For the first time ever, Hattiesburg has been selected as host city for the DBB World Series. Competitive youth baseball teams from 11 southeastern states will travel to the city July 25 through July 30, 2025, to vie for the DBB 13u championship title.
HATTIESBURG, MS (July 16, 2024) – For the first time ever, Hattiesburg has been selected as host city for the DBB World Series. Competitive youth baseball teams from 11 southeastern states will travel to the city July 25 through July 30, 2025, to vie for the DBB 13u championship title.
Hattiesburg DBB, led by the Hattiesburg Optimist Club, and VisitHATTIESBURG submitted a bid for the national tournament earlier this year in cooperation with the City of Hattiesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department. Soon after, Hattiesburg’s selection from a competitive pool of applicants was announced.
World Series play will be held at Hattiesburg’s newly renovated Jaycee Park complex, with several other events occurring throughout the city for visiting teams to enjoy. Jaycee Park reopened in 2023 after an extensive facelift, including two diamonds with synthetic infields and sand base outfields with an under-drain system to better accommodate rain events. Other improvements include increased bullpen space, bleachers outfitted with awning to protect spectators, upgraded concession areas, an attractive entry plaza, and new paved parking lot. These enhancements played a large role in Hattiesburg’s ability to host an event of this caliber.
"We are excited that Hattiesburg will host the 2025 DBB World Series. It is a testament to the hard work of local DBB leadership and the Optimist Club, as well as everyone who believed in renovating Jaycee Park and building a new, state-of-the-art Cameron Field,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “We look forward to welcoming so many teams and showcasing our city's quality of life."
Hattiesburg Optimist Club has continuously supported community recreational baseball teams since 1952 and has a storied history in the city. In 2023, the local club won a DBB-record 10th World Series title. Both the 13u and 14u Hattiesburg teams have secured a spot in the 2024 DBB World Series, set to be played later this month in Beauford County, SC. The club has also helped produce numerous professional baseball players.
“The Hattiesburg Optimist Club has spent decades investing in local youth through our baseball program, and we are thrilled to share our new facilities with teams from across the country,” said club president Adam Roberts. “We look forward to creating a memorable experience for each player, coach, and fan that participates in next year’s tournament.”
The series is expected to attract thousands of spectators, creating an increased economic impact in the city. Hattiesburg has raised the bar as a destination for sports travel, most recently hosting the DYB World Series in the summer of 2023 and the state’s largest soccer tournament earlier this year with 197 participating teams from across the southeast. Hattiesburg’s bid included a strong portfolio of hotel accommodations, dining options, and tourism attractions, which also set the city apart.
“Sports tourism is a huge economic driver Hattiesburg. We’ve worked hard to build a solid reputation as excellent hosts for both tournament and championship gameplay,” said Marlo Dorsey, executive director/CEO of VisitHATTIESBURG. “Our team has actively expanded sales efforts to secure large-scale sporting events, and we are pleased those endeavors continue to bear fruit while further securing the ‘Baseburg’ mentality of our city.”
As the tournament nears, more details will be shared on tickets, game times, bracket play, and how the community can participate in the festivities. Tournament officials are seeking the community’s help with numerous sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
