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The first ever Kansas Babe Ruth “Classic” was Played at Light Capital Field in McPherson on August 14, 1999. The “Classic” was the brain-child of then State Commissioner Gary Kuntz who wanted to showcase the best 15 Year-Old players in the state. Eighteen players are selected for each team - East and West based on their baseball skills, attitude and hustle demonstrated at their individual District Tournaments. Players are selected by their respective District Commissioners or Babe Ruth Official running the 13-15 District Tournament. The East Team, composed of Districts 5, 6 and 7, plays a double-header against the West Team (Districts 1, 2 and 3). After the districts were restructured, Districts 1 and 3 became the West team and Districts 5 and 6 became the East Team. In 2014, the teams were again re-shuffled for balance and teams were named the Red Team (Districts 1 and 5) and the Blue Team composed of Districts 3 and 4. Managers are assigned on a rotating basis and are members of the Kansas Babe Ruth Leagues Board of Directors. Coaches for the teams are nominated by the District Commissioners. Initially, the teams played nine-inning games, but this made the day too long and the games were shortened to 7 innings. Players meet on the Saturday before the Classic games and participate in a practice and picnic. The double-header is played on Sunday-normally the day before the first official day of High School football practice. Each of the “Classic” contests are recorded on this and the following pages.
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