Wiffle Ball Tourney Raises Funds for Scholarships

For Falmouth native Ted Murphy, the onset of summer means one thing: wiffle ball. So when he was brainstorming ideas one recent evening for a "fun and crazy" event for his friends in the restaurant business, a light went off in his head. Why not hold a full-fledged wiffle ball tournament, where participants could indulge in a childhood pastime for a good cause?

And just like that, Murphy says, the Silver Shores Wiffle Ball Tournament was born. The June 13 event, which will take place at the Falmouth Heights field beginning at 10 am, will feature 10 teams consisting of local restaurant owners and their staff.

"We had to do it on a Monday, because that's the only time people who work in restaurants on the Cape have time to relax," Murphy explained. 

All the funds raised from the tournament's raffles will go to the Life Fund, a scholarship for an artistically minded Falmouth High School senior who wants to embark on a creative profession or endeavor. It's a cause close to his heart: last year, he himself published a book, The Running Waves, with his brother, Seton.

"In the book, there are a lot of references to wiffle ball," Murphy said, adding that the inspiration for the tournament's name, "Silver Shores," also came from his book.

In addition to the raffles and an after-party at the , the tournament will also feature a celebrity guest star: Boston College hockey goalie and Falmouth native John Muse, who will throw out the first pitch.

"This is our first year doing this, so we're still ironing out the kinks," said Murphy, who is encouraging the public to watch the action on Monday and start their own pick-up games on the sidelines. "It's been easier planning my wedding!"

For more information, or if you are a business owner who would like to donate gift cards or other items to the raffles, please call Ted Murphy at 508-527-3160 or email tedmmurphy@aol.com.