The Mervin Farmer Memorial Baseball Tournament took place in Lundar from June 22-24 as the Interlake’s top clubs vied for their spot at the 2024 Baseball Manitoba Provincials.
The 11U Lundar Brewers 1, 13U Stonewall Blue Jays, and 15U Lundar Brewers won the tournament in their respective age groups last month, and punched their tickets to provincials.
“It was good competition all weekend,” said Interlake Minor Baseball Vice President Malcolm Murray. “The volunteers from Lundar were very helpful. Blaine Fortin and his crew cannot be thanked enough for the preparation and maintenance of the diamonds and facilities as well as taking on the immense task of hosting the 2024 Regional for Interlake. All the folks in the canteen making the best smokies and burgers for everybody, and taking care of us all weekend. Lundar put on a good show. The conditions and facility were great.”
This year’s tournament featured 17 teams from around the Interlake from the three different age groups.
The 11U division had 10 teams competing with four spots at provincials on the line.
By winning, the Lundar Brewers 1 will enter the Tier 1 provincials while the Warren Wildcats LeBlanc qualified for Tier 2, Lundar Brewers 2 in Tier 3, and Stonewall Blue Jays Frost also in Tier 3 rounded out qualifying bids.
The 13U division had five teams vying for three spots in provincials.
The 13U Stonewall Blue Jays victory secured their spot at the Tier 2 provincials, while Woodlands earned a bid into Tier 3. Tier 1 was predetermined with the Tier 1 Stonewall Blue Jays team attending to represent Interlake.
The 15U division had two clubs competing, the Lundar Brewers and Teulon Cardinals.
The Brewers will attend the Tier 2 provincials, and Tier 1 is represented by the Stonewall Blue Jays. Tier 3 will not have a representative for Interlake.
“The level of competition was quite high,” said Murray. “All the players were giving it everything they could. It means a lot to summarize their season, knowing they have a chance to represent their region at a provincial tournament. It can cause a lot of excitement, and there is a drive.”
Murray, along with other members of Interlake Minor Baseball kept track of pitch counts and scores over the weekend to ensure the tournament ran smoothly and fairly.
Due to rain, the 15U final was moved to Monday night, but for the most part, the teams played through the weather as they concluded yet another Mervin Farmer Memorial Championship.
“It gives me a lot of pride to be part of an event like that where there is so many kids participating and having fun, learning how to compete, and showing good sportsmanship,” said Murray.”
With the tournament now over, clubs are shifting their attention to the fast-approaching provincials.
The 11U provincials will take place July 5-7 with Tier 1 in Mitchell, Tier 2 in Reston, and Tier 3 in Boissevain.
13U Provincials are set for July 12-14 with Tier 1 in Morden, Tier 2 in Wawanesa, and Tier 3 in Carberry.
15U Provincials will run from July 12-14 with Tier 1 in Altona and Tier 2 in Stonewall and Warren jointly.
Murray said spectators should feel free to come out and enjoy some great baseball and support the local youth in pursuing a championship.
