YORKTON – What began as a family's determination to keep Tyrone McLeod's memory alive has grown into an event organizers hope will become an annual tribute to a man remembered for his generosity, humility and love of softball.
The inaugural Tyrone McLeod Memorial Co-Ed Slow Pitch Tournament will be held Aug. 15-16 at the York Lake Slow Pitch Diamonds in Yorkton, honouring the longtime Yorkton resident and avid ball player who died in a workplace accident at the K3 mine near Esterhazy on Dec. 15, 2025.
For organizer Dusty Lupien, McLeod's sister, softball was the natural choice for celebrating her brother's life. McLeod spent much of his life around the game. Raised in a family immersed in the softball circuit, he later helped form the Yorkton-based team known as The Regulators with his brother Cody.
"The best way I thought I could honour my brother and make sure he's remembered is to throw this softball tournament," she said.
Family members say it was McLeod's character, as much as his love of the game, that left a lasting impression.
"He always tried to help people," Lupien said. "You don't know what people are going through. That's what he always used to say."
Friends, fellow players and community members have rallied behind the event, with local businesses stepping forward to provide sponsorships, prizes and support. Lupien estimates roughly 25 businesses have contributed in some way.
The tournament will feature a guaranteed first-place prize of $10,000 and a $5,000 second-place payout in the A-side competition, along with a home run derby, beer gardens and canteen services. Organizers are also planning official NSA sanctioning for the event.
Among the teams expected to participate is The Regulators, while members of the local softball community who knew McLeod through years of competition have helped organize the tournament.
All profits generated by the tournament will be donated in McLeod's memory to a family or individual facing hardship.
"We want to help somebody," Lupien said. "That's what he would want."
The response from local businesses, ball players and community members has reinforced just how many lives McLeod touched, she added.
"Tyrone impacted a lot of people."
The tournament is open to co-ed teams consisting of seven men and three women and will be held Aug. 15-16 at the York Lake Slow Pitch Diamonds. As registration continues, organizers are hoping to attract additional teams and build what they envision as an annual event dedicated to McLeod's legacy.
Teams interested in registering or seeking more information can contact tournament organizer Dusty Lupien at 306-620-7114.
