BUCYRUS — The seventh annual Tommy Slugfest Tournament will once again raise money for a local cause.
This year, the tournament, sponsored by the Bucyrus Little League, will raise money for long-time local physician, Dr. Michael Johnson, who is currently battling cancer.
Fourteen teams from Bucyrus, New Washington, Nevada, Bloomville, Galion, Iberia, Mount Gilead and elsewhere will compete in the three-day event that begins Friday evening at 6 p.m. at Aumiller Park.
Tournament Director Scott Langenderfer is excited for the opportunities presented to the kids involved and is passionate about the cause.
“Scott has been pivotal with the Tommy Slugfest Tournament from the beginning,” Bucyrus Little League board president Amanda Rex said. “And Dr. Johnson has been an important part of the Bucyrus community.”
The tournament encompasses both baseball and softball and is for the under-12 age group. The format is pool play with the first round beginning Friday evening and Saturday’s games are slated to start at 9 a.m.
“It gives the kids a feel of playing travel ball without having to travel,” Langenderfer said. “It’s a chance for kids to shine who may not have an opportunity otherwise. Because you’re playing so many games in a day, kids get to play positions they might not normally play.”
The tournament will conclude on Sunday with bracket and championship rounds. There will be 50-50 drawings throughout and silent auctions and raffles.
A highlight of the event is the home run derby on Saturday evening. Divisions include 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U and Open.
“The kids just love it. They like meeting kids from other areas,” Rex said. “They talk about (playing in) it for years. It’s something that’s fun for them.”
The tournament originated to benefit the family of Tom Smith, a veteran Little League coach who was diagnosed with cancer earlier that year. Each year since, the Bucyrus Little League Board has selected a different family or organization to donate the funds to.
This year, all the proceeds will benefit the James Cancer Hospital in the name of Dr. Johnson. More information can be found online at https://osu-honor-and-memorial-giving.everydayhero.com/us/michael-johnson.
“We’ve given to back to several families over the years.” Langenderfer said. “The biggest one was for Noah Lear in 2016.”
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor of the tournament can do so by sending a check payable to the Bucyrus Little League at P.O. Box 70, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Note on the check that the money is designated for Dr. Johnson.
Individuals or groups can also donate items for the silent auctions and raffles. Items may be dropped off at the lower field concession stand at the Rotary Complex Field of Dreams at Aumiller Park any weekday from 5-8 p.m.
“Thanks to Amanda and the board for allowing us to schedule this tournament,” Langenderfer said. “We would like to have even more teams.”
“It’s a lot of work for the board leading up to it, but the cause is so worth it,” Rex said. “People are welcome if they want to make a donation in Dr. Johnson’s name. We can even take credit cards.”
