Sponsors key to support of USA Softball Border Battle in Winesburg

This summer the time-honored tradition of softball will take on a whole new look when USA Softball brings the Border Battle to Winesburg Park.

USA Softball announced earlier this spring it will bring the 2026 edition of Border Battle and Slow Pitch Showdown to Winesburg. Slated to take place June 18-20, the Men’s and Women’s Slow Pitch National Teams, along with the Men’s and Women’s Futures, will each bring their 14-player rosters to Holmes County to square off with Canada’s finest.

This huge undertaking that takes place on the national level is no small feat, and the organizing committee has worked diligently to make sure fans and teams are treated to something special.

In addition to the softball, which will be free to the public, the three-day event will serve as a fundraiser.

Thanks to the sponsors that have thus far stepped up, the tournament is set to be not only a spectacle for softball fans, but also a meaningful fundraiser.

The committee said it is grateful to its sponsors and is going the extra mile to promote those businesses and individuals who have come forward to support the games.

The 2026 Border Battle sponsors are numerous as they understand the value of this tournament, whether it is bringing visitors to Holmes County for economic growth, providing entertainment in a venue that is beloved in the community or creating support for a local family dealing with the recent loss of a loved one.

Major sponsors for the event include Walnut Hills, Forever Lawn, several anonymous who wanted no recognition and Holmes County Commissioners.

Supporting sponsors include Stoney Point Metals, Shrock Brothers Pallets, M.Y. Renovations, Fairwood Manufacturing, Expression Countertops, Holmes Rental, Fryburg Roll Offs, Silverstone Masonry, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Mid-Ohio Foundations, J & L Sports, Country Roofing and more anonymous donors.

“We’re blessed to have some tremendous support through our sponsors, and we’re very thankful to all of them for their support,” said Mike Schrock, co-chair. “If someone or a business has the heart and wants to help out, remember none of the funds that come in go to USA Softball. All proceeds go toward the Yoder family.”

Should anyone like to donate or sponsor the event, there is still opportunity to do so by calling or texting Schrock at 330-440-8441.

While the sponsors have done their best in supporting the effort to bring this battle between Team USA and Team Canada, along with all-star teams from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio, fans and visitors will have a chance to show their support through plenty of good eats.

The main pavilion along right field will serve as the main concession stand throughout the tournament, and all proceeds will go toward supporting Jason Yoder’s widow and her children. Yoder's life was suddenly taken recently in an accident, and this tournament was created in part to help raise funds for the family.

“With the unfortunate passing of Jason Yoder in a bicycle accident recently, we took this opportunity to combine this event into a fundraiser for the family,” Schrock said. “There’s not going to be a gate fee. There’s not going to be a parking fee. The people can come enjoy the games, and in so doing, the funds from the concession stand will go to the Yoder family.”

He said it seemed like an ideal opportunity to let the Yoder family know they are loved and not alone in their recovery.

In addition, the rest of the concessions from the food trucks will donate 10-15% of their profits toward the Yoder family. The main concession menu will feature Trail Bologna and Swiss sandwiches, Amish noodles, Raber’s sausage and fry pies, and some other items.

While the incredible softball talent on the field will be the big drawing card, with the games providing plenty of action on the field, the fans and community also can take on a starring role by showing their support for the Yoder family.

The committee is still seeking volunteers including operating the digital scoreboard, ball retrieval personnel, emptying trash receptacles and more. Anyone interested in supporting the games in that capacity may contact Schrock.