College World Series Baseball Comes to Boys Town

Boys Town youth are getting the chance to see some of the College World Series action up close.
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels (No. 2) and the University of Miami Hurricanes (No. 1) visted Boys Town and prepared for their championship games at the Boys Town baseball field. The Tar Heels visited campus numerous times, signing autographs and playing basketball with some of the youth. Before Miami’s practice on Tuesday, the team toured the Hall of History, signed autographs and talked to youth work groups and football campers during their time on campus.	The Hurricanes signed autographs for fans before practicing on the Boys Town baseball field.
“It’s a fun time for the kids when the baseball teams practice at Boys Town,” said Herb Hames, Boys Town Development Officer. “The players enjoy visiting places like Boys Town and want to take the time to interact with our youth.”

Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart Team Up to Help Boys Town Kids
In addition to the scheduled practices at Boys Town, baseball equipment for Boys Town youth is being collected at local Wal-Mart stores through a partnership with Coca-Cola until the end of the series. Along with this very successful drive, Wal-Mart is also donating $2,000 in gift cards. During the College World Series opening ceremony, Chris Brockenshire, Boys Town Mayor; Isiah Gandy, Boys Town athlete; and Brent Robinson, Boys Town Athletic Director, were given a plaque from Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola commemorating the drive. Afterwards, the boys were able to enjoy opening ceremony festivities from the dug-out.	Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola recognized Boys Town with a plaque during the opening ceremony of the College World Series. From left to right are Isiah Gandy; Brent Robinson, Boys Town Athletic Director; Chris Brockenshire; Boys Town Mayor; Rick Wordekemper, Coca-Cola; Matt McMillan, Coca-Cola; Tim Malik, Wal-Mart; and Christ Anstine, Wal-Mart.
“Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart have a real appreciation for what’s done here and it’s great to have Boys Town included in this equipment drive,” said Hames. “We can always make good use of bats, gloves and balls for our girls and boys.”
The College World Series is also represented in the Hall of History in a new baseball exhibit that shows the long tradition of baseball in the Boys Town community. On display are autographed baseballs from the 2007 National Champion Oregon State Beavers and 2001 National Champion Miami Hurricanes, signed equipment by many baseball legends, as well as Boys Town state baseball championship trophies and photos. Click here to visit the exhibit online.

Boys Town Leads off College World Series
The Voices of Boys Town opened the College World Series by singing the national anthem for the opening game.
“Singing the national anthem in front of a full stadium is always a highlight for our kids at the game,” said Herb Hames, Boys Town Development Officer. “The Voices of Boys Town stayed to watch the opening game between Stanford University and Florida State University."
Also attending the event was the Boys Town Color Guard. They presented the colors along with a Boy Scout Color, after which there was a moment of silence for the scouting victims at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch.	UNC Coach Mike Fox talks to Boys Town youth while his team practices for their next game.