Franklin Fathers Kickoff Kickball Tournament

Franklin Fathers, a local dads and caregivers group dedicated to community, wellness, and civic connection, will host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14, bringing together families, local organizations, and businesses for a day of recreation, remembrance, and community spirit. The event will take place at Beaver Pond.

The tournament honors Eddie Grant, a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, and World War I veteran who was killed in action in 1918. Organizers hope the event will help introduce Grant’s legacy to a younger generation of Franklin residents who may not yet know the story behind one of the town's most distinguished historical figures.

“Part of the goal is simply to reconnect Franklin with one of its own,” organizers said. “We want to re-introduce Franklin to one of its most remarkable sons: an athlete, scholar, soldier, and public servant whose legacy still represents the very best of our community."

The family-friendly tournament will feature community teams, food, music, children’s activities, and a 50/50 raffle, with raffle proceeds benefiting the American Legion.

The tournament is still accepting teams, with room remaining for four additional entries. Community groups, friend groups, businesses, neighborhood teams, and organizations are all encouraged to participate.

Interested teams can register by emailing or completing the registration form at tinyurl.com/EddieGrantKickball.

Organizers are also still seeking local business sponsors for the event. Sponsorships offer an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with Franklin-area families while supporting a positive community initiative rooted in local history and civic engagement.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the tournament can contact organizers at franklinfathersma@gmail.com.

Additional event details, including schedules and participating organizations, will be announced in the coming weeks.