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 15th year and has Sold Out the last 9 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 - including Jackson HS and Hawken HS ( both turf ) in the Akron - Canton - Cleveland 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 click the button below to book your hotel room with Team Inn. Please visit our Hotels page for more details regarding our lodging policy.
2017 Teams Registered
14U
B2 Baseball
Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs Gold
Lake Erie Warhawks - Jarrell
Stallions Baseball
Solon Stampede
Midwest Stars
MAF Gators
Ohio Legends
Force Ohio - Ianiro
Diamond Boys Showcase
Lake Erie Warhawks - Grabowski
15U
Mashfactory Elite - Eagon
Mashfactory Elite - Davis
Solon Stampede
B.A.T. Cage Bulldogs
MDS Black Tigers Baseball
Diamond Hit Club
Manchester As
Richmond Hill Phoenix
Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs - Gold
Ohio Bombers
MAF Gators
Ohio Elite - Protiva
Akron As
Diamond Dogs
IVL - Inglett
Guernsey Cty Miners
Brownlee Lookouts - Paul
Brownlee Lookouts - Scott
Force Ohio - Turchan
St Clair Shores Mariners
Force Ohio - Huffman
Ohio Longhorns - McCormick
GPLX Cardinals
Diamond Boys Red
16U
T3 Rays
Andys 9ers
Titans Baseball
Stallions Baseball
Cy Young DBacks
Ohio Bombers
Hurricanes Select
Diamond Dogs
IVL Baseball
Brownlee Lookouts - Edwards
Jackson Bears
Force Ohio - Goodrum
Bull Sharks
Force Ohio Blue Sox
Massillon Tigers
Glen Oak Summer Eagles
Stark County Terriers
Cuyahoga Valley Bees
Lake Erie Warhawks - Oley
Lochrire
Crushers Baseball
18U
Tim Lally Baseball
Titans Baseball - Orange
Guelph Royals
Cardinal Baseball
Lake Erie Warhawks - Spencer
Brownlee Lookouts - Opalich
Hurricanes Select - 17u Showcase
Jackson Bears
Force Ohio - Dalton
Premier Ohio - Hecker
Glen Oak Summer Eagles
Massillon Tigers
Lake Erie Warhawks - Lahetta
Stark County Terriers
Ohio Greys
Mashfactory Elite
Ohio Bombers
Northeast Ohio Aces
Steves Sports
Lake Erie Warhawks - Moro
