Mondovi Youth Baseball Association hosts successful opening day tournament
by Dana Serum
Linse Field was a busy place on Saturday, May 16, for baseball lovers from the surrounding area. Many fans could be heard cheering on the more than 200 students that came to play in the third annual opening day tournament.
“There have been a lot more people than anticipated already,” said MYBA Vice President Nathan Ashwell of the early morning large crowd.
In total, 18 teams from Durand, Gilmanton and Mondovi participated in the all day tournament, ranging from four years old up to 12 years.
Badgerland Financial team member Lucas Odegard, 12, said that he has participated in the program for a few years now.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Odegard said. “I really like to play with my friends.”
Sixth grade Teammate John Schmidtknecht agreed.
“It’s a really fun experience,” Schmidtknecht said, who played short stop that day. “I’m really good at it.”
Dylan Vollmer, 11, was on the Gilmanton Community Club team.
“It’s good for kids to play against their home teams and their rivals” Vollmer said, while seated next to a mix of visiting players. “I’ll keep playing as long as I can. It’s awesome.”
During the tournament, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mike Osmond gave a special K-9 demonstration which was admired by the many youngsters attending.
Lots of people volunteered their time to work that day, including Jeremy Johnston, who manned the chicken grills, and Tom Larson of Eau Claire, who Deejayed for the event.
“What better way to spend a morning then to make kids feels like super stars,” Larson said.
Also volunteering amongst the many parents and students were 7-8 grade Pony League players and the Mondovi High School baseball team.
The event in total had 85 raffle prizes, which the majority were donated items. Notable grand prizes were of four Brewers versus Pirates tickets, a personalized MYBA fire pit, a baseball bat and a tail gate grill. Every young player received two raffle tickets for participating in the tournament.
MYBA President Ryan Vollmer said he is hopeful the money raised during the day will be put towards a new field.
“We are a dedicated organization,” Vollmer said. “Visitors have been coming up to us and saying it’s unbelievable what we’ve done here.”
After a light rain shower, Parent Jenny Stuber cheered on her son, Alex, 8, as he stood atop the mound in his first game of the season. She smiled proudly watching as he prepared for an opponent’s hit.
“I always love opening day,” she said. “The kids just get so excited.”
Board member Angela Schlosser mentioned that the MYBA is currently discussing the possibility of additional tournaments later in the summer. There will be a T-Ball tournament on July 18, for MYBA 4-7 year olds.
“The real emphasis is on the community, the volunteers, the businesses and so many others,” Schlosser said. “They are what really made this happen today.”
