Image Gallery: Burlington Hosts 11-Year Old Eastern Mass. Cal Ripken State Tournament

The young boys of summer were out in full force Thursday, July 15 to kick off the 11-Year Old Eastern Massachusetts Cal Ripken State Tournament at Simonds Park on 1 Bedford Street.

Ten teams (Revere, Riverside-Bradford, Westford, Quincy, Wrentham, Burlington, Raynham, Marshfield, Marblehead and Falmouth) gathered from 3-8 p.m. to have a cookout, socialize, practice, and have a series of baseball skills competitions to kick off the tourney.

The skills competition consisted of four events. First was a speed test – the fastest team to run all four bases. Next came a throwing test – playing “around the horn” where four players from each team launched the ball around the bases as quickly as they can. Third was an accuracy test where players tested their aim when throwing to various bases. And finally, the classic, Home Run Derby where players whacked the leather off the ball and out of James Marchese Field.

The event brought a few local businesses out as well including True North Coffee and Photos by R. Brogen. T-Shirts and programs were sold by a Cal Ripken vendor, and even Babe Ruth made an appearance. Tyngsborough resident and impersonator, Steve Folven, chatted with the kids about the game and hit a couple of dingers for the crowd.

The first pitch was tossed out by 2010 Burlington High graduate, Tyler Falconer, who holds the honor of being the youngest military working dog-handler for explosive detection currently serving.

The event was organized by Tournament Head, Chris Corbett, who managed to secure former Red Sox General Manager, Dan Duquette, who gave a speech about teamwork and the importance of the league.

For more information on the 11-Year Old Eastern Massachusetts Cal Ripken State Tournament, click here.

Be sure to check out Patch's photo gallery of all the fun!