Two days of lost play
Teams report losing two full days of potential playing time, despite usable weather during portions of the event.
2026 World Series • Virginia Beach • Week 1
Teams paid the fee.
The event fell short.
Participating softball programs are collectively demanding a full refund of the mandatory $750 per-team gate fee - and clear answers about how those funds were used.
This page summarizes the formal collective demand dated August 10, 2026.
Why teams are speaking up
A reasonable request for accountability
Teams and families made substantial financial and logistical commitments expecting a professionally operated, adequately prepared tournament. Their collective experience did not meet that expectation.
Preventable field issues
Teams believe better tarping, drainage management, preparation, and proactive maintenance could have reduced the disruption.
Inadequate concessions
A single food truck was insufficient for an event serving approximately 80 teams and hundreds of families.
Unclear use of funds
Teams observed limited gate and security staffing and are requesting a transparent accounting of the mandatory fee.
“What exactly were participating teams paying $750 per team for?”
- Formal Collective Demand for Refund
The resolution
What participating programs are asking for
- A full $750 refundFor every participating team that paid the mandatory gate fee.
- A transparent accountingWhat was collected, how funds were allocated, and what services were actually provided.
- A detailed written responseAn explanation of field preparation, staffing, concessions, and Athletx’s proposed resolution.
United across programs
50 teams already represented
The following programs are listed in the formal demand submitted by participating representatives.
NJ HITZ 16U
John Babai
Wildfire Fastpitch 18U Esposito
Melissa Esposito
Hops FastPitch White 13U
Jason LaCroix
NYC Rush Fastpitch 14U
Anabella Pelaez
Bluebirds Softball
Emma Rohan
Unity Incalcaterra 14U
Frank Incalcaterra
East Coast Inferno 14U
Frank Miele
Ohio SlamForce 2012
Josh Lamp
Newtown Rock 14U Futures Gill
Rob Gill
Interlakes Pride Cockfield
Chris Cockfield
Xpress Elite 13U
Sarah Signora
Orion Hunter Elite Tyus
Crystal Elicerio
Glendora Fire 14U
DJ Morrison
Ohio Lasers 2030 Zedeker
Clint Zedeker
Pittsburgh Power 14U
Michael Petti
Sluggers 2K11 14U
Pete Goche
OHE Gripp 12U
Katie Gripp
MD Stars Fastpitch Bechard 12U
Matt Bechard
Vineland 12U
Natalie Harris
Lacey Storm Fastpitch 14U
Melissa Hayes
Jersey Storm 16U
Lou Waldorf
Mystics 12U Elite
Adam Dorman
Hops Fastpitch Red 14U
Craig Stinson
Middletown Blaze 12U
Kristin Farina
Fielders Fastpitch 16U
Terry Robinson
Chesapeake Wave - BPYAA
Jaymie Hebb
UP Thunder 14U - Musser
Lindsey Musser
Talleyville Travellers 14U
Jeff Young
Hops Fastpitch 14U Navy
Lon Hall
NJ Blue Bombers 12U
James Allegre
Tripletown
Representative pending
Windsor Wildcats U15
Allison Dunn
SGS Magic - Vischer
Josh Vischer
Blazers Fastpitch 16U Red
Jodi Wodarczyk
North Carroll Hot Shots 16U
Tim Watts
Blazers Fastpitch 18U
Joe Castillo
MA Stars 16U Quinn
Jason Quinn
TYA Xplosion 16U
Megan Cheeseman
TYA Xplosion 18U
Amy Gahman
PA Stars 16U Farrell
Chalie Farrell
Sandlot 14U
Elizabeth D’Amato
Sandlot 18U
Rebecca D’Amato
NJ HITZ 14U
John Carter
NJ HITZ 12U
Dean Taylor
NJ HITZ 18U
Mike Caputo
NYC Rush Fastpitch 16U
Isabella Pelaez
Wildfire Fastpitch 16U Horton
Jamie Horton
Team Long Island 12U King
Luis Diana
Adirondack Pride 16U
Rich Backaus
Tripletown Aces 18U
Kathy Smith
Add your voice
Were you affected by Virginia Beach Week 1?
Join the collective demand or share a firsthand account. New submissions are kept private until reviewed, and public display is always optional.
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