Okeechobee T-Ball plays their first game on July 5 at 9 a.m. at the Okeechobee County Sports Complex. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

OKEECHOBEE-Okeechobee is set to host the Diamond Youth Baseball state tournament for 6U,8U, 10U, and 12U over the Fourth of July weekend at the Okeechobee County Sports Complex.

Games start on the morning of July 4. Okeechobee T-Ball plays their first game on July 5 at 9 a.m., they’ll face the winner of the July 4 game between Frostproof and San Antonio. Okeechobee will first play in the Coach Pitch tournament on July 4 at 11 a.m. on field 3., AAA tournament at 11 a.m. on July 4 on field 1, and Ozone on July 4 at 11 a.m. on field 2.

Last year Okeechobee had a team compete in the World Series. The Okeechobee 8U Darling All-Stars were selected from four different rec ball teams within the Okeechobee 8U girls' division. In the lead up to the World Series the girls were practicing five days a week, two hours per day, and putting in a massive amount effort in hopes to bring home the win at World Series.   

They earned a trip to the World Series after a great performance in the All-Star tournament, defeating Holmes County 10-0.

Last year’s DYB tournament was interrupted by a few rain delays. Current forecasts predict a chance for rain on the weekend of this year’s tournament. Follow the Okeechobee Citizens Recreational Association on Facebook for updates on any rain delays during the tournament.

In the coming weeks the Sweetees, Darlings, Angels, and Belles All Star teams will be heading to Belleview to play in the 2025 Dixie Youth Softball State Tournament. The Okeechobee 13-14 year old Dixie Boys team will also be traveling to Springhill for the 2025 DBB State Tournament.