The biggest sports event in the Boundary Region is just a few weeks away, but it needs the community’s help as it prepares for an even bigger tournament than last year.
The 41st Grand Forks International (GFI) Baseball Tournament is set to go June 22 to June 29, with 10 teams from Canada and the United States set to play for a chance at a total of $50,000 in prize money.
This year’s lineup includes:
- Alameda Merchants
- Alaska Goldpanners
- Burnaby Bulldogs
- Calgary Diamondbacks
- Coquitlam Angels
- Everett Merchants
- Grand Forks Slag Dusters
- Northwest Honkers
- Seattle Black Fins (2024 champions)
- Seattle Studs
Last year saw eight teams, with this year seeing the return of the Burnaby Bulldogs after a few years away, and the introduction of the Alameda Merchants from California.
GFI president and operations manager Morgan Strohmann explained it’s both good and challenging to see the tournament grow from last year.
“We have expanded talent, which is good to see because it’s expensive to travel and get here,” he said. “We are looking forward to having California here and more games, 27 in total.”
While there’s excitement, the perennial challenge of getting volunteers persists. Strohmann explained they do have a dedicated core group that come every year, but it does get harder to get more people to join in and help out. To exemplify, he was speaking to the organizers for the Hard Ball Cafe concession and they have 30 shifts they need filled to serve guests.
They are also looking for people to do security, among other areas.
