A dozen Babe Ruth 13-, 14- and 15-year-old baseball teams will converge on Roy Morse Park in early October for the first annual Cowlitz Black Bears Fall Baseball Classic.

The event, sponsored by the Cowlitz Black Bears team of the Western Baseball League, Cold Stone Creamery and Pacific Tech Construction, will feature 3-4 local teams along with squads from Vancouver, Camas, and throughout Washington and Oregon.

Tournament games begin Oct. 9, and continue Oct. 10 and 11. The tournament format will be determined by the number of teams entered, but each team is guaranteed four games.

“We’re excited to host the Fall Baseball Classic and look forward to supporting youth baseball, not only in Cowlitz County but in the Northwest,” Cowlitz Black Bears general manager Grant Wilson said. “We’re excited about the partnership with Longview Babe Ruth baseball as it increases the opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in America’s pastime, focusing on developing young players through strong leadership and communication.”

Entry fee is $300 per team and a box of baseballs. Each registered player will receive an official CBB Fall Baseball Classic T-shirt. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each age division, and player age limits will be determined as of May 1, 2010.

Payment and entry forms are due by Oct. 2. Entry forms are available at www.ballcharts.com/longviewbaberuth. Completed entry forms and fees can be submitted to Cold Stone Creamery, 1208 Washington Way, Suite 110, Longview, Wash.

For additional details, call Rob Dahl at (503) 421-3456 or e-mail CBBFallClassic@comcast.net