Tuscaloosa Wins Bid For 2023 Dixie Youth Baseball World Series

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) and Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (TTS) on Thursday announced that the 2023 Dixie Youth Baseball (DYB) Division I and II World Series tournament will be hosted at Bowers Park Sports Complex in Tuscaloosa.

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The World Series Tournament will showcase over 76 youth baseball teams between the ages of nine and 12 from 11 states. PARA points out that past tournaments have brought in 13,000+ spectators and is expected to drive an estimated economic impact of over $5.6 million.

PARA and TTS staff members made the presentation to the Dixie Youth Baseball National Board of Directors in Laurel, Mississippi earlier this month, which saw the board vote unanimously to award the tournament to Tuscaloosa. The exact dates, expected to be early August 2023, will be announced at a later date.

“PARA’s success in hosting the Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball (ADYB) Division II Tournament in 2021 and 2019 plus the ADYB Rookie State Tournament in 2017 was an important stepping stone to hosting this prestigious world series event," said PARA Executive Director Gary Minor. "Our expertise in hosting baseball and softball tournaments in a quality manner has paid off in a big way.”

Most recently, Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball held its Division II State Tournament in June at Bowers Park, bringing thousands to the area.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Tuscaloosa and West Alabama to demonstrate to the nation that we are passionate and serious about youth baseball,” said ADYB Deputy State Director Dale Phillips.

TTS Director of Sports Stan Adams said being selected as the host city and showcasing why Tuscaloosa is an exceptional fit was made possible because of a cohesive collaboration between PARA, TTS, and Dixie Youth's State Director.

“Aligning with our mission to recruit premier events that drive economic impact, we look forward to welcoming thousands of players and visitors to our great city,” Adams said.

PARA then said its director of community outreach, Jay Logan, will serve as tournament chair.

“Our community will be placed in the national spotlight and there will be opportunity for local, state and national businesses, organizations and volunteer groups to be a part of this exciting tournament experience," he said. "We look forward to presenting the very best in facilities and southern hospitality.”

Editor's Note: Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball Deputy State Director Dale Phillips, who gave a statement in the official PARA press release, is the father of the author of this story. For the sake of transparency, we decided to disclose this information to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest ... At the same time, I'm also very proud of my Pops and all he does for our community.

- RP

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