Cydney Broatch never realized that Wiffle ball is such a serious game.
``There are regulations and an official rule book. There are national tournaments,'' Broatch said, as hundreds of people around her swung Wiffle ball bats and enjoyed a sunny Saturday at the sports complex at Foran High School in Milford.
Broatch was presiding over the second annual Britton Broatch Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament, an event designed to raise money for charity and to remember her son, Britton, who died July 1, 2003, of a massive heart attack. He was 25 years old.
The tournament grew from Britton's love of Wiffle ball as a kid. All four Broatch sons regularly played the game in the back yard.
``The game was invented in Connecticut, and [the bats and balls] are still made in Shelton,'' Cydney Broatch said.
On Saturday, teams from Massachusetts and New York traveled to Milford to play the sport and honor the Broatch family.
``Each team paid a $100 entry fee and received a special T-shirt. The proceeds will go toward three scholarship funds and other charities,'' said Gavin Broatch, one of Cydney's sons.
Gavin Broatch said ``52 teams signed up for the event, each team had three to five members, placing the number of players at about 250. The family expects to raise about $10,000. Last year's event raised about $15,000,''.
``It's a good time. We have a DJ and Outback is donating food. I was praying it would not rain. I thought I'd drown last night [during Friday's rain] setting up the fields,'' said Gavin Broatch, who lives in San Diego.
The game bears little resemblance to baseball. A pitcher throws a Wiffle ball to a batter on the other team, and runs are scored on the basis of how far a ball is hit. There is no base running.
Dale and Pearl Kubek of Milford said they came to watch their son, Christian, play.
``It's a nice day and a nice event to raise money for charity. Some people sure take it seriously,'' Dale Kubek said as he watched his son's team in action.
``It's an outstanding event,'' said Patrick Hall of Shelton, who was waiting with his two young daughters for his team's turn.
``The Broatch family has done a good job, along with their supporters and friends. They are very giving and caring
people,'' Hall said.
Gavin Broatch said organizing the event is a lot of work, but is worth it.
``It's a lot of phone calls, but it's been great. It keeps Britton's name alive and people can help out other people,'' he said.
Bill Cummings, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6230. |