Neurocharity Softball

Photo of Columbia Softball Team

Thank you for visiting the Columbia University NeuroCharity Softball website. Since our inception in 2004, this annual NYC charity event has been dedicated to raising funds for critical neurosurgery research, including brain tumor research and innovative treatments for neurological disease.

Through a combination of basic laboratory research and clinical innovation, neurosurgeons are working to solve some of the most complex challenges in medicine. In addition to delivering world-class surgical care, our physicians continue to push the boundaries of neurological surgery, developing safer treatments and better outcomes for patients and families.

Funds raised through this neurosurgery fundraising event support promising research programs across the country and help advance the future of patient care.

21st Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament

đź“… Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
đź“Ť North Meadow Recreation Center, Central Park
Mid-Park at 97th Street, New York, NY 10029

  • Enter 96th street entrance on either East or West side.
  • Tournament to be played on 8 fields on East side of North Meadow.
  • Divisional Games (8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
    • Division A – Fields 1, 2
    • Division B – Fields 2, 3
    • Division C – Fields 3, 5
    • Division D – Fields 5, 6, 7, 8
    • Division E – Fields 6, 8, 10
    • Division F – Fields 6, 7, 8, 10
    • Division G – Fields 7, 10, 11
    • Division H – Fields 11, 12
    • Interdivisional* – Fields 2, 5, 7, 11 (*Eight teams will play interdivisional games)

Schedule Overview

  • 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Round-Robin Games
  • 1:20 PM – 2:20 PM: Lunch
  • 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Playoffs & Championship Game
  • 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Closing Ceremony

Join us in Central Park for one of the leading medical charity events in NYC, bringing together neurosurgeons, trainees, and supporters from across the country.

Post-Tournament Afterparty

đź“Ť M Social Hotel Times Square New York
226 West 52nd Street, New York, NY
⏰ Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 PM – Late

Food, drinks, and celebration with colleagues from across the country.

If you have any questions regarding hotel accommodations, please contact Aileen Casanova at 201-527-7835.

CME Course

10th Annual Andrew T. Parsa Memorial Symposium

đź“… Friday, June 5, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
đź“Ť Neurological Institute, Alumni Auditorium
710 W. 168th Street, New York, NY

This annual symposium highlights advances in neurosurgical education, brain tumor research, and clinical innovation, bringing together leaders in the field.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Aileen Casanova at 201-527-7835.

Agenda

  • 5:00–5:10 PM: Jeffrey Bruce – Tribute to Andrew T. Parsa
  • 5:10–6:10 PM: Featured Speakers (TBA)
  • 6:10–6:30 PM: Open Discussion

Methods of Instruction

  • Lecture
  • Open discussion, question/answer with panelists and audience

Learning Objectives

  • TBA

Tournament Overview | Neurosurgery Charity Event

The NeuroCharity Softball Tournament is one of the largest neurosurgery charity events in the United States, bringing together departments from across North America. In 2026, 56 teams will compete in a World Cup-style format at Central Park.

Teams violating any of these rules will be immediately disqualified.

Tournament/Game Rules

  • Eligible players: Attendings, faculty, fellows, residents, and interns with active neurosurgery appointments
  • Matched incoming residents ARE allowed (updated for 2026)
  • 10 players on the field; no designated hitter
  • Slow-pitch softball format
  • No stealing, bunting, or leading
  • 3-inning games throughout tournament play
  • Count starts at 1 ball and 1 strike.
  • Open substitutions allowed throughout the game.
  • Foul ball hit with 2 strikes is an automatic out.
  • Courtesy runners allowed.
  • Division play World Cup-style – 3 points/win, 1 point/tie, 0 points/loss.
  • Tie Breakers: head to head, followed by runs allowed.
  • Top 2 teams from each division advance to the playoffs. If a team cannot compete in the playoffs, the next highest seed fills the position.
  • One umpire/field, except championship game, will have 2 umpires.
  • All teams play under their own liability and disability insurance.
  • No alcohol is allowed in Central Park.
  • All teams are responsible for cleaning up their respective areas.

Game Day

Round Robin games start at 8:00 a.m. SHARP.

  • Divisional games – 3 innings
  • 1st round Playoffs – 4 innings
  • 2nd round Playoffs – 4 innings
  • Semifinals – 5 innings
  • Championship – 5 innings

Spectators Welcome

Family, friends, and anyone is welcome to come and watch the Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament teams play!

Participating Teams

Here is a list of all participating neurosurgery departments:

Division A – Fields 1, 2

Arkansas
Barrow
Tennessee
Kentucky
Jefferson
NY Medical College
NYU


Division B – Fields 2, 3

UCSD
Kansas
USF
Utah
Colorado
UVA
Pittsburgh


Division C – Fields 3, 5

UT San Antonio
Emory
LSU
Alabama
Harvard
Michigan
Tulane


Division D – Fields 5, 6, 7, 8

Rochester
Vandy
Carolina
Penn
Buffalo
Walter Reed/Inova
Indiana


Division E – Fields 6, 8, 10

UCSF
Mayo
UT Houston
Cornell/MSK
Hopkins
West Virginia
Wake Forest

Division F – Fields 6, 7, 8, 10

MCW
Miami
Northwell
MCG
Calgary
Penn State
UNC


Division G – Fields 7, 10, 11

Columbia
Yale
UCONN
Temple
Florida
Northwestern
Minnesota


Division H – Fields 11, 12

Einstein/Montefiore
George Washington
Mt Sinai
Rutgers
Houston Methodist
Toronto
Ohio State

Sponsorship Opportunities

Hall of Fame Level Sponsorship / Sponsorship Level: $25,000

  • Prominent listing as “Hall of Fame Level” sponsor on printed and electronic event materials
  • Prominent listing as “Hall of Fame Level” sponsor at Central Park registration table
  • Verbal recognition announcement at post-tournament reception
  • VIP table at post-tournament reception
  • “Corporate-named” cocktail at post-tournament reception
  • Opportunity to contribute corporate merchandise (hats, wristbands, etc.) to players
  • Link to company website on tournament’s website sponsor page
  • Acknowledgment in tournament e-blast and AANS Neurosurgeon (publication to AANS membership)

MVP Level Sponsorship / Sponsorship Level: $20,000

  • Prominent listing as “MVP Level” sponsor on printed and electronic event materials
  • Prominent listing as “MVP Level” sponsor at Central Park registration table
  • Verbal recognition announcement at post-tournament reception
  • VIP table at post-tournament reception
  • Opportunity to contribute corporate merchandise (hats, wristbands, etc.) to players
  • Link to company website on tournament’s website sponsor page
  • Acknowledgment in tournament e-blast and AANS Neurosurgeon (publication to AANS membership)

All-Star Level Sponsorship / Sponsorship Level: $10,000

  • Prominent listing as “All-Star Level” sponsor on printed and electronic event materials
  • Prominent listing as “All-Star Level” sponsor at Central Park registration table
  • Verbal recognition announcement at post-tournament reception
  • Four tickets to post-tournament reception
  • Link to company website on tournament’s website sponsor page
  • Acknowledgment in tournament e-blast and AANS Neurosurgeon (publication to AANS membership)

Home Run Level Sponsorship / Sponsorship Level: $5000

  • Listing as “Home Run Level” sponsor on printed and electronic event material
  • Listing as “Home Run Level” sponsor at Central Park registration table
  • Two tickets to post-tournament reception
  • Verbal recognition announcement at post-tournament reception
  • Link to company website on tournament’s website sponsor page
  • Acknowledgment in tournament e-blast and AANS Neurosurgeon (publication to AANS membership)

Previous Champions

  • 2004 – Columbia University
  • 2005 – Columbia University
  • 2006 – University of Pennsylvania
  • 2007 – University of Pennsylvania
  • 2008 – Harvard University
  • 2009 – Columbia University
  • 2010 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2011 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2012 – University of Miami
  • 2013 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2014 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2015 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2016 – University of Miami
  • 2017 – Vanderbilt University
  • 2018 – Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2019 - Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2022 - Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2023 - Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2024 - Barrow Neurological Institute
  • 2025 - NOT Barrow (Rainout)

Volunteer Opportunities

Without the help of a generous group of volunteers every year, the Neurocharity Softball Tournament would not be possible. We welcome volunteers and encourage anyone interested to please contact Aileen Casanova at 201-527-7835 or email at ac2719@cumc.columbia.edu for more information.

Contact

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