Williamsburg to host 2014 NSA Class B World Series next week

By John Harvey

HarveySports757@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – More than 120 teams will converge on the Colonial Capital next week as Williamsburg hosts the National Softball Association Class B World Series.

The tournament will include teams Canada, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia and eight other states. Locally, select squads from the Williamsburg Starz and Bay River Rumble will compete in this year’s event. The Starz will have five teams entered in the World Series from age-groups U10-U18.

Frank Rachubka, the NSA Virginia state director and tournament director, is excited for next week’s festivities. “Last year’ World Series was a huge success for several reasons,” he said. “Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg’s involvement was huge. The Funfest put on by the Chamber (of Commerce) in concert with local vendors from the James City County Parks and Recreation was nothing short of amazing.”

Rachubka noted that Williamsburg has been a destination for travel softball tournaments in for more than a decade. In 2013, several local tournaments were held, attracting more than 500 teams during weekend-only events. This summer, approximately 200 teams have traveled to Williamsburg for tournaments. In August, the Busch Gardens Classic is expected to bring in nearly 100 teams from several different states. Click here for more information on the tournament and game schedules.

“The National Softball Association long-standing relationship with Williamsburg, York County and James City County recreation departments,” Rachubka said. “It has been a great for the game of fastpitch softball and a significant economic impact for 15 years.”

Last year’s World Series attracted more than 140 teams. “The numbers are down a little (this year) due to economic realities for some teams,” Rachubka said. “Some teams decided to go somewhere else this year with their ‘sportscation’ dollars. This is why we move the venue around the country and don’t stay long-term in one location, no matter how great the event. But we are confident that we will return to the area in the future.”

Rachubka said that last year’s NSA Class B World Series brought in $5 million to the Historic Triangle. “The economic impact was huge,” he said. “We’ve had several businesses in the area that have helped sponsor events. The Chamber’s Sports Authority has put the Historic Triangle on the national grid as a sports destination.”

Contact me at HarveySports757@yahoo.com or via Twitter @HarveySports757.