WE ARE DIFFERENT…
… From Every Other Softball Tournament in the World!
It is a special privilege for all ballplayers to be able to travel and compete in out-of-town slow-pitch tournaments. We applaud every softball promoter and organization - whether the tournament format is: 1) An “elimination” weekend tournament offering a 3-5 game guarantee; 2) An association-sponsored regional or national tourney; 3) A draft format in which registered players have little knowledge about the ability of their teammates or level of competition.
All these tournaments have one thing in common. Although the tournament promoter may seek a medium level-priced hotel, there is no requirement to stay there. Plus generally there are no evening activities for all the teams, and if there are (I.e., meet and greets), then players are responsbile for purchasing food and beverages.
THAT’S NOT US! WE ARE DIFFERENT!
The Ad World Series has an illustrious 41 year history. The 42nd annual in Orange County, California will be just as spectacular. We promote the ASWS as a softball “vacation” a memorable event and tournament experience unmatched anywhere else in the softball world.
Yet to be honest… although “first year” players probably would be delighted to know that they will play 12-15 guaranteed co-ed games… the reality is that the Ad World Series experience is not for everybody… and we’re okay with that.
We are NOT a blood and guts” winner-take-all elimination tournament. We cater more to the well-heeled business and industry professional who not only loves to play softball, but also prefer to stay in upscale resorts, and to socialize and meet new friends post-game and from across the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and France.
Our average player demographics range from the mid 30s well into the 60’s, but we do not classify as a seniors tournament and currently we do not permit senior bats. We are also not an event that will attract a lot of 20’s somethings either… less than 5% of our playing audience are in their 20’s.
DO YOU FIT THE AD SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES PROFILE?
ASWS games are played daytime on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Sunday arrival, Thursday departure and about 50% pf the players make this a softball vacation and arrive a day early or stay a day after to take in area sites, and the LA/OC area offers multiple sight-seeing options.
Q1: How does one get placed on a team? Can I play on the same team if I bring a friend? 2+ friends?
A: We are able to place any and all of your friends on the SAME team. After “free agents” sign up and pay a reasonably small deposit, they will be introduced to one or more teams based on preferred playing position(s), ability, and competitive level.
We play 6 males, 4 females; therefore, a roster of 7 males and 5 females is always preferred. Every team also has the option to bat their entire roster. Our best teams are considered “D” and “E” level… but we also have recreational teams competing as well.
Q2: It was said earlier, do you prefer to play in “winner take all” 3-5 game guarantee elimination tournaments?
A: THAT’S NOT US! You will play 12 guaranteed co-ed games (4 per day)… and each player has the option to play an additional 3 games in a “one-pitch” mini-draft competition on the morning of Day #2. These extra games will not conflict with your co-ed game schedule, and there is no additional cost to enter One Pitch.
Q3: Are you more comfortable playing in multiple entry tournaments in which your team may experience game breaks of 6 or more hours? Or play only one game the first full day?
A: THAT’S NOT US! Main arrival day is Sunday, September 21 (or come in a day earlier for leisure and stay at our Hyatt Regency Irvine resort offering discounted group rates). Departure is Thursday, September 25 (unless you want to stay a day or two after).
Q4: Content if your team falls into a loser’s bracket? Content traveling to a destination and being at the ball fields from 8am-midnight waiting for your next game?
A: THAT’S NOT US! All teams play well into the afternoon of Day #3 against division opponents.
Q5: Do you prefer tournaments that distributes awards at the fields... long after your team has been eliminated and you are on the way home? And even if you do win, there are very few hanging around to watch.
A: The ASWS presents all hardware. merchandise, and prizes during a gala Awards banquet the final night at the resort.
Q6: Prefer to find your own lodging? Only want to play? Don’t care about our social events, dinner parties or off-field competitions?
A: THEN WE ARE NOT THE ANSWER. THAT’S NOT WHAT THE ASWS IS ALL ABOUT.
The Ad World Series recognizes you can play in any number of tournaments, but none will compare to our event schedule.
REMINDERS:
The Ad Softball World Series Has No Rival. We Play By Day, Party Together By Night!
Every co-ed team plays 12 guarantee games over three days.
Every team plays 4 games daily from 8am - 4pm.
Every team is placed in a division commensurate with their level of play.
We are able to accept full teams, but there are challenges getting all of your teammates on the same page when it comes to getting time off work and finances.
The ASWS is an upscale event; We stay in resort destinations and all players and guests stay at the same 4-star resort hotel.
The resort’s pool area turns into tournament headquarters. Two afternoon beer gardens are staged here along with the final day “jersey trading”. The pool at this year’s will be open until 10pm every night.
Every player and guest (children welcome) will enjoy three (3) elaborate dinner parties that includes entertainment, and two of those evenings include off-field competitions.
In addition to the 12 co-ed game guarantee, the ASWS offers a “draft-style” 1-pitch tourney on the second morning of play. Playing 1-pitch is optional, and there is no added charge to sign-up. SIgn-ups during opening registration. Therefore, players can compete in as many as 15 games over 3 playing days, and over a 5 day, 4 night stay.
Tournament Inner-Workings
Newsletters will be emailed to all participating players and guests in the weeks leading to your Orange County trip. The final newsletter includes a list of teams and division placements.
Every team’s complete 12-game schedule will be distributed the day of arrival (September 21).
Every team will play its division opponents at least twice plus designated teams from other divisions. 9-10 of those 12 games will count as part of division standings.
Division championships are usually decided the critical third day of play when teams play their division opponents a second time.
4-5 divisions of play. Every player on a division-winning team receives the same prize package.
Every co-ed team selects its own male AND female MVP, and the ASWS rewards recipients with gifts.
Certified trainers will be at the field to assist with bumps and bruises and re-taping. Perhaps massage therapists as well.
Lodging and Off-Field Events
Hyatt Regency Irvine will be this year’s tournament headquarters.
The Ad World Series makes all room reservations offering group discounted rates.
Dinner parties include three (3) upscale buffets… with entertainment. Adult beverages and soft drink bars are included.
Merchandise for all players and guests.
Non-playing guests and children qualify for discounted pricing and are entitled to the same benefits as players.
Off-field events include a team “Jersey Parade” (opening night party) and “Best Jersey” competition (player vote).
Following Day #3 games, players head back to the resort for a final afternoon beer garden, jersey trading, followed by the Awards banquet.
During the Awards Banquet: On and off-field awards will be presented, plus multiple short videos, followed by the official Tournament Video. Catch last year’s Reno-Lake Tahoe video: https://vimeo.com/1015051086
Schedule of Events: https://www.adworldseries.com/reno-tahoe-events
You can also extend your hotel stay on the front or back end and continue to qualify for discounted room rates. You will be able to keep your same room for the duration of your stay.
Key Playing Rules
The Ad World Series is independently organized and has no direct affiliations with any softball association. Local umpires will officiate all games and will adapt to our playing rules.
On-Field: 6 males, 4 females. Additional hitters are permitted provided a female is added with a male. Females can play anywhere in the field.
1-1 count: The second foul ball after two strikes is a strikeout.
Bats: ASA and USSSA stamped bats will be approved.
Ball: 44 COR, 375 Compression
Female batters can hit with the 11” ball.
Defensive Alignment: Males and females players can play anywhere.
Game Times: No new inning begins after 55 minutes. The game officially starts after the home team pitcher completes his/her warm-up tosses in the top of the first inning.
Home Run Limits: Unlimited within division play; 1-Up in crossover and non-division games.
Division Championship Games: One additional game is played if two teams have an identical record in division and designated cross-division games. This game is played regardless whether one of those two teams won both head-to-head games.
Pitching Mat: An extension (mat) is placed behind home plate. Any pitched ball landing on the plate or extension (mat) is called a strike.
Pitching Arc: The ASWS began in 1983 as an unlimited arc tournament, but the arc was reduced to a maximum of 15’. A pitched ball must travel above the batter’s head.
Up the Middle: Safety is a priority. When a male hits up the middle, he is declared out. However, a ball that hits the ground before the pitcher is a live ball. There is no penalty if a female batter hits up the middle.
Playing Rules: https://www.adworldseries.com/playing-rules
The Awards Banquet (September 24)
FACT: The Ad World Series introduces winners at a gala, final night Awards banquet in front of all players and guests.
MVP’s: Every team - regardless of record - selects its own male and female MVPs - and they will be awarded with an medal.
Division Winners: Champions shirts, Medals, Team Plaque
On & Off the Field Awards: Jersey Parade, Best Jersey, and off-field competitions.
Individual Recognitions: Hall of Fame and Character of the Game winners announced
The Video: After the final team champions are presented, a 30 minute highlight video debuts. (recent tournament videos appear on this site.) The evening also features comedic video shorts.
Publicity: The ASWS Facebook page is always active. Division winners will be featured including great plays and the event’s funnier moments. We employ multiple sports photographers, so all players will appear from time to time. The ASWS also stages occasional trivia, GIF, and editorial contests (trip discounts at stake).
The tournament has been featured in Sports Illustrated, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.
Orange County Schedule
Arrival is on Sunday, September 21; however, every year more players are extending their stay on the front end, following the tournament, or both.
All 2025 players will qualify for pre/post discounted group room rates at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, and they will keep their same room for the duration of their stay.
All room reservations must be made by the Ad Softball World Series.
Captains must submit team rooming lists by August 15.
Room changes can be made without penalty (based on room availability).
Player and guest registration begins at 3pm on Sunday, September 21. Every player / guest receives swag bags, a unique player gift, and a souvenir T-shirt.
Sign-ups for the mini “1-pitch” competition takes place during registration (both men and women eligible). Games will be played the morning of September 23. Draft results will be announced during the Opening Dinner Party. Player Entry Fee: $0.
Afternoon Beer Garden, Sunday, September 21, 3-6pm.
Prior to departure players / guests will receive a series of newsletters. Topics range from what to pack, to party dress, to registration tips, Additional announcements will be made on the tournament’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/adworldseries
The final pre-tourney newsletter reveals divisions and game schematics.
The Opening Night Dinner Party features a team “Jersey Parade” in which teams are invited to show off their jerseys and bring props. Video cameras will be rolling.
After the first day of play (4 games per team), players return to the hotel, get cleaned up, and then it’s off to the motor coaches that takes everybody to the Mystery Party venue. Dinner, entertainment, and a fully “hosted” bar including, beer, spirits, wine, and soft drinks.
Day #2 of play: (Tuesday, September 23). Four more games PLUS the 1-Pitch competition. A player’s free night follows.
Day #3 of play: is “Championship Day”. All teams play their “division” opponents a second time plus a cross-over division opponent (4 games total).
The final official afternoon beer garden is back at the hotel, and that event includes Jersey Trading.
The gala Awards banquet follows with team and individual awards and videos.
Following the banquet, players are invited to socialize a final time at the hotel bar.
We invite you to scroll thru our tournament website and be entertained with photo content and videos. The website serves as a valuable marketing and recruiting tool.
With ALL of its amenities PLUS 4-star resort lodging the ASWS requires a sizable investment. Team fees will be $1,500.00 (per team for everything to do with softball… and players usually split this amount, although team sponsors may contribute as well.
Individual players fees will be determined in March 2025 after the party schedule and menus are finalized. Contact: michael@adworldseries.com for estimates based on lodging preferences.
Final Words… And Cash Winnings
Of course, the 12 guaranteed games all sounds good… and combined with our legendary dinner parties we offer a unique blend of camaraderie. Our tournament is as competitive as any, we just won’t attract the player that plays 3-4 times a week, plus tournaments every weekend, and only cares about playing, not socializing.
We know where to seed teams, we greatly dislike blowouts, so there is no reason to schedule a top-rated team to play against a recreational team. You won’t find temper tantrums here, nor bat throwers, nor players being thrown out of a game for unruly behavior.
That aside, our event is designed to be social every step of the way.
The resort pool and hot tub at the resort will always be a central meeting place
Our dinner parties are fancy with entertainment and competitions. Buffets will offer three main entrees, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and desserts (not hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza for us). Hosted beer is served at every party, and the mystery venue dinner party includes a fully hosted spirits, wine, beer, and soft drinks bar. At the Awards banquet, every player and guest will receive three drink tickets.
The ASWS also promotes an overall team championship and awards $1,750+ in prize monies that will be awarded to three teams for the 2025 tournament. That competition includes: overall and division record (45%), off-field competitions (45%), and Facebook contributions (10%).
Players will meet new friends every step of the way. Most of our playing audience will be repeat attendees. Given all our social gatherings, there are countless number of opportunities to turn on-field opponents into fast friends off-the-field.
In fact, it is not surprising if the new friends you will meet will encourage you to visit them on their home turf. Most live in "bucket list" destinations throughout the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Paris, France. The business connections that can be made at the ASWS are endless. And speaking of random introductions, during the ASWS’ 41-year history, 53 couples have met here and later married.
First year players will immensely enjoy their initial Ad World Series experience. There's no denying it - players will be sore, they will crave for more sleep, but shortly after returning home from Orange County, photos will start surfacing on social media reminding everybody of the unforgettable good times which will automatically ignite buzz for the 2026 tournament.
We've got a great show planned for this year's 42nd annual. Hope you join us for the competition, lifetime memories, and meeting a lot of new friends that will become your World Series “family”.
