For the second straight weekend, Helena will be a mecca for a youth diamond sport. Only this time it's the guys' turn.

Last weekend there were over 80 girls softball teams in town. But for the next four days it will be baseball, as the Helena Babe Ruth Fourth of July All-Star Invitational and the Legion's Keith Sell Tournaments are being held. There will be 47 Babe Ruth teams and eight Legion clubs competing in the Capital City in the two events.

The July Fourth All-Star event -- which is comprised of clubs from Montana, Idaho, Washington and Canada -- will take place at Ryan Fields.

There are six age-group divisions, from 10U through 15U. Pool play opens this morning and runs through Saturday. On Sunday morning bracket play begins, culminating with the championships later that afternoon.

There are nine local ballclubs participating in the tournament.

The 9U Helena 9's, under manager Nicolle Weissman, will be playing up in the 10U division. Teammembers include Jaret Rustad, Carter Pappas, Payton Carter, Justin Desrosier, Jacob Hatzenbuehler, Jackson Maynard, Henry Bowers, Talon Burchard, Marcus Welnel, Devyn Spotorno and Carter Wald.

The 10U Helena All-Stars are managed by Gary Burton. Their roster consists of Danny Burton, Ryan Dorvall, Kienan Stief, Alex Volesky, Rian Olson, Chase Rook, Dawson, Reiman, Matthew Morgan, A.J. Eckmann, Brook Baerlocher, Riley Lamb and Giovanni Callero.

The 11U Helena All-Stars are under the direction of Mick Leary. Their members are Michael Dobbins, Reilly Leary, Grant Hartley, Zach Merzlak, Jared Smith, Andrew Boyle, Riley Pickens, Reed Carter, Matthew Heldt, Christopher Palmer, Zach Bury and Ethan Peterson.

Bill Rook is the manager of the 12U Helena All-Stars. Making up the roster are Hunter Beto, Chad Beley, Madison Boyer, Sean Carroll, Ethan Gilleran, Zach Grobel, Kyle Harrington, Shane Mitchell, Tanner Rook, Tristan Shea, Chance Sparrow and Brad Tiefenthaler.

The 13U Helena All-Stars are managed by Gary Morgan. Players include Jordan Barrows, Christian Collins, Aaron Gilman, Zion Goetz, Dan Hansen, Sean O'Malley, Joey Paulsonmorgan, Joe Ringling, Caden Sharp, Bradlee Shepherd, Ryan Winslow and Leon Wunderwald.

The 13U Helena Rebels are under the guidance of Wes Estep. His charges include Gunnar Brekke, Wyatt Eckart, Ryan Estep, Levi Dawes, Tory Umsted, Jordan Umsted, Marcus Lindgren, David Lindgren, Cale Jacobson, Dawson Reardon and Cody Ottman.

Lance Kidder manages the 14U Helena Blue Devils. Players include Caleb Kidder, Wyatt Winfield, J.D. Mooney, Walt Dalbey, Josh Fish, Reece Miller, Brice Burton, Thomas Elsen, Kyle Scott, Sletten Long, Clay Van Diest and Jarin Gassett.

The 15U Helena Babe Ruth club is under the supervision of Daryl Cain. Making up their roster are Logan Cain, Zach Fisher, Brendan Hooks, Connor Langel, Brendan McGuire, Zach Mittleiter, Beau Perra, Jesse Randolf, Eric Reynolds and Braydon Riesen.

The 15U Helena UAS are managed by Joel Swartz. Their roster is comprised of Jesse Swartz, Ansel Traynor, Lee Mueller, Harrison Fisher, Dillon Ecord, Brady Kimball, D.J. Ladd, Brendon Sullivan, Zach Hulse, Taylor Barrett and Adam Mendez.

There is no 18U division in the tourney, although the Helena Babe Ruth Seniors All-Stars will play the Calgary Cubs in a pair of exhibition games at the Ryan complex today and Friday.

Curt Synness 449-2150 or e-mail curt52s@bresnan.net