Softball

Collins Classic to bring softball’s best

Nine teams to vie for title in tourney featuring the game’s finest

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONGAUP VALLEY, NY — For avid fans of softball, Collins Park from June 12 to 14 is the place to be. For it is there that the Collins Classic softball tournament will bring some of the nation’s best to Sullivan County’s Mecca of the game.

Historically, the tournament was run by Roche’s Garage as a fundraiser to abet its efforts in the state tournaments. This year, Dennis Dietrich decided to resurrect the tournament name as he unveils a slate of teams that will have fans riveted to their seats. The lineup includes Zubi’s of Middletown, Fairway of Half Moon from Albany, Truck Pro, which will feature many of the local standouts from D-Tech (aka Fitness Factory), The P&R Axmen from Staten Island, Grand Slam Auto from Maybrook, the Fort Apache Dodgers from the Bronx, Katman Sports from Boston, who are the reigning National Champions, the Rockland Revolution from Rockland, and Huffcut Concrete.

The tournament starts on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. with games at 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. It continues on June 13 at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at midnight. June 14 begins at 9:00 a.m. with the championship game slated for 1:30 p.m... The “if” game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The tournament is the opening salvo in a summer rife with great softball. Here is a brief overview of Collins Park happenings:

June 26-28: Fitness Factory Fundraiser Tournament