Ely Baseball Days celebration begins

Veterans Memorial Field will be the hub for this week for Ely's newest celebration.

The community's rich baseball history, its vibrant youth program and a recent penchant for hosting tournaments comes together for the first-ever Ely Baseball Days.

The nine-day celebration includes a pair of tournaments - this weekend's Ely Auto Services VFW Showcase and next weekend's Sir G's Legion Midsummer Classic - and will be full of special events and promotions.

Discounted food items, prize giveaways, recognition ceremonies and plenty of baseball - 29 games at the ballpark during the extravaganza - are on the docket.

It's part of an attempt to enhance fan support for local teams and draw attention to the community's baseball program as well as Ely's many tournaments, which bring hundreds of people to town.

The activities include three games both Saturday and Sunday as part of the VFW tournament, and games all week long leading to the 10-team Sir G's Midsummer Classic, which starts Friday, July 11.

Among the special events include:

• Senior Citizen Day during the Legion team's 1 p.m. matinee doubleheader with Cook County on Monday, with all seniors receiving a free beverage with the purchase of a concession stand sandwich;

• $1 hot dogs both Tuesday (Legion vs. Taconite, 7 p.m.) and Wednesday (Junior League tripleheader, starting at 3:30);

• Little League Night Tuesday with the introduction of all four Ely majors teams, including the league champion Cardinals;

• Prize drawings during Wednesday's Junior League tripleheader involving Ely, Cook County and Virginia;

• Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Night, set for the Friday evening session in the Sir G's Midsummer Classic;

• An Ely baseball history display, which can be viewed at the ballpark throughout the Sir G's Midsummer Classic.

T-shirts recognizing and hailing the Ely Baseball Family will be on sale for $15, with proceeds supporting local baseball.

Organizers are also hoping to grow the Ely Baseball Days celebration next year and beyond, involving local organizations and recognizing Ely baseball alumni and previous championship teams.

Look for updates throughout the week on Ely Baseball Days.