The La Porte Park and Recreation Department will host the 36th annual Walt Thode Tournament on June 1-8. For the first time in many years, the tournament is open to any area 12-and-under recreation league teams.
“We are opening the tournament to teams outside of our league as a way to help strengthen recreational youth baseball in our community and throughout the area,” Recreation Director Mark Schreiber said. “We believe in the importance of providing baseball for all youth and want to work with other programs to help preserve the rec leagues for years to come.”
The tournament is for recreational league teams only and teams are required to provide proof of their team’s league affiliation and rosters prior to acceptance into the invitational. Travel teams are not permitted. The tournament is only for 12-and-under teams, meaning teams comprised mostly of 12 and 11 year olds. No player turning 13 or older before May 1 is eligible to play in the tournament.
The single-elimination tournament will begin with the first-round on Saturday, June 1, and will continue through the semifinals and the championship on Saturday, June 8. The entry fee is $50 per team and is due by Friday, April 12. The tournament is limited to the first 16 teams to pay and be accepted.
For more information, contact Recreation Director Mark Schreiber at (219) 326-9600 or by e-mail at mschreiber@cityoflaporte.com. Tournament information can also be found on the Park Department Facebook page.