Demopolis just put the finishing touches on the Cal Ripken 10U State Baseball Tournament Tuesday.

The event marked the second straight year the City of the People has been tabbed to host a state tournament.

In 2008, Demopolis answered the bell admirably when it hosted the Babe Ruth 14U State Tournament.

The collaborative effort that produced a stellar event last summer secured the city the opportunity to host the 10U event this year.

As it typically does, the city beautifully rose to the occasion over the weekend.

Visiting teams and families were treated to a welcoming banquet Friday evening to unofficially kick off the festivities.

Then came Saturday when 10 teams from all over the state were able to enjoy opening ceremonies and play the game they love on some of the finest fields in Alabama at the Demopolis Sports-Plex.

While District Commisioner Rob Pearson was away coaching a team of his own, Art Evans took over the role of tournament director and ran point for a group of volunteers that was nothing short of hospitable and dedicated.

It is in such events that the city shows its ability to rally together for a positive cause unlike just about any other place in the Deep South. That, maybe more than anything else, is something on which Demopolis can hang its hat.