The first ever Kansas Babe Ruth “Classic” was Played at Light Capital Field in McPherson on August 14, 1999. The “Classic” was the brain-child of then State Commissioner Gary Kuntz who wanted to showcase the best 15 Year-Old players in the state. Eighteen players are selected for each team - East and West based on their baseball skills, attitude and hustle demonstrated at their individual District Tournaments. Players are still selected by their respective District Commissioners or Babe Ruth Official running the 13-15 District Tournament, and still played annually to this day.
The Kansas Babe Ruth Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to honor those people who have made significant strides in developing or contributing to the development and growth of Babe Ruth Baseball in Kansas, and who served as exemplary role models for Babe Ruth Baseball. The Kansas Babe Ruth Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals who display great person strength, honesty, integrity, tireless devotion, enthusiasm, a love of the game, and put the interest of others first, honoring men and women for their service in the Kansas Babe Ruth Leagues. Members of the Kansas Babe Ruth Hall of Fame are pictured below with the year they were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The three charter members were Laverne Marks, John Villar and George Fellers.