VALDOSTA — The Dizzy Dean Baseball state tournaments begin this weekend across the state and five teams from the Valdosta Parks and Recreation Department will be in action.

The 10-and-under and 12-and-under Valdosta Parks and Rec All-Stars in the A Division are trying to punch their tickets to the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Miss.

Valdosta Parks and Rec is also sending 12-and-under and 10-and-under B Division teams to Dizzy Dean state tournaments this weekend.

The two 10-and-under and two 12-and-under teams join the 8-and-under Valdosta Heat, who already qualified for the Dizzy Dean World Series.

Former Minnesota Twins first round pick Johnny Ard coaches the 12-and-under A Division team. He likes his squad and has confidence in the group’s ability to compete for a World Series spot.

“I think we’re going to be competitive,” Ard said. “It’s a well rounded team. We have a lot of team speed and a bunch of arms. Most of the kids can play any where we ask them.”

The 12-and-under A Division team has some experience. Most of the players are active in middle school baseball and on travel teams.

This is a special event for everyone involved, though. This is the first year that the Valdosta Parks and Recreation Department’s youth baseball leagues have been affiliated with Dizzy Dean Baseball.

“They’re excited,” Ard said. “Everyone is excited. The coaches, the kids and the parents. It’s the first year for Dizzy Dean and this is a team made of up everyone here in Valdosta so it’s special.”

The members of the team are: Luke Ard, Dayton Hall, Tayte Barry, Trevor Terry, Jack Bird, Alex Johnson, Wesley Beal, Dylan Alexander, Will Tolbert, Tyler Richards and Brandon Hamilton.

The first game for the 12-and-under A Division team is today at 6 p.m. against Druid Hills. The tournament in Carrollton features 16 teams. Only the top four finishers advance to the World Series later this month.

“That’s the absolutely goal,” Ard said. “We’d like to come away with first, but as long as we’re 1-4 I’m happy.”

The 12-and-under B Division team coached by Rusty Gay begins play on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Southwest in Rome.

The 10-and-under A Division team coached by Carl Rose is traveling to the Georgia-Tennessee border for its tournament in Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The team plays Dade County tonight at 6 p.m. in the 16-team tournament.

Scott Willis coaches the 10-and-under B Division team which is traveling to Ringgold and will face Powder Springs on Saturday at 11 a.m.

“The kids are totally pumped,” Willis said. “They’ve really gelled. These kids are talking to each other and they’re excited. We’re having a blast at practices and we’re getting exciting and ready.”

This is the first year for kid pitch for the team. Willis said he has seven pitchers ready to go.

Team members are: Easton Willis, Jaharie Boone, Hunter Peagler, Duncan Lutz, Dalton Stephens, Colton Shaw, Avery Stephens, Nick Carter, Dylan Metts, Jon Mark Dawson and Trevor Green.

Chris Stephens and Bobby Willis are the assistant coaches.

After the state tournament, the 10-and-under B Division All-Stars will be done. Willis hopes it’s not the last time his team gets a chance to play Dizzy Dean Baseball.

“I want to get across that this is a great thing for the kids and the community,” Willis said. “If people continue to support Jesse Sheeley and George Page at Parks and Rec then we can get tournaments in Valdosta and it’ll be a huge boost to the community and our economy.”