First annual John Spear Memorial ModifiedSoftball Tournament

John Spear Memorial modified men’s softball tournament set to commence

Benefit for Elaine Spear and family will feature 15 teams and two venues

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY - For the legions of kids who once donned the Monticello High School baseball uniform and called John Spear their coach during his 21-year tenure at the helm; the countless kids who sat in his social studies classroom during his 22 year teaching career that led to his becoming department chairman; and his beloved family, including his wife, Elaine, children Tommy, David and Gena and grandson, Adyn, the tragic and untimely death of the man who was a mentor, a great coach, a teacher, a husband, a father and a special friend was a shock beyond the pale.

Spear died in a tragic auto accident on January 19, and in his honor, former players Mike Greco and Rob Keesler have organized the First Annual John Spear Memorial Modified Men’s Softball Tournament as a benefit to Spear’s family and to honor the man both regard as one of the most important influences in their lives. The tournament is co-sponsored by the Monticello Men’s Softball League and the Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Fire Departments.

The tournament will be held on July 27 through 29, with games being played at both Collins Park in Mongaup Valley and at Somerville Field in Monticello. Dennis Dietrich has donated the use of Collins Park and its lights, umpires are working at a reduced rate and generally people are doing everything they can to ensure the tournament’s success.

The double elimination tournament will host 15 teams, most of which hail from the Monticello Men’s Softball league. A significant number of the players, who will take the field, played for Spear in their high school days.

Vying for the first-ever title will be Giant Mobile, Ratner Paving, CES, Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Fire Departments (David Spear plays for them), Styles Barber Shop, Sullivan Sports, SOBO from Sparrowbush, Fitness Factory, Superior Roofing, Fallsburg Lumber, Dutch’s Bar, T.J.’s Ballbusters (from Port Jervis), Sutphen East, American Electric and Mongaup TEK.

Games begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and run through until Sunday, July 29 at approximately 4:00 p.m. There is a raffle for autographed baseball memorabilia, 50/50 raffles and plenty of food and beverages. There will be beer sold at Collins Park, but not at Somerville.

As a modified tournament, no slingshot or windmill pitching will be permitted. To expedite games, an eight-run rule will be in force after five innings, and a 15-run rule will curtail games after three innings. Trophies will be awarded for first- second- and third- place finishers. An MVP trophy will be awarded as well.

Members of the Spear family will be on hand to watch the tournament.

Visit sullivansports.net for more information about the tournament including a preview of the brackets.

Visit rivererportersports.com for an article on the tourney once it is completed, along with an album of photos from the weekend of play.