USA Softball brings Border Battle to Winesburg this summer

When it comes to softball in Holmes County, travel any back road or byway and you’ll probably find kids outside playing the game.

Softball and Amish Country go hand in hand, and coming this summer will be an opportunity for fans to experience the game at the ultimate level of play.

Recently, USA Softball announced it will bring the 2026 edition of Border Battle and Slow Pitch Showdown to Winesburg this summer. 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 Program teams, will each bring their 14-player rosters to Holmes County to square off with Canada’s finest.

In addition, top teams from Ohio’s neighboring states will be here to square off, creating a fantastic three days of hardcore softball action.

If that weren’t enough of a drawing card, Mike Yoder, local USA Softball Winesburg committee member, will canvas Holmes County to build a pair of local all-star softball teams that will compete with USA Softball.

“We are extremely excited and honored to have USA Softball and the Border Battle coming to Holmes County,” said Mike Schrock, USA Softball District 12 commissioner. “When we were approached about hosting this event, we jumped on the opportunity.”

Schrock said when the Ohio USA Softball president saw the turnout at the Laney Memorial Tournament this past year, it became evident to him softball was more than just a game in this area, and the idea of bringing the USA Softball Border Battle to Winesburg began percolating.

Created in 2009, the annual Border Battle enters its 16th season of international matchups between USA Softball and Canada slow pitch national teams with this year’s event taking place at Winesburg Park in Winesburg.

The action will kick off with exhibition contests ahead of the annual Slow Pitch Showdown, where the men’s slow pitch national team and women’s slow pitch national team will face off against their respective U.S. Futures teams. Capping the weekend, Team USA will knock heads with Team Canada for the Men’s and Women’s Border Battle XVI competition, scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

Comprised of 14 athletes from 10 different states, the 2026 WSPNT is stacked with elite experience as 12 veteran athletes return to the Border Battle competition in addition to two rookies: Chelsea Davis (Florida) and Eliyah Flores (California).

“Being entrusted to coach the USA women’s slow pitch national team is something I don’t take lightly; it’s a true honor,” said head coach Don Cooper (Washington), who will lead the WSPNT for the ninth-straight year alongside returning assistant coaches Shannon Cooper (Washington) and Tammy Higginbotham (Washington). “This team is prepared, focused and excited for the opportunity ahead. Playing in Ohio in front of expected record crowds makes this stage even bigger, and we’re ready to rise to it.”

The Women’s Futures introduces nine new athletes to the squad while four veterans return to the field with the 13-player roster hailing from 10 different states. At the helm of the Women’s Futures team for the fourth time in his career is head coach Ted Carter (Kentucky). Joining Carter and completing the 2026 Women’s Futures coaching staff are returning assistant coaches Shannon Ellingsworth (Kentucky) and Mandy Hollman (Kentucky).

“It’s an honor and rewarding experience to coach the 2026 Women’s Futures team in the Border Battle with Canada again. I appreciate the opportunity that USA Softball gives to women’s softball, and to coach amazing and talented female athletes is truly a great experience while representing the USA in this prestigious event,” Carter said.

Loaded with veteran talent, the 2026 MSPNT features 13 returners, highlighted by 13-time Border Battle competitor Travis Clark, along with longtime MSPNT members Jeremy Yates (nine times) and Andrew Collins (seven times). Leading the MSPNT is National Softball Hall of Famer, Brett Helmer (New York), who will return for his eighth-straight year as the MSPNT head coach, while Tim Barnes (Texas) will return as an assistant coach for the ninth time in his career.

“The selection committee did an outstanding job picking this team. I can’t wait to get them on the field and get to work,” Helmer said. “I think this will be the best defensive team we’ve ever had. We have several athletes that can play a multitude of positions, which gives us incredible flexibility. The offense is stacked with athletes that can hit for power and from line to line. This event can’t get here soon enough.”

The Men’s Futures team carries a mixture of talent and experience from 12 different states as nine veterans return to the roster and four rookies prepare for their debut in the red, white and blue.

“There is no greater honor in our sport than having the opportunity to coach your country’s team,” said 2026 Men’s Futures head coach Rob Humphrey (Iowa), who returns to the U.S. coaching staff for the 11th-straight year. “Being entrusted with the USA Futures team is something I will always consider a true blessing. I want to sincerely thank USA Softball and Brett Helmer for giving me this opportunity once again.”

As for being able to create a pair of all-star teams to throw into the mix, Schrock said that only adds to the excitement for area softball fans who appreciate seeing their finest men’s and women’s players compete with the best.

With new lights coming to Winesburg Park’s lower diamond, it creates a perfect haven of softball for players and fans alike, and USA Softball agreed to present the games for free and to have proceeds go to the family of Jason Yoder of Sugarcreek, who was killed in an accident early this spring.

The event will feature plenty of food, and games will be televised.

“We were honored to be able to promote this as a fundraiser for the Yoder family,” Schrock said. “We want to blow this thing out of the water and bring in a massive crowd for these players to perform in front of.”

Athletes are selected to represent the United States as a member of a slow pitch national team roster based on grassroots participation. For more information on the USA Softball Men’s and Women’s Slow Pitch National Teams program and to learn about the history of the Border Battle, visit www.USASoftball.com.