Oak Forest Blue Demons to Hold Annual Smoker Fundraiser

The Oak Forest Blue Demons 12-year-old traveling baseball team is planning its annual trip to the baseball promiseland: Cooperstown, New York, and they need the help of Oak Forest residents friends and family. To help cover travel costs, the Blue Demons will hold their annual Smoker Fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m., this Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Midlothian Park District, 14500 S. Kostner Avenue.

“It costs about $1,000 per player to travel there,” said Tim Graham, who along with the rest of the parents of players on the team, helped organize the event. “That cost includes travel, food and lodging. It's only helping the kids, the parents and other family members don't see any of this.”

Graham said that the event, which is 21-and-over only, will feature food, beer, Texas Hold'em, Bunco, raffles and a silent auction.

“We've got some really great raffle baskets this year, some really good ones, we're excited,” Graham said.

The money raised at the Smoker will help the Blue Demons travel to an annual tournament in Cooperstown, where last year 105 teams from across the country played in a round-robin style tournament.

“It's a lot of fun for the kids,” Graham said. “They get to design their own pins, that the teams then trade at the tournament. Plus, all the teams and kids stay together in these barracks-type building. The kids just have a great time.”

The cost to attend the smoker is $25 per person, and can be paid in either cash or by credit card. The cost includes both food and drinks.