FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FIFTH ANNUAL JOEL STEPHENS
TOURNAMENT SET FOR JULY3-6 – AREA’S TOP AMERICAN LEGION TOURNAMENT FEATURE
TEAMS FROM NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, AND CANADA
MANSFIELD – The fifth annual Joel
Stephens Invitational American Legion Baseball Tournament will take
place Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6
This year’s event will feature a 16-team field and will be
played at three sites; Mansfield University’s Shaute Field, Kelly Field
located in Smythe Park, Mansfield, and Williamson H.S.
Founded in 1998 to honor the memory of Joel Stephens and
other American League players from the Twin Tiers, the tournament has developed
into one of the top American Legion tournament’s in the Northeast.
“The goal of the tournament is to provide first class
environment, with an emphasis on sportsmanship,” Ron Stephens, Joel’s
father, said. “We are committed to this being a ‘player’s tournament,’
making the participants feel as special as the people the tournament honors.”
This year’s tournament will feature four divisions. Each
division winner advances to compete for the Joel Stephens Trophy on Sunday, July
3. The four division runner-ups will advance to compete for the Josh Palmer Fund
Trophy.
The official opening ceremonies will take place on Friday,
July 4, at 2 p.m. at Shaute Field and feature the parade of teams, as well as
special presentations and a tribute to Joel Stephens.
This year’s event will also include a Florida Marlins
tryout at Shaute Field on Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m. Players ages 16-25 are
invited. There is no charge. Registration starts at 9:45 a.m. For more
information on the tryout call (570) 662-4457.
All money raised by the Joel Stephens Tournament
support the Joel Stephens Foundation and the Josh Palmer Fund.