Natchez Dixie Youth league hosts benefit tournament for Byrne family

By Jeff Edwards (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Saturday, June 21, 2008

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Dixie Youth Baseball League thought it was a good idea to have a practice tournament to help the teams prepare for the sub-district tournament next week.

But the tournament became extra-special when they were able to turn in into a charitable cause.

The tournament, which had three games Friday night and will have six more today, is a benefit for Mike Byrne, who suffered a stroke and aortic aneurysm while fishing on Lake Concordia.

Tournament official Joe Eidt said the tournament had raised $400 on Friday night, which came from admission fee and donations.

This is the second year of the tournament, and both years it has benefited someone in need.

“Last year we did it for Drew Kossum, a former player and umpire in the league who was burned in an oil field accident,” Eidt said.

“We decided to pass the hat and get donations. We raised about $750.

“This year we knew we were going to have the tournament again. We discussed a benefactor and Mike Byrne was the first name on everyone’s list.”

Byrne had two sons play in the league and served as a dugout dad for his son’s teams. His father also sponsored a team for over 30 years.

“He’s a good guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” league commissioner Porky Smith said. “He was always willing to help people out. It’s a very sad situation and I hope we can help contribute any way we can.”

The tournament includes Natchez’ 10, 11, and 12-year-old teams, Vidalia’s 9-10-year-old and 11-12 year-old team, Franklin County’s 12-year-old team and Pine Hill’s 12-year-old team.

It is a good opportunity to get players in game situations before the sub-district tournaments start in a few days, Vidalia Dixie Youth 9-10-year-old head coach Whest Shirley said.

“They are put in situations in the game where we can’t put them in practice,” Shirley said. “The main thing we’re trying to find out is our pitching. We’ve got to have three pitchers to make it through the tournament.”

Natchez 10-year-old coach Terry Moffett agreed.

“It gets the kids out there in their uniform in a game situation,” Moffett said. “We get to see if they’re ready to play.”

Vidalia 9-10-year-olds beat Natchez 10-year-olds 10-4 while XX beat XX XXXX and XX beat XX XXX.

The tournament concludes today with six games beginning at 11 a.m. Each game has a 75-minute time limit.