PORT ANGELES — The 17th annual Larson Invitational returns to Port Angeles this weekend, bringing men’s slowpitch softball players from throughout Western Washington along with it.
The tournament will feature 18 teams this year, half coming from the North Olympic Peninsula.
Bellingham, Shelton, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Tacoma are among the other cities that will be represented when play begins Saturday.
“We have a few teams that come in with a pretty large fan base, so we get a lot of people out to watch,” tournament organizer Jeff Larson said.
“Baseball and softball seem to be very popular in this town. This is the 17th year that I’ve been doing it, so I have a pretty big following.
“It’s supposed to be a great weekend, so it’s sun and fun on a good summer weekend.”
Teams will face off in round robin pool play on Saturday, with the results determining seeding for Sunday’s single elimination tournament.
Play starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with games being held at Shane Park and Elks Playfield until 7 p.m.
Sunday’s tournament will begin at 9 a.m. The championship game is slated for 4 p.m. at Shane Park West.
There will also be a free pizza feed and raffle on Saturday at 8 p.m. in Castaway’s Restaurant Lounge, 1213 Marine Drive, in Port Angeles.
Trophies will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth place.
Offensive and defensive MVPs of the tournament will also be named, as well as a special all-star team.
There is no admission, and the public is invited to come and watch the action.