The Garretson BlueJays Amateur Baseball Team is comprised of 15 men from Garretson. The team placed 2nd in the State Class B Amateur Baseball Tournament in 2019, with two players, Derek Fischer and Nick Bruning, making the Class B All-Tournament Team. Their annual celebration and fundraiser, the BlueJay Open, will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 am at River Ridge. Photo submitted by Aaron VanDeBerg.
The Garretson Blue Jays amateur baseball team had another spectacular year, ending their season as runner ups in the Class B State Tournament. The team, comprised of 15 men from Garretson, play their season from the end of May to the beginning of August. Their annual fundraiser and end of year celebration, the BlueJay Open, will be held on Saturday, September 14 at River Ridge Golf Course.
Team manager Aaron VanDeBerg is excited for this year’s Open, noting that they accept a max of 24 teams and usually have no problems getting at least 18-20. The Garretson team is completely self-funded, and the BlueJay Open is their only fundraising beyond obtaining business sponsors at the beginning of the season.
“It costs approximately $2500-3000 dollars for the season,” he said, which covers uniforms, insurance, equipment, league fees and umpires. The team, which was started in 2007, is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Garretson Ball Association, which allows them to use the field free of charge, and the businesses of Garretson and the surrounding area. The sponsors for the BlueJay Open in 2019 include Daktronics, Sanford, and Blue Dragon Foundation.
“We don’t make a lot at the BlueJay Open,” VanDeBerg said, “but we like to celebrate at the end of the season.”
Team spots are still available, but registering sooner rather than later is a good idea. The Open is a 4-man 18-hole scramble, and the $60 fee ($30 for River Ridge members) covers green fee, cart, and mulligans. Pin prizes are included, and a meal will follow at Big Ern’s Sports Cabin in Garretson. To register, contact River Ridge Golf Course.
