TEXARKANA, Texas — The sound of bats and cheers filled the air Sunday for the finals of the third annual Turkey Trot on Turf at the Swanger Complex.
The double-elimination tournament started pool play Saturday and featured 19 teams across 10U, 12U 14U divisions.
Tournament director Robert Smithson, of RKS Tournaments, said a portion of proceeds — up to 10%, according to a flyer — will be donated to Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. Smithson became familiar with the shelter and its work when he was an employee at Texarkana Independent School District.
The champion and runner-up in each division were to receive rings from National Championship Sports (RKS Tournaments is an affiliate) and banners.
“We have a tradition where umpires in championship games select MVP player from each team,” Smithson said.
RKS Tournaments will hold a Toys for Tots benefit event Dec. 13-14 at Swanger. Players and fans are invited to bring unwrapped toys to donate to the holiday campaign.
The team that donates “the most toys will receive free jerseys from Scoreboard and passes to all RKS tournaments in 2026,” Smithson said.
See Tuesday’s edition for Turkey Trot results.
Lamar County Leopards’ Katelyn Smith slides toward home plate as TK Smoke pitcher Sarah Turner-Stepp reaches for the ball on Mickey Moore Field in a 14U game of the Turkey Trot on Turf tournament Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at the Swanger Complex in Texarkana, Texas. Smith was safe. The tournament is hosted by RKS Tournaments and raises money for Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
Black Sox pitcher Kam Ricord works the mound against the Southern Flex of Emerson, Ark., on Dave Hall Field in a 14U game of the Turkey Trot on Turf tournament Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at the Swanger Complex in Texarkana, Texas. The Black Sox are from Bossier City, La. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
Southern Flex’s Gemma Bryan connects with a pitch for a base hit against the Black Sox, of Bossier City, La., on Dave Hall Field in a 14U game of the Turkey Trot on Turf tournament Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at the Swanger Complex in Texarkana, Texas. The Southern Flex are from Emerson, Ark. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)