​MONROE — Bill Aulph has built a rich tapestry of family memories around the Monroe County Fair Tournaments. This summer marks seventh consecutive year that Aulph will coach one of his children in the annual 12-under showcase for baseball and softball, with the event starting July 18. It all began when he coached his daughter Alana in softball for three seasons, a run that featured a second-place finish in the first year and then two straight championships. After that, he joined the Monroe baseball program’s coaching staff when his son Nolan reached the age for the Fair tournament.
Following back-to-back third-place finishes, Monroe finally captured the Bill Brenton Memorial trophy last year. Nolan is one of four players returning from the championship roster in his final year of eligibility. Co-tournament director Dave Peters spoke with Bill, Alana, and Nolan at media day for the Monroe County Fair Softball and Baseball Tournaments on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Bill’s involvement will culminate with Nolan by his side this season.
“This is it,” said Bill Aulph, noting the emotional weight of the moment, especially with Nolan who was very young when Nolan’s sister played. “I don’t think he really remembers when his sister played.”
Aulph believes the Monroe American team, which he is coaching alongside Jeff Ball, has a solid chance to repeat as champion. “We have a pretty good team, a good mix,” he said during media day at the Fairgrounds Diamond on Tuesday, July 7. “We have a decent shot. It should be a good tournament.”
Eleven teams are participating in the baseball tournament, including three from Bedford and two each from Monroe and Ida. Also competing are Dundee, Frenchtown, Erie Mason, and South Rockwood. The defending champions begin the tournament at 8 a.m. on July 18. Later that day, Bedford 11U faces Monroe National at 10 a.m., Frenchtown takes on Ida Gold at noon, Bedford 12U meets Ida Blue at 2 p.m., the Dundee-Monroe American winner plays Erie Mason at 4 p.m., and South Rockwood challenges the Bedford 11U-Monroe National winner at 6 p.m.
One team will sit out Day 1: Bedford 3B received a bye into Day 2, which starts Sunday, July 19. The softball champion will be decided before baseball action begins. Ida, the defending softball champion, will be tested by Dundee, Frenchtown, Erie Mason, Monroe, South Rockwood, and Whiteford for the title.
L.J. Lymn of Monroe National delivered a notable throw during media day as the softball and baseball events drew closer. In the opening softball showcase on Sunday, Dundee and Monroe will play at 8 a.m., followed by Whiteford versus Ida at 10 a.m., Mason versus Frenchtown at noon, and South Rockwood versus Whiteford for a better look at the field.