McKinney -- For the 18th consecutive year, some of the finest young baseball players from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are in McKinney, Texas to compete for the championship title of the 16u Mickey Mantle World Series.

The action is taking place through August 4 in the spacious confines of Al Alford Field located at the intersection of West White Avenue and North Redbud Blvd. in McKinney. 

One of the front runners is Frozen Ropes, a team of North Texas players under the direction of Bonham High School head baseball coach Ryan Prock. 

Frozen Ropes team defeated the Arizona Dodgers 5-1 on Wednesday and enjoyed a bye in Thursday's play. They will take on the winner of today's game between the Ontario Bluejays and California's SGV Arsenal on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

photos by Buzz Cory of www.BuzzzPhotos.com