This year’s tournament features the Van Bulldogs, the Phelps Hornets and the host Matewan Tigers. The tournament is scheduled to get underway at 11:00 a.m. with Phelps taking on Matewan. The second game, tentatively set for 2:00 p.m. will see Van versus Phelps. The tournament finale finds Van up against Matewan.
The tournament has become an annual staple of the Matewan baseball schedule. The tournament is held in honor of longtime Matewan Tiger Assistant Coach Blaine Pruitt. Pruitt assisted with the school’s baseball, footballand basketball programs. Pruitt passed away in October of 2000 at the age of 39 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
“Blaine was one who was just always there for the kids”said Matewan High baseball coach Danny “BB” Perkins. “He assisted with all the school’s sports teams and baseball in particular. He would do anything the teams needed him to. He had sons of his own, but he worked with all of the kids as he would his. His impact was felt not only in the school, but in the community as well. We miss him dearly”.
In 2001, to honor Pruitt and his endless devotion to the school and its athletes, the baseball team organized a memorial baseball tournament n his name. That tournament has continued ever since.
“The tournament is our way of insuring that no one ever forgets the contributions and the spirit Blaine gave to the athletes of this school and community.”said Perkins. “He loved baseball and he loved Matewan High School. As long as I’m here, this tournament will continue in his honor.”
“Pruitt’s mother and family still reside in the community of Matewan and carry on his love of Matewan High and it’s community.” added Perkins.
At presstime, it was still being determined if the weather was going to force a postponement of the tournament.
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