Nipper Fourth of July Tournament a celebration of baseball

On the weekend when the country celebrates its independence, 14 youth baseball clubs, including some from Canada, will come to Nipper Maher Park to continue a baseball tradition that is now more than 20 years old.

Beginning last night with a pair of games, and ending with consolation and championship games Sunday, the Joseph ``Nipper'' and Alice Maher Fourth of July Invitational Tournament returns better than ever.

While the Nippers have been around for over 50 years, the tournament has begun to make a steady run of its own, entering its third decade of existence.

The invitational gives teams around the area a chance to interact with ballplayers from other cities, as well as other parts of the world, all while playing the game they love. There are two levels represented, with 10 Major League teams consisting of 11- and 12-year-olds and four Minor league teams made up of 9- and 10-year-olds.

Wayland will bring two teams, Weston and Blackstone will each bring one and the three Waltham leagues (Warrendale, North Waltham and Nippers) will all be represented. The Canadian teams making this year's trip will be Sydney and Amherst, Nova Scotia, and St. Johns, New Brunswick, which will be bringing one minor and one major league team.

The tournament continues to grow, as there were only eight teams participating last year. Nippers league president John Huff proudly noted the enthusiasm shown from the Canadian teams willing to take part.

``Last year, actually, Sydney and St. Johns each had teams approach us to see if they could come when we met up with them during a tournament up there (in Canada),'' he said. ``So, they will be making their second appearance here for us. Usually, we always have at least one team from Canada, but now with the four coming, it's really an honor to have them want to participate consistently.''

Perhaps the best part of the weekend for the northern neighbors is a trip to Fenway Park. Whether they have tickets to a game, or just take the chance to walk the field during one of the tours, schedules are actually made around the Fenway stop.

``We don't have a choice,'' said a laughing Huff. ``It's really what the weekend is all about, just a celebration of baseball. These kids love the game. They love everything about it. When they come down, they're shocked that we (here in the States) don't get to play ball year-round.''

Since raising money isn't the top priority, anything from raffles or concessions goes directly back into the league. The main goal of the Fourth of July tourney is to present America's pastime as a way to bring Waltham teams together and allow them to share the sport with the world.