until August 3rd. A tip night is also planned but an official date and time has not been set.

To thank the community for their donations, the team will be sending thank you letters for any and all donations received.

If you would like to donate, please contact either Kristi Ridgway at 641-777-9124 or Nancy Rupe at 641-799-0301. Donations can be sent to:

Ottumwa Babe Ruth c/o Kristi Ridgway
1605 N. Court Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Team Members:

Chase Woods
Trent Stuchel
Carter Burns
Brok Hopwood
Corey Ridgway
Andrew Altfillisch
Dylan Jones
Colten Gray
Kurtis Rupe
Jacob Stinson
Steven Wilson
Luke McDonald

Coaches:

Scott Ridgway
Tom Mitchell
Rod Burns