Freeport International Baseball Invitational plans continue to move forward

With counties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania moving forward in the green phase of coronavirus recovery, next month’s Freeport International Baseball Invitational also continues to move forward with its mission to host the 26th annual event.

FIBI president Chuck Sarver said Wednesday that while field locations continue to be finalized, more and more teams are inquiring about taking part in games from July 21-25.

“We are getting a whole lot of interest from local teams of all age groups. We are getting more steady with calls,” Sarver said. “A couple of teams from Erie are coming down, and Pittsburgh RBI is sending a few teams. Some other organizations are hoping to bring multiple teams. We just want to be a place where teams that are looking for games can come to play and have fun.”

Sarver said he also has received interest from a 15U team from Cleveland run by former Freeport resident Mike Perry.

“He said the team had five tournaments that were canceled, and he was hoping to find places for his team to play,” Sarver said.

Freeport High School coach Ed Carr joined in on the effort early last month and has reached out to high school coaches in the WPIAL and beyond about the availability of players in their varsity, junior varsity and junior high programs.

Sarver again stressed that recommended social distancing practices will extend to various aspects of the event such as fans in attendance, players, coaches, umpires and concessions.

James E. Swartz Sr. Memorial Field in Freeport Borough again will serve as the hub for the week-long series of games.

The 18th Street Field in New Kensington and the field at Springdale High School also are set to host games.

Sarver said he is hoping to secure additional facilities and has spoken with those connected to Apollo-Ridge and Burrell about using their high school fields.

Armstrong High School hosted games last year, and Sarver hopes they will be able to do so again this year.

Sarver said the FIBI committee continues to work with New Castle-based Pyrotecnico FX for the traditional fireworks display on the final night of the event. Organizers also are planning to stage the annual 5K race that Saturday morning.

“We’re playing it by ear, but we are definitely making progress,” Sarver said.

For more information on how to become involved with this year’s Freeport International event, email chucks@weleski.com, FIBIpresident@gmail.com or call 724-448-2580.

FIBI is on Twitter and Facebook and online at fortheloveofthegame.org.