AU SABLE FORKS — The 63rd Annual Au Sable Forks Fast-Pitch softball tournament that organizers say features some of the best players in the world gets underway at 6:15 p.m. Friday July, 11 at Billy Mitchell Memorial Field with a dedication ceremony.
Followed by the singing of the U.S.A. and Canadian national anthems by Serena Brandt, the presentation of the flags by the Saranac American Legion Post #1618 Color Guard and opening ceremonies, the first game of the tournament will begin at approximately 7 p.m.
The game will feature the home team Au Sable Forks Brewers vs. the Quebec Juniors from St. Leonard D’Aston, Quebec, Canada.
Some of the local players for the Brewers are pitchers from the Au Sable Forks league Andrew Bombard and Nick McDonald. Other players include Kyle Nolan, Dalton McDonald, Bernie Laduke, Adam Coolidge, A.J. Gordon, Ryan Thomas, Brandon Snow and Carson Garcia.
The second game Friday will be a rematch of the finals between last year’s champion Team 518 from Amsterdam, New York and team Quebec from Donnacona, QC, Canada.
Team 518 is ranked 11th by the International Softball Congress and will be returning 2024 Au Sable Forks Tournament Most Valuable Pitcher Arturo Valdez, from Mexico.
The eight-team round robin format will resume Saturday at 9 a.m. On Field 1 will be the C.P.I. Bucks from Croghan, New York against Team Sandlot from Stevens, Pennsylvania.
The Sandlot team is ranked 14th by the I.S.C. and will be led by the 2023 tournament Most Valuable Pitcher Erick Chaparro, from Venezuela. The 9 a.m. contest on Field 2 will feature the Quebec U-23 team from Quebec City, Canada vs. Adirondack Steelworks, from Croghan, New York.
“Our tournament committee has put together an incredibly talented lineup for the fans to enjoy,” Tournament Director Adam Coolidge said. “This will be the first time in tournament history that fans will be able to witness three of the top teams from Canada competing with the Quebec Jr. team, the U-23 team, and the men’s team Quebec all battling it out in preparation for the Canadian Championships later this year.”
There will be a break in the action Saturday at 12:30 p.m. to induct this year’s 2025 Hall Fame inductees that include: Yvon Goneau the 1980, 1982 and 1983 tournament MVP; Mike Branchaud the 1988 Tournament Most Valuable Pitcher who went on to be one of the star attractions for Eddie Feigner’s traveling King and his Court team; Mike Deraway 2008 Tournament MVP and a seven-time tournament champion; Brent Isham (deceased) a Au Sable Forks league player who played third base and was known for hitting power; Gary Barber (deceased), 1972 Tournament MVP, hitting some of the longest homeruns in tournament history; Bill Gilmore 1968 and 1969 tournament MVP a standout pitcher who began his pitching career at the age of 15; Dave Connell (deceased) a member of the tournament committee, “liquid refreshment director,” and namesake for Dave’s Den still in operation at the field. He was also the owner and sponsor of the 20 main teams.
Also being recognized this year is 2024 inductee Francis “Duke” Latourelle (deceased), as his family was unable to attend last year’s ceremony. He was the tournament MVP for the 1964 Keeseville Merchants championship team.
The HOF ceremonies will take place on the infield of Field 1. Following the inductions tournament, play will resume with games played late into the evening Saturday. The semi-finals begin Sunday, July 13 at 9 a.m. with the championship game scheduled for 1 p.m.
The tournament champion will receive an automatic bid into the 2026 World Tournament in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Tournament spokesman Randy Douglas said, “We are very excited for this year’s event as our committees have worked really hard over the last several months to put a quality product on the field for all to enjoy.”
The Dick Crahan Memorial concession stand and the Dave Connell “Dave’s Den” memorial beer stand will be in operation all weekend long.
“There aren’t too many festivals that have continued for 63 years running and we are very proud to continue as the economic impact from this tournament is realized throughout the entire North Country,” Douglas said “Our tournament is known all over the world as top players can’t wait to return every year from the USA, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela and Australia, just to name a few countries with athletes participating.”
The main ticket gate and concession stands will be open starting at 5 p.m., Friday July 11.