PORT ANGELES — Youth baseball takes center stage in Port Angeles this week as the Northwest Washington Cal Ripken State Championships begin Thursday, bringing more than 340 players from 31 teams across the region to compete over four days.
Most games will be played at Lincoln Park, with 13U matchups held at Volunteer Field. The tournament opened Wednesday evening with a ceremony at Civic Field before the Port Angeles Lefties game, where players were welcomed onto the field and received free admission.
This marks the first time in 20 years that Port Angeles has hosted the Cal Ripken North State Championships. Organizers expect the event to draw between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors, including families, coaches, and officials.
Five local teams are representing the area. The 9U team faces Silverdale Thursday at 11 a.m., then Moses Lake and Eastmont on Friday. The 10U All-Stars play Thursday morning and afternoon against MLYBA and Ferndale. The 11U squad opens against Silverdale and MLYBA on Thursday, followed by games against Lynden and Ferndale on Friday. The 12U team takes on Eastmont and the Sluggers Thursday, and Moses Lake Friday. The 13U Babe Ruth team meets Lynden in a two-team bracket, with game times still to be announced.
Games begin at 8:30 a.m. each day, with semifinal matchups set for 11 a.m. Saturday and championship games to follow that afternoon. Food vendors and a Rotary Club concession stand will be available throughout the tournament, and a full schedule will be posted daily at Lincoln Park.