It's quite a start for the start of the tournament.

When the District 11 Junior League baseball tournament gets underway Friday, it will get quite a send off by hometown hero Grant Williams who will throw out the first pitch.

Opening ceremonies begin at 5:15 p.m. with Chris Laber singing the National Anthem. After Williams tosses out the first pitch, Minford and Portsmouth will play at 5:30 followed by Fairland and South Point.

The tournament continues Saturday at 10 a.m. with Symmes Valley facing Green in the first game. Northwest plays the Minford/Portsmouth winner at 12:30 p.m.. The 3 p.m. game pits Wheelersburg against the Fairland/South Point winner. Ironton takes on Lucasville at 5:30 p.m.

The tournament is a double elimination event.

Another tournament will be held at the Ironton Little League fields Thursday through Saturday with a double elimination pitching machine tournament for 9-and-under teams. As many as 18 teams are expected

to participate.

The concession stand will be open during all games. District 11 tournament souvenir T-shirts with logos will be available.