Dublin Recreation Authority wins bid for the 2028 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series. Officials excited about economic impact

The World Series is coming to Dublin.

The Dublin-Laurens County Recreation Authority-Legacy Sports won the opportunity to host the 10U and 12U 2028 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series to the area, bringing with it an estimated economical impact of more than $2 million.

The DLCRA made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, a week after Brian Mallette, Jack Walker, Tracie Morgan, Eli Floyd and Casey Cullens took a trip to Laurel, Mississippi to secure the votes to become the host site. This will be the first time since 2008 that a city in Georgia will host the two-week tournament, which will have a total of 72 teams and their families from across the Southeast.

“We are excited about the DYB World Series coming to Dublin, Georgia,” said Mallette, executive director of the DLCRA. “We had to go and spend some time talking to many people to get on board and bring this thing to Dublin. We saw first-hand how (the tournament) works and operates and we are super grateful and fortunate.” 

Mallette thanked Louie Curry for being a big part of having Southern Pines built where it is, because its location played a big role in Diamond Youth Baseball choosing this area.

“We are grateful for all of the people who made everything happen,”  Mallette said. “We sold them on the park and our community.” 

Miriam Lewis, executive director of Visit Dublin GA, knows the DCLRA put a lot of work into bringing the tournament to the area. 

“It is so exciting for the community,” she said. “The economic benefits are going to reverb around our region. For this to come to Georgia is huge, especially for our county. All of these families, coaches and extended families are going to fill our restaurants and our shops. Also, they are going to meet all of the good people, attractions and amenities that Dublin has to offer.” 

There will be 36 teams the first week followed by a different 36 during the second week of the tournament.

“This will be great,” said Walker, chairman of the board of directors for the DLCRA. “The DYB is a big deal and there is a lot of publicity around it.” 

The group gave a presentation about Southern Pines and the community on July 29 and then had to wait until the vote was held by the board on July 31. During that time, the DLCRA representatives were able to attend ball games and talk with people in the crowds.

“We had a fantastic video about Southern Pines and the community that Tracie put together,” Walker said. “The location of the tournament this year was 30 minutes to nearest motel. It was a brilliant move to have Southern Pines built where it is.” 

The vote was held on July 31. Walker believed they were the underdogs in the process of trying to get the Diamond Youth Baseball to Dublin.

“Our team went after it and won it,” he said. “I’m really proud of the group and the effort we put in.” 

Not only will the families have the chance to take a short trip to the nearby hotels and restaurant, but there is also a water park in view of the fields.

“Many teams will want to take advantage of that,” Lewis said. “They will also be able to go to our restaurants not only off the interstate but the short trip to others and in the downtown area.” 

Lewis hopes the experience people have at the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series in 2028 will bring them back to Dublin, Laurens County in the future.

“I think Dublin has always been super strong in being so hospitable,” she said. “While they are here spending money and seeing what we have to offer, maybe they’ll come back. It’s going to take all of us because we want to show them the very best of Dublin.”