STARK COUNTY
SUPERDRAFT
PLAY BALL!
WHERE COMMUNITY MEETS COMPETITION
The Stark County Super Draft was put together in 2011 by the founder, Jack Gardner. When Jack was in Florida playing softball, he entered a draft-style softball tournament and thought it was such a fun time. He realized he had never played in anything like that in Ohio before, and he thought it would be not only a great fundraising event but also a wonderful way to grow the sport in the area we all love.
How it works is you enter as an individual, as opposed to entering as part of a team. The tournament is open to both men and women, as well as players of all talent levels. All entries are placed in a pool, and a draft is held with predetermined captains taking turns selecting their teams—much like the NFL draft.
By doing this, it breaks people out of their small softball community shell and gives everyone a chance to play on the same field with other players of all skill levels. It also gives everyone a chance to meet a whole new group of people who share the same interest.
In the few years I’ve been involved, I’ve seen several new tournament teams develop and countless “unknown” players discovered. And all this came from the love of the game of softball and a rewarding format to enjoy that love with friends—new and old.
I hope to see all my friends—and the ones I have yet to meet—come out this year.
SUPERDRAFT DAY
The day starts around 5:00 AM with volunteers arriving early. Tables are set up, banners are hung, and volunteers are trained on their job duties for the day. Player check-in begins at 7:00 AM—every participant must sign in and receive a wristband to play ball.
At 8:00 AM, families share their stories, followed by the presentation of the Nate Milleman Stark County Man of the Year award. Games are scheduled to start at 9:00 AM. Between 4:00 and 5:30 PM, players break for dinner, and the action picks back up at 6:00 PM.
Throughout the day, there’s live music from a DJ and a photographer capturing special moments. Over $3,000 in prizes will be given away during the event, adding to the excitement.
After the championship game, the event winds down. Volunteers help restore the park to its normal state and pack up all materials.
This is a big and busy event, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our amazing volunteers. If you'd like to lend a hand—even if it's just for an hour—click here to let us know. Hope to see you there!
BECOME A SPONSOR
BRONZE TIER - $250
Your business name on your own 1.7 by 3 ft individual banner hung during our event, your business name on a spot of our tournament banner and your business name on all our tournament t-shirts.
SILVER TIER - $500
Your business name on your own 2 ½ by 4 ft individual banner hung during our event, your business name on all our tournament t-shirts, your business name on a spot of our tournament banner, and 2 care bags donated in lieu of your business name.
GOLD TIER - $1000
Your business name on your own 2 ½ by 6 ft individual banner hung during our event, your business name on all our tournament t-shirts, your business name on a spot of our tournament banner, and 4 care bags donated in lieu of your business name.
PLATINUM TIER - $1500
Your business name on your own 4 by 8 ft individual banner hung during our event, your business name on all our tournament t-shirts, your business name on a spot of our tournament banner, and 8 care bags donated in lieu of your business name.
SUPER PLATINUM PLUS TIER - $2000
Kaiden Kares Inc. will donate a pizza dinner drop to the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Children’s Ronald McDonald House on a date of your choosing in the calendar year of 2026. These meals go directly to the families that are currently staying at the hospital with their child. We will also include your business name on your own 4 by 10 ft individual banner hung during our event, your business name on all our tournament t-shirts, your business name on a spot of our tournament banner, and 10 care bags donated in lieu of your business name.
***KAIDEN KARES INC. SPONSOR TIER DEADLINE IS AUGUST 8th, 2025 TO BE INCLUDED ON OUR MERCHANDISE AND TO HAVE A BUSINESS BANNER MADE***
PAST WINNERS
The SuperDraft champions represent the heart, hustle, and competitive spirit that define this annual event. Year after year, teams rise to the challenge and leave their mark through leadership, teamwork, and grit.
Take a look back at our past winners—each one a part of the story that continues to shape the SuperDraft and the Kaiden Kares community.
As the tournament grows, so does the legacy of those who’ve taken the title. It’s more than just softball—it’s about showing up, playing hard, and being part of something bigger.
