The 2012 Dixie Boys World Series started off with a roar and a bang as the Covington square hosted the games' opening ceremonies Friday evening.

Before play begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, each team was recognized and honored by Newton County Recreation Commission Director Tommy Hailey and directors of Dixie Boys.

After an invocation each of the 11 teams were brought up on stage to cheers and theme songs such as "Sweet Alabama," "Give Me Three Steps," "Cotton Eyed Joe," "Taking Care of Business," "God Bless Texas" and others.

With the players seated after having a moment in front of the crowd of more than 100 visitors to the square, Dixie Boys Commissioner Sandy Jones presented a scholarship to former Alcovy and Dixie Boys' standout Bowen Braswell.

"It means a lot," Braswell said. "It feels good to get it in front of my hometown. It can't get any better than this."

Braswell wasn't the only local honoree, with another Newton County standout solemnly recognized.

On the opening ceremony's stage, set up in front of the Covington Courthouse, it was announced the 2012 Dixie Boys World Series will be played in honor of Trevor Bailey. Bailey passed away on Oct. 22, 2011 after a life filled with athletic achievement.

He was not only a former Dixie Boys player but also a member of Eastside's baseball and wrestling team, where he was a state champion and one of Georgia's best wrestlers.

Hailey presented Trevor's family, father, Tinsley, mother, Stephanie and brother, Tyler a mounted baseball bat to a standing ovation after the acronym "Through Relentless Efforts, Victorious Outcome is Reached" was announced.

"The community has blessed us in so many ways," Tinsley Bailey said. "It is just unbelievable; I'm at a loss for words."

After the somber moment, various politicians attending the ceremonies were recognized, including Newton County Chairman Kathy Morgan and Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston.

The national anthem was then sung and the crowd parted following a firework display over the Newton County Courthouse.

"It is a good feeling," Alabama player Tanner Blatt said. "We're hoping to come out and win. We're ready to come out and play and show what we've got."