It took eight years for Tim Piper to fulfill a promise he made to his best friend on the day of his funeral.

Tom Ablauf died in a car accident in 1998 at the age of 24. He had played on four softball teams with Mr. Piper, who lives in Pine.

One team, formed through Hampton Presbyterian Church, played in the annual March of Dimes SnoBall Tournament each winter, but never won.

As he eulogized his friend, Mr. Piper read a poem that promised the team would one day win the SnoBall Tournament in Mr. Ablauf's honor:

"Someday we will win it and dedicate it to you

You're a part of us, our church and our team through and through."

On Jan. 29, the team did just that. After playing eight one-pitch, five-inning games in North Park, Mr. Piper made good on his promise.

"As soon as that final play was made, instead of normal jubilation it was like relief," he said. "Relief that I had fulfilled that promise."

The team, which after 14 years is no longer solely affiliated with the church, is mostly made up of Abluaf family members. Mr. Abluaf's youngest brother, two of his uncles and two of his cousins are on the team.

First Published: February 12, 2006, 5:00 a.m.