Kelso Klassic Set for June 7-9 2024
Blair Setford • February 19, 2024
US Central Qualifier for #ISCWT2024
KELSO KLASSIC INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Kelso City Park – Kelso, MO
June 7 - 9, 2024
Up to 12 teams – 3 game guarantee bracket
Entry Fee: $325.00 (Make check payable to Kelso Klassic)
Deadline: April 1, 2024 (Note: If a team withdraws after April 1, 2024 money will be refunded only if a replacement team is found.)
Team Awards: First, second and third place
Individual Awards: First place team members (maximum of 18). Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Pitcher awards are also given.
Contact Larry Eftink
573-450-8887 (cell)
larry_eftink@hotmail.com
Kelowna, BC – Under the sunny skies of British Columbia’s Okanagan region, the GP Pirates emerged victorious at the 2025 Kelowna May Days ISC Qualifier , defeating the Sooke Loggers 2–0 in a tightly contested championship final held at King Stadium . In a classic pitching duel, Steven Normand took the ball for the Pirates and delivered a brilliant shutout performance against Sooke ace Devon McCullough . The game remained tense and scoreless until Sam Burns broke it open with a solo home run, giving the Pirates a 1–0 lead. An RBI by Corey Jones in the top of the seventh added crucial insurance, sealing the win and the tournament title. The Loggers, who had dominated their pool with shutout wins over the GP Pirates, Prince George River Kings, and Seattle Dirt Dogs, reached the final by blanking STK Fastball 3–0 in the semifinal. The Pirates earned their ticket to the championship with back-to-back playoff wins, including a 4–2 semifinal victory over the Lacey A’s.
At 25 years old , Tyler Damon is stepping into a key leadership role as the starting catcher for the newly named Kegel Black Knights . A fast-rising talent from Madison, Wisconsin , Tyler is ready to help guide his team through a competitive 2025 season and into the heart of international play with Team USA . When he’s not behind the plate, you’ll find him hunting, golfing, or hitting the ice for a game of hockey. Professionally, Tyler works in property maintenance —but on the field, he’s all business. A Baseball Turned Fastpitch Journey Tyler made the switch to fastpitch at 18 years old , shortly after wrapping up his baseball career. “I grew up watching my dad play, and that’s what got me into it,” he explains. “The biggest challenge early on was adjusting to the speed—fastpitch is a completely different pace compared to baseball.” His father’s guidance and example lit the spark, but it was Tyler’s own dedication that helped him rise through the ranks. And now, his presence behind the plate is a steadying force for one of the most competitive teams in the game.