The future of Shawano baseball and softball will take to the diamonds of Memorial Field over the next three weekends.
Eighty-four teams, with players ranging in age from 8-12, will participate in the Shawano Youth League tourneys. Teams come from as far away as Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire.
“This is our major fundraiser — the three weekends. It financially helps us for the following year,” said Dustin Beyer, SYL president.
Proceeds from the tournament go toward expenses such as purchasing uniforms, balls, bats and other equipment, as well as paying the umpires.
The tournaments have become a local tradition over the last several decades, Beyer said.
“A lot of fans and a lot of people from out of town like to come down and watch the boys and girls play,” he said. “It is just a fun atmosphere, watching the kids perform and being successful.”
The tournaments begin Friday and run through Sunday. This week’s tourneys feature boys 8U baseball and girls 10U and 12U softball.
The Shawano 12U softball program expanded to two teams this year. One of the squads recently finished third at a tournament in Kaukauna.
“We have 24 girls given the opportunity to play ball,” said Troy Beyer, SYL softball representative. “Pitching for both teams has been phenomenal. We have some talented girls at that level.”
From July 17-19, girls 8U softball, boys 11U baseball and boys 12U baseball take over the diamonds.
The Shawano 11U baseball squad recently finished first at a tournament in Oconto and third in Stevens Point.
The boys 9U and 10U baseball tourneys cap off the local series from July 24-26.
The Shawano boys 10U squad notched two first-place finishes in recent tournaments in Stevens Point and Oconto. The boys 9U team took first at the Stevens Point tournament and second in Oconto.
SYL board member Bob Hannes said the the baseball program’s success is a promising sign for Shawano Community High School.
“We are a feeder for the high school,” Hannes said. “I think things are starting to look really good. We have had some good tournament runs this year.”
Troy Beyer agreed.
“The high school has benefited immensely from our program, and we have a great relationship with the high school program, and there are great things to come,” he said.
