"Venerable" and "wiffle ball" are not words usually used together, but when a tournament lasts two decades and is still going strong, it probably deserves a "venerable" tag.
That description now applies to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament, which played its 20th annual event July 19-20 at Smithfield Community Park.
This is the 27th year that an organized wiffle ball tournament has been held, according to an event news release.
The North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament has been played the past two years in Smithfield, and all of the previous tournaments were played in Kenly. The Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department and Pepsi Bottling Ventures are the current sponsors, according to an event news release.
This year's winners were the G-Nats of Bailey, who defeated the Legendary Lumber for the Adult Division championship.
The event also included a 15-and-under division, with the Spitting Llamas of Benson defeating the Blaze for the title.
Most teams were from Johnston County - Smithfield, Selma, Kenly, Benson, Four Oaks and Princeton. Other team arrived from Wilson, Bailey, Elm City, Raleigh and Bailey.
Contact event organizer Steve Edwards at stevieandcindy@nc.rr.com. Steve said a Web site is in the works, so watch for an announcement.
Results of 2008 North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament
Results provided by tournamament organizers
Adult Division
Champion: G-Nats
Jake Austin
Brian Powell
Luke Murray
Brent Powell
Runner-up: Legendary Lumber
Jeff Davis
Chris Davis
Duane Pittman
Ritchie Willoughby
Paul Lynn Willoughby
Note: Jake Austin of the G-Nats had the game winning hit in the bottom of the last inning.
Adult Division All-Tournament Team
MVP - Jake Austin: G-Nats
Brian Powell: G-Nats
Luke Murray: G-Nats
Brent Powell: G-Nats
Jeff Davis: Legendary Lumber
Chris Davis: Legendary Lumber
Duane Pittman: Legendary Lumber
Jeff Millard: Touch em All
Jared Thomas: Touch em All
Brian Cuddington: Organized Konfusion
15-and-under Division
Champion: Spitting Llamas
Austin Raynor – MVP
Brandon Beasley – All-Tournament
Casey Turnage – All-Tournament
Tyler Lewis – All-Tournament
Runner-up: The Blaze
Austin Lee – All-Tournament
Reid Barefoot – All-Tournament
Allen Hall
Tyler Castleberry
