The Wetzel Chronicle is sponsoring a slowpitch softball tournament June 11-13 to raise money for the Wetzel County Relay For Life.

This tournament is like no other: a 15-person team bats all 15 players each inning. Extra batters may be sent to the plate at $5 each, each inning. There is a 1:15 hour time limit per game, with each team allowing 10 of the 15 team members to play the field and unlimited substitutions.

Each batter goes to the plate with a 3-2 count. Pitches that are hitable, according to the umpire, are strikes. Only the last batter of the inning can’t strike out on foul balls. Pinch running also is permitted, either while at bat or after a player gets on base. No pitches are allowed higher than 15′ in the air.

The event, dubbed “Let’s Strike Out Cancer,” encourages teams to go out and get a sponsor to contribute for every strike out, run, or hit that a team achieves. This is a fun tournament and rules will be applied to keep the game fun for everyone, including innings where left field is poison and batters using walkers to run the bases. Other rules and silly things will be at hand, so everyone not participating can come and enjoy watching. Also after the last batter of every inning, fans on hand can try to help the teams out and bat for a $5 fee with all proceeds going to Relay For Life.

Concessions will be available for purchase, but there is no charge for spectators. However, donations will be gratefully accepted.

The two top teams in two different brackets in a double elimination tournament will move on to play for first place. Awards will be given out to: the first place team; to the player who hits the most home runs; the pitcher that strikes out the most batters; and to the MVP of the tournament.

If you would like to play, but aren’t on a team, there will be a place and a team for an entry fee of $10 per participant.

This is a fun tournament to raise lots of money for a good cause-Striking Out Cancer. Only those interested in having fun and seeing others have fun need apply.

Last year’s winner, the Pain Train, received a bye this year and is in the A Bracket, along with New Martinsville’s finest, S.W.A.T. Last year’s runnerup, Wetzel County Hospital, also has a bye and is in the B Bracket.

Games begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. at both Hydro Fields, while the second game gets underway at 8 p.m.