The Legendary Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament in Washington

The Legendary Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament

Every summer in the Pacific Northwest, baseball fans gather for a beloved local tradition - the Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament. This prestigious event attracts top high school teams from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia who come to compete and see if they have what it takes to be crowned tournament champions.

The tournament is held at Hill Park in downtown Snohomish, located about 30 miles north of Seattle. Nestled right along the Snohomish River, the park offers stunning views of the water and the Cascade Mountains in the background. With its quaint downtown district, the town of Snohomish provides a charming, small-town backdrop for the tournament.

History of the Snohomish Tournament

The Snohomish tournament has been held annually since 1986. It was originally organized as a way to showcase local high school baseball talent. Over the years, it has grown into one of the premier summer baseball events in the region, attracting spectators from all over the Pacific Northwest.

The tournament is named after the legendary Bigfoot creature said to roam the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The hairy humanoid beast is a beloved local legend in the Snohomish area. The tournament's name and wooden Bigfoot statue located at Hill Park pay tribute to this iconic local lore.

Hundreds of high school baseball players have competed in the tournament over the past four decades. Several tournament alumni have gone on to play college baseball and even in the major leagues. The top talent on display each year makes the Snohomish tournament a must-see event for baseball scouts.

Tournament Format and Festivities

The Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament features a double-elimination format with 16 participating teams. Games are played over the course of five days in mid-July. Each team is guaranteed at least two games as they compete to stay alive in the winner's bracket or battle back through the loser's bracket.

In addition to exciting baseball action, the tournament features other fun activities for fans. There is a Bigfoot Calling Contest where fans try their best Sasquatch howls and yells. Local food vendors serve up classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, burgers, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The tournament queen is crowned each year from nominations submitted by participating schools.

The championship game is played on the final day of the tournament. Win or lose, each team receives trophies and regional bragging rights until next year's tournament comes around. The winning team gets its name engraved on the permanent Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament trophy displayed at Hill Park.

Top Players and Memorable Moments

Many exceptional players have showcased their skills over the years at the Snohomish tournament. Some of the top stars include:

• Drew Bledsoe - The Walla Walla native and future NFL quarterback led his team to the 1987 title and was named tournament MVP.
• Jason Bay - The future MLB slugger from Trail, BC set a tournament record with 5 home runs in 1998.
• Tim Lincecum - The hard-throwing pitcher dominated the 2003 tournament, striking out 32 batters on his way to being named MVP.

There have also been many memorable moments and games in tournament history:

• In 1994, Eastside Catholic and Newport engaged in a back-and-forth slugfest that saw a combined 57 runs scored before Newport ultimately prevailed 29-28.
• In 2002, the championship game was rained out, so co-champions were named when Seattle Prep and Federal Way agreed to share the title.
• In 2010, Todd Simon of Mercer Island threw a complete game no-hitter to lead his team to the title over heavily favored Olympia.

The Tournament Today

The Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament continues to be a popular summer tradition for Pacific Northwest baseball fans. As one of the area's longest-running high school sporting events, it has become a rite of passage for many student-athletes. Coaches and players alike look forward to testing their skills against top competition on the well-maintained fields at Hill Park.

College scouts regularly attend the tournament to evaluate players they may want to recruit. The level of talent and competition each year exceeds most regular season high school games. As a result, the tournament remains a valuable showcase opportunity for ambitious players with dreams of playing at the next level.

For the town of Snohomish, the annual event provides a boost to the local economy and community pride. Businesses display signs welcoming the teams and fans. The ballpark atmosphere creates lasting summer memories for residents. The Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament promises to continue as a cherished tradition for many summers to come.

FAQs

How long has the Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament been held?

The Snohomish Bigfoot Baseball Tournament has been an annual summer tradition since 1986. 2023 will mark its 38th year.

Where is the tournament held?

The tournament takes place at Hill Park in downtown Snohomish, Washington. The park is located right along the Snohomish River.

What is the tournament format?

It features a 16 team double-elimination format. Teams are guaranteed at least two games as they compete to stay alive through the winner's and loser's brackets.

Who has played in the tournament over the years?

Future pro stars like Drew Bledsoe, Jason Bay, and Tim Lincecum have competed in the Snohomish tournament as high schoolers. Many alumni have gone on to play college and pro baseball.

Why is the tournament named after Bigfoot?

It is named after the legendary Bigfoot or Sasquatch creature said to inhabit the Pacific Northwest forests. Bigfoot is a beloved local legend around Snohomish.