GULF SHORES — America’s pastime will sizzle this summer on Alabama’s Gulf Coast as more than 750 youth baseball and softball teams compete for the championship title in their respective categories in various series from June 18 through July 26.

The Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley sports complexes are home to the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Global Sports Baseball World Series hosted by the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC).

“USSSA is a phenomenal organization that touches the lives of so many young athletes and their families, and we’re proud to host such an esteemed group along with the Cities of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the GSOBSC. “We invite guests and locals to come out and support these rising stars as they take the fields throughout the summer in coastal Alabama.”

Founded in 1968, USSSA is the world’s largest multi-sport athletic organization including baseball, basketball, fast-pitch softball, flag football, martial arts, lacrosse, soccer, slow-pitch softball, volleyball and wrestling.

“The Alabama Gulf Coast is a great venue for America's two major past times: baseball and the beach,” said Scottie Mobley, USSSA state director. “USSSA is proud to be hosting the 2013 Coach Pitch and Global World Series in Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The area has everything a baseball road trip should have: the finest facilities, outstanding restaurants, direct on beach hotels and condos, numerous amusement parks, and the best beaches you could ever ask for.

“Baseball and the beach are a perfect combination.”

Upcoming USSSA Tournaments

• Global World Series 1: Opening ceremony: June 18 at 11:30 a.m. at Tanger Outlets; Tournament: June 19-22.

• Coach Pitch World Series: Opening ceremony: June 24 at 4 p.m. at The Wharf; Tournament: June 25-28

• Global World Series 2: Opening ceremony: June 25 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wharf; Tournament: June 26-29

• Global World Series 3: Opening ceremony: July 2 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wharf; Tournament: July 3-6

• Global World Series 4: Opening ceremony: July 9 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wharf; Tournament: July 10-13

• Global World Series 5: Opening ceremony: July 16 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wharf; Tournament: July 17-20

• Softball C World Series: Opening ceremony: July 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Wharf followed by a parade down Main Street; Tournament: July 24-27