Medford Invitational Tournament 2 weeks of Baseball, Fun for Area Ball-Players

- Allison Goldsberry

A passion for baseball is what motivated the founders of the Medford Invitational Tournament twelve years ago, and since then it has grown from a two day, 3 team tourney into a gargantuan two week, 10 team display of baseball that involves kids from several area communities.

The tournament is about showing that good sportsmanship and good baseball are not two mutually exclusive ideas.  The goal is to inject the competition with fun and good will, a belief that also extends to the fans.

“The goal of the MIT is to have fun playing baseball,” said MIT President and CEO Ron Giovino.

Ten communities, from Medford to Malden to Newton to Billerica, pull together all-star teams of their best 12-year-old players for the tournament.  The teams compete for two weeks, culminating in a championship series the last day.

This year is special because for the first time the tournament will include a Challenger Division on August 19 where children with mental and physical disabilities enjoy the thrills of the game.

“We are very excited about this special day,” said Giovino.

All of the games will be played at Medford’s Columbus Park.  Though Medford has won the tournament the past two years and the tournament is Medford-based, Giovino says it is not affiliated with the Medford team.

Over 1700 kids have been involved with the tournament since it was founded over a decade ago.  Organizers also began a winter baseball clinic for ball-players from 5 to 18-years-old.

Opening Day is this Saturday, August 4, and the tourney wraps up on August 20.  Click here for a complete schedule.