The inaugural Horace S. Wilson Invitational U-12 Youth Baseball Tournament took place from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21 at the Little Falls Recreation Area. Four teams took part in the double elimination event: Gorham, Bonny Eagle, Scarborough, and Yarmouth. Six days later, Scarborough won the championship game over Yarmouth, 12-2. Altogether, 56 players, 6 umpires, and 12 coaches took part.

The tournament had some unique aspects, with a primary purpose being to encourage international friendship through sports. The games promoted friendship between the people of Gorham and the people of Japan by emphasizing the shared bond of baseball, which is Japan’s most popular sport. To this day, Horace S. Wilson’s legacy is honored by baseball fans throughout Japan, and the Japanese government maintains positive ties with local Wilson descendants, some of whom live on the historic family farm.

Japanese Deputy Consul Eri Maeda traveled from Boston for the dedication event, which took place prior to the first game at Little Falls, where both the flag of the United States and the flag of Japan were raised. The tournament events were organized by Gorham Parks and Recreation.

The tournament honored the historic legacy and accomplishments of Horace S. Wilson, who grew up in Gorham’s White Rock section. Wilson is credited with introducing baseball to Japan in the 1870s, after being hired by the Japanese government to teach English in the island nation.

On Sunday, Aug. 23, the Portland Sea Dogs celebrated the second annual Japan Day at Hadlock Field. Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi of the Japanese Consulate in Boston was present for the game, where he threw out the first pitch.

Representatives of Gorham Little League and Gorham Recreation were also present.