World Series visitors impressed by Thomasville's warm hospitality
Hotel rooms in short supply
By Arthur McLean Editor

PHOTO BY ARTHUR MCLEAN Fans line the fence at Tucker Field and seek shelter from the sun during the Dixie Pre-Majors World Series in Thomasville this week.

While Thomasville hasn't pitched a perfect game, visitors to town for the Dixie Pre- Majors World Series give it generally high marks.

"The people here have been very friendly and the facilities are great," said Mike Campbell, coach of the Florida team.

That sentiment was echoed by just about everyone interviewed by the Times over the previous few days of the baseball tournament.

"The people have just been wonderful, and our host family has been great," said Vito and Tabbie Penna from Laurel, Miss. The Penna's also praised the quality of facilities for hosting the tournament. Their son, Vito Jr. was pitching for the Mississippi team. This was their first trip to Thomasville.

"The opening ceremonies were terrific. The fireworks show was as good as anything in Laural," they said.

But like a number of other families, and even a couple of teams, the Penna's had to fine accommodations from out of town for the first couple of days.

Thomasville, as part of its bid package to host the tournament purchased most of the available rooms in town, five rooms per team for players and coaches. But two teams were forced to stay in Demopolis because there weren't enough rooms available in town.

Contractors and some family reunions appear to be taking most of the rooms in Thomasville's stock right now, sources said.

Several families stayed in Monroeville the first couple of nights of the tournament.

Accommodations in Grove Hill were also full.

Other complaints included the quality of hotel accommodations and the lack of variety in restaurants in town.

While a lack of variety in restaurants may have been a problem for some guests, the strong influx of people combined with the recent closings of two of Thomasville's larger restaurants meant other establishments in town have seen a significant increase in business from normal.

Local restaurant owners report that business has picked up noticeably and the families and players have been a pleasure to deal with this week.

"You have a real gem of a town here," Campbell said. "This is a testament to the people and your leadership here. It's easy to see why Thomasville is growing."

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