Wood Bat tourney turns 15 this weekend

It’s the 15th annual Sheila Bishop Memorial Wood Bat co-ed slo-pitch tournament this weekend, and appropriately, there are 15 teams competing.

The tourney, now part of the Peach Festival slate of activities, will be played Saturday and Sunday at Lion’s Park and the adjacent Parkway school and Scott Mullins diamonds.

Games get going Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the A and B finals set for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Teams are guaranteed four games.

Paul Borba, co-organizer along with Don and Vikki Gowan, said three Kelowna teams are competing this year for the first time, while the other 12 teams are from Penticton and Summerland.

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 $60,000 for local families and charities such as the Canadian Cancer Society in its first 14 years.

This year, most of the proceeds from the tourney will go to Ann Robson, whose husband, Steve West, recently passed away due to cancer.

Borba noted Ann’s daughters, Dana and Tannis, have played in the Wood Bat tourney for many years.

“The funds will help Ann a little bit during a difficult and stressful time,” said Borba.

Borba said organizers are proud of the longevity of the tournament and the support it receives from participants and the Peach Festival.

“We’re just happy to help out families in need and other local charities,” said Borba.

The unique event sees all players use wooden bats during tournament games and the popular 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.

However, Borba said organizers were able to purchase some brand new wood bats for this year’s tourney.

“It will be interesting to see if that changes anything as far as how far the balls can be hit,” said Borba.

The home run derby will be held Sunday at 3:30 p.m. prior to the final games. Each player contributes $5 to take part in the contest, with proceeds from there also going to the charities.

There will also be a beverage garden behind the left-field fence at Lion’s throughout the tournament, as well as a silent auction and raffles.

Organizers wish to thank the local umpires’ association, led by Terry Lindsay, for once again donating their time to officiate the games.