A Legacy of Love: The First Annual Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament

A Birthday Celebration Turned Legacy

On September 1st, what would have been Ryan Whitney’s 16th birthday, family, friends, and the community gathered for the first annual Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament. The idea began with Ryan’s mom, Tiffany, who wanted to mark the day not with sorrow, but with joy—creating space for fun, laughter, and togetherness for those who loved her son. She also hoped the event could bring awareness to the importance of mental and behavioral health resources, something she wished had been more accessible during her journey with Ryan.

Her inspiration came from Ryan’s love of playing wiffle ball in the backyard with his little brother and friends, a game that brought him so much happiness. Ryan was the ultimate dawg in everything he did. He played with grit, toughness, and heart, never giving up until the very last play, whether it was a big game or just a pickup round of wiffle ball in the neighborhood. He was all in. But Ryan wasn’t just all in on the field—he was all in when it came to supporting and encouraging his friends. In fact, his very last messages to close friends, were words of encouragement—reminding them to be a dawg. It’s a message that will stay with them always, and one that offers a powerful way for all of us to live—whether it’s being a dawg in the athletic sense, or in all aspects of the game of life.

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Smiles, Laughter, and an Electric Atmosphere

The tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. Fifty-three teams competed across high school and middle school divisions, and the energy was electric—from the players on the field to the fans cheering in the stands, and the volunteers who made it all possible.

There were news stations at the event, and here is a great recap from Fox4 News.

Each team came up with its own uniforms and names, many of which reflected their personal connection with Ryan. Adding to the fun, special wiffle ball rules made sure the day was filled with laughter: no game could end in a tie—if it did, it was settled with a home run derby, and if players couldn’t agree on a call, rock-paper-scissors determined the outcome. Even as the rain came down, the joy never stopped. “The first annual Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament went off just how I had envisioned it, with lots of smiles and laughter. There was so much love there. Ryan’s life impacted so many people. His legacy will live on. I hope we can continue this every Labor Day,” shared Ryan’s mom.

As Ryan Bevins, founder and president of Fight Club, reflected: “The Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament was truly one of the best events I’ve seen. The energy and joy around the fields with friends and youth honoring Ryan’s life was so special. The tournament embodied everything Fight Club stands for, as it was driven by the kids, got our youth off their phones and having real interactions with each other, involved exercise/activities, and at the core was all about supporting a friend and doing life together. A special thank you to Tiffany Whitney and Kechia Lake for organizing and running this event, and to all who participated and supported this memorable day.”

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More Than a Game

The tournament wasn’t just about wiffle ball—it was about connection, healing, and awareness. Ryan’s birthday marks the beginning of Suicide Awareness Month, making the day even more meaningful as families were able to share support, stories, and resources. Booths lined the event, including Screen Castify, Fight Club, KidsTLC, NAMI, BMS Project, and Rising Phoenix Breathwork, each offering resources and insight into the kinds of support available that many families may not even be aware of. The Whitneys made sure proceeds from the day went directly to Fight Club, a program they hope every adolescent can be a part of, offering peer support and a safe place for teens to open up.

A Legacy That Lives On

While the crack of plastic bats and the cheers of fans made the day unforgettable, the spirit behind it was even more powerful. Through community, faith, and a shared mission to turn grief into purpose, Ryan’s legacy was honored in a way that will continue to ripple for years to come. As his mom expressed, “God is working all around us.” The Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament is more than a tournament—it has become a living legacy of Ryan’s life, filled with love, hope, and connection. The community’s commitment to carrying his spirit forward makes this event a powerful reminder that no one walks this journey alone. With plans to return each Labor Day, this tradition ensures Ryan’s light will never fade.

Fight Club is a space where young adults can openly talk about the issues they’re facing, without judgment or pressure. Have questions or want to learn more about Fight Club? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to join, a parent seeking more information, or someone interested in supporting our mission, don’t hesitate to reach out.‍