39th Annual Tournament Brings Best of Baseball Back to Boundary

This summer, baseball enthusiasts will flock to the community of Grand Forks, British Columbia, to partake in a tradition spanning five decades.

The Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament returns once more, carrying with it a legacy of unforgettable games, formidable players, and the enduring spirit of the Boundary community.

A Historical Home Run

The birth of the GFI dates back to 1968, when Larry Seminoff and a group of passionate local baseball advocates organized the inaugural International Labour Day Tournament at James Donaldson Park.

What started as a local event soon garnered wider attention and the Grand Forks and District Credit Union stepped up to the plate as a sponsor. In 1975, the Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament was officially born.

Over the years, GFI’s roster of teams expanded beyond local boundaries, including squads from Seattle, San Diego, Lewiston, and even international teams from countries like Japan, Taiwan, Australia, China, Cuba, and Russia. Thanks to this broadening participation, GFI grew to become the largest invitational baseball tournament in Canada.

Major improvements at James Donaldson Park, including the installation of lights in 1981 and the construction of a grandstand in 1986, further solidified the tournament’s reputation.

The park’s hallowed grounds have been graced by some of the world’s best amateur and semi-professional players, many of whom have gone on to play in Major League Baseball. Notable players include Tim Lincecum, Josh Beckett, Brendan Ryan, Jason Bay, Jeff Francis, Kosuke Fukodome, John Olerud, and Canadian Larry Walker, a GFI veteran who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.

As we look ahead to this year’s tournament, teams to watch in 2023 include the Lewiston Truckers, who hold nine GFI titles; Team Japan with four titles; the Seattle Studs with five; and the Burnaby Bulldogs, the second Canadian team to clinch a GFI victory since 1976.

This year’s divisions include the Gerry Foster Division, Larry Seminoff Division, and James Donaldson Division, all packed with talent and potential.

A Week of Action: Tournament Schedule

The Grand Forks International 2023 will kick off on Sunday, June 25th, with the opening ceremonies at 6:00pm followed by the inaugural match between the Grand Forks Slag Dusters and the Coquitlam Angels at 6:30pm.

A little league mini-game will also be held earlier in the day, setting the stage for an exciting week of baseball ahead.

Throughout the week, games will begin at various times, ensuring that each day is packed with plenty of action. On Monday, June 26th, the games will start at 1:00 pm with the Seattle Black Fins taking on the Northwest Honkers, followed by the Everett Merchants against the Calgary Diamondbacks at 4:00 pm, and rounding off the day will be the Seattle Studs facing the Burnaby Bulldogs at 7:30 pm.

Tuesday, June 27th, offers a full day of matches starting from 11:00 am. The day’s games will culminate in a Home Run Derby at 8:00 pm, promising a spectacle of skill and strength.

Wednesday and Thursday continue the momentum with matches starting from 1:00 pm, featuring teams such as the Fairbanks Goldpanners, Calgary Diamondbacks, and the Coquitlam Angels. Friday, June 30th, will mark the last day of round-robin games, wrapping up with an evening game between the Grand Forks Slag Dusters and the Seattle Black Fins.

As we move into the weekend, Saturday, July 1st, will herald the start of the quarterfinals, with two matches at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, following the last round-robin games. This is where the stakes rise, as the surviving teams will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.

Finally, on Sunday, July 2nd—Championship Day—the tournament will reach its thrilling conclusion. The day will start with the semi-finals at 9:00am and 12:00pm, leading up to the grand final at 3:00pm. Here, the two most successful teams of the tournament will compete for the coveted title of Grand Forks International Champions.

Going for Gold

The prospect of winning not only comes with major prestige but also a monetary prize.

The 2023 prize payouts include $17,000 for the Champion, $8,000 for the Runner-Up, and cash prizes for the teams reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals.

For the rest of us, it’s a unique chance to watch some good old ball. (If you’re particularly passionate, the organizers behind GFI are always looking for volunteers.)

With a blend of local charm, international participation, and the timeless allure of the sport, the Grand Forks International tournament promises another riveting chapter in the rich history of Boundary Country baseball.

Ready to Attend?

Patrons of James Donaldson Park may park their vehicles in any area permitted by the City of Grand Forks, Jack Goddard Arena, and around the neighbourhoods. There are two entry/exit points for the main grandstand. Mobility access is through the front gates and down a paved path to seating along the first base line.

Bleacher seating is available for all passes and general admission ticket purchases. These are located along the first and third base lines. Blue Monster seating is inside a beer garden called Right Field Tavern and is for patrons 19 years or older. An area behind the right field is a safe place for families to watch the Games with tables and benches for sitting.

Hard Ball Café, located under the Grandstand, serves fries, burgers, Hot Dogs. Babe Ruth Building is located along first base line next to the Blue Monster bleachers and offers candy, ice cream, popcorn, water, and pop. The newest addition is Outfield Smokehouse BBQ—launched behind the Right Field Tavern in 2022, food here is prepared daily and includes smoked meat, brisket, and salads.