FREEPORT — It's been 13 years, but things just keep rolling for the Freeport International Baseball Invitational.

Sure, there are board members, volunteers, site managers and so on, but FIBIpresident Chuck Sarver is proud to see the tournament still thrive after all these years.

And he knows the main reason why.

"I still attribute it to the kids who want to play baseball," said Sarver. "It's not Freeport they're coming to, it's the kids wanting to play. The kids want to play and play and play and keep going."

The invitational's non-competitive format — there are no title games or eliminations — is just about Pony, Colt, American Legion and Palomino teams playing a handful of games over a five-day stretch.

This year's invite runs from Tuesday through Saturday at six different fields — James Swartz Field in Freeport, Laura Doerr Park, Highlands High School, Twin Cities, Springdale and Ford City.

Freeport, Highlands, Springdale and Twin Cities will each host four games per day since those facilities have lights, while Laura Doerr Park and Ford City will host three contests per day.

While the invitational has some familiar favorites such as The Netherlands and Japan, a squad from Australia will make its first appearance.

"Every year, everyone wants to see something new," said Sarver. "We're housing the Australian team with some local families. It costs them about $5,000 each to fly here, and some can't afford that much."

The Netherlands and Japan, as well as several other teams, will stay at nearby hotels. Other areas represented include Maryland, Kentucky, Niagara Falls and Canada.

The schedule is as follows:

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Monday:

The National Scouting Report Showcase at Swartz Field. There will be a 9 a.m. and a 1 p.m. session. Pro scouts will evaluate players for running speed, arm strength, pitching and fielding. Top players will advance to a regional showcase.•

Tuesday:

Games begin on all fields and run through Saturday.•

Thursday:

Sonny Westerman Oldtimers' Game, 8 p.m., Swartz Field.•

Friday:

Home Run Derby at Swartz Field, 6 p.m.•

Saturday: Future Freeport International Baseball Invitational Tournament for ages 9-12 of siblings of other players.

Freeport International 5K Run, 9 a.m.

USA vs. World Game (coaches will name players to the teams), 8 p.m.

Fireworks, 10 p.m.With so many details to oversee, you would think it gets difficult year to year.Not so, according to Sarver."It's been much easier," said Sarver. "As long as you do it, the easier it gets. Two teams bailed out, but we'll cover it. I got tired fretting about a few years ago."I guess don't want to say it's easy, but it is easier,"Sarver added.