Sports

Last Updated on Saturday, 30 July 2016 19:01

The City of Washington and Washington County is Ready
By Paul Chasko

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pony League World Series Tournament is scheduled to be played once again at Lew Hays Pony Field in Washington Park . Ten teams from around the world will be competing for the coveted Pony League World Championship Trophy.

Special jerseys will be created for all team members by Dick's Sporting Goods – tournament sponsor.

Teams from as far away as the Republic of China will be arriving in Washington on Thursday, August 4. The defending 2015 champions (Chinese Taipei) have already qualified and will be traveling 9,462 miles to defend their World Championship crown. Other teams who have qualified to date are Los Mochis, MX, Santo Domingo, DR, Paderborn, Germany and Washington, PA. Other teams are still competing in their home districts to qualify.

Pony baseball began with organization of the Pony League in Washington, PA in the summer of 1951. The original six teams in Washington were joined by 506 teams in 106 leagues around the country. Due to the international popularity of the game, leagues burgeoned with members worldwide. 2016 will mark the 65th World Series tournament since the Pony League was founded. Except for a period of seven years and up to this day, the Pony League World Series has been held where it began – in Washington, PA.
The events begin Friday August 5 with a Home Run Derby and races to determine the fastest runner. The first tournament games begin Friday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. The games will continue through Wednesday, August 10 with the championship game scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Game schedules and results of the bracket winners will be made available on: ponyworldseries.org. Two games will be broadcast live on 22 The Point, WPNT TV and WJPA a.m. radio will broadcast all games, but the public is encouraged to come out and enjoy a game or two at Lew Hays Field in Washington Park.

Additionally, a game will be played at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 6 for area special needs players sponsored by the Chapman Corporation; it will provide an opportunity for special needs players to interact with the other teams on Lew Hays Pony Field.