Boston police Superintendent Paul Fitzgerald and his wife, Leigh Anne, are organizing their third annual Field of Dreams Wiffle Ball Tournament to raise awareness about diabetes and support the Joslin Diabetes Center’s efforts to find a cure for the disease.
The all-ages tournament will take place Saturday at the Boston Athletic Club at 653 Summer St. in South Boston.
The Fitzgeralds, who live in Westwood, know the disease all too well. Their daughter, Caroline, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 8 years old. Since starting the tournament three years ago, they have raised more than $80,000 to support diabetes research.
The day-long tournament is open to the public. Adult teams of three players must contribute $100 to compete, while youth and family teams are asked to make a donation to play; the team that contributes the most will win four box seats to a Red Sox game.
The suggested donation for adult spectators is $20, which includes entry into a raffle for a trip to Ireland. Children can attend and watch the games for free.
The day-long event will feature food, music, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, a K-9 demonstration by the Boston Police Department, and a special appearance by Boston Bruins singer Rene Rancourt, who will sing the national anthem before the adult teams compete in the afternoon.
For more information and to register a team, visit www.joslin.org/fieldofdreams.
Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.
