PARK RIDGE—The Second Annual Extra Innings Softball Tournament is set for Saturday, Aug. 6, on Park Ridge’s Sulak and Davies/Memorial fields.
Organizers say the event has 12 teams signed on and will raise funds for field improvements and support the Park Ridge Athletic Association. All are welcome to cheer on the teams, join in on a game of cornhole, and enjoy live music and refreshments.
Last year’s event was given as a huge success. Organizers say they hope to have an even bigger turnout this year. Vianna Mattson opens with the national anthem at 8:30 a.m. Live music is by Park Ridge native Torie and Nate from noon to 3:30 p.m. The Ice Cream Lady will be at the field 1 to 3. Refreshments and light food are available for purchase.
Extra Innings is led by Troy Taber (PRHS ’13) in honor of his and his sister, Julia’s, dad, Michael — of the Class of 1982 and former PRAA coach and PRHS volunteer assistant baseball coach. Michael Taber passed away suddenly in February 2021 amid his own project: to raise funds for a green fabric screen, at the top of the homer fence he installed at the senior baseball field at Sulak Lane, in memory of Kyle Green, a PRHS alumnus (’16) and baseball player (#16).
Troy carried on the work, establishing the Extra Innings Group. Volunteers rallied to the “Green Monster Project,” which exceeded its goal. The remainder went to the Park Ridge American Legion and Tri-Boro Food Pantry.