Looking Back on Ballwin: Ellisville Tourney Recalls Area Pastime

With the in Ellisville kicking off Tuesday, now seems like the perfect time to look back on the history of baseball in our community.

For more than a week, baseball fans in Ballwin and Ellisville will be treated to some of the best youth baseball talent that the area—and the globe—has to offer. Teams for U12 and U15 boys are scheduled to arrive Monday evening from as far away as Europe, Asia and Australia to play against teams from St. Louis, all hosted by the Ellisville Athletic Association until the action wraps up Thursday, August 11.

At times, Ballwin and Ellisville no doubt between their youth baseball teams within both the Ballwin and Ellisville athletic associations. Residents from both sides of the border, however, should take pride in knowing that all-star baseball talent is no stranger to the ball fields around our two cities.

Almost 30 years ago in Ballwin, another international baseball tournament was set to take place: Team USA and Team Korea squared off in a collegiate baseball all-star championship at the Ballwin Athletic Association fields beginning June 12, 1983. Representing Team USA was a young player, pictured above, named Mark McGwire.