SALEM — After years of absence, the members of Cal Ripken (formerly known as little league) in the North Franklin League have reinstated an end-of-the-season bonanza.

On July 10 at Mt. Abram High School, the seven teams that make up the NFL will be putting on an end-of-season tournament to determine the champion. Small trophies will be awarded to the tourney winner. The closed tourney is free of charge to the NFL participating teams.

The league is still playing regular season games until July 8 so the brackets have not been set. All that is known is that #7 plays #2, #6 plays #4 and #5 plays #4.

The idea was put to the coaches at the first meeting this season and approved by all who attended that meeting, said league president Julie Dyer.

“It has been far too long since the NF Cal Ripken league has had an end of year tournament for our kids. Since we combine seven teams to make one all-star team, most of the kids who have worked so hard all year will not have a chance to compete in any type of tournament after the season ends. This gives all of the athletes a chance to play against each other one last time for the championship,” Dyer said.

Due to time constraints the tourney will last for only one day. The event will be a single-elimination, all-day tournament. The first game will start promptly at 8 a.m., with the possibility of using two fields for the first couple of games. Each game will be five innings and no more than two hours long. There will be a 15 minute warm-up before the next game begins.

Concessions and T-shirts will be available for sale during the entire tournament. “Any profits will be donated to either the MSAD #58 athletic fund or to a league fund to pay for next year’s insurance, dues or league costs,” Dyer explained.