Rob & Tricia Morneau Memorial Baseball Tournament raises $10k

Baseball tournament in support of Windsor-Essex youth. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Despite a smaller tournament and sweltering heat, the Rob & Tricia Morneau Memorial Baseball Tournament had a record year in support of Windsor-Essex youth.

The three-day tournament wrapped up on Sunday at Riverside Baseball Park following the championship game.

Derek Kozar, who has helped organize the tournament for years, said the U13 competition raised about $10,000 due to sponsorships.

“Every year, you know, it just gives us so much pleasure to know that we’re doing this in his honour to keep his memory alive and help these kids that may not be able to play otherwise,” Kozar said.

Funds raised through the tournament will support families in need through aid with registration costs for Riverside Minor Baseball and Hockey.

In past, they’ve also supported The Miracle League and the construction of the Farrow Riverside Miracle Park.

This year, the tournament featured eight teams in the A and below division from Windsor to Barrie.

In 2016, Rob passed away in a workplace accident, and one year later Tricia passed away from cancer. Both held a significant presence in the minor sports scene.

“Both of Rob Morneau’s kids were highly involved in baseball and hockey in Riverside, and the money goes there, and it’s earmarked to help kids that otherwise couldn’t afford registration to [play],” Kozar said.

Ahead of this weekend, organizers said more than $33,000 had been raised through the tournament since 2017.

-With files from AM800 News.