- Here are some things you might need to know about this weekend's baseball tournament:
- I have talked to others who have played there. They say it's pretty cool inside. Don't think there's heat. So, if it's cold outside, it will be pretty cold inside, too. Dress warm, boys and parents.
- There are no pitcher's mounds. The boys will pitch from a flat surface. We did this at a tournament a couple of times later year, too. I don't particularly like it, but that's the way it is.
- THERE ARE NO PITCHING LIMITS for the weekend. Crazy but true. They are going by high school rules. As a team, we will impose fairly strict pitch limits on our pitchers.
- The tournament director has issued some other information that I have posted below, as well as a new bracket. It didn't affect us that I can see.
- I have looked at the routes to DuQuoin and have chosen to cross the ferry going up. Google Maps says it's 80 some odd miles from Cave in Rock, about an hour and half driving time. I will be leaving from The Press office around 4:30 or 5 if anyone wants to follow, or needs a ride.
FROM TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS
If you have not gotten your Bobcat shirt from me by this point, I will bring it to the game. The surface is all dirt so we may have to wash some uniforms over the weekend. The shirt is royal blue. Wear white pants.
· Every Team is required to Play Friday Evening (January 30th, 2015). No Exceptions.
· Games start at 5pm on Friday Night and 7am on Saturday and Sunday Morning.
· Teams must enter through the front entrance of the building
· All Teams must turn in their Official Roster, Waiver (Signed by Parents) and a Copy of Team Insurance when they register on Friday Evening. You can have as many players on your roster as you want, however, players cannot be added after registration. At registration, you will also receive the bats you ordered. For those that pre-ordered shirts, they will be available for pick up in tournament central beginning at 5:00pm. Tournament Central is located in the back of the building behind the first base line on field 2.
· Only 3 Coaches per team receive a Coaches Pass (free entry). You can purchase an extra coaches pass if needed for $15. Coaches should wear passes while in the building.
·Ticket Prices: Will Cost $6 per day, or a weekend pass can be purchased for $15. Children under 8, all players, and 3 coaches per team get in free. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois Southern Area 15
· No Outside Food or Beverage allowed in the SI Center
·We will have numerous Vendors in the lobby throughout the weekend. Lee’s Sports will also be on hand with all your tournament needs.
· We have a 50/50 Raffle beginning Friday at 5pm with tickets being sold through Opening Ceremonies. Winner will be drawn at the conclusion of Opening Ceremonies. We will also be raffling off a bat courtesy of Lee’s Sports. Tickets can be purchased Friday Evening and Saturday through Opening Ceremonies. Winner will be announced at the conclusion of Opening Ceremonies on Saturday January 31st. All proceeds from both raffles benefit Special Olympics Illinois Southern Area 15.
· We will have souvenirs available for Purchase throughout the weekend. Items include but are not limited to: Tournament Shirts (limited supply), Spread the Word to End the Word Shirts/Sweatshirts. All proceeds from both raffles benefit Special Olympics Illinois Southern Area 15.
· Opening Ceremonies is Scheduled for 12:00noon on Saturday January 31st, 2015. At this time, teams will be introduced, Special Olympics Athletes will sing God Bless America and the National Anthem, and we will recognize our sponsors. Additionally, Beaver Rice’s Son AJ will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and two of our local Special Olympics Illinois Boys Softball Teams will play an exhibition game. We are asking that teams arrive to start getting lined up at 11:30am. At the very least, we would like to have each team represented during this portion of the event. We also encourage teams to stick around and cheer on our Special Olympics Athletes as they play their exhibition game.
· Laminated team cards will be provided in your packets. Please be sure to bring them to Opening Ceremonies and hand them to the announcer prior to running out of the tunnel.
· Pine tar is ok. Our fields are dirt and any non-medal cleat is acceptable footwear.
Click Image to Enlarge
