Fans from across state to arrive Friday for state baseball championship

By BEN KLEINE

Staff writer

Marion is gearing up for four days of baseball and out-of-town visitors as teams and supporters from communities across the state arrive of the Cal Ripken state tournament for 11-year-olds Friday through Monday.

With only one field in use for the eight-team tournament, Marion businesses should have plenty of opportunities to lure in new customers.

Mackey Taylor and Gayle Thomas at Marion Health Mart Pharmacy are looking for an increase in business from baseball families.

Janie Meierhoff at Duckwalls saw an increase in business last weekend from campers. She expects bug spray, sunscreen, drinks, and snacks to fly off the shelves.

“You know: things they might have walked out of their home and forgot,” Meierhoff said.

Meierhoff also expects that some families may stop at Marion businesses just to take advantage of the air conditioning.

“Maybe they’ll just need to get where it’s cool and take a break,” she said.

Ida French, owner of Zimmerman’s Deli, is more skeptical of how much business she will receive. She said she hasn’t really had an increase in customers from past tournaments.

However, she remains hopeful. She advertised specifically to draw in customers during the weekend. From experience over the past two months, she expects the restaurant’s new location may also draw more business.

Tamara Christiansen, owner of PLANTations, who shares her shop with Zimmerman’s, is still debating whether to stay open later than usual on Saturday.

“I just enjoy seeing new faces,” Christiansen said, “to go along with the good, faithful customers.”

The local Cottonwood Valley All-Star team will be the host team for the tournament featuring teams from Cimarron Valley, Winfield, Newton, Parsons, Osawatomie, Ottawa, and Lyons.

The Cottonwood Valley team won its district with a 10-0 victory over Newton, but because Marion received an automatic bid for hosting the tournament, Newton will represent District Four.

Cottonwood Valley will play Winfield at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Cimarron Valley at 4:30 on Saturday, and Ottawa at 7:45 on Sunday.

Depending on the outcome of those games, Marion may play in the championship bracket on Monday.