Albany to host Little League tourney

The Albany Little League will once again be hosting one of the Little League District 5 machine pitch tournaments to compete against teams in the Big Country area, after hosting for the past two years.

“Sixteen teams will play in Albany on June 8,” said local little league president Paul Hamilton. “If we are the best of four, we will play in the Big Country final four on the following Monday night, June 10.”

The tournament is for teams made up of eight to nine year olds from around the Big Country area and will start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.

Albany has hosted one of the District 5 tournaments the previous two years, and both league officials and participants have been very pleased with the setup and local fields, which has led to them returning to Albany for this year’s tournament.

“It’s an honor to host,” said local Little League coach Anthony Cedar. “Our district administrator asked us to host because we’ve done a great job in the past. I think it helps to host because you get to use your own pitching machine, and kids rally to defend Albany’s field.”

The tournament draws in many people and families from the surrounding area to Albany for the day, which can be a boost for the town and local businesses.

“Teams from all over the Big Country enter, and it’s a great time for Albany kids to team up with their friends to enjoy competition against other leagues and towns,” said Cedar.

Albany has had previous success in the tournament, and they would like to replicate that success again this year.

“We were fortunate to win it two years ago, and the kids who played on that team still talk about it,” said Cedar. “Last year we got all the way to the finals and then lost to Northern. Our goal will be to get in the final four and try to win it again this year.”

There will be one team at the tournament representing Albany.