Medford Invitational Baseball Tournament in 20th Year
The Medford Invitational Tournament is celebrating its’ 20th Anniversary this year. Since their beginning in 1996, the MIT has made a big impact on baseball in Medford, Malden, and the Greater Boston area. In addition to the MIT tournament, the MIT managed the Winter Baseball Clinic and was influential in setting the blueprint for fun and sportsmanship that is follow by teams today. Over two decades, the MIT has always been recognized for excellence in baseball.
The MIT is also celebrating the 10th year of their signature event, Challenger Day. Challenger Day is an amazing one inning baseball game for some 75 all-stars with mental and physical disabilities. It is an amazing day of pomp and circumstance that rivals a MLB all-star game. Player introductions, music, VIPs, government leaders, mascots from our pro team, color guards, and hundreds of family, friends, and volunteers join together as we celebrate some incredible young athletes and marvel as they play baseball with fun and excitement despite their mental and physical challenges. The event takes place at Bruce Field in Malden and lunch for everyone in attendance is held at the Irish American Hall.
The MIT has also begun a very special scholarship program for Seniors from Medford and Malden who have demonstrated a unique spirit of volunteerism that involves disabled children.
It has been an incredible history and the MIT continues on. “We are bigger and better than ever!†says Ron Giovino, President and CEO of the MIT. “After the tragic loss of our great friend, Billy Falasca, Patti Falasca and the family and friends of Billy, have been determine to continue Billy’s legacy by raising money in his name for our kidsâ€! “Billy was a board member who made it his mission to help the Challenger all-stars. When Billy passed away suddenly, Patti came to us to figure out a way to do what Billy wanted for the kidsâ€! “That is the kind of family we are working with…they are amazing!†“Patti also brought in some powerful new member to our board who infused some great energy and now our dreams are all coming true!â€, “Billy touch a lot of people in his life and they are coming together in his honor to help the kidsâ€, Giovino concluded.
Growing this program takes a lot of financial support from the community. The Falasca Bike run and other donations help sustain the ever rising costs of the MIT. On June 24th, the MIT will host the 4th Annual Batter Up for Billy Night at Anthony’s in Malden. It promises to be the biggest event of the summer as a sellout crowd comes together for great food, drink, music, raffle prizes, as they share their stories of our great friend, Billy.
Tickets are $35 and for more information on getting some, you can contact the MIT website…www.mitbaseball.com
If you are so inclined to help this great cause, the MIT family is looking for your donation of prizes or money for their incredible raffle held that night.
I can’t tell you how big this raffle is, but if you are a fan of David Ortiz, this may be your one chance to wear an autographed authentic “Big Papi†jersey at his final regular season game…just saying.
– Submitted by Ron Giovino