Everyone, I recently read about some speculation regarding the Erie PA tournament 2014.   And I wanted assure the fastball world that I am in communication with the folks that run the Great Lakes tournament in hopes of coming to an agreement on weekends so we do not have the conflict that we did this year.    As many will recall,  there was a conflict in 2013 because of some confusion with the ASA Major Nationals.   In 2014,  ASA Major Nationals is beginning on July 31 which means it WILL conflict with the newly announced Mitchell Ontario tournament.    There was some talk that ASA was moving to earlier in July but, the tournament director himself has told me he's keeping the weekend before ISC.

 

Great Lakes tournament and Erie are truly working together to try getting a mutually beneficial agreement for the betterment of the game..  Everyone wants the same things: to have their tournaments be a success and do the right thing for the fastball world.  I would like to personally thank George Ryder and some of the others in Ontario for communicating with me, in an attempt to avoid a conflict.   In the end, I do not know if there will be a conflict but, it's my hope to keep the Erie tournament going in 2014 either way.   Teams I have invited so far:   Gremlins, PA Power, Hill United,  Jarvis Hallman Twins, Toronto Gators, Scarb. Force, California A's, Midland Explorers, Great Lakes Mariners, and Ohio Capitals.     Obviously all of them will not be attending but, it's my hope to get the majority or work on it to my fullest. 

 

So, as of now, please mark your calendar's for Erie PA July 25-27.  

 

It's unfortunate when conflicts happen but, everyone involved in these 2 tournament are working together to see if there's anything we can do.   Other teams that are interested should contact me ASAP.   Erie has a lot to offer for families away from the softball fields, including miles of beaches at our state park and tax free shopping at our malls and stores.   

As always, the Avalon Hotel will serve as the host hotel and offering a $89 rate if you mention the softball tournament when you call 814.459.2220.   

 

It's no secret that Erie gets mixed reviews.  People either love or hate the old-fashioned ballpark we play at and the Avalon isn't everyone's favorite hotel to stay.  But the tournament and it's teams are top notch and Jay Hart will again be UIC bringing in his blue crew to insure the best ISC umpires available.   For the last few years, Erie has been a great tune up tournament for those preparing for the 2 big events at the end of the season.  I hope fans and teams will keep this in their plans.