NBC helps America’s past time thrive in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The 90th year of the NBC World Series swung into action Thursday night at Eck Stadium.

KSN talked to people part of the tournament for decades about what keeps them coming back.

NBC World Series Hall of Famer Mike Dean is responsible for recording the stats for the tournament, a job he’s had for 41 years. He wants America’s past-time to continue to thrive in Wichita, opening the NBC World Series the same way Dean did 41 years ago.

Playing his first anthem in 1984, the sounds of Dean’s harmonica ushered in the first pitch of the NBC World Series.

“I think it means a lot. It’s been something that I look forward to yearly,” said Dean.

From aluminum to wooden bats, Dean has witnessed the changes to the game.

The one constant is the support from local fans.

“I really hope that our fellow Wichitans will continue to treasure this,” said Dean.

The tournament is a tradition for many in the seats, like John Brown, who has been coming to the NBC World Series for two decades.

“Seattle studs is one. They’re a great team, a fun team. I’ve been coming out, I love baseball, I come out to see everything, I’m here every day, every day,” said Brown.

Coach Marc Blackim led his Hutchinson Monarchs to the title in 2023. He said the impact the tournament has goes beyond the diamond.

“We’ve made some great friendships throughout the years with folks from other teams and organizations; we talk in the off-season and stay in touch. It’s more than just baseball. This tournament is about a big old family,” said Blackim.

A chance to catch future major leaguers playing under the lights in Wichita.

A fun element was added to this year’s summer classic: around-the-clock games, 11 games in 33 hours.

You can catch the Hutch Monarchs versus the Tulsa Sandlot at midnight on Saturday.

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