WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The 90th year of the NBC World Series swung into action Thursday night at Eck Stadium.
KSN News talked to people part of the tournament for decades about what keeps them coming back.
NBC World Series Hall of Famer Mike Dean is responsible for recording the stats for the tournament, a job he’s had for 41 years. He wants America’s pastime to continue to thrive in Wichita, opening the NBC World Series the same way Dean did 41 years ago.
Playing his first anthem in 1984, the sounds of Dean’s harmonica ushered in the first pitch of the NBC World Series.
“I think it means a lot. It’s been something that I look forward to yearly,” said Dean.
From aluminum to wooden bats, Dean has witnessed the changes to the game.
The one constant is the support from local fans.
“I really hope that our fellow Wichitans will continue to treasure this,” said Dean.
Four Shockers playing in NBC World Series
The tournament is a tradition for many in the seats, like John Brown, who has been coming to the NBC World Series for two decades.