COVINGTON COUNTY, Ala. - Thunderstorms in the Dallas-Forth Worth area delayed the Columbia Basin River Dogs' arrival to the Babe Ruth World Series in Covington County, Alabama.

Head coach Randy Boruff said the team departed from SeaTac Airport around 2 p.m., but had to land in Amarillo due to the severe weather conditions. Boruff spoke with the Herald around 5:45 p.m. and explained that the delay will cause the team to miss its connecting flight to Birmingham and its bus to the World Series in Covington County.

Boruff expected his players to be fatigued, but hoped that it wouldn't affect their play.

"We're going to have some tired boys, I'll tell you that," he said.

Boruff had been in contact with Babe Ruth League organizers and hoped that the team would be allowed to stay in a hotel to avoid traveling all night.

The World Series festivities kick off today with the Breakfast of Champions and tournament play beginning Thursday at Crum Froshee Field.

Boruff has tried to downplay the significance of the tournament to his team and explained that after the first pitch it's just a regular baseball game.

Boruff is familiar with a few of the programs traveling to Covington County for the tournament and thinks the River Dogs can compete with any team in the field, including last year's world champions from New York.

The River Dogs 16-18 team is making its eleventh trip to the World Series and Boruff is confident they will be successful.

"There's only been three times we haven't cashed... brought home some hardware," he said.

Koleman Johns will start the River Dogs' opening game Thursday at noon against Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, the Ohio Valley Regional Champion.

Johns, of Naches, throws up to 85 mph and is headed to Bellevue College.

All Columbia Basin River Dogs games will be broadcast on the radio at KULE 730 AM.