November 26, 2025
A decades-long track record of creating powerful impact in the world of youth fastpitch added another chapter this fall with Triple Crown Sports’ Ronald McDonald Tournament, held over two sessions in greater Houston.
On the field, the event delivered its typical high-value experience for teams seeking out competitive, high-energy game action in a recruiting-friendly setting, as many college coaches roamed the grounds looking at potential recruits.
No less important, the 2025 tournament raised a total of $22,000 to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Houston. Over its 33-year history, the tournament has generated over $820,000 in support of the Houston-based organization, which is known worldwide for housing families who need a place to stay while loved ones undergo extended medical treatment.
“Ronald McDonald House appreciates this (tournament) so much. We couldn't do the work that we do without organizations like this helping support us,” said Cristina Vetrano, CEO of the Houston-based organization. “So Triple Crown is so important to all of the services we provide to the families. We have 111 bedrooms and provided over 31,000 nights for families to stay last year – we do all of that free of charge.
“In addition to the housing we provide, we provide transportation, meals, social work services and family activities that we do every day. All of that could not happen to provide families with the home away from home when their kiddo is being treated in the medical center, if we didn't have organizations like Triple Crown that were providing funding to us. So it is super important to us, and we appreciate it so much.”
Households like the Lara Family who relied on the services of the Ronald McDonald House for 3 years (and just recently got to go home a couple months ago!) have benefited from these generous donations.
Despite weather complications affecting the second weekend of play, 232 teams were able to compete in the 2025 edition.
“We started Ronald McDonald 33 years ago to develop a charity event to give back to them. The first year, we had five teams and after 2-3 years, we almost shut it down,” said Triple Crown Sports tournament director Jonathan Lampl. “We never donated more than $300. We stuck with it, and now it has developed into one of the major fastpitch events in the country. It has donated almost $820,000 over the years and has been the route for a tremendous number of scholarships to deserving young ladies.
“To see what this tournament has become — both competitively and philanthropically — is something our entire staff takes pride in. Even with weather challenges this year, the community stepped up in a big way. That extra $22,000 is going to make a real difference for families in need.”
More on Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston:
Ronald McDonald House provides lodging, meals and other supportive services forfamilies with a seriously ill or injured child receiving critical treatment inthe Texas Medical Center. In 2024, Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston servednearly 33,000 families through its core services. More than 2,300 familiesspent a combined 32,400 nights at one of our four Ronald McDonald Houses in the Texas MedicalCenter. We provided more than 71,000 hot meals and 273,000 grab-and-go servingsto alleviate the burden of food costs for families already overwhelmed by amedical crisis. In addition, Ronald McDonald House providestransportation, education support services, family activities and socialworkers to help families navigate their journey. All services are provided atno cost to families, whether they need our help for one week or three years. Ronald McDonald House Greater Houstonreceives no government funding and relies on the support of donations and thegenerosity of the community.
