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www.shelbyinfo.com Our 43RD Year • Issue No. 31 • August 6, 2026
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Home Away From Home: The Families Behind the Series For many players arriving at the American Legion World Series, the journey to Shelby has already been a long one — regional tournaments, back-to-back bus rides, hotel rooms that blur together, and weeks away from home. By the time they reach Cleveland County, what these athletes need most isn’t another itinerary. It’s someone who feels like family. That’s exactly what they get. The ALWS host family program is one of the tournament’s most beloved traditions. Each competing team is paired with a dedicated host family, and these volunteers pour genuine heart into the role. They’re waiting at the hotel when buses pull in, signs in hand and voices loud. They fill players’ ALWS backpacks with snacks and goodies, delivered personally during orientation with Tournament Director Gary Stone, and they fill the stands with familiar, cheering faces all week long.
For the Mid South Region team, that support starts with one woman: Ruth Huffstetler — known to every player and coach she’s served as Mama Ruth. A member of the Shelby Breakfast Rotary host team, Huffstetler has made tournament week feel like home for years. “Being Mama Ruth is a highlight for me every year,” she says. “This is an honor for the coaches and players, and I get to be a part of it. Serving my team for all their needs is the greatest gift I can offer them for this historical event in their lives. I am the luckiest member of the team!” The Rotary team’s approach is straightforward: whatever a player’s mom would do, they do it. That means cookouts, Cornhole competitions, and a host city welcome — but also PT appointments, dental emergencies, contact lens runs, and yes, even haircuts before a big game. Anything your mom would do for you at home. In a tournament defined by competition, the Shelby Break-
Breakfast Rotary enjoys bringing the teams together with their families for food and games every year.
fast Rotary makes sure every Mid South player knows they’re not just visitors in Cleveland County. They’re home. Commitment is key for all the host families. Thanks to the following organizations for offering radical hospitality to the teams: NORTHEAST REGION Kiwanis Club
2026
Friday, August 14
MID-ATLANTIC REGION Eastside Baptist Church
GREAT LAKES REGION Fellowship of Christian Athletes
NORTHWEST REGION Elizabeth Baptist Church
MID-SOUTH REGION Breakfast Rotary Club
WESTERN REGION Aldersgate United Methodist Church
SOUTHEAST REGION Landmark Baptist Church
Teams enjoy host planned activities on their days off from the ballpark. (Photos provided)
Thursday, August 13
CENTRAL PLAINS Lily Baptist Church
Pictured here the team from Bossier City, LA enjoyed lunch with their host family at Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille in uptown Shelby.
Saturday, August 15
Sunday, August 16
Monday, August 17
Cleveland County Water
Gardner-Webb University
USAA
Shelby Parks & Recreation
CaroMont Health
Senior Citizens Day Senio
Salute to Academic Achievement Day
Military Appreciation Day
Youth Athletic Day
Healthcare Appreciation Day
FR FREE admission for Seniors S over 55.
Non-perishable food items collected in partnership with Food Lion Feeds & Gardner-Webb University
alws.us
Golden Knights Performance Stones River Brigade Exhibition
FREE admission for Veterans & Active Military
FREE admission for Youth through College age fans wearing a team jersey
August 13-18, 2026
Tuesday, August 18
All Veterans Group Performance Operation Helo Delivers Game Ball
#ALWS26