Athens kicks off ball season, Relay tournament this weekend

ATHENS-Two events upcoming for Athens this weekend:

On Friday, April 6, Athens Parks and Recreation will host opening day ceremonies for more than 850 baseball and softball players.

Opening ceremonies will be at the Sportsplex on U.S. 31 at 6 p.m. The teams will march around the field with their team colors, signs and eagerness to play ball.

Athens Parks and Recreation Manager Ben Wiley said there are 489 children signed up for baseball, and 380 signed up for softball.

7th annual City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Fishing Tournament on Saturday

The 7th annual City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Fishing Tournament will be Saturday, April 7, from safe light to 3 p.m. at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur.

WOW! is sponsoring this year’s top fishing team prize of $4,000 cash. In addition, Grassy Custom Rods & Tackle is donating a pair of custom made rods with “Relay Champion” on them for the first place team. The rods are valued at $500.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit the American Cancer Society. The tournament is held in honor of Al Dutton of the Limestone Lunkers. Dutton helped the Relay Team organize the tournament its first year. He died from cancer the weekend of the second tournament.

Anglers can register the day of the event for $110 cash. On site registration will start at 4 a.m. Anglers can register online until Friday evening at https://www.active.com/decatur-al/fishing/tournaments/7th-annual-city-of-athens-relay-for-life-bass-fishing-tournament-2018