Last year, Muleshoe Babe Ruth girls softball teams 10 and Under and 14 and Under traveled to Treasure Coast, Florida, to play in the Babe Ruth World Series where the 14U team won first place in the Diamond Bracket.

Recently, the girls presented checks to the Muleshoe High School softball program and to the Muleshoe Softball League. The money was left over last year’s fundraising efforts.

“We’ve received great support from so many people. Paying it forward is what to do,” said Raquel Chaparro, Babe Ruth coach and MHS Spanish teacher.

Chaparro points out softball programs are still growing at both the Babe Ruth and Varsity levels.

 “Some of the 14U girls will be freshman next year and have a pretty good chance of doing well at the high school level now,” she said. “There are a good six or seven that have actually played travel ball. We’re very excited for the next step for our girls.”

The next step may be invitational tournament play in Treasure Coast. Chaparro received an email dated Feb. 9 and signed by the acting Babe Ruth Softball commissioner. It contained an open invitation for the team to go to Treasure Coast, Florida, and play a tournament event from the last part of July through the beginning of August.

“They’ve invited any team that chooses to go to raise their own money and go back there without having to go through the tournament process,” Chaparro said.

Chaparro hopes that tournament events will spark interest in other girls to participate in softball.

“Girls in general just need a little more support,” she said. “The tournament was a great eye opener to the direction that sports can take our young ladies. It can help them to become leaders and be successful.”