Ed Brenner got involved in the Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament at an early age: as a batboy for Mount Wolf.

Brenner's dad, Buddy, was playing for the Wolves at the time.

Since that time some 40 years ago, Brenner's been a fan, a volunteer and this year for the first time, tournament director.

The 48th Colonial York event will take place over three days beginning on Saturday and closing on Monday (Labor Day) at 10 diamonds around York County.

"My wife always said this is my favorite holiday," Brenner said.

"I can't wait to meet some of the managers who I've spoken to over the phone."

Brenner said 20 teams (from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia) are entered in this year's tournament.

The teams include Conrads and Red Lion from the Susquehanna League and Stoverstown and Jefferson from the Central League.

"My goal was to have 32 teams, but we didn't make it this year," Brenner said. "That will be my goal next year.

"We need to get the word out and get it (the entries) back to the Kerrigan days (former director the late Tom Kerrigan) when there were 48 teams."

Brenner, who contacted representatives of 50 teams, listed several reasons why more clubs didn't enter this year.

"Travel costs plus a lot of younger players are back in college and can't make it for the weekend. Plus, a lot of players are done playing at this time of the year and want to go to the beach for the last weekend of the summer."

Defending champ returns: The defending champion, Long Island Storm, is back along with the 2010 champion, Susquehanna (Md.) Assault. The Storm and the Assault shared the crown in 2009 when rain wiped out the final day.

Glen Rock was the last York County team to win the championship, going back to back in 2007 and 2008. Mount Wolf triumphed in 2006.

Brenner gave a shout out to Cecil County (Md.) which he said has played in every tournament since the initial one in 1965.

Another yearly tradition is the awarding of college scholarships to Central League players. Three players will earn scholarships this year. The scholarship money is derived from entry fees, donations from sponsors and shirt sales.

Chance to earn cash: Speaking of money, for the first time in tournament history, the champion team, the runner-up and the third-place team will earn cash.

Central League president Mark Skehan said the amount of money will depend on how much revenue is generated.

"The reality is that all amateur tournaments have now gone that route, we were about the last holdout," Skehan said.

"The teams obviously have expenses involved in putting a team together and getting here, fuel and other costs. We talked about it and felt that there should be some financial reward."

The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with 10 games. The championship game is listed for noon on Monday at Manchester. If there are two teams with one loss following the noon contest, another game will be played, beginning at 3 p.m. to determine the champion.

Reach Dick Vanolinda at dvanolinda@yorkdispatch.com