Published in the July 13, 2017 edition

NORTH READING – Preparations continue for the 2017 State Little League Championships, which will bring Massachusetts’ top four 12-year-old baseball teams to North Reading’s Benevento Park to determine who will take the next step toward the Little League World Series. The seven-game tournament will be held July 27-30, and admission is free to all games.

The Tournament schedule has been set. On Thursday, July 27, games will be played at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Opening Ceremonies are set for 6:30 p.m. that night and will include former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield and Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster.

Games on Friday, July 28, will be played at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the games on Saturday, July 29, are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The championship game will be held Sunday, July 30, at 1 p.m.

“We still have some work to do, but we’re excited for the tournament and we’ll be ready,” said North Reading Little League president Eddie Madden. “I’ve been so impressed by how the community has come together – our volunteers, local businesses, the great people at Parks & Rec and Town Hall, and so many others – to see that this is a success.

“When all is said and done, we want this to be remembered as the best State Championship ever held.”

Massachusetts Little League is divided into 16 districts, which each crowning a champion that then plays in one of the four sectional tournaments. These sectional champions then compete for the state title.

While North Reading has hosted numerous District and Sectional tournaments in recent years (including the 2015 12-year-old Sectional Championships), this is the first time it has hosted the State Championships. The state champion will advance to the New England Regional in Bristol, Conn., with that winner earning one of eight U.S. bids to the Little League World Series, scheduled for Aug. 17-27 in Williamsport, Pa.

In addition to the games at Benevento Park, there will be several activities for fans and an opportunity to see the Red Sox World Series trophies from 2004, 2007, and 2013 on display.

Visit nrll.org for additional tournament updates.