Tourney Combined Fun, Competition, and Baseball

An MIT athlete prepares to hit a pitch coming toward him during the Challenger Division Game on August 17. Photo by Alexander Svirsky.

13th Annual Medford Invitational Tournament a Success

– Ron Giovino, MIT President

The thirteenth edition of the Medford Invitational Tournament concluded on Monday with the Billerica All-stars defeating the Newton All-Star by a score of 9 to 4. It was the culmination of two weeks of great MIT competition.

On Sunday afternoon, the MIT celebrated the second year of the best baseball ever, Challenger Day. The Challenger division of Little League is dedicated to helping kids with mental and physical disabilities play baseball.

Sunday was a beautiful day for baseball. Mayor Mike and State Representative, Paul Donato were on hand to once again support the MIT and welcome the athletes from Malden, Wakefield, West Roxbury, and the many cities and towns they support to Columbus Park. Close to fifty athletes competed in this year’s Challenger Day, which doubled last year’s number. Over three hundred fans were on hand to cheer the kids on, including “Rollo the Clown”, who entertained the kids during the game.

The event has received great support from the business community. We couldn’t do it without the generous contributions of our sponsors. The sponsors are listed on the MIT website (www.mitbaseball.com) along with more photos of the event.

From the moment the kids arrive, there is an air of excitement at the park. The young athletes are so happy to be there and their smiles are infectious. The MIT staff gives them the “all-star treatment” as each athlete is announced on the loud speaker and is treated to the roar of the crowd as they take their position on the field.

The two games consist of a one inning challenge. Each player is assigned a “buddy” who assists them on the field. The volunteers did a great job of working with the kids. Some of the volunteers heard about the event and just showed up that day. Others brought their whole family down for the first time and still others were players from the tournament, like the entire team from Wakefield. Every player gets a chance to bat and play the field. The Challenger athletes take the game very seriously, but it is what happens between innings that gets them moving. Just before the teams change up, the MIT staff gets them involved in unique MIT entertainment. The kids really enjoy baseball fan favorites like singing to “Hey Baby” or “Sweet Caroline” and get to dance to “YMCA” or “The Chicken Dance.” The MIT Dancers, Tom and Chuck were joined by “Rollo the Clown” and led the kids on the field. It is quite a spectacle to see all the fans come onto the field with the volunteers and kids and join in the party. It is something to see over three hundred people at a Little League Park dancing the Chicken Dance!

When the games were over, the athletes, volunteers, and fans were treated to lunch. The bulk of the food and drink was donated. BJ’s Wholesale Club donated the hot dogs and drinks, Avellino’s Restaurant supplied everyone with their world famous pizza, and Century Bank brought their ice cream truck and provided frosty treats for everybody. Modell’s Sporting Goods gave prizes to each of the participants. The food service volunteers did an incredible job of getting everyone fed.

If you ever wanted see baseball played the way it was meant to be, then Challenger baseball is for you. It is a very emotional and inspirational day. The unique part of Challenger Day is that the volunteers get more back than they give. We are so blessed to have so many caring people help us with Challenger Day. These kids are so special that once you have been at Challenger Day, you’re hooked for life. Every volunteer leaves the park thanking us and making the commitment to be there next year.

Even though this is the thirteenth tournament and second Challenger Day, I am so amazed at the spirit of this event. Our goals at the start of the two-weeks are to run a safe, fun and competitive event for the kids and the fans Once again the many volunteers have not only accomplished that goal, but exceeded everyone’s expectations. We always say that we measure the success of the tournament by the smiles we see on the kids and fans faces, but this year we were overwhelmed by the many volunteer’s smiles, as well. It is truly the magic of this event that makes people work so hard to make others happy. I am so proud of the effort of these folks. They all have made memories for these kids that will last a lifetime and that is a great thing.”

The MIT Staff has done an incredible job of serving the community. They have really gone above and beyond to make this tournament so special. Whether it’s all the planning, the rules, the on field security, the singing and dancing, or the Challenger Day, these people did another great job. These folks are true heroes of the community. Congratulations to the MIT Staff!

Medford National’s Little League program was unbelievable in hosting the tournament. Special thanks to MNLL President Dave Barnes who lead the team of great volunteers.
In the concession stand the motto was “service with a smile.” Over the two weeks, the grounds crew maintained the field under all kinds of weather condition. They did an incredible job of keeping this tournament on schedule then getting the grille going to feed the masses.

They all are responsible for making this year’s tournament the best ever. They are ATH heroes and jewels of the city.

Thanks for a great two weeks!

More…

Challenger Division Game photo slideshow