Orillia Legion Minor Baseball’s (OLMB) largest tournament of the year is taking over local diamonds this weekend.
The tournament features 24 teams from all over Ontario who are competing in three divisions — 10U, 12U, and 14U — and will play a total of 72 games this weekend in the Summer Classic, a tournament that has been running for three years now.
“Visiting teams like the fact that they are here in cottage country,” says OLMB president Wes Winkel. “They are out playing near lakes and beaches rather than in more urban areas.”
Winkel said he expects local teams to fare well this weekend.
“They don’t have to travel, they get to sleep in their own bed, it’s awesome,” Winkel said. “Our teams have a chance to win this weekend.”
Winkel says it’s been unbelievably difficult putting on the tournament this year with a skeleton staff of volunteers.
“Everybody is stretched so thin,” he said. “We are always short volunteers, it’s just the way it is, but it’s frustrating.”
Winkel encourages folks who could lend a hand for future tournaments or OLMB events to send an email to [email protected].
Twin brothers Nathan and Ben Halberstadt are playing this weekend for the U13 Richmond Hill Phoenix. The team comes into the tournament on a six-game winning streak.
"This is our first time playing in Orillia," Ben said. "We are ready for some good competition and the chance to see some new teams."
The Halberstadts enjoy being able to travel around the province for tournament action and they are excited about their stop in Orillia.
"We love hanging out with our teammates all weekend," Nathan said. "It's a lot of fun," Ben added.
With hot temperatures forecasted for this weekend the Halberstadt's and all players involved in the tournament will be challenged with keeping cool.
"We'll be going to Dairy Queen after our first game," Nathan said. "We have a team tent to keep us in the shade and we have lots of water," Ben added."
Riley Whitley will be playing in the infield this weekend for the Orillia Royals. The Warminster Elementary School graduate says this is his first time playing in a baseball tournament.
"It's a lot more exciting than a league game," he said. "I'm looking forward to this weekend."
Whitley, 14, says the Summer Classic is a huge opportunity for his team to turn the tide after a slow start to the season.
