The First Annual Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament
A celebration of Ryan Whitney's life through the sport he loved, honoring his memory and the reminder that no one fights alone.
Why This Tournament Matters
On September 1st, 2025, what would have been Ryan Whitney's 16th birthday, the Fight Club community gathered at Home Field Baseball Complex to honor his life the way he lived it: with energy, laughter, and everyone showing up for each other. Tiffany Whitney, Ryan's mom, made it happen because she wanted the day marked with joy, not sorrow, and because she hoped it could bring awareness to the mental and behavioral health resources she wished had been more accessible during her own journey with Ryan.
Ryan loved backyard wiffle ball with his brother Jake. He played everything with grit and heart, and he encouraged everyone around him to do the same. His last messages to his closest friends were words of encouragement, reminding them to be a DAWG. This tournament was built on that spirit, and it will return every Labor Day to make sure it never fades.
What to Expect
Fifty-three teams competed across high school and middle school divisions on what would have been Ryan's 16th birthday. The energy was electric from the first pitch to the final out, with teams arriving in custom uniforms, many reflecting their personal connection to Ryan.
Special wiffle ball rules kept the day full of laughter: no ties allowed, home run derbies settled close games, and rock-paper-scissors resolved any disputed calls. Even when the rain came, the joy never stopped.
Booths from Fight Club, KidsTLC, NAMI, BMS Project, and Rising Phoenix Breathwork lined the event, offering resources for teen mental wellness. Proceeds went directly to Fight Club, a program the Whitney family hopes every adolescent can be a part of.
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Be Part of this Event
Join families, supporters, and community partners for an event that directly supports Fight Club groups for boys and girls. Your presence helps expand access to consistent, in-person connection where it matters most.
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