FELCH — With backing from Felch Township, and the hard work of volunteers, Labor Day Weekend hardball returns to Felch this weekend.

The 2019 Felch Labor Day Championship tournament starts Saturday morning at the Felch Township Community Center Field.

Tournament director John Benzie of Kingsford expressed great excitement for the weekend.

“There’s nothing else like it,” he said. “The atmosphere and tradition of the field and tournament. Lots of great memories. The tradition, that’s what it’s all about.”

The people who have worked hard to get the field ready have been doing so since June, Benzie noted.

“Jeff Anderson, Brian Phillips and Warren “Windy” Wickman have put a tremendous amount of work,” said Benzie. “I’ve been there to help them as often as I can.”

Wickman has been involved with Felch hardball since 1972. He’ll be the public address announcer for the majority of the games.

“We had to get the tournament going again up here,” said Wickman. “I’ve been involved since year one of this thing. I am glad it’s back and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Assisting Wickman in the press box with scoring duties will be Channing native Todd Lindeman. “The Todder” will also be in charge of humor distribution throughout the weekend.

There are six teams entered in this year’s tournament, including five from the U.P. — Felch Solbergs, Channing Railroaders, Escanaba, Kingsford Blagec Brothers and Marquette. Rounding out the field is a squad from Bonduel, Wis.

Benzie also noted that prior to Monday’s championship game, which is scheduled for 2 p.m., long-time area baseball player John “Bimbo” Constantini will be honored and will throw the first pitch.

“I’ll always remember Johnny pitching the (Channing) Railroaders to the championship over Felch. I believe it was around 1985, and he was 54 years old at the time,” said Benzie.

There will be a daily admission charge, with all proceeds going back to Felch Township to support maintenance of the two baseball fields.

There will be a full concession stand on site, which will be run by the North Dickinson High School Athletic Booster Club.