RESERVE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 2015 Dizzy Dean Baseball State Tournament last weekend for the first time in Parish history.

St. John Parish 7, 8, and 14 year-old All Stars competed against numerous teams from around the state for a bid to attend the Dizzy Dean College World Series in Southaven Mississippi.

The Warriors received bids for state tournament play after obtaining winning records at United States Specialty Sports Association summer tournaments.   

Dizzy Dean Baseball Inc. is a non-profit youth baseball and softball organization that provides recreation for youth around the country to help them become strong, healthy, well-adjusted members of their community.    

St. John Parish officials said Recreation Director Kerry Watkins and his staff worked tirelessly with local organizations and Dizzy Dean officials to acquire and prepare for a successful state tournament.

“Sports are an outlet to teach our kids valuable lessons on sportsmanship, hard work and team work,” Watkins said.