Coming Soon: The OK Classic

The OK Classic softball tournament is coming back to Forest Park once again, and this year organizers are offering a few new twists.

The tournament, now in its sixth year, is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Opportunity Knocks, the River Forest-based resource agency for developmentally disabled.

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Against a backdrop of food, live music and a beer tent, twenty teams will battle it out on the Forest Park ball diamonds, 7501 Harrison St.

Earlier:

Although team registration is closed, organizers say individual players and teams can still be sponsored. As in year's past, the "Big House" — a makeshift, fee-based jail where players and the crowd can send participants for a spell — will be in full, fundraising effect. Here's a look at some of the new elements added to this year's tournament:

• Teams can opt to play 16-inch during the first two rounds of play (females can use gloves)

• Enforcement. For real. "Most people realize that this is a charity event," organizers say, "but each year we are challenged with those who forget that fact. So, they'll institute a penalty card system ranging from yellow (warning) to black (you're booted from the event).

• Dress 'em up. For a fee, you can make an opposing team's player dress up in costume for an inning or for the whole game. Hilarity will ensue.

It's a great community event. Full details over at the official tournament website.