Medford baseball tourney bans travel teams, pushes back against youth sports ‘money grab’

Inaugural District 36 Interleague Tournament allows only in-house teams to compete, rejecting the elite travel circuit

A new youth baseball tournament in Medford is taking a stand against the travel sports industry by doing something unusual: banning elite teams.

The North Patchogue Medford Youth Athletic Club will host the inaugural Lt. Murph & SSG Bishop District 36 Interleague Little League Tournament on May 16 and 17, bringing together 18 in-house teams from across eastern Suffolk County.

The catch? Only sanctioned Little League in-house teams can participate.

No all-star teams. No Williamsport-bound squads. No travel ball clubs.

“Travel ‘name your sport’ is out of control,” said Anthony Frascogna, who serves with NPMYAC and coaches Patchogue-Medford High School’s varsity baseball team. “It’s a money grab perpetrated on parents who think they are missing out on something.”

The tournament represents a deliberate counterweight to the proliferation of elite youth sports programs that can cost families thousands of dollars per season in fees, equipment and travel expenses.

Traditional in-house Little League programs typically cost a few hundred dollars per season and emphasize community participation over elite competition. Travel teams often require year-round commitments, multi-day tournaments, and can exclude less-skilled players.

The District 36 tournament is sponsored by The Cirigliano Agency and are being held in honor of Lt. Michael Murphy and SSG Keith Bishop; both are Patchogue-Medford High School graduates who were killed in action.

“We’re thrilled to launch this tournament and create a new tradition for our players and community,” said Jennifer Frascogna, NPMYAC president. “With the support of The Cirigliano Agency, we’re able to provide a high-quality experience that celebrates both competition and camaraderie.”

The organization is seeking additional sponsors through two tiers: $150 for custom lawn signs displayed at tournament fields, or $500 for dugout banners. Proceeds will support tournament operations, field improvements and youth baseball programs.

_{Top: courtesy photo}