11th Annual Nolan Keane Baseball Classic
📅 June 13–15, 2025
📍 Kewanee, Illinois
We’re proud to host the 11th Annual Nolan Keane Baseball Classic on June 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2025. This year’s event will include the following divisions:
- • 8AAA (Coach Pitch): $200 – 3 game guarantee
- • 9AA–13AA: $450 – 3 game guarantee
- • High School / Legion (15U–18U): $475 – 3 game guarantee
All games are State Qualifiers and follow a Pool to Single Elimination format. Trophies will be awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, and Consolation Winners.
Each player will also receive a free weekend pass to the waterpark at Northeast Park — a tradition our participants always look forward to.
About the Tournament
The Nolan Keane Baseball Classic began in 2014 with just 9 teams playing on two diamonds at Northeast Park. Created by Nick Welgat, the tournament brought together his love for baseball and passion for giving back—creating an event that would grow into something truly special.
Today, the tournament hosts over 70 teams across 8 divisions, playing on 11 diamonds across three communities:
- Northeast Park & Windmont Park (Kewanee)
- Neponset Field (Neponset, IL)
- Howes Park (Annawan, IL)
The event was created to honor Nolan Keane, a standout NCAA Division I baseball player at Missouri State University who grew up in Kewanee. Nolan was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in 2008 and passed away in 2013. His legacy continues through the tournament and the lives it touches.
Nolan’s brother, Patrick Keane, continues to play a major role in the tournament. As head coach of the Annawan-Wethersfield Titans, Sr. Legion head coach, and longtime A’s and junior high coach, Patrick’s presence—alongside Nolan’s wife Morgan, parents Patrick Sr. & Diane, and extended family—is felt throughout the weekend. If you're playing in the tournament, you'll likely see them all in action.
Giving Back
The largest portion of money raised each year for the Nolan Keane Memorial Fund comes from tournament entry fees and shirt sales. 100% of proceeds go directly to supporting local children and families battling cancer, facing medical issues, or experiencing unexpected hardships.
Thanks to incredible community support, the tournament remains one of the most affordable sanctioned events around—often $300 less than comparable tournaments. This is made possible by volunteers including Kewanee A’s coaches, the Kewanee and Annawan Park Districts, and countless families and community members who give their time, energy, and support.
To date, the Nolan Keane Baseball Classic has raised over $25,000 and continues to grow in impact every year.
For updates, photos, and stories from past tournaments, visit the Nolan Keane Baseball Classic Facebook page.