Mel’s Charities Melapalooza tourney kicks off on Friday

The annual Melapalooza wood bat tournament by Mel’s Charities starts on Friday with two exhibition games at Grafton’s Centennial Field.

The regular tournament will be played Saturday and Sunday.

Friday’s first game will feature all stars from the Ozaukee Senior Softball League (55 and older). Grafton players will take on players from the northern Ozaukee County area and Mequon at 6 p.m.

Rick Port will manage the Grafton squad, which consists of Dave Armstrong, Brian Bintzler, Dave Kelley, Bob King) Kloehn, Ron Kronforst, Dennis Loberger, Scott Maronde, Jim Newton, Bob Sinnen, Addy Silverthorn, Dave Smith, and Rod Wilterdink.

Bob Guse will coach Team Ozaukee, which includes Jeff Dorn, Bill Bishop, Bert Kanaack, Harpo Schroeder, John Krecji, Jack Kramer, Larry Czelatdko, Ron Tobianski, Geoff Pauers, Rich Rodriguez,andTerrry Malmorowski.

The second game will start around 7:30 p.m. and will feature the Cedarburg and Grafton fire departments.

The wood bat tourney starts Saturday with 11 teams battling in a double-elimination format that ends Sunday afternoon. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.