MCM's Rob Millea pitches to his team during the March of Dimes Sno*Ball Tournament. Smedes photo.

Some years outfielders played in the snowball tournament in two feet of fresh powder and the balls were lost in the deep drifts. The conditions at this year’s event were wet, icy and treacherous with wicked bad hops everywhere. “Saturday was sunny and very wet with water running everywhere,” said State Director Dale Andreason. Sunday was just cold with frozen puddles and ridges making fielding a grounder almost impossible.

The 27th Annual March of Dimes Sno*Ball Tournament was played over the Jan. 24-25 weekend with the men’s portion at Kahle Park and the Coed at Bijou Middle School and Al Tahoe fields. Andreason, along with his son Cassidy, were the tournament directors for the Men’s tournament. WCS from Santa Rosa, CA went through the men’s division undefeated downing Real Men of Genius from Braselton, GA in the finals. Placerville’s Frosty Balls finished third and Santa Rosa’s MCM was fourth. “We have lots of returning teams. A number of them hit the 20 year mark this year,” said Andreason.

“This year’s Sno*Ball tournament raised approximately $50,000,” said Rikki Hensley-Ricker, Northern Nevada Division Director. The softball tournament is the biggest money raiser of the special events held. “Next year we’re bringing back the poker tournament,” said Andreason, referring to a pre-tournament event held in 2008.

The Junk from Carson City, NV came out on top of the Coed division. They defeated Power Weasels from Grass Valley, CA. War Party from Gardnerville, NV and 5 Women & their Luggage from Medford, OR rounded out the top four spots.

“Merchandise sales are a big part of the money raised,” said Andreason. “And a big thank you to Chevy’s. We hold our Friday night registration party at their restaurant and they donate proceeds from that nights’ sales. They are a great sponsor.”

The biggest over-all fundraiser for the March of Dimes is the March for Babies. The March of Dimes helps to fund research and provide education and advocacy for all babies.