With 44 softball teams set to converge on Bazinsky and Halls Ferry parks this weekend for the annual Rumble on the River fast-pitch Tournament, Brad Hasty’s to-do list has been never-ending.

In his first year as the tournament director, it is Hasty’s responsibility to make sure brackets are complete, concessions are stocked, umpires are booked and answer any questions.

Hasty, who paints houses for a living, said his cell phone has been constantly buzzing this week with questions from coaches. Most want to know when their teams will play in the tournament that begins tonight and lasts until Sunday.

&#8220I’ve had to talk to 44 teams already this week,” Hasty said. &#8220If you’re doing that all in one day, you’re not going to get much done.”

In addition to four local teams, this weekend’s tournament will feature squads from across Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Age divisions range from 8-and-under to 18-and-under.

Seven fields, including four converted baseball fields, will be used for the tournament.

But despite adding an extra field this year, teams had to be turned away for the second straight year because interest is so high in the tournament. If there were enough fields, Hasty said 50 to 55 teams would be playing this weekend.

Rhea Fuller, the tournament director the past four seasons, said the number of teams wanting to come to Vicksburg is an encouraging sign for softball supporters in the area and tournament organizers.

&#8220It’s just a huge effort that has to go into making one of these things successful,” Fuller said. &#8220The positive about it all is it brings a ton of people into the community, and that’s a huge economic benefit for our community.”

Hasty estimated 30 of the 44 teams this weekend will be staying in hotels.

Because of the success of Rumble on the River, Fuller said organizers are looking into adding a similar tournament in the fall. There’s also talk of hosting an ASA state tournament in Vicksburg next summer.

For now, though, Hasty is just hoping for good weather, few complaints and another successful tournament.

&#8220When people come to a good tournament, they usually turn around and come the next year,” Hasty said. &#8220It’s just kind of like a business. If you do a good job, they’re going to come back and you’re going to get some references, too.”