Over the years, Freeport has been an excellent host because no matter how crowded it is, the town feels there's always room for one more. team

The Freeport International Baseball Invitational, which continues to thrive in its 16 years, hasn't been afraid to add some teams along the way.

"When we plan the year out and we know how many fields we have, we try to get everyone at least three or four games," said board member Dave Brestensky. "We go to the field space and availability.

"We are constantly looking to make it bigger. We haven't turned anyone away. If we have to, we'll find more fields to do it," he added.

The invitational, which begins Monday and runs through July 24, has nearly 30 teams registered and scheduled to play at six Alle-Kiski area fields, including Freeport Boro (Swartz Field) and South Buffalo Elementary Field.

"The community of Freeport really pull together, young and old," said Brestensky. "We have people in the 80s and 5-year-olds helping to rake the field, help out. We try and get the other communities involved, too."

Teams from Canada, Japan and Australia, as well as squads from Kentucky and New York, will be on hand.

Among this year's highlights:

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Monday: Baseball Showcase at 4 p.m. at Swartz Field, which allows players a chance to compare themselves against others their own age.•

Tuesday: Games begin at all fields through Saturday, except Ford City, which has games only on July 24. Highlands, however, will have no games that day.•

Wednesday: Jeff Potter Tour Team will conduct a clinic at noon at the South Buffalo Elementary field.Potter is a Freeport native and Ellwood City High graduate whose sports team is made up of Maryland and Pennsylvania players and spends the summer hitting invitationals and tournaments."They get a bus and go," said Brestensky. "They use wooden bats, old-time uniforms. At the beginning of the game, they throw the bat in the air to see who's the home team."•

Thursday: The Sonny Westerman Old-Timers Game, 8 p.m. at Swartz Field.•

Friday: Home run derby, 6 p.m. at Swartz Field.•

Saturday: The Freeport International 5K Run at 9 a.m., the USA vs. International game, 8 p.m. Swartz Field and fireworks, 10 p.m. at Swartz Field.As usual, this tournament is played without brackets, standings or trophies."They're playing for the love of the game," said Brestensky. "That's what it's all about."