By Rob Potter
SULLIVAN COUNTY — Despite two storms earlier this week which left several inches of snow across the Sullivan County landscape, the vernal equinox occurred on Sunday, March 20 and in the past several days flocks of geese have been heard and seen flying in a northerly direction along the Delaware River.
And spring means it’s time once again to enjoy playing and watching outdoor sports such as baseball, golf, track and field, tennis and softball.
There will be plenty of softball action this spring and summer in Sullivan County as 2011 marks the 30th anniversary season of Edward M. Collins Memorial Park in Mongaup Valley.
The park, which is owned and operated by the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department, is named in honor of Eddie Collins, a 1970 Eldred Central School graduate. Known throughout the area as an outstanding softball player and all-around athlete, Collins passed away from viral pneumonia in April 1981 when he was just 29 years old.
Each August since 1982, a double-elimination men’s softball tournament has been held at the park to honor Collins. The tournament always features many of the top softball teams from New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states in the Northeast.
The 30th annual Edward M. Collins Memorial Tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14 at the park, which is conveniently located off Route 17B.
To enter a team in the tourney or for more information, please call Dennis at 798-2811.
But the Collins Tournament is only one of several tourneys which have already been scheduled to celebrate the 30th anniversary season of the park.
The Early Bird Tournament will be held April 15, 16 and 17 at the park. The event, which will be a legal modified tournament, is filling up quickly.
To enter a team or for more information, please call Dennis at 798-2811.
The Collins Classic Tournament, an open modified event, is scheduled for June 10, 11 and 12. For more information, please call Dennis at 798-2811.
The Anniversary Legal Modified Tournament is slated for June 24, 25 and 26. For more information, please call Dennis at 798-2811.
On July 22, 23 and 24, Collins Park will host the third annual Sullivan County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Tourney. The event will feature softball teams representing local police departments and fire departments.
To enter a team or for more information, please call Janet at 807-6312.
For all of the tournaments this anniversary season, the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department will open two concession stands featuring traditional ballpark favorites hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries as well as barbecued chicken and breakfast sandwiches.