NOTHING SOFT IN 17TH ANNUAL KELSO KLASSIC

If fast-pitch softball is what you enjoy, then the small Southeast Missouri town of Kelso will be the place to be this weekend.

The 17th annual Kelso Klassic -- a 14-team men's fast-pitch softball tournament -- will take place Friday through Sunday on two fields at the Kelso Softball Complex.

The event, which features squads from several states -- including a pair of local, Kelso-based teams -- generally attracts a large following of fast-pitch enthusiasts. Ron Baker, one of the tournament directors, said this weekend should be no different.

"It's always a really popular tournament. We got a lot of fans out and they really seem to enjoy it," he said. "We welcome all fast-pitch lovers to come out and watch softball played like it should be.

"Our tournament has an excellent atmosphere and we encourage parents of kids competing or wanting to learn to play to bring them out to the games."

While defending champion Meuths/Sportsprint from Smithon, Ill., will bring back another strong team, Baker considers the field to be wide open.

"I think it's going to be one of the more balanced tournaments we've had in a while," he said. "I think several teams can win the championship."

Four first-round games will be played Friday, beginning at 8 p.m. with host Kelso Connection facing Elkville (Ill.) Word-Chrysler and Hermann (Mo.) Black Gold meeting Memphis (Tenn.) Pomen.

At 9:30 p.m., Kohlfeld Distributing of Kelso plays Taylorville (Ill.) Bob Ridings Ford and Radom (Ill.) Lees Sports takes on Bunker Hill (Ill.) Berco Construction.

The opening round will conclude at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with Herrin (Ill.) Budweiser playing Nokomis (Ill.) Bud Light and Springfield (Ill.) Capitol City Chaos meeting Vandalia (Ill.) Freight.

Meuths/Sportsprint and Lafayette Pub from St. Louis received first-round byes and will play their opening tourney games at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Play will continue through Saturday night and resume at 10 a.m. Sunday, with the finals set for 4 p.m.

"People can expect to see some good and close ballgames," Baker said. "It should be an excellent tournament. We're looking forward to it."