Freeport International Baseball Invitational set to start next week

Next week’s Freeport International Baseball Invitational is still a go, and roughly two dozen teams are ready to take part in games at four area fields.

Because of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, the week of activities, in some respects, will have a different feel from past tournaments, said FIBI vice president Dave Brestensky. But, he noted, the spirit of competition remains a focal point of the games.

Brestensky said teams that still wish to register can do so this week. The Alle-Kiski Valley and Pittsburgh region will make up the majority of the teams in the field, but teams from Erie and Cleveland also are expected to make the trip.

“We would like to have all the teams registered by Friday,” Brestensky said. “But if we have to make provisions, we will. We want to give as many teams as possible the chance to play.”

James E. Swartz Memorial Field in Freeport Borough again will serve as the hub for the games, which begin next Tuesday and run through July 25. Burrell High School and fields in Worthington and Etna also will host games.

Brestensky said plans are in the works to have a special game on the final night to cap the week of games followed by the traditional fireworks display around 10 p.m.

The Old Timers game will return at 8 p.m. July 23, and the John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5K and 10K races will be the morning of July 25. To register for the race or for more information, visit runsignup.com.

FIBI officials stress they continue to monitor many aspects of the evolving covid-19 guidelines and are putting safety measures in place that will abide by directives from local, state and national healthy agencies.

Freeport baseball coach Ed Carr said he is excited to have two scholastic-age teams made up mostly of Freeport players entering this year’s invitational.

“With vacations and pitching issues, we might have a few players come in from other towns and play with us,” said Carr, who hopes to see as many as possible throughout the area get the chance to play over the five days.

With the covid-19 pandemic wiping out the spring high school seasons, seniors were denied one more chance to represent their schools.

When southwestern Pennsylvania counties moved to the green phase June 5, those players were given a second chance to take the field with their teammates and friends before moving to the next phase in their lives.

Carr said he’s especially looking forward to a matchup between Freeport and Kiski Area at 8 p.m. July 24 at Swartz Field. Both teams will hold a ceremony to honor their 2020 seniors.

“It will be a nice way to recognize all of their hard work,” Carr said.

Framework for the new scoreboard at Swartz Field is in place, and Brestensky said the goal is to have the scoreboard operational by the end of this week.

“That is our hope for sure,” Brestensky said. “The electric is there, and the framework is in place. All that is left is for it to be hung and hooked up.”

For more information on team registration, games and events or for general comments and questions, email Fibisecretary@gmail.com.