Final Wiffleball Tourney Set

Wes Vork-NSO File

For Photos Of Last Year’s Tournament Click Here

May 28

NSO

CLOQUET — It’s time for another day of skinny yellow bats, plastic whistling balls, burgers and fun — oh yeah, and the always-exciting Memorial Day Wiffleball Tournament.

Wiffle Hall of Famer Tyler Korby will again be hosting the tremendously-popular event for the sixth and final time during the holiday on Monday, May 31.

And that afternoon, it’ll be bigger than ever.

128 kids ranging from elementary school to college graduates will play on 32 teams. Throughout the day 63 games will be conducted on the three-field wiffleball complex at Peterson Park on Heather Avenue in Erickson Acres.

It’s the largest tournament of its kind in the state.

“It just gets bigger and bigger every year,” said Korby to Northland Sports Online Friday morning. “But that’s what makes it so much fun. The whole community loves it. And it really means a lot to me, to see everyone enjoying themselves and having a blast.”

Korby was inducted into the inaugural class of the Wiffle Hall of Fame in 2003 for his great efforts in developing the game around the neighborhood he’s playing in since the fifth grade. The Hall is located in Shelton, Conn.

“It’s pretty neat to be in there,” said Korby about the Hall of Fame. “Heck, only four people in the whole world are in it. And to be one of them means a lot to me.”

The annual Memorial Day tournament was created by Korby a half-decade ago back in 2005, where it included just a mere 40 kids and only 10 teams.

Obviously the event has grown significantly over the years, but Korby was the first to note that he hasn’t done it all by himself.

“I’ve had a ton of help,” said Korby, who is assisted by many families and local businesses, as well as tournament co-directors Andrew Bergeron and Eric Peterson year after year. “I do a lot of work for this event, yes, but it wouldn’t be where it’s at today if it wasn’t for the help that I have received over time.”

Many local families and businesses will be sponsoring the event like always, such as B&B Market, which will again provide jerseys and food for all of the players throughout the afternoon. They’ll also be selling food at regular price for fans.

“What they do is absolutely amazing,” said Korby about B&B, especially owners John and Kim Lind. “They are like the glue of this tournament. Sure, kids like to play wiffleball, but when you throw in burgers, now we’re talkin’.”

But after Monday, Korby noted that it’s time to finally put it all aside.

“I love running this so much and it’s been a blast,” Korby said with a smile.

“But at age 23 and a year out of college from UMD, I think it’s time to start my real life,” Korby continued laughing. “Who knows, someone might take it over next year. We’ll see what happens. But it sure has been one heck of a run.”

But that run isn’t quite over yet.

“I’m gunning for the title this final year,” said Korby, as the champion will receive the historic traveling trophy afterwards. “The field of competition is deep again, but it’s all or nothing this Monday, that’s for sure. I’ll be giving it everything I got in the tank.”

Pool play games are set to kickoff at 8 a.m. Monday morning with the championship contest highlighting the evening around roughly 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out, enjoy the day and watch some of the best action around.

“I can’t wait to get out there,” said Korby. “It gets more and more exciting every year. I’m sure my smile won’t leave my face throughout the entire day.”

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