ASHLAND — Sports have a way of connecting people that otherwise may never cross paths.
Much like the recent FIFA World Cup gathered individuals from different walks of life, other sports have that ability too — including softball.
In this case it happens to be mens fastpitch softball.
Friday evening marked opening day for the 5th Ashland Invitational Mens Fastpitch Softball Tournament at Brookside Park. Ashland Mayor Matt Miller was invited to toss the ceremonial first pitch.
The tournament — organized by Ashland resident Craig Scott — includes eight International Softball Congress teams from throughout North America.
Seven of the teams competing this weekend are ranked within the Top 20 internationally.
Teams competing in this weekend’s invitational — which runs through Sunday afternoon — include:
- Hill United Chiefs (#1) of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada.
- Team 518 (#8) of Amsterdam, New York.
- Midland Explorers (#17) of Midland, Michigan.
- PA Storm (#19) of Stevens, Pennsylvania.
- Bear Creek Gremlins (#2) of Chippewa of the Thames, Ontario, Canada.
- Northeast Drillers (#4) of Christiansburg, Virginia.
- Sandlot (#11) of Stevens, Pennsylvania.
- Wabash Pride of Wabash, Indiana.
While still residing in Ashland, Scott is the field manager and plays for the Midland Explorers. Fastpitch practically runs through his veins.
“My dad, brother, grandpa, all my relatives, we all played fastpitch,” he said Friday. “There’s only one guy from Ohio on the team (Midland) and it’s me.”
Scott’s 17th-ranked Explorers played against top-ranked Hill United to open tournament play. The Chiefs defeated Midland 13-1, but the smile on Scott’s face couldn’t be erased.
“I’ve got relationships with all these teams. I’ve been around since before some of these teams were even playing,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was 16, so I’ve got good relationships with these guys and they love coming to Ashland.”
Of all the ISC tournaments throughout the year, Scott said the attendance at Brookside is arguably the largest crowd any of the teams will play in front of for the season.
“We don’t have crowds like this at our other tournaments. It’s sad. But that’s just the way the game is going. But in Ashland, we get a huge load of people,” he said.
Scott’s family is the inspiration and motivation for why he organizes the tournament, he said, thanking them for their tremendous outpouring of support. He also thanked Mike Van Dine for his efforts to ensure the tournament runs smoothly and successfully.
Below are photos, taken by Hayden Gray, from Friday’s matchup between Midland and Hill United at Brookside Park. The story continues below.
A big family
Despite the distances separating the teams — and the athletes themselves — the invitational is more like a family reunion.
As Midland and Hill United left the dugouts Friday they exchanged hugs, handshakes and conversation with players from Bear Creek and Northeast — the teams who competed in the second game of the opening day doubleheader.
Other athletes from the four teams not in action Friday watched from the stands while socializing with spectators.
“We’ve all played against and with each other,” Scott said.
“Some of the guys that were on the team today, they stayed with me two or three years ago at my house (during the tournament). They weren’t even on my team — they just stayed there, because they wanted to be with the other guys.”
Saturday and Sunday game schedule
The action picks back up Saturday morning with two games at 9 a.m. One will be played on Brookside Main Diamond while the other takes place at Brookside West Field #1.
Games are also being livestreamed online via Softball Premier on YouTube.
Below is the schedule of games for Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of Scott, along with more photos from Friday’s matchup between Midland and Hill United (taken by Hayden Gray).
