This Overnight Amarillo Baseball Tournament Means More Than Wins

Surprise, surprise. I'm going to talk to you about youth baseball in Amarillo today. No, it's not me getting ready to complain about something, or tell people we need to be better about something at the fields. No, not today. This is one of those heartwarming things about how youth sports bring us all together.

This weekend, my son and his team wrap up their (very long) spring season with their 11th and final tourney of the season, and it's my favorite one on the schedule for a myriad of reasons. It's the Jaxson Mendoza Angels in the Outfield tournament, and it's one the entire community can get behind.

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Who Is Jaxson Mendoza

Let's start with that question. In case you don't know who Jaxson Mendoza is, he is a kiddo who sadly passed away at the young age of 14 from a medical emergency due to epilepsy. He had been diagnosed with it nearly three years prior to his passing.

Jax had a seizure at school due to his condition and ultimately passed away from it. There is currently a legal battle going on as his family has alleged the school didn't administer his prescribed, emergency seizure rescue medication that was written in his 504 Action Plan. His seizure lasted for 17 minutes before he was taken to the hospital. The trial date in that case is set for next month, July 27th, which is more than four years after his passing.

Ryan Kramer

What Is The Tournament

Baseball was Jax's first love, his passion, "his whole heart", according to his obituary. His family created the Jaxson Mendoza Scholarship Foundation in his honor and furthered that by creating a baseball tournament with his name all over it. A fitting tribute to make sure Jax was forever involved in the game he loved so much.

I love the premise of the tournament, and I am so happy we're always a part of it with our kids. The other reason I love it so much? It's a midnight tournament that starts this Friday evening, with games starting at 6 pm and the last one beginning around 3 am Saturday morning on the first day of the tournament. Playing overnight like that is an absolute blast. The kids love it, the parents load up on caffeine, and the vibe is amazing.

How Can You Be A Part Of It

Here's the thing: You don't need to have a kiddo associated with the tournament. You can come out and support in so many ways. Most of the tournaments come with a gate fee you have to pay. This one does NOT have that, meaning you're free to come in and support. Watching all these kids play ball is so amazing to watch, and there are other ways you can support.

There will be a bunch of food trucks out at the event, so you can come out and have some dinner or a late-night snack and watch the games. You can enter the raffle to win a Flat Bill glove or a baseball bat. Maybe you win, and you hook up an unassuming kid with your winnings if you have no need for it. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund, so you're helping out simply by participating.

So come on out to Rick Klein this weekend. Watch these kids play a game they're in love with as much as Jax was. Support the kids at the tourney, and the ones who are helped through the foundation. I promise, it'll make your heart feel full. We'll be there for the 1 am and 2:45 am games early Saturday morning. I'd love to see you come support.