McCurdy

FREEPORT — There's not much Jim "Stretch" McCurdy doesn't have a hand in when it comes to the Freeport International Baseball Invitational.

Volunteers help to make the invitational a success every year. This year, it was McCurdy's chance to be recognized.

McCurdy, 57, of South Buffalo Township, received the Mike Westerman Memorial Unsung Hero Award, which is given to honor the memory of Mike Westerman, who died two years ago.

"He was a special guy," said McCurdy. "I really enjoyed working with him.

"This is a great feeling. I've helped out the last 12 years and I've done a little bit of everything. I've lined the field, worked on the mound, helped at the refreshment stand, whatever they needed.

"Before the tournament starts, we redo the field, redo the mound — everything," McCurdy added.

In 2006, Buzzy Hoover won the inaugural award, then John Constantino won the honor last year.

McCurdy liked the idea of an international invitational so much, he knew he had to be a part of it.

"When I first heard about this tournament, I thought it was the greatest thing in the world," said McCurdy.

"To see the different cultures is great. We've had Tony Majors from Brooklyn come, the Japanese teams, all the different cultures," he added.

Being a volunteer for the tournament isn't just a week-long job. Much time and energy is needed throughout the year to make it work.

"We usually have a wrap-up meeting in September, then take two months off," said McCurdy. "Then in January, we start back at it. It takes two years to get this tournament ready."