Bailey Park to host 27th Annual Damico Wiffle Ball Tournament
Nick Damico no longer plays in the wiffle ball tournament he created and continues to run that benefits the Miracle League of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands in North Union Township.
The former Connellsville left-handed pitcher who played collegiately at PennWest California performed double-duty as an organizer and participant in the event since its inception in 2000, but he has taken a step back from playing to manage the tournament.
“I love playing but I haven’t been able to for the last couple of years,” Damico said. “The event used to be private, but now it’s public, and I need to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
The 27th annual Damico Wiffle Ball Tournament will be held on Sept. 19 at Bailey Park in Uniontown. It will be the sixth year where the proceeds from the event will benefit the Miracle League of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.
Mark “Mookie” John inquired with the Uniontown City Council to consider using Bailey Park to host the tournament. The board approved the request on Aug. 6 during the council’s regular monthly meeting.
“We are excited to be using Bailey Park for the tournament,” Damico said. “Mook John has a lot of positive ties with the city, and he really came through and helped us a lot. We are going to use the softball field at Bailey Park. I am going to go down the night before the tournament to set everything up. It seems to get easier each year.”
The first game is scheduled for 12 p.m., and Damico anticipates the event ending around 6 p.m.
“Mookie is working on trying to get WMBS to broadcast the tournament,” Damico said. “We will also have a player from the Miracle League throwing out the first pitch.”
T-shirts for the event will be sold for $20, which includes entry into the tournament.
This year’s tournament will be the first time at Bailey Park. Damico had run the event at his parents’ home and his own.
“Playing at Bailey Park will make it more accessible and provide an experience for everyone to enjoy,” Damico said. “We will have a boy from the Miracle League to throw out the first pitch. It is a fun time for all ages.”
Damico is currently the director of special education for the Frazier School District after working for his high school alma mater in the same capacity. He was previously employed at California High School where he was the high school baseball coach. Under Damico’s direction, the Trojans won two WPIAL championships and played in three.
Damico has been working at Frazier for two years, and he enjoys the atmosphere in one of the smaller districts in the area.
“There are roughly 900 kids in the whole school at Frazier, and I enjoy that type of environment,” Damico said. “I feel like I can give the kids more individual attention. I recently became a father, so I can enjoy being a dad and spending time with my kid.”
Damico asks for anyone who would like to enter a team to contact him at 724-322-5768.