Freeport International Baseball Invitational looks to bring in overseas teams for 2022 event

Despite recent temperatures in the single digits and snow on the ground, officials and others connected to the Freeport International Baseball Invitational are thinking of warm and sunny weather as plans move forward with this summer’s 28th annual event.

FIBI president Chuck Sarver said Monday that a team from Israel hopes to give the week of games that international flair for which it is famous.

“Aryeh Klein, who coached a team here before, is coaching a high school team there and wants to bring them over,” Sarver said.

“We’ve always kept in touch. (FIBI board member) Dave (Brestensky) was instrumental in getting them on board the first time. They had a great time before, and they are excited to come back this year.”

Covid and other factors have prevented international teams from taking part in the Freeport International the past couple of years, and Sarver said covid will continue to be monitored.

A team from France was set to travel to Freeport last year, but covid logistics scuttled those plans. Sarver hopes they will be able to make the trip this year.

Sarver also said that in addition to international teams participating, a contingent of players from Puerto Rico hope to return after a two-year hiatus.

This year’s weeklong schedule of games and other events will be July 26-30.

Some of the traditional aspects set to return are the Sunny Westerman Old Timers Game on Thursday, July 28 and the all-star game and fireworks on Saturday, July 30.

Both will be played at James E. Swartz Memorial Field, the epicenter for the International in Freeport Borough.

Sarver said FIBI games also are being planned for fields at Highlands High School, Northmoreland Park, Armstrong High School, Freeport Community Park and Kiski Area High School.

“There are so many really nice fields to play on in the area,” Sarver said.

Sarver said November and December’s raffle fundraiser was successful with more than $2,500 raised.

The next FIBI planning meeting is slated for Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Freeport United Methodist Church, and Sarver said those interested in becoming involved are welcome to attend.

For more information on the Freeport International Baseball Invitational, visit freeportinternationals.com.

“We met last week, and we had eight or nine people there, which I was excited about,” Sarver said. “We talked about a lot of things, including the fields and the teams who want to come in to play. There was some good conversation. Things are moving forward.”