The Second Annual
Mike Lichtenstein Summer Classic
You are forever a part of us, Mike, and your spirit continues to light our paths.
The Mike Lichtenstein Summer Classic returned to York, Maine on August 1, 2026 for the second year, and turnout surpassed all expectations! We are deeply grateful to everyone who came to honor Mike’s memory.
Friends and family traveled from near and far, and many parents of Mike’s childhood and college friends joined us as well. It truly felt as though Mike was right there with us, laughing, celebrating and loving every minute!
At its heart, this tournament has one purpose: to remember Mike, to share stories and to keep his name alive. Thanks to you, we not only fulfilled that mission, but also exceeded our fundraising goal. Together we raised $11,000 for sarcoma research and young adult sarcoma patients! These contributions reflect both direct donations to MGH, sponsorships and tournament proceeds. We are profoundly grateful to each and every one of you for your time, kindness and generosity!
Remember, if you missed us this summer, it’s not too late to donate. The tax deductible DONATION link to MGH will remain active on this page throughout the remainder of 2026.
And, if you or your company would like to sponsor the 2027 tournament, please let us know by following the SPONSOR link below.
The weekend’s highlights!
Friday night at York Beach Beer Company turned into a great reunion of friends and family. The weather was good and the brewery was hopping! Team captains formed strategies and sized-up the competition.
Saturday’s wiffle ball games were outstanding with six very competitive teams vying for the trophy. We had some incredible individual player performances this year, and some plays were even made barefooted!
Saturday night at Lobster in the Rough proved to be its usual fun for old and young alike, with good music, good food and good company. Everything was just as Mike envisioned.
2026 Game Highlights!
Unfortunately, despite the renowned team energy and skill set, the East Coast Bangers and Koala Ballahz were eliminated early, in part due to a technicality that will bring about potential rule changes next year (more on this later).
Outstanding plays from perceived underdogs- the Sunset Magentas and A-Town Knockers - led both teams successfully to the playoffs this year! Perhaps they are underdogs no longer…..
As usual, the Hobart Reds came in strong, confident and ready. Their ball playing was powerful with the first homerun scored in regular play. But something was different this year. There was a certain rumbling in the air Friday night that a new team had come to town, the Double Kemps, and they had come on a mission.
In the end it was down to these two teams, the Hobart Reds versus the Double Kemps. The championship game was unbelievable. The plays were legendary. There was blood-letting on the field from both teams and players proudly display their scars to this day.
Congratulations to the Double Kemps, the winners of the 2026 Mike Lichtenstein Summer Classic! And to all of the teams who played this year, thank you and may 2027 be your year!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
York Little League for the use of their field and facilities
Eric Scott, President of York Little League and his son, Cody for helping prep the field
Brian Scalabrine of the Boston Celtics
Spencer Wilson and Jojo Gray for the Little Legends Kids’ Play Area
Austin Zeliff and Vistaprint
Next generation baby and toddler apparel from Connor Whiteley and Jess Ciampaglia
Kim at Betty’s Kitchen Food Truck
Bobby at N.E.C. Trophies
The staff at York Beach Beer Company
SPONSORS :
Middlesex Savings Bank
J.L. Dunn and Company
The Ciampaglia family
The Cunningham family
The Gately family
RAFFLE SPONSORS:
The Schelling family- Lynda and Tom
Caroline Smith and Drybar
Carly Uliss and Firefly’s BBQ
Emily Black, Kevin Merle and the Double Kemps
Marie Ciampaglia
Natalia Pantalone Hair Design
BALLPLAYERS, VOLUNTEERS, SPECTATORS and DONORS:
Thank you to all the ballplayers, volunteers, spectators and donors who made the weekend a success. We are truly grateful and hope to see you again next year!
