Wooden Bat tournament promises to be another hit

14th annual fundraiser to feature home-run derby

Twelve teams will be competing in the 14th annual Sheila Bishop Memorial Wooden Bat co-ed slo-pitch tournament at the Lion’s Community Park on the weekend.

The tourney is held annually in honour of Sheila Bishop, an avid slo-pitch and volleyball player who lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer on June 6, 2003.

The tournament has raised more than $55,000 for local families and charities such as the Canadian Cancer Society in its first 13 years.

Tournament organizer Paul Borba said this year’s tournament proceeds will be split between Bonnie Reilly, a local woman who is currently battling cancer, and 8-year-old Lucas Lemke, who is battling Cystic Fibrosis.

“We are proud to be able to help a couple of locals who are facing some difficult circumstances,” said Borba.

Each team will play three games on Saturday as well as at least one playoff game on Sunday at Lion’s Park and the adjacent Scott Mullins Field.

There is also the ever-popular home run hitting contest on Sunday at noon at Lion’s, as well as a silent auction and a beverage garden.

All players must use wooden bats during tournament games and the home-run derby. The balls do not travel nearly as far when hit with wooden bats compared to aluminum, which results in lower scores and closer games.

“It’s more old-school type of ball which I think a lot of teams enjoy,” said tournament organizer Paul Borba. “It kind of changes the dynamic of the modern game. It’s really a fun tournament as opposed to being ultracompetitive.”

Organizers would like to thank the local umpires’ association led by Terry Lindsay who have again generously donated their time to officiate the games.

“Their support this year exceeds all previous efforts as they have enough volunteers to cover every game,” said Borba.

The tournament is once again a part of the 70th annual Penticton Peach Festival slate of events.