LM to host Little League tourney

LA MARQUE — The Little League World Series might be over, but the season will extend for a handful of teams in Galveston County.

With an international flavor, too.

The La Marque Little League will host a 12-and-under tournament this weekend that will feature six Galveston County teams, a squad from Rosenberg and a team that traveled all the way from Puerto Rico.

“This is just a great opportunity,” La Marque/West Texas City Little League President Mike Wev said. “How many times will these kids get to meet other kids from Puerto Rico and play against them? This is a great multicultural experience and showcases baseball to people in this area.”

The Mainland Bombers (La Marque-Hitchcock), Galveston Island Legends, Galveston Panthers, Galveston West Isle All-Stars, Rosenberg Longhorns, Texas City Outlaws #1 and Texas City Outlaws #2 all will play.

The idea to include a team from Puerto Rico was the brainchild of Spencer Williams. Williams’ college roommate and good friend, Alberto Roque, who was born in Puerto Rico, always had talked about having a team travel to the area to play baseball.

Roque, who spent time in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system, wanted to focus on the less fortunate areas of Puerto Rico. He chose Ponce, his hometown, because the kids don’t always have the resources to play baseball.

Roque believed a visit to the U.S. for a baseball tournament would offer Puerto Rican kids a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcase the sport and help get kids involved in something.

“Alberto always told me that he wanted to give those kids something to do to stay out of trouble,” Williams said. “He thought baseball was perfect, and he wanted to show them by inviting them down for a tournament to see what it means to American kids.”

Wev did not know of any other tournament that included a team form Puerto Rico outside the Little League World Series.

Williams thought Bobby Beach Stadium and Little Fenway Park with its grandstands provided a great location. It also could showcase La Marque, which has had its own issues in retaining kids to play baseball.

Wev also agreed to provide the field.

“Maybe after this game, some of these kids don’t walk away from baseball and play at the next level,” Wev said. “It’s one more game, especially for those that didn’t make an All-Star team, against unique opponents. This could be something they remember, and it revolves around baseball.”

Games begin today at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Puerto Rican team will play at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday.

A home run derby will kick off the festivities at 9 a.m. Saturday. Games will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with the championship at 7 p.m.

All events are at the La Marque Little League complex, 800 Westward Drive.