2026 Ripken/Ruth Player Deposit

Tournament Dates and Locations

Team Ireland will compete in the following World Series tournaments in 2026. Your offer is for the tournament listed below that matches your child’s current age. Please refer to the Age Charts

1. Cal Ripken 12U/70 World Series
   August 5–15
   Branson, Missouri
2. Babe Ruth 13–16 World Series
   August 5–15
   Branson, Missouri
3. Babe Ruth 16–18 World Series
   July 27–August 4
   Branson, Missouri

Time-Sensitive Offer

This offer is time-sensitive. To ensure roster completion and competitive preparation, this invitation must be accepted within ten (10) days of the date of this email. If the offer is not accepted within that timeframe, the roster position may be offered to another qualified player.

Estimated Costs

The full and final cost of participation is not yet fully determined at this time, as certain tournament and operational expenses are still being finalized. However, the current estimated total cost per player is approximately $800 USD, plus airfare. This estimate is intended as a good-faith projection and is expected to cover tournament fees, uniforms, team activities, and administrative expenses. A detailed and itemized cost breakdown will be provided upon acceptance once all expenses have been confirmed.

Fundraising Commitment

Team Ireland, Emerald Diamond International, and the Irish American Baseball Society are committed to making participation as accessible as possible. Players and families are expected to actively participate in the Team Ireland fundraising program, which is designed to offset individual costs.

Please review the fundraising overview video (skip to the 6:38 mark for an overview of the fundraising process):

VIDEO: 2026 Team Ireland Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken

Code of Conduct

All players, parents, and guardians are required to review and adhere to the Team Ireland Code of Conduct, which emphasizes sportsmanship, respect, accountability, and representation of Ireland on the international stage:

• Respect parents, coaches, teammates, opponents, and umpires.
• Hustle on and off the field
• Support and encourage our teammates
• Never argue with umpires or coaches
• Never throw equipment or use foul language on the field
• Master the fundamentals of the game
• Understand the game better than our opponent

In addition, players should strive to master the fundamentals of the game, work to understand the game better than our opponents, and always demonstrate professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship at all times.

Lodging, Coaches, Parent/Family Travel, and Other Considerations

Players will stay with the team at facilities provided by Babe Ruth League Inc. and will be under the supervision of the Team Ireland coaching staff.

Each member of the Team Ireland coaching staff will be a certified coach with an completed background check.

Parents and families are encouraged to attend, but travel to the tournament is not required. We will provide families with the recommended lodging for families, as provided by Babe Ruth Inc.

Withdrawals and Cancellations

If a player withdraws from the tournament for any reason, the $150 deposit is nonrefundable. Likewise, any fees paid or funds raised are also nonrefundable.