Another amazing turnout. The League Team Tournaments were big and the All-Star Tournaments are folliowing suit. We have a Memorial Day Classic record number of 45 teams this weekend. It beats last year’s record by 5 teams. We would have another half dozen if it wasn’t for all the graduations this weekend.
The address to the fields is 4300 Hewes Av, Gulfport, MS. Parking is always a premium. So car pooling is encouraged where possible. Entry fees can be paid by cash or check. The concession only accepts cash. Entry fees for teams are TB/CP $175 and FP $200. Proceeds from this weekend’s tournament will go to support the Gulfport Youth Sports Association. Your tournament director will be Carolyn Owen and Tournament UIC will be Ben Gammons this weekend.
We are using Field 6 for the first time. It now has 60’ bases. The field crew is setting up temporary fencing for the outfield. It’s going to be an imperative to stay on time with so many teams and games. 6U and 8U pretty much runs on time. But Fast Pitch can get behind. So the 10U, 12U & 16U will be no new inning after 65 minutes. Per our revised rules, all “If necessary” games will be a two inning shootout. It’s actually been working pretty well.
The weather this weekend looks to be a typical summertime pattern with some scattered thunderstorms in the area. We might have some wether delays.. so it will be important to stay in contact to know any deviations to the schedule. It’s a long holiday weekend.. we certainly hope to complete the tournament sometime late Saturday night. The fields drain really well.. so we hope any delay will be short. We can play through light rain.. but lightning is a definite no-go. We stop for any lightning strikes within 5 miles and won’t re-start until 30 minutes has passed with no activity. It’s good idea to have a few dry rags around.
Everyone should be reminded to register early for these tournaments because they are getting bigger and bigger. Tournaments can fill up like this one. Wednesday noon is the deadline for registering or dropping out of a tournaments. We want to allow time for leagues to prepare and lock in our umpires so have the best tournament possible.
Thanks for Playing USA Softball!