JOURNAL SPORTS
Almost six dozen Diamond Youth Baseball teams from 11 states are set for their Division I & II World Series beginning today and running through Aug. 7 at Tinsley Park in Bossier City.
This event is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of approximately $4 million, said officials of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. The influx of teams will bring about 750 young athletes and their families in for the competition, supporting local businesses through shopping, dining, and hotel stays.
“On behalf of the City of Bossier City, we are thrilled to welcome this prestigious event,” said Mayor Tommy Chandler of Bossier City. “We anticipate great participation from parents, family, and friends from across the country. I am deeply appreciative of Diamond Youth for choosing Bossier City as the host city, and I am proud of the work our Parks and Recreation Department has put in to bring this outstanding event together. So, get ready to ‘Take me out to the ballgame!’”
Formally known as Dixie Youth Baseball, the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series is a leading youth baseball event in the United States. Hosted by DYB, this tournament provides a structured and competitive platform for youth leagues. The event features a series of state tournaments that culminate in the World Series.
Along with the host teams, and the Louisiana state champions, the Diamond Youth organization involves representatives of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
The Division I entries from Louisiana are Girard in AAA and Majors, and Ponchatoula in Ozone. Bossier is the host team in each of those divisions.
Division II teams representing the state are Union Parish (AAA), Oakdale (Majors) and Grant Parish (Ozone). Host teams are New Orleans (AAA), Blountstown (Majors) and Vivian (Ozone).
“We are excited to host Diamond Youth Baseball in Shreveport-Bossier,” says Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “This event will bring young athletes and their families to our city, providing a significant boost to local businesses. Beyond the economic benefits, it fosters community spirit and offers a fun, competitive atmosphere for families to enjoy in Shreveport-Bossier.”
DYB will positively impact Shreveport-Bossier’s economy by driving substantial spending at local hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, said Nelms. With an expected attendance of at least 3,000 people from outside the local marketplace, she said this influx not only supports local businesses but also positions Shreveport-Bossier as an attractive destination for future events and tourism. Many tournament participants travel with their families, turning their visit into a full vacation opportunity and further boosting the area’s appeal.
“We are looking forward to hosting the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series this year,” says Clay Bohanan, Director of Parks and Recreation for Bossier City. “We hosted the 13 and 14-year-olds for the Dixie World Series in 2014 and 2018, so we are looking forward to having the players and their families in town to see all that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer. Big welcome to all!”
In 2019, Tinsley Park in Bossier City undertook a multi-million-dollar renovation project. The upgrade involved converting the existing baseball and softball fields to turf and developing an additional 40-acres behind the park. This expansion introduced five new turf infields, a concession stand, a playground, a batting cage, an ADA-compliant playing field, and an improved parking lot with RV spots.
The park also benefits from a new lightning detection system to monitor weather conditions and ensure player safety and from enhanced LED lighting to reduce maintenance costs. These improvements are designed to attract more tournaments, such as the Diamond Youth Baseball events, and significantly boost the economic impact on the Shreveport-Bossier area.
“We are excited to bring the 2024 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series to Bossier City,” said Lee Carr, Vice President of Bossier Dixie Baseball. “These tournaments represent the pinnacle of the premier community youth baseball program in the southeast, and we believe our community is an appropriate venue for a tournament of this prestige. Champions from 11 states in 6 different divisions will enjoy some of the best youth baseball — and hospitality — in the country.”