3rd Annual Marques Butler Memorial Softball Tournament Jan. 28- 29
The softball diamonds are booked for the last weekend in January in remembrance of Key West High School student Marques Butler.
Marques was an outstanding young student /athlete who exemplified the positive traits of fair play, teamwork and sportsmanship. He died tragically in October 2009 during a street altercation.
Key West City Commissioner and tournament chairperson Tony “Fat” Yaniz started dedicating this ball diamond action to the young man. Monies raised are earmarked towards two scholarships given to graduating student athletes at Key West High School who exemplify Marques’ sportsmanship and love of the game.
Organizers are looking to add to the brackets for the exciting, two-day January tourney with 16 to 18 teams. We currently have 14 teams signed up, including a team travelling all the way from Chicago to participate in this worthwhile mix of sports and respect for the game. Entry fee is $325. Ultimate deadline is January 9. There are still a few slots available on individual teams for athletes who want to play but are not on a team.
The men swing away to 14” balls and the women will swing at 12”. Teams from all of Monroe County, and the nation, are invited to join the action on the Key West diamonds.
“In this instance we are definitely using softball as a way to connect with the community,” says Yaniz. “The invitation is extended to everyone in Monroe County, including Marathon and the Upper Keys, to come out and show us what kind of sportsmanship and talent they have. We’re now in our third year and the tournament has grown into one everyone wants to be associated respects and
First place walks away in their cleats with $500 and other considerations.
The championship game will be broadcast Sunday January 29 live on WKWF radio.
Text Samantha at (305) 879-2682 to register. Follow the tournament on Facebook or log on to www.butlersoftball.com for more info.
