Saturday’s festivities at Duncan Park were more than just part of the closing ceremonies for another year of Dixie Youth Baseball. They helped celebrate 50 years of youth baseball in Natchez.

Several hundred players and supporters showed up for the celebration at Carroll-Jones Field, as the players were treated to a variety of competitive games from sack and three-legged races to a baseball and bat-spin relay.

While league officials expected a large turnout, the actual numbers who decided to show up for the event caught them a little off guard.

&uot;I just can’t believe we had this many folks turnout for this,&uot; Joe Eidt, league director of the 11-12-year-old Dixie youth league, said. &uot;There is no doubt this is the biggest closing ceremony we have had since I’ve been involved.&uot;

Although the season was marred by numerous delays thanks to the heavy rains of the past few weeks, Saturday’s celebration was blessed with clear skies, an irony not lost on Eidt.

&uot;The Lord was looking out for us today,&uot; he said. &uot;We have great weather, and the pressure of playing ball is off these guys. They are just out here having a good time.&uot;

In addition to the fun and games, everyone was treated to grilled hamburgers compliments of Circuit Court Clerk M.L. &uot;Binky&uot; Vines.