There is a specific kind of magic that happens at the Little Fenway complex in Essex Junction, Vermont: a shared spirit of a community coming together for something much bigger than a game. For the last two years, I have had the distinct privilege of captaining Team Pain in the Neck at SCIboston’s TR24 Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament. But this year, for the best possible reason, I will be cheering from New Hampshire.
To understand why this tournament is so special, you have to understand the legacy of Travis Roy. For twenty years, the Travis Roy Foundation WIFFLE Ball Tournament was a staple of the Vermont summer, raising over $7.5 million for spinal cord injury survivors. When the foundation closed in 2022, the need did not vanish. SCIboston, an organization I am deeply proud to work with, stepped up to revitalize the event, with all funds going to the Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program, providing critical equipment and quality of life grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries. The event is FAR more than a simple fundraiser. The TR24 Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament is a weekend of camaraderie and community spirit held on 4 legendary replica fields: Mini Fenway, Mini Field of Dreams, Mini Wrigley, and Mini Yankee.
My journey with the tournament began in 2023, SCIboston’s first year hosting the event. Then Board President Doug Frey loosely promoted the tournament and described the event’s history to the support group that I moderate. Unfortunately it was too late to attend that year, but the event sounded right up my alley, so I made a vow to host a team the next chance I could. I got my chance the following year.
I remember that first trip to Essex Junction vividly. It was a rainy weekend, but it poured a little extra hard on game day to truly test our resolve. I watched my team slip and slide across the base paths all day, grinning ear to ear. We were there with some of my closest friends and family, celebrating the fact that we were raising money to help individuals with spinal cord injuries like my own. The following summer, we doubled down by turning it into a full weekend and renting an Airbnb with my core group of friends. We expanded our roster, designed new jerseys, and hit the ground running with various fundraisers. While my team may have little hope of ever making it onto the Rock of Champions for our athletic prowess, the joy of the day is found in the laughs and the shared mission of giving back to a community that has given me so much support.
This summer, the tournament returns on June 27th. For the first time in three years, I won’t be there to field a team. The reason is simple and life changing because my wife and I are expecting twins the very same week of the tournament. While I will be home in New Hampshire preparing for the arrival of my two boys, I have not been idle. Knowing I could not be there in person on game day, I stepped up my involvement behind the scenes. I joined the wiffle ball committee to help plan the logistics and, as the lead graphic designer, I have spent months creating a robust marketing strategy and an online merchandise shop to ensure this year is the most successful yet.
It is bittersweet to see the event grow while I am watching from a distance. This year, we have added a welcome fire and brewery night with a food truck the night before the tournament to kick things off. During the games, we are introducing a kids’ tent and a Home Run Derby to keep the energy high. Seeing the tournament expand to include more families and more community events is a testament to the lasting impact of Travis Roy’s vision. It is really humbling to support that vision through my design work.
Team Pain in the Neck is currently on a hiatus for the 2026 season, but don’t count us out. We will be back in 2027 with two brand new members. I cannot wait to introduce my sons to this incredible community. Much like other veterans of the tournament who now have their younger generations forming their own teams, I look forward to the day my boys take their first swings in Essex Junction with their cousins. In the meantime, the mission continues. Even though I am not hosting a team this year, SCIboston still needs our support. I am asking all my friends, family, and followers to consider donating directly to the tournament, specifically to SCIboston’s own team, captained by Doug’s son Hayden. Your contributions go toward the Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program, providing the equipment and resources that make a real difference in the lives of those with paralysis. I will see you all on the field in 2027. Until then, let’s knock it out of the park for SCIboston.