Spots are still available for slo-pitch teams to enter the 11th annual Sheila Bishop Memorial Wooden Bat tournament. Co-organizer Paul Borba said teams can get in on the fun of the 12-team tournament by calling him at 250-809-7601.
“It’s one of the last remaining wooden bat tournaments in B.C.,” said Borba. “It’s how the game used to be played before composite bats. There is more defence, nostalgia and old-time style baseball and it comes back to the fun roots.”
Borba said in the 10 years the tournament has been at Lion’s Park, only three home runs have been hit.
“Nothing goes out of Lion’s Park,” he said.
Along with games, the tournament offers a home run contest and silent auction table. The tournament is low key and fun for everyone, while raising money for charity in Bishop’s honour. This year, tournament funds are dedicated to 16-month old Aeson Moen, who has neuroblastoma, a cancer, which, according to the Mayo Clinic website, commonly affects children five or younger as it develops from immature nerve cells. With the tournament focused on helping local families, Borba said he thought helping the Moens was a great cause.
Over the last 10 years, the tournament has donated $35,000 to charity. The tournament also receives great support from umpires donating their time. Borba also thanked Peach Festival organizers for including the tournament in its festivities the last four years and for its support.