PINEHURST — When John Heyn and a group of parents put the finishing touches on Pastime Park a few years ago, they hoped the field would eventually host a youth baseball tournament. 

That opportunity arrives this weekend as the Silver Valley Baseball Club hosts the inaugural Pastime Pennant, an 11U tournament featuring 12 teams from across the region, including clubs traveling from as far away as Orofino. 

“The Pastime Pennant is more than a tournament,” SVBC Club President John Heyn said. “It’s a tribute to grit, growth, and greatness. Set in the heart of Idaho’s mining country, this event honors the legacy of hard work and perseverance, giving young athletes a chance to compete, connect, and carve their names into the Valley’s rich tradition of toughness and teamwork.” 

Youth baseball in Idaho has deep roots in the Silver Valley. Little League programs were established in Kellogg and surrounding communities in the 1950s, and the first Idaho Little League state tournament was held in nearby Wallace in 1962, with Wallace winning the inaugural championship. 

Communities throughout the Silver Valley once maintained ball fields, including the fields at Pinehurst Elementary School, now home to Pastime Park. However, available records show no history of Pinehurst hosting an organized youth baseball or Little League tournament. 

“It’s been quite some time since a tournament of this size has been hosted locally,” Sarah Norris of SVBC said. “It’s a great chance to showcase youth sports in our community.” 

In 2024, Heyn and several parents began pooling resources and reaching out to local businesses about renovating one of the Pinehurst fields. After thousands of dollars in improvements and hundreds of volunteer hours, the field was transformed into Pastime Park. 

The renovation included new infield dirt, sod, fencing, scoreboards and dugouts, turning the field into a destination for youth baseball in the Silver Valley. 

All tournament games will be played at Pastime Park. The first game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, June 12, and the tournament will continue through Sunday afternoon. 

“Here in the Silver Valley, we know that greatness isn’t handed out — It’s forged in the dirt,” Heyn said.