Softball tournament keeps Jared Grindle's memory alive

Jared C. Grindle scholarship is available to send students to sports camps in Maine

Sept. 22, 2026

By Lydia Hart

This year’s softball tournament’s winner bracket. Photo by Lydia Hart.

BROOKSVILLE - The sudden and tragic passing of Jared Grindle inspired his family to channel their grief into something else: community. 

In August 2004, 17-year-old Jared Grindle passed away as a result of a car accident. A month later, Grindle's family knew they needed to create something to honor his memory and bring his community together. 

Inspired by Grindle’s love of baseball, his family decided to organize a slow-pitch softball tournament attached to a scholarship made in his memory. The tournament first began in September 2004.

“Everyone can be in one place to just kind of remember him and play some softball,” said Tessa Grindle, Jared Grindle’s sister. 

Twenty-two years later, the tournament has become a highly anticipated event. Community members are eager to show up for a friendly competition while supporting a good cause. 

All proceeds and donations go towards the Jared C. Grindle scholarship fund. The scholarship aims to send children across the state to a sports camp of their choosing. 

To apply for the scholarship, kids must write a short story about the sport of their choosing. The sports kids can apply for range from baseball and swimming to horseback riding and cheering. To access the application form, click here. 

“My daughter has gotten the Jared Grindle scholarship for the cheer camp that she’s gone to. So, I play for that because it feels like a good cause,” said Courtney Senecal, who plays for the team Cheap Skates.

This year, the tournament consisted of 15 teams playing on the local field in Brooksville. Each year, community members volunteer to prepare meals for players and spectators. Players take to the field rain or shine to honor their loved one. 

Two players race for second place, with defence scoring the out. Photo by Lydia Hart.

“We look forward to it every year. The people are good, the food is good, and it’s all for a really good cause,” said Morgan Melanio, playing for the team The Crusher Claws. “We come prepared to play hard and spend some money so we can send some kids to camp. And it’s all to remember Jared.” 

The number of teams playing in the tournament often varies; One year, the tournament reached 36 teams across four fields in Blue Hill, Brooksville, Deer Isle, and Penobscot. Several teams have been playing since the tournament began in 2004.

“I grew up playing ball with Jared; he was a great kid,” said Nick Ciomei, a member of team Yippi Ki Yay. “So we’ve been playing in this tournament since it first started. We just love the fact that we get the community out here, so much money raised, and so much opportunity for these kids to go to camp.” 

The tournament runs throughout the third weekend of September. The weekend starts with a Home Run Derby on Friday night, with tournament games the following Saturday and Sunday. 

As the tournament has grown, organizers moved the scholarship application to digital platforms, creating more opportunities for children to apply.

“We try to raise enough to send as many kids as we possibly can,” said Grindle. “At this point, it’s pretty much any amount that they're looking for; we’re able to send them.”