New Hope Christian Church is looking for former baseball and softball players to play in a wiffle ball tournament Sept. 14. Teams would be comprised of former =athletes from Crawfordsville, North Montgomery and Southmont high schools.
For many, wiffle ball was played in neighborhood yards. It is still a popular game today. The sport has experienced a recent increase in interest, especially with ESPN telecasting national tournaments.
New Hope is in the process of constructing an official wiffle ball field next to the church on U.S. 231 South, complete with a strike zone back stop for calling balls and strikes. The fencing is up and basepaths will soon be added.
Tyler Smith, youth minister at New Hope, dreamt about building a wiffle ball field for a couple of years. One day he stepped out of the church and noticed the area just north of the church and it struck him it would be perfect for a wiffle ball field.
“I grew up playing wiffle ball in my back yard just like a lot of people,” Smith said. “I think it will be fun to have a real field and eventually open it up to all ages.”
Smith has found several team captains who are in the process of building their co-ed rosters.
The church will provide wiffle balls and bats as well as umpires.
Smith hopes the public will come out and watch the games. Food trucks will be on site the day of the tournament.
“I would love to see people bring their lawn chairs and just have a fun time,” Smith said. “I also think the players will find it fun to put on their school colors and represent their schools again.”
Players interested in participating should contact Smith by email at tyler@newhopefortoday.org.
