Tournament honors long-time volunteer

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NAUGATUCK — Little League teams come from across the state to participate in a postseason baseball tournament that honors a long-time volunteer.

Peter J. Foley Little League’s 2014 Tom Doran Memorial Tournament wraps up this week with championship games in a two-division format.

Teams of 9-and 10-year-old players from Derby, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, in addition to local teams from Prospect, Union City and host Foley competed in this year’s tournament. A total of 12 teams entered the event.

On Thursday, Weston will face Trumbull National in the “District” Division title game at 7 p.m. at the field on Scott Street. The “Non-District” division championship game will be played Friday. The teams have yet to be determined.

The tournament not only provides some extra competition for teams, it also supports Foley Little League. The tournament helps each year to reduce players’ registration fees at Foley, according to Mike Falcha, a member of the league’s board of directors.

Doran, who served as the league’s vice president and in many other roles, died in 2002.

“He was our best spokesperson,” Falcha said. “And he helped with so many projects that are still paying dividends today, like our lights, batting cage and other remodeling. He did so much for our league.”

Falcha said the three-week tournament also runs thanks to the support of Foley’s directors, players’ parents and volunteers.

“There wouldn’t be a tournament without their help,” Falcha said.