In the winter of 1779, Col. George Rogers Clark marched a small army of soldiers across the flooded plains of Illinois and surprised a British garrison at Fort Sackville in Vincennes on the banks of the Wabash River. The British surrendered in what turned out to be the westernmost battle of the American Revolution. More than 225 years later,Vincennes will again be a battleground of sorts when 10-year-old baseball teams gather to settle the 2007 Cal Ripken 10-year-old World Series. Like Clark's army, these teams will have endured much on their marches to reach Vincennes.

Following the Revolution,Vincennes continued to play an important
role in American history. Indiana’s oldest city served as the first capital of the Indiana Territory from 1800 to 1813. William Henry Harrison, who later became the ninth President of the United States, was the governor of the Indiana Territory, and he lived in Vincennes from 1800 to 1812.

Today Vincennes has become another capital of sorts – a capital of Babe Ruth Baseball. This year marks the fifth time that the city has been the host for a World Series. Vincennes Cub League first hosted the 12-year-old series in1998. The 12’s returned in 2001, the year that Cub League also served as host for the inaugural Cal
Ripken 10-year-old World Series. Cub League and Vincennes remain the only ones who have turned the World Series double play in the same year. The 10’s returned for the 2004 World Series.
Vincennes' historical legacy lives on with the impressive George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, located along the river near downtown, and the Harrison Mansion, which is beautifully maintained on the campus of Vincennes University.

A third monument, a monument to baseball, is also in Vincennes. It’s Joe Bilskie, Sr. Field at Cub League. Bilskie Field is
one of the finest facilities for youth baseball to be found anywhere. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cub League, and it is fitting that Babe Ruth Baseball has again singled out Vincennes as
the host for a World Series.

All is in readiness for another historical moment in Cal Ripken Baseball. Another champion will be crowned in Vincennes this August. The city, which is celebrating its 275th anniversary, is prepared to greet the special teams and their fans and families who will visit Indiana’s oldest city for this exciting occasion.