The Legacy of the NBC World Series

Since 1935, the NBC World Series has showcased America’s finest amateur baseball talent in Wichita. From Satchel Paige to future MLB legends like Albert Pujols and Roger Clemens, this tournament has launched over 800 professional careers while becoming a cherished summer tradition for players, scouts, and fans alike.

Past Champions

NBC Hall of Fame

Alumni

Graduate of the Year

1935

Where It All Began

In 1935, Raymond “Hap” Dumont hosted the first NBC National Tournament in Wichita, KS at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, offering the legendary Satchel Paige $1,000 to bring his barnstorming team from Bismarck, ND. While Hap, a Wichita Sporting Goods salesman, didn’t have a dollar to his name, he made the money from the tournament and paid Paige along with a little bit of compensation for the other teams on the field. With coverage and sponsorship from the Sporting News (baseball’s bible at the time) the tournament was an instant national success.

Mid 20th Century

Growth and national Prominence

The NBC World Series grew in stature, attracting top amateur and semi-pro talent from across the United States. It became a key showcase for players seeking to advance to professional baseball. The tournament gained a reputation for its competitive atmosphere and high level of play, drawing increasing attention from Major League Baseball scouts. The post-World War II era saw a surge in the tournament’s popularity, as baseball became a national pastime.

The NBC World Series capitalized on this enthusiasm, drawing large crowds and generating significant media attention. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the NBC world series was at the height of its popularity, and was broadcasted on radio stations all over the country.

Late 20th Century

Continued Legacy and emerging stars

The tournament continued to feature future MLB stars, solidifying its role as a breeding ground for professional talent. Names like Joe Carter, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Mark McGwire played in the tournament. During this period, the NBC World Series saw evolving trends in amateur baseball, with increasing participation from collegiate players and organized summer leagues.

The level of competition continued to rise, with many teams being made up of very talented college players, who were being heavily scouted by MLB teams. The NBC World Series continued to grow in popularity.

2018

The End of the Lawrence-Dumont Era

A significant change occurred in 2018 with the demolition of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. This marked the end of an era, as the stadium had been the tournament’s home for decades. The NBC World Series moved to Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Wichita State University. This transition brought modern facilities while maintaining the tournament’s rich traditions.

Present Day

The Legacy Continues

Still today, Dumont’s tournament continues to showcase the best amateur talent in America and around the world. From Satchel Paige to Mark McGwire, Joe Carter, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Albert Pujols, Tim Lincecum, and Heath Bell, the NBC World Series is a who’s-who for the future of the Major Leagues. Each year, nearly every MLB team sends scouts to the tournament looking for the next diamond in the rough.

With 16 teams competing over ten days, the days are long, and the sheer volume of players is staggering. The NBC World Series is a tournament that has no equal and will crown its 91st National Champion in August.