THE BIRTH AND ORGANIZATIONAL
                                                                               HISTORY OF DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL

 Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. was founded in 1957 at Alexandria, Louisiana. The Alexandria Youth Baseball Association was the charter member of an organization formed to especially attract the thirteen (13) year old player. All other programs in existence in 1957 required that participants age 13-15 be grouped together. The Incorporators recognized that grouping thirteen (13) year olds with youth age fifteen (15) and playing on a regulation size diamond was a hardship for most of the younger players. Furthermore, the creation of the program provided an opportunity for players to continue participation after completion of the younger age (12 & under) program.

The Incorporators established the Constitution and Bylaws as well as the Dixie Boys Rule Book. The original Constitution called for the election of officers. Further discussion directed the formation of additional programs within other southern states. The Constitution & Bylaws established by the founding fathers is very much intact today. The program’s mission of providing a recreational outlet for as many young people as possible continues to be the emphasis and charge to the Board of Directors of Dixie Boys Baseball.

Dixie Boys Baseball’s charter members all resided in Alexandria, Louisiana. Twenty-three (23) charter members along with the Executive Officers conducted the business of the corporation at its inception. The program had a humble beginning with seven (7) leagues formed in the first year; all from Louisiana. For the first three years of the organization, Dixie Boys Baseball only existed in Louisiana. In 1960, Mississippi joined with Louisiana. In 1961, Alabama franchised and other states soon followed. From the early years to now, Dixie Boys Baseball has experienced much success.

In 1973, the National Board of Directors of Dixie Boys approved a resolution that established an older program for boys fifteen (15) through seventeen (17) years of age. The program was named Dixie Majors Baseball and it existed under the direction of the corporate officers. Each State elected representatives to govern the Majors program. In the years to follow, some minor modifications were made to encourage growth of the Majors program.

In 1978, by mail in vote, the Dixie Majors Board of Directors approved a resolution adding eighteen (18) year olds to the program. Local leagues were given the option of creating a Pre Majors program (15-16 year olds) or continuing to operate as a Majors program to include the eighteen (18) year olds. The Pre Majors program sparked even greater interest in the older ages Dixie program. Participation opportunities were available with separate tournament play offered, a Pre Majors World Series.

The Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. Scholarship program began in 1984 with a single $500.00 award. The program has grown to eleven (11) $1,250 awards. Each of the participating Dixie states has a scholarship recipient each year. The Committee Chairman and a state representative review the applications and make the tough decision as to the awarding of scholarships. For many years Bernie Varnadore of South Carolina ably served as the Scholarship Committee Chair until his death following the 2006 season.

In 1995, the opportunity for youth age thirteen to participate in tournament play as a 13 year old division of Dixie Boys was discussed. Regional tournaments were held as a pilot program and in 1996 the first 13 year old World Series was held. The 13 year old age group in later years was named Junior Dixie Boys. Also a 1995 meeting resulted in the creation of the Dixie National Umpire program.

Fifty years of program history was celebrated throughout the 2006 season with a 50th Anniversary logo created. The opportunity to visit the birthplace of Dixie Boys Baseball was provided by the Alexandria- Pineville Convention & Visitors Bureau and a local organizing committee. A Dixie Boys 50th Anniversary Celebration was held September 9th, 2006 in Alexandria. Founder W.E. “Bubba” Brasher along with charter members George Foote, Hardin Lewis and George Allen were on hand for the historic event. Major League Baseball, The State of Louisiana & the governments of Alexandria/Pineville recognized the program accomplishments by presenting proclamations to Dixie Boys Baseball. The event was well attended by local supporters and Dixie officials.

 The rich tradition is now 60 years and counting. A 60th Anniversary Celebration along with the Junior Boys & Dixie Boys World Series was held in 2016 in Pineville! Central Louisiana was recognized as the birthplace of Dixie Boys Baseball. The founders’ goal, providing recreational opportunities for youth 13 and older, remains the primary mission of today. Many outstanding volunteers have contributed to the sixty plus years of program success. Dedicated members of the Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. Board of Directors are prepared to meet the growing challenges that the program will face in the future.

The organization will celebrate its 65th Anniversary in 2021. The ceremony and all World Series events will take place in Sterlington, LA.