There are two major national governing bodies for youth baseball in America, and the world:  Little League, and Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth (CR-BR).

Little League (Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla) already scrubbed their regional and World Series tournaments. But Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth (Kennewick National and Kennewick American) are forging ahead.

With the Cal Ripken World Series and previous regional games being scrubbed due to COVID, they were able to put together a National Invitation Tournament being held in August at the massive baseball complex in Branson, MO.

From Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth Wednesday July 8:

"Teams from AL, AR, CO, CT, KY, MA, MO, PA, TN, and WA have already committed to compete for the Cal Ripken Major/70 National Invitational Championship at Ballparks of America, located in Branson, Missouri,

Playing dates are August 8-15; check-in is scheduled for Friday, August 7. Tournament will consist of Pool Play and Bracket Play. All games and teams will be administered under Babe Ruth League and Cal Ripken Baseball Rules and Regulations."

One of the teams who the Tournament Director said are "officially commited" is the Kennewick American 12-U Major 70 team.  Last year as 11-year olds, the won the state and regional championship. But there isn't an 11-U World Series in CR-BR so they received an automatic entry this year. This tournament consists of 'invited' teams who've won state or regionals like KA, or one -year removed champs and other highly rated teams.  CR-BR official say it's an attempt to provide at least some form of championship baseball for 2020.

We don't have any other details about the KA team making the trip, but as far as the event is concerned, they're on the books as going. We hope to find out more information soon.