DAPHNE, Alabama — The Daphne High baseball program is hosting its Jubilee Classic Wood Bat round robin beginning June 27-30.

Up to 11 teams are set to take part in the event including the host Trojans. Alma Bryant, Baldwin County, Davidson, Enterprise, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Saraland, Theodore, West Florida and Morton High from the Jackson, Miss., area are scheduled. Some teams are playing more than others in the round-robin format. It is not an elimination tournament.

Daphne coach Joe Hutchins said the 2012 version will be the 10th Jubilee Classic.

“We’re looking forward to this year,” he said. “It's hard to believe it’s been 10 years. We have it every year and it’s a tradition I guess now. But it’s really because the wood bat experience is a good way to get a lot of playing time in and it helps the pitchers development a lot. The games go faster, more playable balls hit inside the park. The pitchers get to work the zone a lot more. They don’t have to stay away as much and get to challenge the batter more, too.”

Hutchins added that the appeal of the wood bat has a retro, even romantic appeal to the newer generations of players who grew up with more lively aluminum.

“It has that, something different aspect to it for sure. The kids enjoy seeing what they can do with a wood bat. Most of today’s kids coming up haven’t had the chance to play many real games or tournaments with wood. So, it’s a little something different. Something different, always fun for the kids. But again, it’s a big help in developing skills. The infield gets more chances, the outfield, too. And the tournament format gives everybody more time on offense and defense. I’m really happy this year we got teams from Mississippi and Florida and Enterprise as well for this one this year. It’s always helpful to see and play competition from outside the local region. And last but not least, it helps support the program so we appreciate any and all community support.

“We’re up here working with the younger kids helping to develop tomorrow’s players to keep Daphne baseball strong. And this is kind of an exhibition for next year’s varsity and JV players, too. Not just for us, but for all the kids to show what they can do in front of their coaches and fans. I just hope the weather cooperates with us.”

Tickets at the gate will be $5 per day or a $10 pass. The second team on the schedule is the designated home team. All games will have a 2:15 time limit.

Jubilee Classic schedule:

Wednesday, June 27: 10 a.m. Robertsdale vs Alma Bryant; 12:30 p.m. Bryant vs Baldwin County.; 3 p.m. Morton (Miss.) vs Robertsdale; 5:30 p.m. Baldwin County vs Morton

Thursday, June 28: 10 a.m. Morton vs Bryant; 12:30 p.m. Davidson vs Morton; 3 p.m. Robertsdale vs Davidson; 5:30 p.m. Fairhope vs Robertsdale; 8 p.m. Daphne vs Fairhope

Friday, June 29: 10:30 a.m. Theodore vs Daphne; 1 p.m. Saraland vs Theodore; 3:30 p.m. Davidson vs Saraland; 6 p.m. Enterprise vs Davidson; 8 p.m. Daphne vs Enterprise

Saturday, June 30: 10 a.m. Saraland vs Daphne; 12:30 p.m. Enterprise vs Saraland; 3 p.m. Theodore vs Enterprise; 5:30 p.m. W. Florida vs Theodore; 8 p.m. Daphne vs W. Florida