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Some events quickly become a staple for a region. Such is the case with the annual Beast of the East baseball tournament, which for 32 years has brought thousands of youngsters to the region to take part in one of the biggest events in the east.
The opening games see their first pitches today, with hundreds of more games to follow until champions are crowned on Sunday. Frequenters to area restaurants this week already have seen the effects of having about 1,000 additional teenagers and their families here.
"We've had the Beast of the East for 32 years in a row and not having it last year was devastating," tournament director Bo McConnaughy said. "Not only to us but to the community because of the money it brings in.
"It's great to have it back. Over the years it's brought it millions of dollars to the economy in the Tri-State area."
The Beast is a regional event, with games being played on fields from Wheeling and Moundsville to Washington, Pennsylvania.
COVID still had an impact this year, as teams from Canada are prohibited from traveling into the states.
We offer our best to those players taking part in this year's tournament, and end with this: Play Ball!