Whiffle Ball Tournament Held In GR

Anyone who hits a homerun will receive a two-liter of soda pop. That's one of the perks for participating in the Whiffle Ball Tournament. In it's sixth-straight year, Mark Augustyn has opened up his backyard for the Mission Field Whiffle Tournament.

Approximately 37 teams and 200 youths began play Wednesday and will continue throughout the day Thursday at 2212 Meadowdale NW. Mark Augustyn’s backyard is dubbed 'Mission Field' and neighborhood kids are welcome to come play on it year-round.

Like a little 'Field of Dreams', the yard offers an outfield scoreboard and wall with sponsors splashed across it. Base paths and a batter’s box are painted on the lawn.

The games run for four innings or 15 minutes. Music plays between games and the event is a fundraiser for Haitian youths. Augustyn told Mlive,

"Over a couple of seasons, we have been able to ship about 1,000 bats, balls and catcher’s gear, helmets, all the stuff that they need for their little leagues. This is our sixth year, and after our second or third year, we have been able to put some purpose to it."

Last year, the unsanctioned, unofficial games have raised over $20,000 for Haitian youths. Augustyn added that his sponsors have been awesome. He said,

"It’s humbling to see them give this type of money to sponsor this."

The teams compete in brackets and all players receive a t-shirt. Augustyn recalls playing sports in the neighborhood when he was young.

"To be able to offer this to kids and see them have the fun that they do makes it all worth it."