4th Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament hailed a major success
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Hosted by The Edge and J.H. Promotion, this year’s tournament took place from Wednesday, May 13, to Sunday, May 17, 2026, and demonstrated that the event continues to grow in popularity and international recognition each year.
The tournament welcomed teams from across the Caribbean and the United States, bringing together athletes and supporters in a celebration of sportsmanship and regional unity. Countries with participating teams included Puerto Rico (Male & Female), Venezuela (Male), Dominican Republic (Male & Female), New York (Female), Anguilla (Male), Jamaica (Female), US Virgin Islands (1 Male & 2 Female), and the Virgin Islands (Male & Female).
VZ & PR win championships
After an exciting week of competition, PRFC of Puerto Rico captured the Female Championship title over Team St Croix Feds.
Team City Pan VNC of Venezuela claimed the Male Championship title over Team BVI Allstars.
Each of the winning teams was awarded a championship trophy, along with a US$5,000 cash prize.
Special guests & highlights
One of the highlights of the tournament was the attendance of special guest Mr Luis A. Polonia Almonte, a native of the Dominican Republic and former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. During his distinguished professional career, Polonia played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, California Angels, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers. His presence brought excitement and inspiration to players and fans alike.
Also attending was Mr Jeison Jose Bryan, the Ministerial Assistant for Sports, Youth and Culture from Anguilla. Mr Bryan travelled to the Virgin Islands in support of the Anguilla team. While in the territory, he took the opportunity to engage in discussions with local officials on strengthening sports and cultural development between both territories.
Gratitude
The organising committee has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the many sponsors whose contributions helped make the tournament possible. The sponsors are as follows: Government of the Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Caribbean Cellars, Carib, Brugal, Stoli, Flow BVI, Caribbean Broadcasting Network, Nagico Insurance, First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC), Skelton Group, Fort Garden Centre, Pool Works, One Mart Group, Nanny Cay Hotel, H.N.F. Clothing Line, Walkers BVI, Aaron Rentals Ltd, New View Inn, Pirates of the Caribbean Island Tours, and Dougies Taxi Service.
Special recognition was also extended to the Premier’s Office and the Immigration Department for their invaluable support in facilitating the event. The committee also thanked the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Recreation Trust and the Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association for their support and assistance throughout the tournament.
The organisers also acknowledged the presence and support of Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and Junior Minister for Culture & Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), who welcomed visiting teams and shared the hospitality and spirit of the Virgin Islands with participants and supporters.
“We want to thank all of our families, friends, visitors, fans, spectators, and customers for their incredible support,” the organisers stated in a press release. “Firstly, we give thanks and praises to God for delivering an excellent tournament. We are also deeply grateful to our staff and committee members for their hard work and dedication, as well as the coaches and umpires.”
Re-establishing national softball pride
As the level of competition continues to rise, organisers emphasised the importance of re-establishing national male and female softball teams in the Virgin Islands. Both VI teams delivered strong performances throughout the tournament. The Male VI team, however, earned praise for an exciting championship matchup against Venezuela’s professional-calibre squad.
Organisers said momentum for the tournament is already building ahead of the fifth edition of the Clasico Torneo. Organisers confirmed that communications have already begun with teams interested in returning next year, fueled by overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating countries.
Additionally, the media team accompanying Team New York conducted interviews with an organiser, Mr Leroy James, a sponsor representative, Mr Kevin S. Fahie, and retired MLB player Luis Polonia to discuss the significance of the tournament and the warm and welcoming culture of the Virgin Islands. Those interviews generated highly favourable reviews for both the sport and the territory.
As the tournament continues to expand, organisers believe the Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament is evolving into a major sports tourism initiative for the Virgin Islands, showcasing the territory as a premier destination for international sporting events.
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