Ballers on the Board: Preview of the Inaugural ISPS Draft Championships in Columbia

This August 8–10, the ISPS (International Slow-Pitch Softball) is launching its first-ever Draft Championships at Columbia’s Kelly Mill Sports Complex, combining the thrill of draft-day with top-tier slow-pitch softball.

Players will enter the weekend draft-style: athletes will be selected to balanced coed teams based on skill, position, and gender. Every team plays at least four games—including pool play and single-elimination rounds—culminating in awards for MVP, Home Run King/Queen, Golden Glove, Media Star, and Moment of the Weekend

Commissioner Manuel T. Ferrero III shares his excitement: “We designed this event to give players a unique, competitive, and celebratory experience. With custom jerseys, party vibes, and media coverage, Draft Championships highlight everything ISPS is about—opportunity, community, and champion-level play.”

Three player packages are available:

• Bronze ($96–$126): Custom jersey, event tee, 4‑game guarantee, welcome party access, awards eligibility.

• Silver ($126–$156): Includes home/away jerseys, ISPS hat, swag bag + drink credit, player card, party access, and tee.

• Gold ($156–$180): Adds alt jersey, fast-track check-in, VIP party perks, plus everything in Silver 

Key event moments:

• July 8: Live-streamed draft where players discover teams and uniform assignments.

• Aug 8: Welcome party and jersey pick-up.

• Aug 9: Pool play begins.

• Aug 10: Finals, championships, and award presentations 

“This tournament exemplifies ISPS’s mission—empowering slow-pitch athletes with world-class experiences,” says Ferrero. “We’re building community through competition at every event we organize.” The Draft Championships underscore ISPS’s commitment to raising the bar with signature experiences that unite players and fans alike.

➡️ Are you ready to make your mark? Visit playisps.com/draftchampionships to learn more about upcoming events and discover how ISPS is putting slow-pitch on the map. Who will you draft this summer?