Indeed this classic Canadian sporting event is not only a player’s dream but also a baseball fan’s delight and we can add a non-baseball person’s surprise. The GFI has entertainment from exciting baseball to Gifi the mascot to Bingo during every game; it has atmosphere in a beautiful, intimate facility with a marvellous view and great food. It has first class competition with skilled athletes competing for $43,000 in prize money.

It is remarkable to think of the gifted ballplayers who have participated in this tournament, displaying their awesome talents before appreciative crowds at exquisite James Donaldson Park. Consider this partial list of GFI alumni: 2004 National League rookie of the year, Jason Bay (Pittsburgh Pirates); in the last two World Series the pitchers on the mound recording the final out, Josh Beckett (Florida Marlins) and Keith Foulke (Boston Red Sox); John Olerud and Larry Walker who have both achieved the exclusive 2000 hit club in their Major League careers; Jeff Francis, a University of British Columbia product, was drafted 9th overall in 2002 and made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies last summer. And behind the scenes, while the on field action is keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats, the business of baseball unfolds. At the 2003 GFI a Seattle Mariners’ scout signed Yung-Chi Chen from Team Taiwan. In 2004 he was the shortstop with Seattle’s Class A affiliate in Everett, leading the team in hitting with a .300 average and in stolen bases (25).

Ray Carter, President of Baseball Canada, comments, “The Tournament Committee has put a great deal of time and effort into preparation for this event to ensure that your stay will be a very enjoyable one. I feel that all players, coaches and officials will return home with many good memories of Grand Forks.” Barry McGillivray, President of Baseball B.C. says, “the GFI continues to be recognized as one of the premier baseball tournaments in North America.” The organizers are again planning a 16 team lineup including the last three champions from San Diego, Reno and Seattle. The college component which is extremely attractive to many fans was increased to four last year. This will likely be repeated again in 2005. Negotiations are continuing with off-shore teams. We invite you to visit our web site regularly for updates on the tournament. The increasing activity on our web page is a further indication of the popularity of the GFI. Even in the month of December (‘04) when most of the population is occupied with other matters, grandforksbaseball.com received just under 17,000 hits. This was an increase of 49% over the same month a year earlier.

We invite you to Grand Forks for 7 unforgettable days August 30 September 5. A small, friendly community hosting a big-time event. What a great way to wind up your summer vacation!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce of the City of Grand Forks for more info: gfchambe@sunshinecable.com 1 866 442 2833
Websites to visit:
www.grandforkschamber.com - www.city.grandforks.bc.ca - www.boundarycf.com - www.boundary.bc.ca