Area teams take to the field to raise funds

Unless the fields wash away, the umps will yell "play ball" as the Coleton Wedel baseball tournament gets under way tomorrow at 4 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, a double-elimination baseball tournament will be held with teams playing in Troup, Carlisle and West Rusk. Games will start at 4 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Game admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

"We have eight teams firm for Friday's start," said Robert Roberson, tournament organizer.

The first game in Troup begins at 4 p.m. with Troup facing T.K. Gorman. The opener for the West Rusk field is a matchup between Chapel Hill and West Rusk. The 6 p.m. games have Bullard facing Overton on the Troup field and Jefferson taking on Carlisle in West Rusk. The third game of the day will pit the losers against each other at 8 p.m.

The eliminations continue at 9 a.m. on Saturday in Carlisle and Troup with the championship game being played in Troup.

Concessions will be available at all sites.

Along with the hours of planning and coordination come some very generous partners. All umpires for the games have donated their time. Tyler Athletics and League Direct have donated all the balls that will be used. Countless individuals have donated time, talent and product to make this event a successful fund raiser to assist with the financial needs connected with medical treatment for Coleton "Skinny" Wedel.

Coleton was recently diagnosed with cancer. He plays baseball for the Carlisle Indians and the baseball community has rallied behind him and his family to do what they can to help as he fights the disease.

Two bands were scheduled to perform following the last game on Saturday night, but due to the threat of inclement weather and the late finish of the final game, that concert has been cancelled.

Four tickets to the July 21 Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Indians game will be raffled at the games. The tickets include a parking pass. Chances are $2 per ticket or $5 for 3.

Gate receipts, team entry fees, concession proceeds and raffle money will all go to the Austin Bank account to help the Wedel family with mounting medical bills.

Come out and enjoy a ball game, some great food and lots of fun, all for a good cause.

If in any doubt about the games taking place because of weather, contact Robert Roberson at 903-258-2598.