Welcome to the Jakob S. Gehring Memorial Wood Bat Tournament. In 2011 we changed the name of this event to honor a young man whose life ended prematurely. Jake Gehring was a 16 yr old honor student and athlete that attended Stow HS. We at Team Sports had the pleasure to coach Jake in Travel Baseball and it is with great enthusiasm that we host this tournament in Jake's honor. Jake had a tremendous passion for the game of baseball and he played every game as if it was his last. He was a pleasure to coach, fun to watch, and most importantly a good teammate. We were saddened by his death, but inspired through remembrance . ************************************************************************************************************************ December 1st, 2004 is a day for remembrance for many people across the Akron area. A young 16 year old boy by the name of Jakob Gehring lost his life in a fatal car accident. He was a selfless, kind, caring individual who made one poor choice which dramatically changed the lives of hundreds of people. Family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers rallied together during such a difficult time while vowing to not let such a loving soul leave this earth in vain. The Jakob S. Gehring Memorial Wood Bat Tournament is held in July of each summer to remember the passion Jakob had for the game of baseball. This tournament gives coaches, players, and families a chance to participate in a legacy. Jakob’s legacy is more than just a game of baseball. This tournament serves as a reminder to make the right choices, on and off the field. The Gehring Family has formed a Foundation called Hitting 4 Home. It is a non-profit organization that was founded because of the impact Jakob’s tragedy had on the community. This organization is made up of high school students who mentor younger students about the importance of making responsible decisions. Hitting 4 Home members will be serving concessions during the tournament in an effort to help raise funds for better awareness campaigns in the northeast Ohio area. More information can be found about this organization at www.hitting4home.com . 

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This event is its 14th year and has Sold Out the last 8 years -- teams from 7 states and Canada regularly attend this Tournament.  As with all Team Sports events the tournament will be well organized with timely communication, be played at quality facilities, and have the top umpires in youth baseball, sanctioned and assigned through the Game Hogz Umpiring School.

The 14u 60/90 age group will have a 3 game minimum with half the teams playing 4 games or more.  Umpire fees are included in the entry fee - teams will supply game balls - 1 new and 1 used for each game.

The 15u ,16u, and 18u age groups will play a 4 game minimum with many teams playing 5 or more games.   Umpire fees are included in the entry fee. Teams will supply game balls - 1 new and 1 used for each game.

Teams will supply their own wood bats ( composite bats are legal ). The host sites are Thurman Munson Stadium, Kent State University, Mt Union University and top high school facilities in the Akron - Canton area.  We will be using 3 turf fields.  Team and Individual awards for 1st and 2nd place.

Note - This is a stay to play event -- meaning if you plan to use local hotels you must work through our Lodging Partner - Team Inn.  Please see our Lodging Program under Hotels on the home page or click here to go directly to the Team Inn site.

Teams registered for 2016

         14U - 1 spot remaining

BAT Cage Bulldogs

MAF Gators

Westen NY Knights

North Coast USA

Aurora Athletics

Diamond Dogs

Ohio Torque

 

         15U - 1 spot remaining

Cuyahoga Valley Bees

BAT Cage Bulldogs - Nedoma

Berea Mid Park Titans

Players i Academy Bulls

Hurricanes Select

Pride Baseball

Andy's 9ers

Indiana Thunder

BAT Cage Bulldogs - Yost

Stow Bull Sharks

Diamond Boys

Diamond Elite

Ohio Bombers

Akron A's

Force Blue Sox

           16U - Sold Out

Diamond Hit Club

Greys 

Ohio Heat

Ohio Select - White

Lou Gehrig - Blue

Ohio Scrappers

Titans - Orange

North Columbus Elite

Ohio Bombers

Jackson Bears

Massillon Tigers

Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs - 15u Gold

Pittsburgh Diamnd Dawgs - Gold

Lake Erie Warhawks - Moro

Glen Oak Summer Eagles

Force Blue Sox

            18U - Sold Out

Diamond Boys College Prep

Akron A's - Koenig

Ohio Scrappers

Ohio Outlaws

Players i Bulls

Horned Frogs

Team Easton Ohio

Ohio Longhorns

Akron A's - 17u

Blue Wave

Akron A's - South

Dover Tornadoes

CBF Kids

Ohio Arsenal

Stallions Baseball

Stingrays Baseball

Jackson Bears

Massillon Tigers

Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs - 17u White

Glen Oak Eagles