WILDWOOD – The month of August will be filled with the sound of waves, seagulls, the crack of a bat lobbing a ball skyward and the cheers of the crowd as the boys and girls of summer bring America’s favorite warm weather pastime to America’s favorite beach. Two tournaments, scheduled for two weekends in August and held on four baseball fields on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, will allow kids and parents alike to experience the game at a new level.
“Last year’s beach baseball tournament was a tremendous success,” said Commissioner Pete Byron. “It was so well-received that we’ve added another weekend to allow more players to play ball on the beach.” The commissioner, who oversees the city’s Department of Beach Services, has long been a proponent of bringing baseball to the beach. “Our beach is the perfect place to enjoy a baseball game, either as a player or a spectator.
According to organizers, multiple playing fields created on the beach will offer ample space for players and for baseball lovers to sit and watch the games and enjoy panoramic views of the Boardwalk and ocean.
Team participants ranging in age from 9 to 12 and their families will not only enjoy playing on a diamond made of sand, but will also enjoy Wildwood’s world-class hotels, restaurants and local entertainment venues.
“It has been our mission to develop a unique tournament that allows everyone to enjoy the beach, Boardwalk, amusement rides and other amenities that the city has to offer,” said volunteer tournament director Marc DeBlasio. “Bringing America’s national pastime to Wildwood’s beach is an honor and a privilege.”
According to DeBlasio, last year’s inaugural tournament was extremely well-received. “We had so many teams interested in coming to the Wildwood beach to play ball that we had to increase the number of days we offer it. Last year’s event was amazing for everyone and we anticipate the 2017 tournament to be just as successful.”
This year, two, two-day tournaments will held Aug. 12-13 and Aug. 19-20. All games will be held on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Winners of each division will play in a championship game Sun. Aug. 13 or Sun. Aug. 20.
Teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. With only four teams allowed in each of the four divisions, space in the tournament is limited. To hold a spot in the tournament’s roster, an application, along with a deposit, must be received by May 15.
For additional information, please email DeBlasio at marcdeblasio@comcast.net or call (609) 480-5098. Online registration is available at wildwoodnj.org.