Magic showing some ... magic

By John Denny
Staff Reporter

Some 15 days separate area softball players in the Delaware Magic National Softball Association World Series Tune-up from the real deal in Columbus, Ohio, on July 22. But starting this weekend, it’ll be a free-for-all.

Teams from Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware — 34 in all — will compete in four age groups (10U, 12U, 14U and 16U) for an opportunity to play in the NSA World Series.

The Delaware Magic 14U softball team has placed first in five tournaments thus far this season and already has a World Series berth.

The Magic’s 12U team isn’t quite there yet, having only won three tournaments. But they are on the right track to make the trip, as well, with a good showing this weekend.

“Our 12U and 14U teams are doing the best,” Magic Tournament Director Keith Culver said. “They finish in the top four almost every time and it wouldn’t be uncommon to see them win it all.”

Currently, the Magic’s World Series Tune-up is scheduled to start Saturday morning and will run through Sunday. Saturday’s games will initially be held at four different locations, though play will be whittled down to only two locations for Sunday’s conclusion. Those Saturday games are: 10U — Fifer Middle School — 10:30 a.m.; 12U — Caesar Rodney — 9 a.m.; 14U — Schutte Park, Dover — 9 a.m.; and 16U — Delaware State University — 9 a.m.

Sunday’s games will be played at Schutte Park and Delaware State University at 9 a.m.

Each team is guaranteed four games. Concessions will be available. Directions to the fields are available on the Magic’s Web site, at delawaremagic.org.