Stars getting the Ripken experience

The Windsor Stars 12U AAA team has played in five tournaments so far this season. "The Siddall win is my fav." said head coach Matt Todd whose team won the Kevin Siddall Invitational last month.

Source: Windsor Stars

However, Todd concedes the current experience will be hard to top. The Stars in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, less than an hour southeast of Knoxville for the Ripken Experience. "This is a really well run week long tournament." Todd said. "The facilities are beautiful and the diamonds perfect. Having been to Cooperstown previously, I would choose the Ripken Experience. The scenery with the Smokie Mountains is unbeatable."

Todd and other coaches at the tournament got to enjoy an hour Q&A session with Tournament Ambassador Jake Arrieta who won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and was named the NL Cy Young Winner in 2015. Arrieta then addressed the players for an hour during the opening ceremonies.

The Stars started off with three straight wins before losing twice Wednesday. Windsor has qualified to play in the championship bracket starting Thursday.

"Once we get home at the end of the week we have another tournament in Michigan and thereafter prepare for OBA Championship weekend on Labour Day."