HARD CASH FROM SOFTBALL TO TOTAL MILLIONS IN A.V.

Byline: Jim Skeen Daily News Staff Writer

Softball is expected to pump $2.9 million into the Antelope Valley economy this year as the city of Lancaster plays host to 45 tournaments, including one featuring 125 teams.

The city's tournament schedule for 1998 will draw in 932 softball teams and an estimated 18,640 visitors - both records for the city, which began pursuing tournaments as an economic tool five years ago, officials said.

The largest event will be the Sept. 24-27 American Softball Association Men's D National Championship with 125 teams. More than 2,000 visitors are expected to come to Lancaster from this one tournament.

``It makes it the biggest tournament ever hosted by the Antelope Valley,'' said Lyle Norton, Lancaster's director of parks, recreation and arts. ``We're meeting on a weekly basis to prepare for the event.''

Another highlight of the schedule is the Oct. 16-18 U.S. Specialty Sports Association Coed World Championships. That event, never held in California before, will bring in about 50 teams.

``We think we can make it a large family event,'' Norton said. ``In terms of visitors it should be one of our strongest events.''

Softball, city officials say, is becoming a major economic force in the city. In 1994, when the city first made a major push to attract tournaments, the city attracted 18 tournaments, 252 teams, and a total of about 5,040 visitors. The economic impact that year was estimated at about $750,000.

In the past the city touted what it called the ``Big Six,'' the six softball field at City Park, to lure in tournaments. This year, the city is investing $555,000 to add two new field, making the complex the ``Big Eight.'' The fields should be ready in June.

To help market the complex, the city put together a slick, all-color brochure. The city is adding a new feature this year, selling sports clothing, including flannel boxers, denim shirts, and sweat shirts with the ``Big 8'' logo.