IBEW Local 38 won the 42nd Annual Cleveland Building Trades Labor Day Weekend Softball Tournament, taking home the title in the “A” Division for the fourth consecutive year.

The two-day, double-elimination tournament at James Day Park in Parma began on Aug. 29 and ended just before midnight the following evening.

In the “A” bracket, Local 38 A faced off against Plumbers Local 55 A, who emerged from the loser’s bracket to face the three-time defending champions.

An early offensive onslaught by Local 38 led to a 13-4, run-ruled victory.

The win marked Local 38’s fourth consecutive “A” title and fifth title in the past six tournaments.

IBEW Local 38 Business Manager Dan Gallagher was proud to see his members showcase their efforts and skills on the field.

“The Building Trades Tournament brings out great competition and an incredible showing of solidarity,” Gallagher said, followed by a bit of sarcasm. “Being a former player for 38’s ‘A’ team, I have given the JATC and (Local 38) Organizers specific instructions to recruit top-talent ball players. A page from (Laborers Local 310 Business Manager) Terry Joyce’s playbook.”

In the “B” loser bracket, Glaziers Local 181 and Laborers Local 310 played a long, competitive game with both teams scoring multiple runs each inning before Local 181 rallied late in the game for the victory.

With the victory, Local 181 advanced to play Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 in the B division championship.

After two competitive innings to start the game, the third inning unraveled on Local 181, as their players started to show signs of fatigue after a long two days of softball.

By the time the dust settled in the third inning, Local 33 run-ruled the Glaziers 26-4.

Overall, the annual event leading into the Labor Day weekend featured two days of friendly competition among the affiliated Cleveland Building Trades Local Unions.

The energy on the field and the enthusiasm in the stands fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the Brothers and Sisters in the trades, uniting players and fans in support of their team.

The tournament provides tough competition on the diamond but also cultivates a deeper sense of mutual respect among the teams as they compete against fellow building trades union Brothers, many of which work with on various jobsites.

While there is plenty of action on the field, event organizers were busy off the diamond ensuring the tournament ran smoothly.

Jamie Wadsworth, a member of the Pipefitters Local 120 Softball Committee, thanked all volunteers who helped and donated their time to make it another memorable tournament