Established Little League tournaments take to the fields in Erie County.
Erie region will host the Pat Papale Memorial Little League Baseball Tournament and the 3rd Annual Dirt and Diamonds Little League Softball Tournament this weekend.
The Pat Papale Memorial Tournament, hosted by the North East Little League, will take place this weekend at the Denny Lowes Memorial Complex, North East High School and Belle Valley.
A total of 35 teams will compete, coming from across the tri-state area. Teams will play a minimum of three games and both first and second place teams will receive an award.
“The Pat Papale Memorial Tournament is a great opportunity for young players to compete in a supportive environment” said Mike Strickland, vice president of the Northeast Little League. “Each year brings excited young athletes to Erie and gives them a chance to show their love for baseball.”
This baseball tournament was established in honor of Pat Papale, a Northeast High School baseball player who passed in an automobile accident. Since 2013, 8U and 13U baseball teams have competed in this tournament, giving young athletes an opportunity to compete on the same fields that shaped Pat’s baseball journey.
The 3rd Annual Dirt and Diamonds Tournament, hosted by the Union City Little League, will take place Friday through Sunday. Softball games start at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“Through this annual tournament young softball players are able to compete and grow their love for the game” said Christopher Zielinski, president of the Union City Little League. “Excited teams come to this tournament and help us celebrate youth softball in Union City.”
