PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025

CVB Contact: Scott Bruscato
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: sbruscato@monroe-westmonroe.org

Over 60 Youth Baseball Teams to Compete in Monroe for Coveted Babe Ruth League World Series Spot

MONROE, La. ─ The crack of the bat and the cheer of the crowd will fill the air in Monroe as the community welcomes the 2025 Babe Ruth Baseball Southwest Regional Tournament. From July 16-20, 2025, over 60 teams of players aged 6-16 from across the region will compete at the Sterlington Sports Complex and Ouachita Sportsplex for a chance to advance to the Babe Ruth League World Series.

The tournament will kick off with an exciting opening ceremony at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16, at ULM's Lou St. Amant Field. The evening will feature a prayer by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the National Anthem performed by Miss Louisiana 2025, Gabrelle Mcleod, and welcoming remarks from dignitaries including Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Commissioner Eugene Reynolds and City of Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. The ceremony will conclude with the 10th President of the University of Louisiana Monroe, Dr. Carrie Castille, throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

The tournament is expected to bring a significant number of players, families, and fans to Ouachita Parish, providing a substantial economic boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas will be represented, showcasing some of the best young baseball talent in the country.

“We are thrilled to host the Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Tournament here in Monroe,” said Alana Cooper, President/CEO of Discover Monroe-West Monroe. “Events like this are a grand slam for our community. Not only do they highlight our top-tier sports facilities, but they also invite hundreds of families to experience the wonderful hospitality, dining, and attractions our area has to offer. We extend a warm welcome to all the players, coaches, and families and wish them the best of luck.”

The multi-day event will feature over 60 teams, including local all-star squads, who have battled through state competitions to earn a spot in this prestigious tournament. The winners of the regional championship will earn a coveted berth in the Babe Ruth League World Series. The championship games for the 13-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old, and 13-16 divisions will also be held at ULM's Lou St. Amant Field, adding to the excitement of the tournament finals.

“The Southwest Regional tournament is a cornerstone of the region’s Babe Ruth League season, and Monroe provides the perfect backdrop for this high level of competition,” said Eugene Reynolds, Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Commissioner. “These young athletes have dedicated themselves to the sport, and this tournament is a testament to their hard work and passion. We are grateful for the partnership with Discover Monroe-West Monroe and the local facilities for creating a world-class environment for our players to compete.”

Event Details:

● What: 2025 Babe Ruth Baseball Southwest Regional Tournament (6-16 Year Old Divisions)
● When: Wednesday, July 16 – Sunday, July 20, 2025. Opening Ceremony at 7:00 PM on July 16.
● Where: Ouachita Sportsplex (710 Holland Dr, Monroe, LA), Sterlington Sports Complex (1290 LA-136, Sterlington, LA), with the Opening Ceremony and championship games for the 13YO, 14YO, and 13-16 divisions at ULM Lou St. Amant Field.
● Who: Over 60 all-star teams from across the Babe Ruth Southwest Region.
● More Information: Detailed game schedules and scores can be found at the official Southwest Region website: https://brlswregion.com/

About Discover Monroe-West Monroe

Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings and sporting events, creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit https://www.monroe-westmonroe....