Times are tough. We all know that and so do our local baseball teams who are looking for funds to keep playing their favorite sport through the summer.

All-Stars are in full swing and many of our local teams are making their way through the district and area tournaments on their way to the state tournament and possibly World Series for their age division.

However, many of these teams need a little extra financial support to make it through the summer.

Here’s a call for some of the businesses who were beneficiaries of the $20 on 20 campaign this past week to give back to the community that gave to them.

Montevallo is one of the communities that is seeking help. The Bulldogs have qualified two young teams for state for the first time in decades. Their success was hoped for, but not necessarily budgeted, because having to save for hotels, gas and food well into July simply hasn’t been a problem the little Bulldogs faced in years past.

One way baseball teams in Montevallo are looking to raise money is by hosting a community softball tournament this weekend, June 27. The 7-year-olds will host a 12-team tournament Saturday at Stephens Park. Cost is $150 per team. Space is limited, but call to see if you can still make the bracket.

But don’t worry, if there’s no more space for a team, you can still go support the team by purchasing barbecue plates, a barbecue sandwich, hotdog or more food. Preorders for Boston butts ($25) and ribs ($20) are also available.

Other teams will be hitting the streets and calling on local businesses for support.

For more information about this weekend’s softball tournament fund-raiser in Montevallo, call Kelly Parker at 283-3880 or Jon Parker at 283-9104, e-mail is jandkparker3@aol.com.

For contact information for other local youth teams in order to help make a donation, give me a call at 669-3131 or e-mail sports@shelbycountyreporter.com.

Dizzy Dean youth baseball teams going to state:

5-under: Calera and Chelsea

6-under: Chelsea and Shelby County

7-under: Calera, Chelsea, Montevallo, Oak Mountain and Shelby County

8-under: TBD

9-under: TBD

10-under: Montevallo, Oak Mountain and Vincent

11-under: Chelsea. Oak Mountain and Shelby County

12-under: Shelby County

Outside the Lines is a weekly opinion column.