BRIDGETON — In its 49th year, the Bridgeton Invitational is continuing its tradition of great baseball at Alden Field.
“I think this will be the most exciting invitational that’s been held in the last 15 years,” said Dave Hitchner, member of the tournament’s executive committee.
The invitational is a double-elimination tournament that runs over the course of two weeks. The games are sped up — running only seven innings. Pitchers also only have 20 seconds to throw the ball.
MORE: Bridgeton invitational entertains fans off and on the field
Opening night was on Friday — with former Philadelphia Phillies player Glenn Wilson serving as the special guest. The tournament runs from July 31 to Aug. 14 — with the championship game scheduled for Aug. 17.
“Even though we wish we had more people come out, there will be a lot of guest there, good quality baseball and something for everyone there,” Hitchner said.
The following are six reasons why you should be excited about the tournament.
Meeting athletes
Spectators will get the chance to meet athletes over the course of the tournament. On Aug. 3, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher David Buchanan and catcher Cameron Rupp will be the special guests. The Aug. 4 special guests will be former Oakland Raiders player Phil Villapiano and former St. Louis Cardinals player Conrad Dobler. On Aug. 10, former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jon Harris will be there, on Aug. 13 former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Bernie Parent will be there and on Aug. 14 former New York Giants player Dwayne Hendricks will be the special guest.
Phillie Phanatic
For those not interested in athletes, a visit from the Phillie Phanatic might be what you’re waiting for. The Phanatic will be at Alden Field on Aug. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Activities for the family
Baseball isn’t the only thing to be excited about. There will be fireworks on Aug. 1, a visit from Elsa from Disney’s Frozen on Aug. 5 and face painting on Aug. 11.
Cops versus firefighters
Local heroes — members of the Bridgeton Police Department and the Bridgeton Fire and Rescue Department — will be battling it out during a celebrity softball game on Aug. 1. Another celebrity softball game is scheduled for Aug. 8 between the Philadelphia Phillies ball girls and the Bridgeton All Stars.
Miss New Jersey
Miss New Jersey 2015 Lindsey Giannini, a native of South Jersey, will be visiting the tournament on Aug. 6. Be able to see her poise, grace and crown before she competes for Miss America.
Baseball
Being a baseball tournament, the biggest draw of all is of course the baseball. See athletes compete to be the 2015 Bridgeton Invitational champions.
For more information about the tournament or to see the schedule of events, visit www.bridgetontournament.com.
Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
