Selma has traditionally been a baseball town. Historic Bloch Park has hosted major-league legends, and Selma has produced big-leaguers. But the title of being a baseball town was cemented recently at the Dixie Youth All-Star playoffs.

For the first time in remembrance, Selma has had three teams of All-Stars win their district championships. Of the four teams that played in tournaments against other area squads, the 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, and the Pre-Majors (15-16 year-olds) all went undefeated to advance to the state playoffs.

The Pre-Majors begin play the quickest, with their newly-won crown not even a week old. They defeated Thomasville on Monday night to earn a place at the tournament in Enterprise today. At 12:30 p.m., the Pre-Majors from Selma take on the winners of District 8.

The 14-year-olds, many of whom were on the state runner-up 13-year-old team last year, play next, starting on Saturday, July 20, at 5 p.m. with a game against the District 1 champions in Muscle Shoals.

Selma’s 13-year-olds drew a by in their tournament, which is also to be held in Muscle Shoals. That team begins their quest for a state title on Sunday, July 21.

The teams will be competing in the state playoffs, which are double-elimination, for the chance to make it to the World Series for Dixie Boys baseball.