Annual Wiffle ball tournament is back

By Drake Lucas
Staff writer

July 22, 2008 12:10 am

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NORTH ANDOVER — Wiffle ball, live music and the Sausage King — it's all in the name of charity.

The fourth annual Tourney for Tim Wiffle Ball event will be held Aug. 9 to raise money for Reeling in a Dream, which fulfills dreams of people with cancer between the ages of 18 and 30.

The fund was set up in honor of North Andover High School graduate Timothy Roberts, who died of esophageal cancer at the age of 22.

This year's tournament is expected to be the biggest yet as 64 teams, both amateur and professional, compete for trophies and gift certificates.

Roberts' friend, Jeremy Cote, said the real draw is being able to see friends and enjoy the day while doing something important.

"People really have fun. That's a big part of the experience," Cote said. "It's not just a cancer benefit. It brings the community together."

For the first time, the tournament also will include a home run derby, which costs $10 for 10 swings. Winners get a cash prize and trophy. Cote said Wiffle ball rookies are encouraged to play, but for those who don't want to participate in the games, the day also provides live music, drawings and food. A silent auction includes two American Airlines tickets and a trip for a carload of people to visit Norm Abram's workshop from "This Old House."

Roberts' mother, Pat, said a core group of her son's friends have stayed in touch and kept the tournament going.

"A lot of people that play are just attentive to Timmy's charity and memory," she said.

Cote said he hopes to have everyone signed up by Aug. 1, because once all the slots are filled, registration is closed. So far, he said he hasn't had much trouble spreading the word.

"I get the question all the time, the first thing people ask me at the start of summer is when is the tournament," he said.

Tourney for Tim

When: Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: North Andover Middle School, 495 Main St.

Entry fee: $50 for amateur division, $100 for professional division.

For more information or to register, visit reelinginadream.org.