The tournament kicked off its 50th — and possibly its final — iteration on Friday afternoon with an Old Timers and Girls Game before the official games got underway. Wdowiasz, the tournament’s organizer for the past two-plus decades, led one team of old timers and girls, while former organizer Mike “Harvey” Tofil opposed him on the other side in the pitcher’s circle.

“It was a good feeling to see some of these guys, for the first time in a while, down at the ball field. To get them on the field for the first time for some of the guys in a couple decades,” Wdowiasz said.

Harvey’s team fell behind early 5-1, thanks in part to his own daughter, Alexis Tofil. Dunkirk’s own Youth and Recreation Coordinator went 3-for-3 off her father and helped build an early advantage for Dopey’s team.

In the end, however, the old timers earned the former tournament organizer one last win, as Harvey’s team stormed back with five unanswered runs to come away with a 6-5 victory.

Alexis Tofil celebrates after getting a hit off her father, Mike “Harvey” Tofil. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen

“We had a decent amount of people here watching the game. It was good,” Wdowiasz said. “Everyone had a good time. Now they can enjoy the rest of the games.”

The tournament officially began Friday night with three games at Promenschenkel Stadium. Games will continue all weekend, spread across several fields, including Promenschenkel Stadium, Koch’s Field, and the field at School No. 7. The championship game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., Sunday afternoon at Promenschenkel Stadium.

This year’s tournament features nine teams, including four teams from Canada visiting for the weekend to compete. Three local teams will compete for the title, as well.

“You can expect some decent, competitive games along the weekend. You can see some locals playing, and hopefully we’ll have a few local teams playing after the first round on Sunday,” Wdowiasz said.

Saturday will feature 11 games across all three fields, while seven games will take place Sunday, including the championship. Party McFly will take the stage at the First Ward Falcon Club on Saturday night, from 8-11 p.m. Raffles, t-shirts, and concessions will also be available at the Stadium all weekend.

Tournament organizer Tim “Dopey” Wdowiasz laughs after making a play at third base during the old timers game on Friday. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen

“It will be an enjoyable weekend. Come on down and watch some fast pitch softball, in case this is the last one,” Wdowiasz said.

Sponsors for the tournament include the First Ward Falcon Club, the Moniuszko Club, the Kosciuszko Club, Dunkirk Falcons, Dunkirk Lakeside Club, Dunkirk Exempts Club, American Legion Post 62, and the City of Dunkirk Recreation Department.

Former tournament organizer Mike “Harvey” Tofil delivers a pitch to start the old timers game. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen