[ad_1]
After a year without VFW baseball, Austin will celebrate the sport as it will host the 66th State VFW baseball tournament this week.
The tournament will bring players from across the state to town to play baseball, make friends, and enjoy the past summer before preparing for school this fall.
“If people want to see good youth baseball, we’re going to pit the top 10 teams in the state of Minnesota against each other for four days,” said Scott Weichman, commander of Austin VFW Post 1216 and chairman of the Department of Minnesota Youth Activities. “Every time you can involve the youth in athletic competitions, I find it good for them to do things outside and learn the lessons they learn from the team and from competing with other teams. They learn a lot more than just play baseball. “
The opening ceremony of the tournament will take place on Thursday at 10.30 a.m. in Marcusen Park. VFW Chaplin Len Gudmunson will offer an opening prayer, David Chao will sing the national anthem and WWII veteran Sy Schaefer will throw the first throw of the first game.
The tournament brings 10 teams to Austin and the games will take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Marcusen Park. Seltz Field will host games on Thursday and Friday.
All veterans living in assisted living facilities in Austin have all been invited to the opening game as guests of the VFW, where they will be recognized.
“One of the reasons we can get together and play baseball is because of the sacrifice of our veterans and comrades who didn’t make it home,” Softamn said.
Austin last hosted the VFW state baseball tournament in 2010 and Weichman is excited about the boost it can give Austin restaurants and hotels. He is also pleased that more children can experience the story of Marcusen Park, which opened in 1948.
“Marcusen Park is a historic baseball field in Austin. It’s important to take advantage of this and generate income for your operations, ”said Weichman. “This is the 66th year of the VFW tournament. It is important that we continue like this and keep the tradition of VFW youth baseball alive. “
[ad_2]
