Memorial Day Madness Youth Baseball Tournament

Hundreds of young baseball players from across the state descended on northern Palm Beach County for the holiday weekend.

They came to compete in the Memorial Day Madness baseball tournament, hosted by Triple Crown Sports. Triple Crown is based out of Colorado, but hosts several tournaments throughout the state.

Tournament director Jim Myers said, "The best baseball in the country is here in Florida. No doubt."

The young athletes started competing Friday with the culmination Sunday. They play on fields used by the St. Louis Cardinals during Spring Training.

Andrew Ibarra, 14, said it's an amazing experience, " All the professionals play here, like guys I watch on TV. It's really cool."

At least 60 teams traveled to Palm Beach County from around the state, so they brought a big economic boost to the area.

One parent says the annual trip to see her son play costs the family about 800 to a 1,000 dollars.

Event organizers say the visiting players help the economy by spending money to stay in local hotels and dining out at area restaurants.
 
Despite the cost, parents say it's worth the expenses.

"You have your kids doing what they like, a sport they like," Rossely Santana.