Welcome back to Wenatchee!  On May 28-29, 2005, we will have the fourth annual RICH RICE MEMORIAL MEN’S FASTPITCH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT.  We have organized this tournament for a couple of reasons.  One is to honor the memory of a friend and great pitcher from the Wenatchee Men’s Fastpitch League who died unexpectantly in September of 1999.  Another reason is to try to revive men’s fastpitch softball in the Wenatchee Valley. 

A bunch of us “old timers” have formed a team for the tournament and we would like to invite you too.  For this fourth year, we have decided on a twelve team round robin format.  This will guarantee each team 5 games, with 3 being played on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, plus a championship game.  By word of mouth, there has been great interest from around the state in coming to this tournament.  Last year’s event was a great success.  We will be accepting teams on a first come, first served basis. 

Your entry fee of $270 based on date of receipt will determine who plays.  Once the field is set, this entry fee will be non-refundable.  We have listed the tournament as an “A/B” classification in the ASA Tourney Guide.  The tourney will be held at Walla Walla Park within the Riverfront Park system in Wenatchee.  It is next to the Columbia River with many activities available nearby. 

BOOK MOTEL ROOMS NOW!  The WIAA Girls’ State Championships has first priority to the fields and they have moved the date of this year’s tourney to our regular weekend in June.  Please plan early as motel space is at a premium during the weekend of our tournament, especially during Memorial Day weekend.

 Please join us in welcoming back men’s fastpitch softball to Wenatchee!

Your Tournament Directors,

Vern Neel                                                         Randy Cooper 

2460 N. Baker                                                  625 Meadows Drive

E. Wenatchee, WA 98802                                 Wenatchee, WA 98801

509-884-4102                                                    509-665-8651 (Home)

vernwheel@msn.com                                       509-665-6056 (Work)

                                                                        509-667-3328 (Fax)

                                                                        rcooper@cwhs.com

 P.S.  If you know of someone that might be interested in the tournament, please email or call us with the information.  Thanks!

 Rich Rice Memorial Tournament Champions                                       

                                       2004 – Washington National Mortgage

                                       2003 – Interbay Door

                                       2002 – Northwest Merchants