The Selma Times-Journal

Young softball players from Dallas County, the surrounding region and all over the state will showcase their talent this weekend in Clanton.

The Freedom Fastpitch organization is holding an NSA-sanctioned tournament Sat., October 6 at the Clanton Softball Complex.

Thirty-two teams in four age groups from as far away as Dothan and Huntsville will battle it out for titles.

“Freedom is trying to get up there with the big organizations,” said Martin Middle School softball coach Gaylon Denson, who is a tournament volunteer. “Doug Matthews and Rodney Smitherman began that organization. They’re not as big as ones in Birmingham, but they’re trying to get up there.”

Denson encouraged anyone that is looking to get into fastpitch softball or that wants to learn more about it to go see some of the games.

The tournament runs from 8 a.m. and will go until 8 p.m. or later, and age groups range from 10-under to 16-under.

“Each game will be fast-paced and highly competitive,” Denson said. “There are good teams, so you’ll see good competition, especially later in the day when the elimination rounds start. Kids just getting introduced to fastpitch softball will get to see all aspects of the game.”