60 teams from multiple states to compete in Bear Lake Baseball tournament starting July 18

MONTPELIER — Bear Lake Baseball is set to hold its annual baseball tournament in the Montpelier area.

Cameron Crane, organizer of the tournament, said it will start on Thursday, July 18, and end on Saturday, July 20. They will have kids teams from the surrounding areas.

"We have 60 teams coming from Utah, Wyoming and Idaho," Crane said. "We start playing games at 8 a.m. on Thursday and finish at 6 p.m. on Saturday night."

The tournament has been held annually for close to 30 years. During that time, it has been organized by different entities. It was originally run by Bear Lake Baseball before being organized by the City of Montpelier for a time.

"We created Bear Lake Baseball again about five years ago," Crane said. "We've been running it ever since."

Every year, the tournament brings in anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 people. Crane said it is always a busy time in Montpelier when the tournament is going on.

"They stay in our hotels or they're camping," he said. "They eat at our restaurants. It brings a bunch of money to our valley."

Crane expressed gratitude for all the business owners in Montpelier who have shown so much support for the tournament over the years and for making it all possible.

"It takes everyone," he said. "It's a stress on everyone, but it keeps businesses going and thriving in the summer."

Crane said his favorite part about the tournament is watching the kids who play on all the teams having fun. He played baseball as a kid and now he enjoys watching the younger generation play.

"That's the whole reason why I started this association," he said. "I just know baseball."

The tournament usually takes around 40 to 50 people to make it all happen.

"It's a lot of man hours, but the kids love it," Crane said. "They have a good time. It's worth it."

Crane said the tournament features teams that range in ages from 8 to 14. Six out of the 60 teams are from the Bear Lake area.

"We have Bear Lake teams playing every day," Crane said.

The tournament will be spread out across four different parks. There will be games at Adams Park, Wells Park, Allinger Park and the newly finished Paris Park.

"We've got four facilities and nine fields," Crane said.

Crane encourages everyone to come out to the fields and watch the games. He said it's sure to be a good time.

"We invite everyone," he said.