Local Cal Ripken League Mite and Minor all-stars will begin state tournament play on Thursday. If it's late June, it must be time for the Cal Ripken League all-stars to begin play.

The local Mite League all-stars for boys and girls age 7 and 8 will open the state tournament on Thursday at Duncan.

Twelve teams, including two from Gaffney, will participate in the pool-play tournament.

The local Minor League all-stars also begin play tomorrow at Inman. Gaffney will field two teams at that state tournament for ages 9 and 10.

Local fans won't have to travel far to watch the Major League allstar state tournament. The Cherokee County Youth Sports Complex will host the 11 and 12 year old all star tournament, which begins on July 9.

Local Cal Ripken League Chairman of the Board Tim Blackwell said as many as 11 teams are scheduled to participate in the tournament, including two from Gaffney.

The state's best Babe Ruth league all-stars will be coming to Gaffney on July 16 for the state tournament.

Blackwell said he expects as many as nine teams to participate in the state tournament.