Out-of-state tournaments become popular choice in June

After missing out on his high school baseball season this spring at St. Charles North, Zach Kempke is glad to be back on the diamond.

Kempke, a rising senior, plays 17U travel baseball for Pro Player Canes. Like many travel baseball and softball organizations in Illinois, they have gone out of state this month to play tournaments.

Kempke did notice a few differences at their first tournament in Westfield, Ind. Instead of the postgame handshake line, players tipped their caps to opponents.

The Canes have upcoming tournaments in Kansas City, Iowa, Georgia, Wisconsin and Indiana. Kempke said every player on his team elected to continue playing despite any concerns that COVID-19 cases are rising in some of those states.

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