Slow-pitch tourney planned

By Sam Waller

A co-ed Midnight Slow Pitch Softball Tournament to benefit the Albany Softball Association has been scheduled for Friday-Saturday, June 9-10.

Organizer Malarie Sutton said the event will be the organization’s main fundraiser for the year.

“We don’t have anything else planned for this year,” Sutton said. “We’ve tossed some ideas out, but I think they’ll probably be for next year.”

Sutton said just four teams have signed up so far, but she hopes to have a full field of 16 co-ed teams for the double-elimination tourney, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. on that Friday with the championship game to start at noon Saturday.

Entry fee is $35 per player with up to 15 players per team. Sutton said $315 (nine players) is due at registration with fees for additional players due by the start of the event.

Registration deadline is Thursday, May 25.

Registration packets are available at The Albany News or can be obtained by email from Sutton, who asked that requests be sent by text message to 325-762-6368.

Upon registering, teams will receive a copy of amended rules for the tournament and a link to official USSA slow pitch rules. Teams will also receive release of liability forms that each player must sign.

Teams will be placed in the bracket in order of registration.

All players must be at least 18 years old and out of high school.

“With 10 people on the field, it has to be five females and five males,” Sutton said. “With a team of nine, it has to be three females, three males on the field at all times.”

In addition to the games, a home run derby will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday before the championship game. Entry fee is $20 per person.

Entertainment will be provided by Matt Stapp, Sutton said.

All proceeds will benefit Albany youth softball.