Breaking: OnDeck Softball and Midwest Best Softball Announce Joint Venture to Enhance Player Identification

OnDeck Softball and Midwest Best Softball have announced a joint venture that will enhance the scope of player identification in the Midwest’s growing talent pool.

In a release issued by the two companies to Extra Inning Softball, it was stated that, “The two companies will collaborate in making a concerted effort to identify softball players who are capable and interested in playing college softball.”

“OnDeck Softball, one of softball’s most recognized brands, is the leader in identifying recruitable players. OnDeck Softball’s Tryouts, Jamborees, & Elite Camps are the sport’s original camp system. Midwest Best Best is a new company that will identify and rank players throughout the Midwest.”

Derek Allister, the co-owner of OnDeck Softball and one of the pioneers in top events identifying and evaluating young softball talent, said today: “With the advent of the new NCAA recruiting rules, recruiting will be a greater challenge for all. We think the new rules are great for the game, but players will be tracked for four years before they start the recruiting process.”

“College softball is so competitive that the college coach needs to know about players from all over the country. Although Midwest Best Softball is a new company, we think they are positioned to be a tremendous asset in Midwest player identification.”

Ramsey Harkness, the General Manager of Midwest Best Softball added, “The level of talent in softball has grown tremendously over the last five years in the Midwest. The region has a handful of national level teams that perform at the top every year, but it is also full of extremely talented teams that play a regional schedule.”

“The Midwest Best Softball ID Camps will rank players and give them national exposure. Having OnDeck Softball’s support and partnership solidifies the value of our camps and increases the opportunity for all Midwest players to be identified through analytical data and evaluation.”

Organized softball evaluation rankings have been attempted to varying degrees of success in the past, but Midwest Best Softball believes it will have a systematic process that will identify players in high level programs along with others who might not play at that level but deserve to be recognized.

“Midwest Best Softball will assist us in our player search,” added Joann Allister, wife of Derek Allister and co-founder of OnDeck as well. “We believe that a coordinated effort with leaders in the Midwest will yield benefits to everyone involved – players, parents, travel ball organizations, and college coaches.”

More on the two companies:

OnDeck Softball: OnDeck is softball’s premier evaluation event company, working with college coaches since 2002. A family owned business that is one of the most respected and valued brands in the sport. OnDeck Softball tryouts, Jamborees, Elite Camps have revolutionized recruiting and evaluation and will continue to be a pioneer in the sport. Included in its portfolio are Jamborees in Huntington Beach, Hemet, Colorado, Chicago, and Arizona. Elite Camps are held in Las Vegas and Chicago.

Midwest Best Softball: Midwest Best Softball is a Chicago-based company and will hold eight ID Camps throughout the Midwest starting August, 2018. Rankings will be generated and announced October 11, 2018. Rankings will be published and circulated to college coaches.