The K-L-W Umpires’ Association will be holding the third annual Art Tainter Memorial Softball Tournament on the weekend of Oct. 16-17 at Thomaston Middle School and Georges Valley High School. The one pitch, double elimination co-ed tournament will see each batter go to the plate with a 3-2 count. Batters hit, walk or make an out; it’s that simple. The team registration fee is $100. Each member of the winning team will receive individual recognition.
The K-L-W Association provides umpires for local schools and various summer leagues. Art Tainter was a long time, valued member of the board. An excellent umpire, he also served as an officer in the organization. He gallantly battled cancer.
After careful consideration, the board voted to sponsor a tournament in his memory. The proceeds are used for assisting in the development of new umpires, something that was of critical interest to Tainter, and for an award that is presented to the school whose baseball and softball teams, as well as fans, best recognize the importance of sportsmanship.
The primary goal of this tournament is to have fun. Teams will play 2-4 females on the field at all times. An extra hitter is allowed. Males will use wooden bats; females can use metal. Pitching is restricted to a slow pitch in a 6-10 foot arch with restricted flight balls that will be provided.
There will be 15 run mercy rule after the fifth. Detailed rule sheets will be given to each team at their first game. Games will have a single umpire until the finals. The first games will start Sat., Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.
To register or get more information, call Mark Potter at 563-1054 or email pdgmark@lincoln.midcoast.com by Fri., Oct. 15.
