Wiffle Ball Classic in West Pittston aims to fight childhood cancer

WEST PITTSTON — More than 200 baseball players of all ages who gathered at the West Pittston Little League on June 4 didn’t let a little rain stop them from competing on the baseball diamond and raising money to fight childhood cancer.

The athletes participated in the second annual Little Eric’s Wiffle Ball Classic in honor of Eric Speicher, who enjoyed the game but lost his battle to brain cancer in 2013.

Jessica Speicher, Eric’s mother and president of Little Eric’s Foundation, the non-profit charity focused on raising money to fight pediatric cancer, said the fundraising event will generate money for research and/or helping local families who have kids going through cancer treatment.

“To date, Little Eric’s Foundation has donated nearly $70,000 to pediatric cancer research and … over $3,000 to local families currently undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer to help with medical and travel expenses,” Speicher said.

A wiffle ball tournament seemed like a very good way to honor Eric when it was started because he was so passionate about the game.

“Eric loved to play wiffle ball and would often participate in wiffle ball tournaments,” she said. More than 40 teams from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania signed up for Sunday’s event. The five-member teams competed in a double elimination in four age brackets from 7 years old to adult.

In addition to the games, visitors won basket raffles, took their chances in game lotteries and enjoyed food and refreshments.

Speicher thanked board members of the foundation for their help in getting the event organized. She also thanked the people who played the game, donated their time and items or supported the event in any way.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the foundation. It is second only to accidents, taking about 1,000 lives each year.

It’s because of these facts that Little Eric’s Foundation strives to raise additional funds to help children and families, Speicher said.

Anyone seeking to learn more about the foundation may visit www.littleericsfoundation.org.

Sue Feeney, of West Pittston, looks over raffle baskets prior to the start of the Wiffleball Classic.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517wiffleball-1.jpgSue Feeney, of West Pittston, looks over raffle baskets prior to the start of the Wiffleball Classic. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Mike Crane, of Wyoming, registers his team ‘Benchwarmers’ with Jessica Speicher before the start of the benefit.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517wiffleball-2.jpgMike Crane, of Wyoming, registers his team ‘Benchwarmers’ with Jessica Speicher before the start of the benefit. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Aiden Fetterman, 8, and Sam Shovlin, 9, of Kingston, arrive at Little Eric’s Wiffleball Classic ready to play ball.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517wiffleball-3.jpgAiden Fetterman, 8, and Sam Shovlin, 9, of Kingston, arrive at Little Eric’s Wiffleball Classic ready to play ball. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Eric Speicher, who organizes the annual wiffle ball benefit in honor of his son, speaks to participants about the rules of the game at the West Pittston Little League field.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517wiffleball-4.jpgEric Speicher, who organizes the annual wiffle ball benefit in honor of his son, speaks to participants about the rules of the game at the West Pittston Little League field. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Wiffle ball players Nick Latinski, 10, Brandon DelBalso, 10, Tanner Evens, 9, and Christian Blight, 10, sit on a wall as their teamate, Tyler Tarnalicki, 10 walks by, waiting for ‘Little Eric’s Wiffleball Classic’ to start.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517wiffleball-5.jpgWiffle ball players Nick Latinski, 10, Brandon DelBalso, 10, Tanner Evens, 9, and Christian Blight, 10, sit on a wall as their teamate, Tyler Tarnalicki, 10 walks by, waiting for ‘Little Eric’s Wiffleball Classic’ to start. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader