Now in its seventh year, the Demarini Invitational Showcase will feature 40 top teams from 22 states using this tournament to prepare for their nationals runs at the end of the summer.

Watch all the action from fields 1-4 at the Demarini Invitational Showcase LIVE only on FloSoftball July 8-10.


Hosted by two top club powers based in Illinois, the Beverly Bandits led by Bill Conroy and the Illinois Chill spearheaded by Gerry Quinn, this Chicago-based event draws top talent from coast-to-coast.

Co-director Gerry Quinn speaks highly of the competition the tournament draws each year. “We have had some amazing programs come through here over the seven years, many of whom were coming off a championship at Boulder IDT or Fireworks or teams that went on to win PGF/ASA National championships just a few weeks later. I am sure when Bill and I think back about what the Chicago softball scene looked like in the late '90s when we both got started, we have to pinch ourselves to see the quality of teams we can get to come play here now.”

No doubt the competition the event draws is its number one highlight. “I think, first and foremost, we attract top teams from across the country because the Chill and Bandits are a draw for top organizations who want to play quality competition,” says Co-director Bill Conroy. “I’m proud of the fact that we produce a top product that draws quality teams year after year,” he says. “To be able to do it in our back yard makes it that much more rewarding.”

Teams to Watch at this Year’s Demarini Invitational Showcase

Who: Beverly Bandits

Why: The co-hosts will field a total of six teams, including one 18U, three 16U, and one 14U team. Expect Hot 100 players Miranda Elish and Alexis Holloway to shine on the 18U Fab 50 No. Bandits - Tyrrell team while Megan Beaubien and Sydney Supple will be one to watch on the 16U Fab 50 No. 2 Bandits - Conroy team.

Who: Illinois Chill

Why: The other co-hosts boast a top 20 18U Fab 50 team headlined by pitcher Caroline Hedgcock (Arkansas), infielder Alex Martens (Kentucky) and slugging catcher Kayla Konwent (Wisconsin). The Chill will also feature their 16U Fab 50 No. 23 team and their 14U Fab 50 No. 10 team this weekend.

Who: Birmingham Thunderbolts

Why: Last year’s champions and 18U Fab 50 No. 4 team returns to defend their title and will do so with some top talent. Pitchers Ashley Swindle (Auburn) and Giselle Juarez (Fresno State) as well as speedy infielder Elissa Brown (Alabama) will be crucial to the Bolts as they paly for a repeat.

Who: Tampa Mustangs

Why: Last year’s PGF 16U Champs have moved up to the 18U age division and this event will serve as a formidable warmup for them before they return to Huntington Beach at the end of the month.

Who: Georgia Impact

Why: Consistently placing teams in the top 15 of our Fab 50 rankings, the Georgia Impact will send two powerhouse teams to the event, Impact - Lewis 18U and Impact - Gibson 16U. Both teams are capable of taking the hardware home in their respective age divisions.

Who: New Jersey Intensity

Why: Similarly to the Georgia Impact, the New Jersey Intensity is a quality club organization that will also feature its best teams in the 18U and 16U divisions that should serve as quality competition in the field of 40 at this year's event.

Fields 1-4 will be streamed LIVE and archived on FloSoftball Friday, July 8-Sunday, July 10. Click here for the full schedule.