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At the Top Club National last week, the one question I got more than any other was “Do you think PGF Nationals will take place this summer?”
Here are my thoughts on the crowning event in club softball each summer and the viability of it happening later this month and into August… if at all.
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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In its decade-long history, the PGF Nationals held in Southern California has become the top club softball event of the year.
The championship games, along with the prestigious PGF High School All-Star Game (which I help provide input for player selections), are broadcast on the ESPN platforms and the entire two-week long event featuring ages 18U down to 10U has become the top destination for elite softball travel ball teams each year.
But this year is unlike any other in sports history and softball has been greatly impacted with the cancellation of the NCAA 2020 season, the spring high school seasons, many club events and so on.
What then, will happen with PGF, the top event of the summer for pre-college players?
These are my opinions based on what I’ve been hearing—and seeing—behind the scenes as well as looking at the national and state-wide landscape.
First let me say that I love the PGF Nationals because, from my perspective, I get to see the majority of the top teams and players at one time and in one location. The atmosphere of PGF is unlike any other event, from the Opening Ceremonies to the blind draw breakfasts to the championships held at Bill Barber in Irvine, California.
Simply, it’s the best playing the best and you have the great advantage of being in the beautiful environs of Southern California with the beaches, the numerous things to do and the always great weather.
On a personal note, I will be in So Cal in early August whether there’s softball or not because my daughter, Courtney, is getting married! But even that has been impacted: this week my daughter told me the location is being changed (to a family backyard) because the original venue doesn’t think it will be open in a month.
Scroll down to get more thoughts on PGF Nationals happening or not in the next month including the latest COVID-19 updates from So Cal…