Estacada lauded as excellent host for recent tournament

Estacada has left a positive impression among fans who were in town for the state championship tournament of the Junior Baseball Organization’s American level (seventh and eighth graders).

The tournament, which took place this past weekend at Estacada High School, was the brain child of head baseball coach Ryan Carpenter, who dreams of making Estacada a baseball destination.

“The tournament lasted four days and each day teams continued to compliment us and remained impressed with our fields, facilities and friendliness,” Carpenter said. “I think the 12 teams and families had a tremendous experience in Estacada.”

In fact, the Junior Baseball board members in attendance told Carpenter and Estacada Youth Baseball President Chad Gaidos that it was one of the stronger tournaments they had attended and that they’d like to see it come back to Estacada next year and in the future.

“I believe hosting this tournament will help propel our baseball program and identity to the next level,” Carpenter said. “I was so proud to show off our fields and hard work.”

On the field the tournament was won by Kaizer, who defeated Central in the championship game. Hillsboro took third place and Sellwood took fourth place.

Other teams participating included Yamhill-Carlton, Aloha, Westview, North Marion, Lakeridge, Stayton, Gresham and Newberg.