It's often challenging to view sports as anything other than entertainment. However, when Tom Bond began the non-profit Venom Softball in 2012, it was the start of something much more than a simple sports team. The Triton Youth Fastpitch Softball Association, commonly known as TYFSA, allowed young ladies and their parents to grow relationships with other like-minded people. Through this opportunity of competitive softball, they gradually elevated their athletes' skills and sense of sportsmanship to further levels. As the years went by and the team continued to expand in number, TYFSA further supported its mission with fundraising events. Weekly meat raffles and summer competitions have helped sustain their team of seventy families through the years, allowing them to expand and upgrade their fields. Whether in West Concord or their north and south fields in Dodge Center, the team allows anybody in the Triton area to develop their skills in a healthy environment.
Chris Pluto was among the first to enroll his daughters to join the community and connect with the newer teammates. Many other parents followed suit, expanding the team into 8 and 18-under sections that played in the spring, summer, and winter seasons. To financially provide for their growing membership, Chris began to help at concessions and other events. Fundraisers of clothing, banner advertising, bingo, and raffles helped keep the team afloat, allowing them to add new locations in Claremont and Dodge Center. Due to the success of their summer "Friday Night Lights" events, TYFSA upgraded their original West Concord field with new dugouts, lights, outfield grass, and spectator stands in 2021. Improvements like these and Dodge Center's new electronic scorecards would not have been possible without their partnerships or food stand.
Chris Pluto: "To handle the increased demand for menu items, we have upgraded West Concord's concession stand to include more options. Now, there are burgers and Venom dogs, which, like twin dogs, are heftier than average. With the help of outreach and events, we are trying to provide safe access and proper softball equipment to our young ladies and their families."
Fundraising isn't only directed at the softball team, however. In recent years, they have used their relationship with the Mantorville Restoration Association to supply funding to itself and the committee. Gambling sponsors and e-tabs have helped fund upgrades to the Cardinal Club, Claremont Chamber, and other community programs. In exchange for the Zwingli United Church of Christ's financial aid, Venom Softball helps at Berne Wood-Fired Pizza in the summer. When it's open in June, July, and August, this small venue provides the West Concord community with wood-fired pies and a side of some of southeastern Minnesota's best live music. Meanwhile, upcoming horse races and karaoke will help fund their triple-play tournaments on June 14th and 15th, followed by a slow-pitch tournament at the Survival Days on July 26th. With 2025 being Chris' first year doing a tournament at the August Hogfest, the summer season will be particularly eventful.
"Among other things, the support of these organizations has allowed us to supply a water fountain to Mantor Field. One of our main events, Friday Night Lights, helps bring teams and parents to West Concord to watch the girls play at night. Beyond the trophies, concessions, and support for the girls, the event also brings economic growth to the town."
When asked to comment about what made Venom Softball so special, he emphasized the importance of patience. If someone isn't willing to invest their time and practice to hone their skills, they lose a part of the magic that makes softball so gratifying. To him, this progression- seeing the young ladies advance in levels to earn their place on Triton teams- has been the most rewarding part of helping. To the players who hope to make it on a college level, TYFSA provides high school scholarships via their weekly meat raffle at the Harold's Club. Recipients of the award often return to mentor the young ladies in a full-circle relationship. Through it all, the team has constantly backed the Triton school programs with a strong belief in multi-sport participation. A side effect of Venom Softball's unwavering support to the community has been increased economic growth. Regardless of whether they're on the team, the entire Triton area can benefit from the new outfields and increased economic activity.
With upcoming summer events looming around the corner, the opportunity has again opened for new participants to join the Venom Softball team. Alongside building a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, joining one of their many groups requires a blend of strength and strategy that can significantly enhance one's life. They welcome almost any skill level and playstyle, regardless of whether that person hopes to practice casually or competitively or build coordination or relationships. Ultimately, the contributions of the Triton Youth Fastpitch Softball Association remind us that sports are much more than a means of entertainment. While providing areas with economic growth, they are an outlet for some of the best things a town can hope for: communication, coordination, and a sense of community.
To sign up or explore TYFSA's upcoming events, visit tyfsa.sportngin.com or its relevant Facebook page.
