Courtesy of the National Baseball Congress
Wichita, Kansas - The NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the 90th National Baseball Congress World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium at Wichita State University. The NBC World Series has been held in Wichita every year since 1935, making it one of the longest continuously running sporting events in the nation.
“Tens of thousands of players have played in the NBC Tournament since its inception, including more than 900 who went on to play Major League Baseball,” said NBC Tournament Director Katie Woods, “We can’t wait for the opportunity to celebrate the tournament’s rich history, as well as showcase the next generation of baseball stars at the 90th Anniversary.”
The NBC World Series is the country’s premier summer collegiate baseball tournament, and features teams from across the United States. Founded in 1935 by Hap Dumont in Wichita, the NBC was played at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through 2018. Many baseball innovations have roots in the NBC, including the pitch clock, the designated hitter and the batting helmet. Known for its unique promotions and high-quality baseball, the National Baseball Congress has had more than 900 former players go on to play Major League Baseball, including Roger Clemens, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith, and modern stars like the Texas Rangers’ Josh Jung.
As part of the 90th anniversary, the NBC teamed up with Old Fort Baseball Co., based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to design a 90th logo. Paying homage to elements of prior NBC logos throughout the decades, the anniversary logo will be seen on merchandise and promotional items throughout 2024.
“Old Fort Baseball Co. is a company founded on a deep love for local baseball, and baseball history,” said Woods, “The Fort Wayne Voltmen have a special place in NBC history as the first team to win three consecutive championships, and are one of the reasons that Old Fort was created. Partnering with a company as passionate about the success of community teams and the history of the tournament as we are, was a natural fit for the logo design.”
Sixteen teams are slated to participate in the 2024 NBC World Series, with bids being announced over the summer, prior to the tournament. Defending champion Hutchinson Monarchs (KS), as well as the runner up Santa Barbara Foresters (CA), receive guaranteed bids for their finishes in the 2023 NBC World Series.