Aberdeen, Md. – The Cal Ripken World Series (CRWS) takes place Aug. 10 through Aug. 19 at the Ripken Academy in Aberdeen, Md. and features elite 11 and 12-year-old youth baseball players from around the world. Opening ceremonies and skills competition will take place on Friday, August 10 at 5:00 p.m, followed by Middle Atlantic (Bronx, NY) vs. host team, Harford County (Forest Hill, Md.) at 8:00 p.m.

All tournament games are FREE to the public. Get your FREE tickets for Championship Weekend at WorldSeries.RipkenBaseball.com/Free-Tickets.

Teams Representing the United States

International Teams

Australia
Canada
Dominican Republic
Japan
Mexico
Republic of Korea

Games will be played on three state-of-the-art youth dimension fields at the Ripken Academy complex including Cal Sr.’s Yard, Fenway and Nationals Park.  Pool play competition will take place from Aug. 11 – 15 with up to seven games being played each day starting at noon.  The last game of the day will begin at 8 p.m. under the lights in Cal Sr.’s Yard.  New to the 2012 series, two consolation games and an All-Star Game will be played on Thursday, Aug. 16. This date will also serve as a rain make-up day, if needed.

On Friday, Aug. 17 there will be four games of single elimination competition beginning at noon to determine the participants for the International Division Championship Game and U.S. Championship Game.  The International Championship and U.S. Championship games will be played in Cal Sr.’s Yard on Saturday, Aug. 18.  The World Championship game will be played on Sunday, Aug. 19 in Cal Sr.’s Yard beginning at 2 p.m.  The championship games on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 will be televised live on CBS Sports Network and include commentary by Cal and Bill Ripken.

<p align=”right”>View Full Tournament Schedule</p>

The Cal Ripken World Series will host a parade on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m., fans and community members will have the opportunity to celebrate the CRWS, while showing their local spirit as they greet ten domestic teams and six international teams competing in the tournament. The parade will begin at W. Bel Air Avenue and Law Street in Downtown Aberdeen and will continue to Festival Park.

The weeklong tournament will also feature the first-ever community carnival, that will include family-friendly rides and games, including the Big Swing; Fun Slide; Loop ‘ Plane; Ring A Bottle; Water Race; Basketball Inflatable; and a funnel cake stand. The carnival will be available August 14-19 from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

On Friday, August 17,  award-winning country music star Reba McEntire will perform at Ripken Stadium at 8 p.m. McEntire is one of the best-selling female country artists in the United States with more than 63 Top Ten hits, 15 American Music Awards, nine CMA Awards and two GRAMMYs. Tickets to the concert can be purchased at the Ripken Stadium Box Office or online at www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.

<p align=”right”>View All Events at the CRWS</p>

Additionally, the Cal Ripken World Series will feature the addition of “The Wearhouse”, a new merchandise store located at the Courtyard by Marriot. Fans will be able to purchase official CRWS merchandise, including team replica t-shirts.

Media seeking a press credential to enter the tournament can contact Katy Fincham at Katy@MaroonPR.com or by calling 443-864-4246.