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The tournament was created by town employee Craig Kimball, who received the backing of First Selectman Mike Tetreau on his idea to hold a townwide Wiffle ball tournament in 2014 to coincide with Fairfield’s 375th anniversary.
A new tradition was formed, borne from Kimball's desire to highlight the fact that the Wiffle Ball, which is now made in Shelton, was originally developed in Fairfield.
“It’s nice to see a community come together for a good cause," Kimball said. "I encourage fellow Fairfield residents and town employees to sign up to play, volunteer or just come and have a good time.”
The community-wide event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Roger Ludlowe Middle School, 689 Unquowa Road. The rain date is Sunday, August 21, same time and location.
Each game will last about one hour. Teams are made up of three to six players. Official Wiffle balls and bats will be supplied.
Trophies will be handed out in the late afternoon.
Anyone age 11 and up can participate in the tournament by visiting www.fairfieldwiffle.com.
It is sponsored by the Fairfield Police Benevolent Association and the Fairfield Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation. All proceeds will be donated to the FPBA and FFFCF.
A raffle will be held, and food trucks will be on the scene.
“Following the success of the last two years, the town is once again carrying on this new and fun tradition that not only brings together members of our community, but also recognizes the history of Wiffle ball which was invented right here in Fairfield," Tetreau said. "I want to thank Mr. Kimball and all the volunteers, players and sponsors for stepping up to make these tournaments so successful.”
Since its inception, the tournament has grown with more teams participating from around the community each year.
In its first year, the tournament featured four teams from the Town’s Police, Fire, Public Works, and Other Town Departments. The Department of Public Works won the inaugural tournament, where the grandsons of the Fairfield resident who created the Wiffle Ball threw out the first pitch.
The following year, more teams participated from the community for a total of nine teams, including the 2015 champion, Fairfield University.
“Given this spirited town event has grown so quickly in the last three years a two-day tournament may be held next year,” Kimball said.
For a detailed history on Wiffle ball, click here.
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