Chet Waggoner All-Stars make history, seek community support for Babe Ruth World Series trip

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Chet Waggoner 13 to 16-year-old All-Star team has made program history by qualifying for the Babe Ruth World Series for the first time, but the team must overcome one more challenge before taking the field: paying for the trip.

The team earned its World Series berth after winning the super regional tournament in Kentucky. Head coach Sam Carpenter said the players did everything required of them on the field, battling through the postseason to secure their place in the international tournament.

Now, the team is working to raise roughly $25,000 by Aug. 5. Carpenter said transportation is expected to cost about $20,000, while dormitory housing will add another $9,000.

The players do not yet know the financial challenges could threaten their trip.

“I haven’t told them. I ain’t got the heart to tell them,” Carpenter said. “We will make it work one way or the other, we will.”

The Babe Ruth World Series will bring together teams from around the world, including China, the Philippines, England and New Zealand. Carpenter, who was born and raised in South Bend, said the tournament is an opportunity for the players to show that local youth programs can represent the city on a major stage.

“It’s an amazing experience, and to represent South Bend, Indiana, on a worldwide stage — not just Notre Dame can do it,” Carpenter said. “We can do it at Chet Waggoner, too. We’re going to represent South Bend, and we’re going to make this community proud.”

Carpenter said the goal is to make sure every player who earned the opportunity can participate, regardless of a family’s financial situation.

“That’s why I wanted to get my boys’ story out to the community, because I know people are going to remember their feelings. They’re going to remember their dreams,” Carpenter said. “This community is going to make it happen. They’re going to support us.”