The 11-12 team from Visalia, Calif., defeated Korea, 6-1, yesterday in the championship game of the third annual Cal Ripken World Series in Mattoon, Ill.

Ross Hebert was named Player of the Game after collecting two hits, including a home run, and throwing two scoreless innings in relief. Hebert started the previous game, pitching four innings to get Visalia into the final, and batted cleanup yesterday.

Ripken's affiliation with Babe Ruth Baseball began in 1999 when the league changed the name of its largest division from "Bambino" to "Cal Ripken Baseball." The World Series will move to its permanent home in Aberdeen next year.

His retirement last season allowed Ripken to stay in Mattoon for most of the Series and attend the championship game.

"It was great. I had a chance to take in the World Series from more than just the perspective of one game. I had a chance to see it all unfold and take in the event more fully," he said.

"We brought a group here from Aberdeen to watch and learn. Mattoon has done a great job hosting the event. We're excited about moving it to Aberdeen."

The Series began with 12 teams from the United States. Five international teams - Korea, Australia, Canada, Italy and The Netherlands - also participated.