The annual Orillia Legion Minor Baseball Gander Ross Tournament has brought 24 teams from across Ontario to Orillia this weekend.
Happening at McKinnell Square Park, the Cliff Yeo Diamond and Kitchener Park, the tournament is hosting teams from as far away as Sudbury in the U9, U13 and U16 divisions.
Tournament director Katie Pritchard says Orillia is a great place to host a youth baseball tournament.
"It's the Sunshine City," she said. "We have a team represented in almost every group. We have a small but strong program."
She says the Orillia Royals have a chance to earn some hardware this weekend.
"Our U16 AA team has already won their first game," she said. "Our Orillia teams have a good chance this weekend."
The playoff round games will take place Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Kitchener Park and the Cliff Yeo Diamond.
Prichard says visiting teams enjoy playing in Orillia.
"We have a lot to do in our city," she said. "We have the rib fest going on this weekend, lots of great restaurants and nice beaches."
She hopes the tournament will boost the local economy.
"I think it's great," she said. "We have lots of teams from out of town staying in our hotels and shopping in our stores."
Tournaments allow teams the opportunity to mesh and build relationships early in the season.
"Everyone has team events after their games," Pritchard said. "This tournament is early in the season, so it allows the players and parents the chance to get to know each other."
