FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The International Baseball Invitational has brought teams from around the world to Southwest Florida this week, but staying cool has become just as important as staying competitive.
Tournament organizers have adjusted game times, set up cooling tents and are keeping a close eye on players as they compete in the heat. Games now wrap up by 2 p.m., hopefully avoiding the hottest part of the day.
While many of the international teams come from warm, tropical climates, they say Southwest Florida’s summer heat has been a challenge. Coaches have kept coolers filled with ice and hung fans in the dugouts.
Tournament organizers have set up a cooling tent with misters, shade and hydration stations to help battle the heat. Fans have also set up cooling tents of their own with mini fans in hand.
Even with extra precautions, Team Aruba says this kind of heat takes some getting used to.
“Not like this heat over here, but we used to… like yeah, it’s hot, but it’s different. It’s a different kind of hot. So, here’s really like you can feel it. It’s burning,” said Darwin Rodgers, coach of Team Aruba.
“We have a whole bunch of Caribbean people that are coming, and they’re used to this heat, but they’re not used to this heat. They’re saying this is different,” said Chris Risola, co-commissioner of Babe Ruth League International Region. “We’re used to the sun all year round, but this has been brutal. But ultimately, they’re having a good time and everybody’s happy and healthy.”
The tournament has continued to grow year after year with more international teams making the trip to Southwest Florida. This year, the event is also getting a boost from new partnerships with Lee County, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and local businesses, helping create a bigger stage for young athletes to showcase their talent.
But organizers say some of the most memorable moments are happening after the final out.
“We have our leagues coming together after the games, win or lose. They’re switching jerseys. They’re giving gift baskets,” Risola said. “We have teams from the Bahamas right now rooting on our Team USA team. We have games that are going off record, where they’re going to local parks and they’re just going and having friendly competitions and they’re exchanging numbers and sharing social media with each other, and the cultures are so much different, and they’re starting to come together, and it’s great to watch.”
The International Baseball Invitational continues until Saturday at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers.