America’s Pastime Comes to Wildwood Beach

WILDWOOD — “Batter up!” That will be the sound heard across the sand when the first annual Wildwood Baseball Tournament on the Beach brings hundreds of players and their families to this city.
On Aug. 20 and 21, the boys and girls of summer will bring America’s favorite warm weather pastime to America’s favorite beach. Sixteen teams of 14 players, ages 9 – 12 will take to four baseball fields on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue to experience the game at a new level.
“Having baseball come to Wildwood’s beach is tremendous,” said Commissioner Pete Byron. The commissioner, who oversees the city’s Department of Beach Services, has long been a proponent of bringing baseball to the beach. “Our beach is the perfect place to enjoy a baseball game, either as a player or a spectator.
According to organizers, the four playing fields created on the beach will offer ample space for baseball lovers to sit and watch the games and enjoy panoramic views of the Boardwalk and ocean.
Players and their families will not only enjoy playing on the sand, they will also partake of Wildwood’s world-class hotels, restaurants and local entertainment venues. Each player will receive a welcome bag that will include gifts from the tournament’s national sponsors, free passes and discount coupons to local attractions along with information about the city.
“It has been our mission to develop a unique tournament that allows everyone to enjoy the beach, Boardwalk, amusement rides and other amenities that the city has to offer,” said volunteer tournament director Marc DeBlasio. “Bringing America’s national pastime to Wildwood’s beach has been an honor and a privilege.”
The two-day tournament will begin at 9 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 20 with a first pitch and will end with a championship game on Sun., Aug. 21 at 4:30. All games will be held on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. For additional information please visit the event’s website at wildwoodbeachbaseball.com.