KBBA to host two summer tournaments
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Following two successful Dixie League tournaments in consecutive years, Kilgore Boys Baseball Association ventured to place the winning bids on two more for this summer - and won.

As soon as Kilgore High School clears the field at Driller Park, youth teams and their fans are slated for play, including 13-year-old North Regional State Tournament players and the 15- and 16-yearold pre-majors.

In addition to the state tournaments, Kilgore is also slated to host three district tournaments for Teeball, 15 and 16 year olds and 17 and 18 year olds.

KBBA received bid money from Kilgore Chamber of Commerce for the last two state tournaments and was only asked to repay a portion of the funds. So this year the association used leftover proceeds to bid on the tournaments.

Bryan Johnston, KBBA treasurer, said this is an alternative way of paying the chamber back.

"What the chamber wants is heads in beds," Johnston said. "We host the tournaments and hotels fill up."

Johnston said the community should see a drastic increase in hotel, restaurant and general retail revenues.

In addition to bidding on the two state tournaments, KBBA has made some changes at the Harris Street Fields.

Pitchers now pitch from rounded and graded mounds, player play on infields outfitted with $10,000 worth of Turfus dirt, the batting cages now sit on poured-concrete slabs, patrons can walk along asphalt paths and with the co-operation of KBBA, City of Kilgore and Gregg County, Bob Barbee, precinct 3 commissioner and his crew helped resurface the parking lot.

The association also bought a new professional mower at a cost of $3,500.

Other changes were made in the restrooms and concession area, with fresh coats of paint in the restrooms and the addition of new appliances in the concession area which will allow for expansion of the menu.

Brad Brown, KBBA president, said KBBA still has a long wish list of items that are needed.

Johnston said volunteers are welcome.

"There isn't a kids' league in the world that has ever had to turn away volunteers," he said.