Over the last 30 years Kalamazoo, Michigan has been the proud host of Softball World Series. And while there have certainly been many changes over those three decades, visitors will notice a big, bright difference this time around. For the past several years ESPN has televised the Big League Softball World Series, yet the competition has garnered so much attention that the network has decided to move this year’s final game into primetime television. And in order to move the game into live primetime, lights must be installed high above Vanderberg Park, marking the first time the Big League Softball World Series will host a night game.
It takes years of hard work and desire from each player before they even reach the green fields of Vanderberg Park and only the best of the best will get the opportunity to play under the lights. The qualification process to reach the World Series can be long and grueling, not to mention the tryouts and years upon years of practice. Teams travel all around their region playing the best of the best and it truly is a journey from Timbuktu to Kalamazoo. And for the few that find the opportunity to represent their cities, states and countries in the Softball World Series, it is an experience that they will carry with them for a lifetime.
The long and rich history of the World Series itself is as interesting as every individual’s trip to Kalamazoo. In 1980 the Major and Senior Divisions kicked off the festivities in Kalamazoo. Back then only four teams per division made it to the World Series. The first champions crowned were Glendale, CA in Majors and Greater Naples (FL) Little League in the Senior Division.
Over the years the divisions have changed and the format has expanded, but every player who comes to Kalamazoo will never forget the experience. In 1994 the Majors tournament said goodbye to Kalamazoo and relocated to Portland, Oregon. The Big League ladies arrived from Mesa, Arizona to carry on the two division tradition in Kalamazoo. The Senior Division left Kalamazoo in 2001 and moved to Kentucky for a couple of years before heading to Delaware.
The Big League remains in Kalamazoo but it is much different then it was back in 1980. Instead of four teams competing for the title, ten teams from around the world take part in the Big League Softball World Series. Canada started making the trip to Kzoo in 1989. In 1993 Trutnov, Czech Republic, representing the Europe region, was the first team to come to Michigan from outside North America. The Far East region was introduced in 1994, followed by the Latin America region in 1996.
It was the hard work and dedication of Bud Vanderberg that made it possible for the World Series to come to Kalamazoo in 1980. Bud spent countless hours preparing a proposal for Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, PA to entice the series to Kalamazoo. Thousands and thousands of hours of work later and Vanderberg has the series celebrating nearly 30 successful years. Bud started his Little League career coaching his son in 1958 and has not stopped since. Fifty years later, Bud continues to bring gratification to Little League fans every year at the stadium that bears his name.
The crowds have gotten bigger over the last 30 years and the national interest in the event has grown in large part due to the coverage of ESPN. This season’s final will be broadcast live on August 12th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time and the event always draws well known ESPN broadcasters. For 30 years fans of softball have followed the Big League Softball World Series, but now it is becoming clear that the fan base is growing well beyond those in the Kalamazoo community and the lucky few who have the wonderful opportunity to participate in the event. Now it is a game that will be watched by thousands all over the world. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! |
