The 2nd Annual “Blade Memorial” Tournament goes down this weekend at the Moose. And much like Steve Hess was a larger-than-life character, this softball/bags tournament in his honor is quickly becoming a larger than anticipated event. Last year’s initial “Blade” was a huge draw and a huge success…this year’s Blade promises to be bigger, better, more entertaining with more entrants in the softball tournament and the bags tournament. One might even say that event co-organizers, Jason Griffin and Chris Wade, could clue The Rotary folks in on how to pack the house. The Moose Club is the place and honoring a Kenosha great is the purpose. The one and only true-crime of the weekend is that Blade can’t be there…this is his forum
Like many, I knew Blade as a softball player….I also knew he was a Sheridan Lanes guy but that was never really my wheelhouse. Griff and Big Al and Juga and Eickmeyer and that group are as tight and a loyal of a bunch as any batch of friends you can find. When the decision was made to put together an event to honor Blade, you knew the Sheridan Lanes group was gonna come heavy. The bags tournament is a giant part of this special weekend. “It’s awesome to see people that don’t or can’t play ball anymore come out and support the Blade Memorial by entering the bags tournament “, said Griffin. This year’s bag tournament will feature 32 teams and promises to showcase some of the strongest competition in the city. Those damn bowlers can SHOOT BAGS!!
And all of this takes place in honor of a man gone far too early and is absolutely missed by everyone that knew him. “He wouldn’t want it any other way….family, friends, softball, bags, live music and hell of a lot of beers and laughs!!! Every person that comes and shows support to what Blade was all about means a lot”, said Griffin. “Gone but never forgotten and we will continue to celebrate him forever”. Steve Hess was loved by so many people that a softball/bags tournament in his honor was a natural fit…and it has not disappointed. This weekend is the time and The Moose is the place. Bags, ball, beer, tunes and the fellowship that only can happen when you are remembering one of the greatest Kenoshans of all time.
Tomorrow we talk about the softball side with Griffin’s “event co-conspirator” Chris Wade.
The events kick off around 9AM Saturday and go all weekend.