Winter is for snowballs, not for softballs. Except for this weekend in Auburn.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
Frosty at the bat: Y-Pals hosts annual snowball softball tourney
Frosty at the bat: Y-Pals hosts annual snowball softball tourney
On Saturday, 12 teams made up of local men and women will take to the cold and swing for the fences while supporting a good cause. The annual Snowball Softball Tournament at Casey Park pits softball players against one another who can't wait until spring to hit the field.
But while the competitive spirit can get high, so does the spirit of giving. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward a local mentor program through the Auburn YMCA.
Steve Pinchak, who has run the tournament for three years, said all 12 spots for softball teams are already taken. But a lot of people come out to watch the players compete in unusual conditions.
“Families come in and out for the whole day,” said Pinchak, who has also played in the tournament for many years. “A lot of people come down for the championship.”
The tournament begins in the morning and lasts through the day until the champion is named. The first, second and third place finishers will receive trophies.
But Pinchak said the participants play for a lot more than the hardware. Because it's tough to play softball in February, these people are serious about the sport, he said.
“They want to compete and win,” Pinchak said. “Most people involved have that competitive spirit. The average person thinks you guys are nuts.”
Over the years, tournament participants have played in feet of snow, in mud and sleet, in rain and in freezing cold.
Pinchak said the highly-spirited play makes the games fun to watch, and sportsmanship is always a top priority. But that doesn't keep the teams from trying to find an edge. Players will wear their cleats and sweats, and some will even dress in shorts and T-shirts to keep their mobility high, he said.
“We play hard, and we play to win. But it is fun,” he said.
Pinchak said tournament organizers chose Y-Pals because it is a positive program. And it could use the funds these days, said Pinchak, who volunteered as a Y-Pals mentor in the past.
“Money is tight,” Pinchak said.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Y-Pals Snowball Softball Tournament
When: All day Saturday
Where: Casey Park, Auburn
Cost: Free
Info: Call 252-7298
But while the competitive spirit can get high, so does the spirit of giving. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward a local mentor program through the Auburn YMCA.
Steve Pinchak, who has run the tournament for three years, said all 12 spots for softball teams are already taken. But a lot of people come out to watch the players compete in unusual conditions.
“Families come in and out for the whole day,” said Pinchak, who has also played in the tournament for many years. “A lot of people come down for the championship.”
The tournament begins in the morning and lasts through the day until the champion is named. The first, second and third place finishers will receive trophies.
But Pinchak said the participants play for a lot more than the hardware. Because it's tough to play softball in February, these people are serious about the sport, he said.
“They want to compete and win,” Pinchak said. “Most people involved have that competitive spirit. The average person thinks you guys are nuts.”
Over the years, tournament participants have played in feet of snow, in mud and sleet, in rain and in freezing cold.
Pinchak said the highly-spirited play makes the games fun to watch, and sportsmanship is always a top priority. But that doesn't keep the teams from trying to find an edge. Players will wear their cleats and sweats, and some will even dress in shorts and T-shirts to keep their mobility high, he said.
“We play hard, and we play to win. But it is fun,” he said.
Pinchak said tournament organizers chose Y-Pals because it is a positive program. And it could use the funds these days, said Pinchak, who volunteered as a Y-Pals mentor in the past.
“Money is tight,” Pinchak said.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Y-Pals Snowball Softball Tournament
When: All day Saturday
Where: Casey Park, Auburn
Cost: Free
Info: Call 252-7298
Citizen
Hot Jobs
Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.