The ninth Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament took place on July 25 at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals), with proceeds going to Home Runs for Holly, which benefits cancer patients with any form of the disease.
Holly Colwell, a tournament supporter, died of metastatic breast cancer at age 33, a week after the 2019 tournament.
Chris Tarducci, a breast cancer survivor, organizes the event with her son, Nick, and husband, Vince.
Members of Holly’s family were in attendance, including her mom, Joan Lafty, who presented Chris Tarducci with the first Legacy of Hope Award.
“Christine has helped make sure Holly’s memory lives on,” Lafty said.
Chris Tarducci said $55,000 was donated to cancer patients in the last year. The money can be for things such as rent and car payments for cancer sufferers who are unable to work due to treatments and surgeries.
Tarducci recalled three recipients who’ve passed away in the last year – Janice Montgomery-Winckler, Lauren Hallman and Geraldine Cartwright.
Vince Tarducci thanked the volunteer umpires, along with City Councilman Brian O’Neill, Deputy Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Buck and O’Neill aide Henry Shain for financial support, field preparation and the removal of a fallen tree.
The tournament had a bit of a Christmas theme and included an appearance by the Grinch, who stole ornaments and gifts on the field.
But even the Grinch didn’t touch the memorial garden and tree decorated with Christmas balls and a red ribbon.
The tournament featured 24 teams, eight in the Rec Division and 16 in the Competitive Division.
Each game was three innings.
Northeast Bullies won the Competitive Division, beating Breast to Ever Do It, 2-1, in the championship game, on a walkoff home run by Ty Sharp. Sharp has won three championships with three different teams. Other members of the winning team were Charlie Horan, Dylan Ulshafer, Matt Maher and Brian Wertz.
The Cleavage Crusade won the Rec Division, prevailing 3-1 in the championship game against Boobies, Bobs and Robs. Team members were Jake Murphy, Valerie DeJoseph, Tina Forte, Joe Ferry, Jimmy Forte, Nicholas Caranci, Ant Rossi, Pat Massa and Ryan Hanna.
Both championship teams won a tailgate party package for 20 at Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub and a $500 cash prize for the charity of their choice. Both teams gave the money back to Home Runs for Holly.
The day also featured a food truck operated by three-time cancer survivor Jeanne Guido, T-shirt sales, basket raffles, a card game, cornhole and 3-point basketball shooting for sports jerseys. For each home run hit, $21.40 (the amount pledged) was donated to Home Runs for Holly.
Cayden Stewart streamed a portion of the tournament on his YouTube channel, Cayden Stewart Broadcasting. ••
