OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Hurricane Debby disrupted the eagerly anticipated start of the pint-sized version of America’s favorite pastime.

The Cal Ripken 8U World Series Tournament was supposed to start on Monday. But a category 1 hurricane dumping torrential rain kept the bats and gloves in the bags and the kids off the fields at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex.

Debby flooded the fields and left behind some wind damage to the spectator stands. Crews from Marion County Parks & Rec got things cleaned up quickly Tuesday morning and the tournament kicked off by midday.

The fields that were once-flooded by Hurricane Debby on Monday were ready for play on Tuesday. Courtesy: Sara Lambert/Marion County Parks & Recreation
This is the 7th time the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex is hosting the Cal Ripken 8U World Series. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Families were happy to see blue skies on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex so the Cal Ripken 8U World Series could continue. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The Cal Ripken 8U World Series attracts teams from around the nation and even a team from Aruba for the 2024 tournament. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Banners hung along the fence line celebrate the home team at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

This is the 7th time the Rotary Sportsplex has hosted the tournament that attracts nationwide attention.

Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of the Babe Ruth League, Inc., and the tournament in Ocala always has a strong number of entries, including an international representative.

This year’s tournament features a roster of players from Curacao, Aruba. There are local teams from Ocala and Sorrento; along with teams from across the nation.

Pool play continues Wednesday, and bracket play will begin as scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 8. Organizers tell 352today the championship game is still scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10.

On Saturday, before the impact of Debby arrived, families were able to take part in the Babe Ruth Experience which features an interactive exhibit for the players and their parents. But Sunday’s opening ceremony featuring a parade downtown on the square had to be canceled due to the deteriorating weather conditions.