2025 MEMORIAL WEEKEND CLASSIC

Each year, the Prospect Wire Summer Tournament season kicks off in Polk County, FL with the Memorial Weekend Classic. An event which has averaged around 72 teams since 2014 will feature over 100 teams for the first time in its history! The talented field of teams will feature divisions ranging from 13U-18U. 

“We are so excited to kick off the Prospect Wire summer season with Visit Central Florida Sports once again,” exclaimed DS Sports CEO Rob Sitz. “Polk County is one of the top destinations in the country and their facilities are first rate across the board. Our relationship with the county has been an amazing partnership. Coming off a record setting Spring for PW, we are looking forward to continuing that trend through the end of the year. It’s going to be a great weekend of baseball.”

With divisions that have as many as 15 to 20+ teams in them, the competition will be as hot as the central Florida temps this holiday weekend. Participating teams will be coming from all over the state of Florida to compete, including as far north as the panhandle. This year’s field is loaded with talent and will feature top organizations like:

Next Level Baseball (Tallahassee) - Prospect Wire’s all time leader in tournament championships with 21 and counting. NLB has produced almost 2 dozen PW Championships over the years. They are a continual threat in every event they enter, with the blue collar, tough, hard nosed mentality, every game they play is a grind for their opponent. This weekend they will feature multiple teams with 5 attending between all divisions. Will they have what it takes to add to the championship mantle? We know a few other teams might have something to say about that.

Ostingers Baseball Academy (Brandon) - Anytime Ostingers Baseball is at an event, you know teams are in for a battle. The 12 time PW Champion will feature 5 teams this weekend, ranging from 14U up through 17U. Lead by their namesake, Jim Osting, a former big leaguer, the ‘stingers are always in contention for a championship. Producing tons of talented players that have gone on to successful college and pro careers, Ostingers Baseball Academy is a good bet to have teams in contention for another title in 2025.

Legends Powered by Under Armour (Lakeland) - With 7 PW Championships of their own, the Legends are a well established brand from Central Florida. They are no stranger to stepping up to the big moment, with 3 of those tournament titles coming at the PW National Championships at summer’s end. Featuring 7 teams this weekend between 14U and 18U, the Legends are guaranteed to make some noise at this year’s event. When asked about the event, Phil Pruitt remarked, “we enjoy every opportunity we get to play with Prospect Wire. We know the talent is going to be there and the facilities will always be the best you can ask for. Nick and his crew always do an outstanding job of providing a first class experience for our organization.”

Some of the other organizations to pay attention to this weekend include:

FBH Angels (Lakeland, FL) - a 5 time PW Champion, they will have 4 teams in this weekend’s event at the 16U & 18U levels. 

Florida Hardballers (Ocala, FL) - they are bringing 3 teams to this year’s event at the 13U, 14U & 15U divisions. Despite some very strong showings over the years, the Hardballers will be searching for their 1st PW title this weekend. Could this be the year they break through? 

GSB Prospects (Central FL) - The 6 time PW Champion will feature teams at the 14U and 16U levels this year. Always a tough matchup for any team they face, GSB will be looking to return to champions podium after a few years since their last title. Expect some great games from them this weekend. 

KC Roos (Pinellas County, FL) - With 16 overall PW Championships (2nd most in history), the Roos are no stranger to being the last ones standing at a Prospect Wire event. With 2 teams in this year’s event at 13U & 14U, the Roos will be looking to inch closer to that top spot, held for so long by NLB. 

Naturals Baseball (Gainesville, FL) - bringing a total of 7 teams to Polk County this weekend, the Naturals are always an organization looking to surprise some teams. Twice they have claimed a PW Championship, and they will be looking to climb further up that ladder this weekend in each of the divisions. 

Knights Knation FL (Bradenton, FL) - a 3 time PW Champion, the Knation usually comes equipped with some talent. The Knights will have 2 teams in the 17U division this year, ready to take on some heavy competition this weekend. Watch for them to make a statement in Polk County.

Southern Squeeze (Orlando, FL) - with 5 teams attending this weekend, the Squeeze will also be in search of their first PW Championship. Expect some tough battles with their opponents as the Squeeze always boast some solid athletes. 

USA Prime (Tampa & Orlando) - USA Prime has captured 4 PW titles over the years, with their Tampa group taking home 2 of those this year, with one coming in the final Spring event a few weeks ago right here in Polk County. Between them they will each have 2 teams in the event, ready to make some more noise. 

SBA Clubhouse (Brooksville, FL) - This 2 time PW champion has also been runner up multiple times, just missing out on several other 1st place finishes. You can expect the best when you take the field against them and they will be in the running on Monday for another PW Championship if past history is any indication. 

“This is our biggest Memorial Weekend Classic to date,” remarked PW President Brian Werner. “An event that averages around 72 teams is already impressive in itself. To have over 30 more than your average speaks volumes to the staff we have at PW, the experience they help provide and the facilities that we have an opportunity to use. We always strive to provide the best experience possible for our customers, from social media coverage, college coaches, live stream to all tournament teams. It’s our goal to make sure our customers: the players, the coaches and the families, all leave our events excited about the next one. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Polk County this weekend and thank you to VCF Sports for making it all possible!”