A group of area players that have seen three seasons of success in Cal Ripken Baseball competition will be playing their final tournament close to home.

The 2023 Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series is again at Branson's Ballparks of America and the Central Ozarks Team will be one of the Missouri Representatives in the field of 34 teams. 

Central Ozarks Coach Scott Miller along with Assistant Coach Jackson Miller and several players stopped by for a visit to KRZK's "Ozarks Now" and "Upside" programs to talk about the years the teams been together and winning their way into this week's World Series. Scott Miller said that many of the players on this year's team have been together for three years and played in national tournament's at the younger level before entering this season and working toward the World Series. \

Other countries represented at the World Series include Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan as well as a team representing the Caribbean. 

Teams representing the United States are coming from several states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Boonville will join Branson/Central Ozarks in representing Missouri. 

Opening Ceremonies are Thursday with Pool Play Games beginning on Friday and continuing through Tuesday with Bracket Play to follow.

Branson's Tournament Schedule:
vs. Pacific Southwest Friday 7:00
vs. Yardley, PA Saturday 7:00
vs. Southwest Sunday 2:00
vs. Glen Allen, VA Monday 7:00
vs. Chicago Tuesday 2:30

Interviews with Branson Coaches and Players can be seen on the Ozarks Now and The Upside Facebook Pages with more information on the World Series available on the Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series Website.