Sun shines on Little League tournament

IRONWOOD - The sun shined down on John Krznarich Little League Field for a long day of Little League 9-10-year-old District baseball and softball tournament play Sunday.

Before any pitches were thrown, Jeff Wiemeri, Ryan Niemi and Shaun Munn of the host Penokee Range Little League, prepared the field for a day's worth of baseball and softball.

Under the warm sun with temperatures in the 80s, they raked the base paths, watered the grass and then watered it again. When the dirt was dry, Munn sprayed the lines on the field with chalk. To finish preparing the field for the big day, Wiemeri watered the grass once last time.

After the field was ready, Niemi manned the snack bar grill to make hotdogs for the hungry spectators soon to come.

Soon, cars and pickup trucks began to pull in for the first game - a baseball District semifinal between Keweenaw Bay and Baraga at noon.

In attendance were Joy Cadeau, and her husband, Phil. They made the trip from Baraga to see their grandsons Gavin and Tanner play.

Over the years, Joy said watching the two of them play ball has become a family tradition.

"We go to all their games," she said. "I like baseball. I like watching them play."

Away from the field, Robyn Niemi and Laurie Munn, both from Ironwood, took orders at the snack bar. Throughout the day, they served hotdogs, pizza, chips and ice cream to queues of hungry customers.

Cheering for Keweenaw, Kara Destrampe traveled with her family to watch her son, Luc, play.

"It's a great experience," she said. "It's a beautiful day for baseball."

Keweenaw Bay advanced to the baseball final with a 14-2 win. It was set to play host Penokee Range, but first it was time for softball.

Between games, some people left and new fans arrived for the District softball final between Penokee Range and Keweenaw Bay.

During the game, Amy Lahti, of Ironwood, sat in the bleachers with her daughter, Breleigh, 7, and other parents and fans. Amy's been watching her daughter, Tia, play for five years.

"It's very exciting," she said as her daughter was up to bat. "It keeps me very nervous."

Breleigh was nervous at times as well, hiding her eyes when her sister was at bat.

"I learned the game from watching my daughter," Amy said. "This is her first year as an all-star. I'm very excited. I'm really proud of her."

Restless form sitting all day, some of the children went off to play in a nearby park as the action on the field continued.

Penokee Range rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning 10-10, sending the game into extra innings. Keweenaw scored once in the top of the seventh, but the Rangers scored twice in the bottom of the inning to claim the district title 12-11.

There were hugs, cheers and pictures taken. A big banner and individual medals were awarded. When Tia received her medal, Amy became an even prouder parent.

As the excitement died down, many of the families got in their cars and left, but soon new spectators came to watch Game 3, a baseball District final between the Penokee Range and Portage Lake.

Portage Lake won the hard fought game, 5-3 - bringing on more hugs and cheers.

Tournament play continues today in the baseball double-elimination tournament format.

On Sunday, soon the cars were packed and the long day of baseball and softball was over.