Bend Little League Tourney Has Big-League Impact

It’s one step closer to the Little League World Series, and the trip to Williamsport, Pa., runs right through Bend — bringing some big bucks to our home plate economy.

“It exposes tourists to the area, and they might want to come back and spend more time here,” Bend North Tournament Director Mike Ficher said Monday. “So it’s definitely a great post card for them and it encourages them to come back and spend more time in Central Oregon.

NewsChannel 21 caught up with some members of the Gresham Nationals Monday, who spent their day off exploring the Old Mill District and catching a movie.

Outside of playing ball in the tourney at Skyview Middle School, their favorite part of the trip to Bend so far, believe it or not: the pool.

“We just like relaxing, The pool at the hotel, swimming and collecting the baseball pins is fun,” said a group of the Gresham team members..

With more than 100 players and 500 spectators needing places to eat and sleep — for the local tourism economy, it’s been a grand slam.

“Tournaments and activities for kids is what keeps this industry going strong,” said Erin Martin, marketing manager for Sunriver Resort. “And we haven’t forgotten about that, now that we are picking back up.”

Visiting families are enjoying the sun, the fun and the baseball spirit Bend has to offer.

“We love Bend, We’ve played here several times, actually almost every year with my other son, too and we love it here,” said Debbie Mehlhaff, the mother of one of the Gresham players. “Of course, the weather has been gorgeous, the kids have got to swim and we are going to the movies. The moms have been shopping.”

Looks like the Little League is leaving a big-league impact on the High Desert.

The winner of the state tournament will advance to the regional tournament in San Bernardino, Calif.