MEMORIAL BASEBALL TOURNAMENT 2021
Kind words from participants in our 4th Annual Baseball Tournament:
Julie Marsh, mom of Jeremy Marsh from HCYP Blue 13U team
“This was my first year participating in the tournament. I read about Patrick and realized what an honor it was to be participating in such an important tournament. I love the story about Patrick, one of which many of us parents attempt to attain.
I can’t say enough about what exceptional teams were present, excellent umps, excellent volunteers, and every boy I encountered had a passion for the game.
I am so immensely happy to now be aware of the project and the many, many people that support unselfishly. It was truly an honor to participate, and I am so happy you started this and tell the story of “why.”
My son and I had a long conversation regarding the pain of the family, the wonderful child he must have been, and the honor to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Thank you!!”
Chris Deluzio, Field Volunteer
“It's our pleasure to help out with a great event. The Fielder's Choice coach came up to me yesterday and said that your tournament exemplifies the values he's trying to reinforce with his players: sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and being a good, caring human being.
You, Walt and Patrick are having a tremendous impact on the community and should be very proud of what you've accomplished. My family and I are here to help with anything that you need.”
Patrick’s Teacher , Lori Curry
“I have a student that played in Patrick's baseball tournament this past weekend. He earned an honor coin and brought it in to show me. He was so proud with a huge smile on his face. Your angel is inspiring little baseball players and putting smiles on faces.“
After having to cancel the 2020 tournament because of COVID-19, we were overjoyed to host the 4th Annual Patrick Shifflett Baseball Tournament on June 5th and 6th, 2021. While we faced some limitations on field use and out of state participation, we were still able to have 55 teams play highly competitive baseball across 17 fields in Montgomery County. As is our tradition, we asked each coach to present the Patrick Shifflett Character Coin at the end of each game to the player on the opposing team that best represented the character, courage, determination, and sportsmanship that Patrick showed both on and off the field. It was a fierce battle for the championship in each age group, and while the champions received impressive trophies, we hope we continued emphasizing the most important part of our tournament – honoring Patrick. Please watch this video or read the speech presented by Pat’s uncle and godfather, John Carbonell, after the 13U Championship game.
"Thank you, everyone. I just want to say a couple words. This tournament is held to honor the life of Patrick Shifflett. And anyone whoever saw Patrick standing next to me would never guess that we were related. Him being a 6’ 2”, 220 lb. wall of muscle, and me being me. But my pride in being Patrick’s uncle and being Patrick’s godfather never came from his athletic ability, it never came from his intensity at every workout from start to finish, or at every practice or every game. My pride in Patrick has always come from the quality of his character. Patrick, when he was your age - giving his all in these fields - he came to win. And he brought all the intensity and all of the focus that was required to accomplish that goal. But he always knew that, as a player or as a student, that he was here to represent. He was representing his sport, he was representing his coaches, he was representing his teammates and he was representing his family. And Patrick never let us down, not once. So I enjoyed watching all of you play this weekend. It was great games and congratulate both teams for giving you’re all from start to finish. And I also congratulate for representing well. Thank you and God bless you all.”
