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NBC World Series & TKAAM Partner to Celebrate Satchel Paige 

Posted on by katiewoods

WICHITA, Kansas – The NBC Baseball Foundation and The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) are partnering to celebrate the contributions of Satchel Paige and other black baseball players throughout the month of July. Starting July 1st, TKAAM showcases a new NBC exhibit showcasing Bobby Boyd, Ozzie Smith and Satchel Paige, with a ticket giveaway in conjunction with the 90th NBC World Series this month.

“We are proud to serve as a community partner for an event that celebrates the life and legacy of a baseball legend like Leroy Satchel Paige,” said TKAAM Education Manager Brad Richards, “This partnership allows us to combine our core pillars of history, education, and culture to engage with NBC supporters and the overall Wichita community”

Paige’s appearance and victory with the Bismarck Churchills in the first National Baseball Congress Semi-Pro Invitational in Wichita in 1935, more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, was a main catalyst for the NBC World Series’ success.

“Satchel Paige’s life and legacy is one of immense talent, determination, joy, and breaking down barriers,” said NBC Director Katie Woods, “The opportunity to showcase his contributions here in Wichita, which many may not know about, and give a new generation the chance to learn about him, is very special.”

TKAAM x NBC World Series Events:

  • Month of July:
    • All guests who visit TKAAM prior to July 25 receive a free ticket to Satchel Paige Night at the NBC World Series on July 25.
    • TKAAM will display information on the contributions and careers of black baseball players in Wichita and with the National Baseball Congress
  • July 25:
    • NBC World Series Opening Night at Eck Stadium
      • Gates open at 5:00pm
      • Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
      • Pre-Game Ceremony & First Pitch from members of the Paige family
      • Games at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm to kick off the 90th NBC World Series
      • Tickets start at $12
    • Satchel Paige Family Reception at Eck Stadium’s All-American Club
      • Opportunity to hear from the Paige family about his life & legacy
      • Tickets are $50 and include dinner, game ticket, and reception
    • Several local organizations including Heroes Academy and Equity Initiative will receive tickets to the event courtesy of community partners Evergy, Capitol Federal Foundation and INTRUST Bank.
  • July 31:
    • Senior Wednesday at TKAAM featuring Negro League baseball teacher, author and historian Phil Dixon
      • Event runs from 10:00-11:30
      • Free Admission

About the NBC Baseball Foundation: The National Baseball Congress World Series has been a cornerstone of summer collegiate and independent baseball for over 89 years, providing a platform for players to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among baseball enthusiasts. The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 strives to connect communities through baseball, and foster a love for the game while celebrating the history. The NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

For more information about the National Baseball Congress, please contact: Katie Woods, Tournament Director at katie@nbcbaseball.com or 316-265-6236 or visit nbcbaseball.com. 

About The Kansas African American Museum: The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonant with every Kansan. The vision of the Kansas African American Museum is to be the premier place where the communities come to learn about or tell the Kansas African American story. To serve as the cultural hub for innovative collaboration, familial and historic storytelling, thought provoking exhibits, highly sought-after collections and interactive continuous learning centered around the African American experience, TKAAM focuses on history, education, art, and culture for unique cultural experiences. TKAAM is proud to be a community partner for the Satchell Paige Celebration game of the National Baseball Congress Tournament on July 25th! 

For more information about The Kansas African American Museum, please contact: Brad Richards, Community Outreach Coordinator at tkaamcommunityoutreach@tkaamuseum.org or 316-262-7651 or visit tkaamuseum.org

Baseball ‘Round The Clock Returns to the NBC World Series

Posted on by katiewoods

WICHITA, Kansas – Baseball ‘Round The Clock, once a staple of the NBC World Series in Wichita, is returning to the NBC in 2024 after an eight-year hiatus. Fans will have the opportunity to watch 11 games over the course of 33 hours, starting at noon on Saturday, July 27 and running through a 6:00pm game on Sunday, July 28.

“Baseball ‘Round the Clock has historically been one of the most exciting and unique events in the NBC World Series,” said NBC tournament director Katie Woods, “For the 90th tournament, it was time to bring it back. We’re ready to introduce a new generation of competitors to some of the same elements – Midnight Madness, the cuckoo clock check-ins and ‘I survived’ shirts – that diehard NBC fans remember.”

Baseball played at all hours has long been a tradition of the NBC. National Baseball Congress founder Hap Dumont came up with the idea of having late-night and early-morning games in the tournament to make games accessible to Wichita fans working swing and graveyard shifts early in the tournament’s history. NBC tournament director Steve Shaad formalized the tradition in 1990 with the introduction of ‘Baseball ‘Round the Clock” as 17 games in 56 hours. BRTC ran every year after that at the NBC through 2016 before it was discontinued.

Fans ready to take on the challenge of surviving all 33 hours of Baseball ‘Round the Clock in 2024 can purchase their Baseball ‘Round the Clock (BRTC) tickets now at nbcbaseball.com for $20. BRTC tickets get participants entry in to all 11 games, as well as a punch card and wristband that will be used for check-ins at least once per game. When check-ins sound, participants have 10 minutes to report to the designated check-in spot and get their card punched to continue in the competition. Participants who have their card punched at every check-in will receive a free t-shirt, a tournament pass for the rest of the tournament, and will be entered into a raffle to win a series of grand prizes.

Director of Community Partnership Brian Turner was a part of the Baseball ‘Round the Clock staff for six years during his tenure with the Wichita Wingnuts, and is looking forward to taking on the challenge once again.

“There’s no event quite like Baseball ‘Round the Clock,” said Turner, “It’s a generational event, and we’re excited to bring it back with a new look, for both old and new fans, in 2024.”

The 2024 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, runs July 25-August 3 this year and will be played fully at Eck Stadium at Wichita State University. Single day tickets, groups and tournament passes are all available for purchase now .

“90 Years of NBC Champions” Apparel Collection Announced

Posted on by katiewoods

“90 Years of NBC Champions” Apparel Collection Announced

National Baseball Congress Celebrating 90th National Championship This Summer

SHOP THE 90 YEARS OF NBC CHAMPIONS COLLECTION

The National Baseball Congress, marking its 90th National Championship tournament this summer, is launching the “90 Years of NBC Champions” collection in collaboration with Indiana-based baseball apparel company Old Fort Baseball Co. Throughout the months of May-July, the “90 Years of NBC Champions” collection will spotlight nine of the National Baseball Congress’ most memorable champions with articles, social media features, and limited-edition commemorative shirts for each of the teams.

“Capturing the spirit of 90 years of baseball history is a momentous task,” said NBC Tournament Director Katie Woods, “Looking at how Logan and Old Fort Baseball had already brought the history of the Fort Wayne Voltmen – the first team to win three consecutive NBC National Championships – to life, we knew that he was the right person to help us do the same for a few of the NBC’s most historic teams.”

Each of the nine teams featured in the series will have their National Baseball Congress history showcased on both organization’s websites, with a limited edition vintage-style t-shirt available for purchase online at the 90th NBC World Series in Wichita, July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium.

“Old Fort Baseball Co. is rooted in supporting local baseball not only in our own Fort Wayne community but in communities across the country,” said Old Fort Baseball Co. Owner and Founder, Logan Wiening, “ The NBC is one of the most unique baseball events around with a storied history that hits home with a Fort Wayne connection. We are so proud to partner with the tournament on this collection.”

The nine teams that will be featured are:

  • Bismarck Churchills (NBC Champions in 1935) 
  • Fort Wayne GE Voltmen (NBC Champions in 1947, 1948, 1949)
  • Wichita Rapid Transit Dreamliners (NBC Champions in 1962, 1963, 1965)
  • Grand Rapid Sullivans (NBC Champions in 1960, 1970, 1983, 1984)
  • Liberal Bee Jays (NBC Champions in 1968, 1979, 1985, 2000)
  • Alaska Goldpanners (NBC Champions in 1972-1974, 1976, 1980, 2002)
  • El Dorado Broncos (NBC Champions in 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2009)
  • Seattle Cheney Studs (NBC Champions in 2013, 2015, 2019)
  • Santa Barbara Foresters (NBC Champions 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)

The first three t-shirts are available now at www.oldfortbaseballco.com/nbc:

  • The Bismarck Churchills who won the very first NBC World Series (1935), at the time called the National Tournament, behind the leadership of Negro League legend Satchel Paige.
  • The Fort Wayne GE Voltmen who won the NBC three years in a row, from 1947-1949, while sponsored by General Electric.
  • The Wichita Rapid Transit Dreamliners, created by local businessman Bernie Calkins and sponsored by the Wichita bus company, won the NBC World Series in 1962, 1963 and 1965.

The shirts from the Grand Rapids Sullivans, Liberal Bee Jays and Alaska Goldpanners will be available on June 4th, and the final three shirts – El Dorado Broncos, Seattle Studs & Santa Barbara Foresters – will be available on July 2nd. Fans can purchase individual shirts when they are released for $30 each, or they can pre-order the full set of nine shirts for $199 (more than 25% savings) if they purchase before June 3rd. 

T-shirts will be available on nbcbaseball.com and oldfortbaseballco.com, and a limited number of t-shirts will be available at the 90th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, to be played July 25 through August 3 at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium.

About the NBC World Series:

The National Baseball Congress World Series, operated by the NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3, has been hosted in Wichita since 1935. Over 900 players from NBC affiliates have gone on to play major league baseball, including Satchel Paige, Roger Clemens, Albert Pujols, Ozzie Smith and Whitey Herzog. 16 teams from across the country will play in the 90th NBC World Series July 25-August 3 in Wichita. The NBC Baseball Foundation is dedicated to connecting the community through baseball with youth programming, alumni relations, and the overall betterment of summer baseball. Learn more or purchase tickets to the 90th NBC World Series at nbcbaseball.com. 

About Old Fort Baseball Co.:

Old Fort Baseball Co., is a lifestyle baseball apparel brand nestled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a city steeped in baseball history as the birthplace of the first professional game and the legendary Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, who proudly honor our community’s rich baseball heritage and that of similar communities nationwide. Learn more at oldfortbaseballco.com. 

2024 Terry Brewster Nominations Open

Posted on by katiewoods

Nominations for the 2024 Terry Brewster Community Volunteer All-Star Award are now open, in conjunction with National Volunteer Week. Established in honor of Terry Brewster, a devoted supporter and former board member of the National Baseball Congress, this award celebrates volunteers from any community organization or non-profit in the Greater Wichita Area.

Terry Brewster’s commitment to Wichita sports, particularly youth sports, was a cornerstone of his life and his contributions to our community. By recognizing outstanding residents who volunteer their time, talent, and resources for others, we continue to honor Terry’s memory and legacy.

Nominations for the award can be submitted online at nbcbaseball.com until May 31st at 5:00 pm CST. Individuals from any local non-profit are eligible for nomination by community members. Winners will be selected by a panel of local professionals and community leaders.

The 2024 award recipients will receive four tickets to an NBC World Series game, where they will be acknowledged during the event. We invite the community to attend the games and join us in celebrating these dedicated volunteers.

The 90th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held from July 25th to August 3rd, 2024, at Eck Stadium, Wichita State University. The NBC World Series is one of the country’s longest-running sporting events and the largest summer collegiate national championship. Over 800 NBC alumni have gone on to play in Major League Baseball.

Group tickets and tournament passes for the 2024 NBC World Series are available for purchase at nbcbaseball.com.

For more information and to submit nominations, please visit nbcbaseball.com.

USA Baseball Girls Clinic May 4

Posted on by katiewoods

Wichita, Kansas – April 22, 2024 – The NBC Baseball Foundation is proud to announce a special partnership with League 42 and USA Baseball.

The partnership will host a baseball clinic on May 4th for the girls of League 42, instructed by USA Baseball Women’s National Team members Anna Kimbrell and Valerie Perez.

The clinic, organized by the National Baseball Congress, aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in baseball. By collaborating with League 42, a non-profit youth league in Wichita, the event seeks to empower young girls while honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson.

“League 42 is the home for nearly 100 girls that play baseball in Wichita, and we want to connect them with the USA Baseball Women’s National Team in order to expand their opportunities through sports,” said Katie Woods, Tournament Director of the NBC. “Baseball is for everyone, and the NBC is focused on providing accessible and supportive environments for girls to learn, grow, and excel in the sport.”

Anna Kimbrell, who is a 10-time alum and has been affiliated with USA Baseball since 2006. , is a two-time gold medalist with the Women’s National Team. She helped Team USA win gold at the 2015 Pan American Games Qualifier and at the 2019 COPABE Women’s Pan American Championships. Kimbrell was the first girl to play junior varsity, varsity, and American Legion baseball in South Carolina, and currently coaches middle school baseball & instructs catching clinics around the country.

Valerie Perez was named to the Women’s National Team’s final 20-player roster in 2023, and will compete for a spot on Team USA’s roster this summer when it competes in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals in Canada. A former baseball and softball player, Perez is now a firefighter in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Girls Baseball Clinic will feature interactive drills, skill development sessions, and small group coaching led by the WNT players, along with coaches from League 42. Participants will have the chance to enhance their baseball skills, build confidence, and connect with fellow players who share their passion for the game.

In addition to promoting girls’ participation in baseball, the event aims to raise awareness and support for women’s baseball both locally and nationally. By showcasing the talents and accomplishments of female athletes, the hope is to inspire the next generation of female baseball players and advocates.

“We are thrilled that members of USA Baseball’s Women’s National Team will be in Wichita to instruct the girls of League 42 in baseball,” said Bob Lutz, Executive Director of the League 42 Foundation. “This is a wonderful opportunity not only for these young girls to learn more about baseball, but to be around great role models. This will impact their lives for years to come!” League 42 strives to teach the importance of education, passion, integrity and diligence in a way that would make Jackie Robinson proud.”

The Girls Baseball Clinic reflects the shared values of the NBC Baseball Foundation, League 42, and USA Baseball in promoting diversity, inclusion, and excellence in baseball. Together, we are committed to creating positive and memorable experiences for girls in our community and beyond.

Women Umpires Take the Field – in the 1940s

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While Hap Dumont was ahead of his time in many ways, perhaps one of his most impactful promotions involved hiring women as umpires for the National Baseball Congress National Tournament. In 1943, Dumont hired Lorraine Heinisch to umpire one game. It was the same year hundreds of women tried out for the inaugural season of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, but women having any role in men’s baseball was unprecedented. 

NBC World Series umpire coordinator Jon Browar spent over 30 years as a collegiate umpire, and currently is the NCAA Division II national coordinator of umpires. He talked about the decision by Hap Dumont and the NBC to include female umpires.

“I would put [hiring women umpires in the 1940’s] on par with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball,” said Browar, “That was way, way ahead of the time. I’m sure there were plenty of naysayers.” 

Heinisch was promoted and referred to as a “wump” short for woman umpire. The move received press coverage from both local and national outlets. 

Later in 1967, Bernice Gera, worked as a third base umpire in the opening game of the NBC Tournament. Gera’s appearance was promoted ahead of the tournament. Gera would go on to become the first woman to umpire a professional baseball game in 1972, following a lengthy legal battle. 

“For the life of me, I don’t understand why women can’t be baseball umpires,” said Gera during her legal fight, “You don’t have to be an athlete to be an umpire. All you need is to know baseball, have good eyesight and good judgement. There are a lot of women who can fill that bill. I’m certain we will some day have women umpiring in the majors – maybe sooner than you think.”

In 1988, the NBC pursued Pam Postema, a minor league triple-A umpire to work some of the tournament’s games. That same year Postema became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball Spring Training game and the last until Ria Cortesio in 2007. 

Last year, Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire at the Triple A level in 34 years, and in 2024 umpired MLB Spring Training games. Pawol was just one of two women umpiring in the minor leagues in 2023, along with Isabella Robb, while no women have umpired a regular-season MLB game. Women continue to be underrepresented in umpire schools and on the field, but Browar said there are several female umpires in the minor league pipeline. 

“You’re always going to have the group of people who feel that it’s not a place for women – I think that mindset is changing,” Browar said. “I think it’s a matter of time, I think if you line up people, you’re going to get a woman who’s going to get an opportunity.” 

As Jen Pawol took the field as the first woman to umpire MLB spring training games since 2007, it is evident that while progress has been slow, the progress is there. And the NBC World Series had a hand in pushing forward the careers of female umpires, starting more than 80 years ago.

NBC Feature: Dian Overaker

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While Hap Dumont may have dreamt up the National Baseball Congress and the idea of a national tournament, one Wichita woman is credited in part with keeping the tournament going for so many years. 

Dian Overaker worked as an administrator for the tournament, hired by Dumont himself after the two, as well as Dumont’s wife, Ann, and Overaker’s husband, Bob, became close friends. 

“She had a personal relationship with the Dumonts, and she started working down there, and I think it just started as a part-time job and it turned into a full-time job, and she ended up staying there for 30 years,” Overaker’s son, Kent, said. 

Overaker started working with the NBC World Series in 1970, just one year later Dumont passed away, leaving a lot of uncertainty around the tournament. Many credit Overaker for keeping the tournament alive, through her personal relationships with affiliated teams, her resiliency and her willingness to share her opinion.  

“What I thought was a real unique thing that [Dian] did, and maybe a real important part of continuing the tournament, it wasn’t just a business thing, where you come here and we make money off your team, she had a personal relationship with these men and women,” Kent said. “She cared about people, it was just part of her.” 

During the tournament Overaker would be in her office at the stadium from early morning until midnight or later, on standby, just in case. 

“A lot of times she wouldn’t go out and watch any ballgames, she was in the office until midnight doing stuff. She was just real dedicated,” Kent said. “I spent a lot of time down there, and believe me, a lot of good memories.” 

Overaker was drawn to baseball long before she met the Dumonts. Overaker earned a degree in journalism from the University of Indiana, and covered sports for the University’s newspaper, where she became the first female sports editor in the state. It’s how she crossed paths with Bob, as he was a sportswriter for the South Bend Tribune a few hours away – home of rivals Notre Dame. The two went back and forth over the AP wire about the respective universities until Bob took the trip to Bloomington, and as Kent puts it, the rest is history. Bob eventually became a sportswriter and eventual sports editor of the then Eagle and Beacon newspaper, bringing the Overakers to Wichita. 

“It was a big thrill,” Overaker said in a Wichita Eagle piece from 2000, the year she was inducted into the NBC World Series Hall of Fame, “Baseball is a man’s world. It felt like I belonged.”

February is National Girls & Women in Sports Month, and this month we are featuring a few of the women who have made an impact on the NBC World Series. Overaker is one of three women who has been inducted into the NBC World Series Hall of Fame, along with Melinda Rich (2007) and Betty Abbott (2009).

NBC Feature: Betty Abbott

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The NBC World Series is celebrating 90 years this summer, and one woman greeted fans for more than half of those tournaments. Betty Abbott is a familiar face for fans, organizers and teams, as she spent more than four decades working and volunteering for the tournament in Wichita.

Abbott was inducted into the National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame in 2009, one of three women to be a member of the NBC Hall of Fame, after a long career with the tournament and former Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, and many years of volunteering after that.

“I worked at the ballpark and the guys that worked at the ballpark ran [the NBC World Series] too, so whatever they said to do, I did,” Abbott said. “I just wanted to help whenever I could.”

Abbott is serious when she says she did whatever was needed. She vended chairback seats, packed umpire kits with fellow NBC Hall of Famer Dian Overaker, took tickets and a lot more. She started working at the stadium around 1958. At the time she also worked for the City of Wichita Parks Department, when she’d finish her day of work, there’s only one place she’d want to be.

“She was always there, everyone knew her,” said Brian Turner, NBC World Series director of community partnerships and former Wichita Wingnuts GM. “Fans looked for her when they came to the games, and when it came to the tournament you always heard people talking about Betty. Generations of fans.”

After Abbott retired from working at the stadium in 1994, she continued volunteering at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and the NBC World Series. She would clean skyboxes and stadium offices, and she continued taking tickets and greeting fans. Abbott credits determination and a love for sports, baseball and meeting people for keeping her around the tournament for so many years.

“I loved being at the stadium and sharing my experiences with people and greeting them with a smile,” Abbott said.

In the more than six decades since Abbott started working with the NBC World Series, she’s made countless memories, but few compare to watching her son, David, as a bat boy during the tournament. Abbott says she loved her job, and above all, she loved sharing baseball with her family. She attended the tournament in 2023, and hopes to do so for the 90th anniversary of the NBC in 2024 as well.

February is National Girls & Women in Sports Month, and this month we are featuring a few of the women who have made an impact on the NBC World Series. Abbott is one of three women who has been inducted into the NBC World Series Hall of Fame, along with Melinda Rich and Dian Overaker.

NBC Foundation Pickleball Tournament Presented by Aetna

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Grab your pickleball partner and help us kick off the 90th anniversary of the NBC World Series at Chicken N Pickle this March!

On Sunday, March 3rd, the NBC Baseball Foundation will be hosting  our first pickleball fundraiser tournament from 10am-1pm at Chicken N Pickle- Wichita! Help us continue to be “the future of a baseball tradition!”

Click HERE to register

Details

Location: Chicken n Pickle, 1240 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024
Time: 10am-1pm

Included with tournament entry:

  • 3 guaranteed pickleball games (and more if you progress in the tournament)
  • Tournament T-shirt
  • Food & non-alcoholic drinks
  • Plus prizes for our first place teams in both the recreational and competitive divisions.

Teams

  • A team consists of two players
  • Team members must sign up together
  • Each team must come up with a team name

Tournament

  • Every team is guaranteed at least 3 games
  • If you keep winning after your 3 games, you get to keep playing
  • All equipment will be provided
  • 1st place winners in both divisions will receive a prize
  • A pickle-ball pro from Chicken n Pickle will run the tournament

Tournament Ticket

  • Tickets are $150 for a team (team consists of 2 people)
  • Tickets are non-refundable

Sign up today!

We have limited spots and lots of interest in this tournament, so don’t wait to sign up! Grab a partner and join the NBC for our first-ever pickleball tournament benefitting the NBC Baseball Foundation and the NBC World Series! Teams can register as any configuration of doubles pairs: men’s, women’s or mixed, but both teammates must be 12 years of age or older.

Sponsorships Available

  • Food Sponsor: $1500
  • Drink Sponsor: $1000
  • Court Sponsor: $500

For more info on sponsorships, contact Tyler Racy via email: wsc1@wichitasports.com

Click HERE to register!

90th World Series Tournament Announced

Posted on by katiewoods

Wichita, Kansas – The NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the 90th National Baseball Congress World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held July 25-August 3rd at Eck Stadium at Wichita State University. The NBC World Series has been held in Wichita every year since 1935, making it one of the longest continuously running sporting events in the nation. 

“Tens of thousands of players have played in the NBC Tournament since its inception, including more than 900 who went on to play Major League Baseball,” said NBC Tournament Director Katie Woods, “We can’t wait for the opportunity to celebrate all of the tournament’s rich history, as well as showcase the next generation of baseball stars, at the 90th Anniversary tournament in 2024 with fans of all ages.” 

The NBC World Series is the country’s premier summer collegiate baseball tournament, and features teams from across the United States. Founded in 1935 by Hap Dumont in Wichita, the NBC was played at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through 2018. Many baseball innovations have roots in the NBC, including the pitch clock, the designated hitter and the batting helmet. Known for its unique promotions and high-quality baseball, the National Baseball Congress has had more than 900 former players go on to play Major League Baseball, including Roger Clemens, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith, and modern stars like the Texas Rangers’ Josh Jung. 

As part of the 90th anniversary, the NBC teamed up with Old Fort Baseball Co., based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to design a 90th logo. Paying homage to elements of prior NBC logos throughout the decades, the anniversary logo will be seen on merchandise and promotional items throughout 2024.  

“Old Fort Baseball Co. is a company founded on a deep love for local baseball, and baseball history,” said Woods, “The Fort Wayne Voltmen have a special place in NBC history as the first team to win three consecutive championships, and are one of the reasons that Old Fort was created. Partnering with a company as passionate about the success of community teams and the history of the tournament as we are was a natural fit for the logo design.” 

Sixteen teams are slated to participate in the 2024 NBC World Series, with bids being announced over the summer, prior to the tournament. Defending champion Hutchinson Monarchs (KS), as well as the runner up Santa Barbara Foresters (CA), receive guaranteed bids for their finishes in the 2023 NBC World Series. 

Tickets to the 90th NBC World Series will go on sale in May. Learn more about the tournament, and the NBC Baseball Foundation, year-round at NBCBaseball.com or on social media at @NBCBaseball. 

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NBC Baseball Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting amateur baseball across the country, and has been part of the fabric of America’s Pastime since the NBC World Series began in 1935. The NBC’s goal is to be the Future of a Baseball Tradition by preserving and celebrating baseball history, while providing opportunities for the next generation of baseball talent. Tax ID: 46-3773723 

Old Fort Baseball Co. is passionate about the game of baseball and the incredible sense of community it fosters. Born out of a deep love and passion for Fort Wayne and America’s Pastime, Old Fort Baseball started as a simple outlet for creativity. Telling the stories of Fort Wayne, Indiana’s rich baseball history through the creation of logos and apparel has transformed into an opportunity to become a part of not only the amazing small business community in their hometown but also the larger national baseball community as a whole. Learn more at oldfortbaseballco.com. 

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