University of Oregon head coach White will be among those playing for local teams
By Tim Trower, Mail Tribune
Fagone Field will replicate its vibrant heyday when the USA Softball junior men’s national fastpitch team visits for two games Thursday against squads stocked with local players — in some cases, players many years the barnstormers’ senior.
The games are at 6 and 8 p.m. at the venerable field, located at 701 N. Columbus Ave. They are part of a five-city tour the team of 16- to 19-year-olds is making as it heads to the International Softball Federation junior men’s world championships July 11-20 in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.
TEAM USA GAMES
WHAT: The USA Softball junior men’s team will play against two teams of local fastpitch players as it makes its way to the world championships later this month in Canada.
WHEN, WHERE: Thursday, 6 and 8 p.m., Fagone Field.
ADMISSION: $5, but youth softball and baseball players in uniform tops and former local men’s fastpitch players get in free.
BARBECUE: From 5 to 7 p.m., free with admission.
“I think it’s going to be a great contrast,” said Larry Binney, the event chairperson and a fastpitch icon in these parts.
Binney is a member of the Oregon Amateur Softball Association and Medford Sports halls of fame.
“You have the best youth players in the nation playing against local teams that have older pitchers and, obviously, other players who have played a lot of years,” said Binney. “It’ll be kind of a youth versus the old guard type of thing. I’m really interested to see it, personally.”
Among those who will pitch for the local teams are University of Oregon head coach Mike White, a former national team player, and Eagle Point’s 75-year-old Mike Trotter, himself a member of the Oregon ASA hall who remains competitive in senior tournaments. Click here to continue reading at the Mail Tribune.