Publisher Stafford Connor Managing Editor Greg Huchingson Design/Printing REEDESIGN Lebco Graphics Contributing Writers Greg Huchingson NPF Staff Dale Weiser Photographers / Credits Andy Drabic Pete Spatula Julie Walton Dale Weiser Logistics Manager Roy “Rap City” Dean Cover Illustration Smash It Sports Big Time is published quarterly. Publishing offices are located at 6028 Rayburn Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without prior written permission of the publisher is prohibited. 6028 Rayburn Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76133 The USSSA Space Coast Stadium & Athletic Complex in Viera, FL. will be the site for the 2018 Nationwide ConferenceUSSSA 817.944.7484 Championships on August 31- September 2. [email protected]

T COAST O COAST Big Time Softball 5 Nationwide ConferenceUSSSA Enters 13th Year With 40 Best Teams In Nation Team articles by Greg Huchingson Introduction and photos by Dale Weiser

he Nationwide Conference USSSA 6 teams from 2017. This resulted in of 69-7 last year and won 10 of the top (United States Specialty Sports many of the Major level players scram- tournaments in the nation. The #2 team Association) slow-pitch softball bling to find ‘AA’ teams to play on for Resmondo lost Pearson but grabbed league enters its 13th season the upcoming season. So many of the an all new outfield with Jeremy Yates thisT year! The nation’s top league will ‘AA’ teams basically formed Major in left field, Canadian star Steele Lewis have 40 teams which include 3 Major like teams but stopped just short on in center field, and left hander Neil classed teams and at least 8 ‘AA’ level the number of Major player pickups Haglund in right field. And the 3rd teams. The season begins after Easter they can have so they could remain Major class team Dan Smith cleaned at the 8th annual Sin City Classic in in the ‘AA’ division. On the Major side out their roster and brought in some Las Vegas, Nevada April 6-8. The most Smash It Sports grabbed two of the of the top players from the major prestigious regular season tourna- other Major sponsors, Backman and teams that folded and grabbed the best ments will be the Hall of Fame Classic Thunder, and also grabbed the league’s players from the ‘AA’ division. in April with 34 of the top teams, the top hitter Kyle Pearson to add to their In ‘AA’ there will be 8 teams that stand 50th annual Smoky Mountain Classic 2017 USSSA Major World Series cham- out led by Precision from Illinois in July with 26 of the top teams, the pionship team! Smash It had a record who has been to the ‘AA’ World finals 19th annual Cincinnati Major in 4 consecutive years. Giving them a in July with 23 top teams, run for their money will and they wind up be Racks/Worth the regular season Astros based out of in Columbus, Ohio at Indiana which is the Last Chance Major a merger between in August where there sponsors Sonny is projected to be 27 Pilcher and Herb of the top teams in the Price. Some of the other nation. There are other stops top teams will be Pure along the way with the league Sports/Monsta based out of playing 22 tournaments over South Carolina with veteran an 18 week period. The post Justin Mucciarelli pitching, season will then get under TDB from North Carolina way at the end of August led by left handed power with the GSL and USSSA ‘A’ hitter BJ Fulk, last years World tournaments, and ‘AA’ champion Xtreme continue in September with out of Minnesota, and the Nationwide Conference Nightmare out of Missouri Championships, the USSSA who finished 8th in points ‘AA’ World tournament, and in the Conference a year the “granddaddy of them all”, ago. You can follow all of the USSSA Major World Series! the action during the 2018 The 40 league teams score NATIONAL Nationwide Conference points based on their finishes USSSA online with the throughout the season and are HEADQUARTERS livestreaming of most scored on their best 6 tourna- games on USSSALive. ments. The top 16 in points at com/Conference and the end of the regular season read tournament reports, are invited to play in the previews, standings, view Major World Series in Viera, pictures, video clips, Florida at USSSA’s Space Coast and archived games over Stadium. on SoftballCenter.com This off season the Conference and Big Time Softball Major division lost 3 of its Magazine!

T 6 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball

# 1 SmashIt / Thunder / Backman / TDB / S&S / Miken / Worth Smash It Sports seeks to again display ‘heart of a champion’

It’s amazing the difference a year the year by going 6-1 and winning 1st makes. place at the Sin City Classic in Las Last year at this time, the players who Vegas. Their first loss of the season had just won the 2016 USSSA Major came in the first championship game World Series were combining forces against Resmondo (30-10) but SIS/ with the big-time sponsor and three Scene rebounded to win the “If” game of the top players from the team that (32-24) to take the title. had won 10 World Series rings in the At the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida, previous 12 years. It almost didn’t even they lost to Resmondo again (24-19) seem fair. One veteran softball reporter but this time Backman/S&S cut their predicted it would be the greatest team rally short (32-2) and Smash It Sports of all time. had to settle for 4th place in Leg I. But Meanwhile, the sponsor of that 2016 SIS came roaring back in Leg II and champion who lost all his players had went 6-0 to win 1st place. Smash It to start over from scratch with players Sports also went undefeated to win 1st that the big-time sponsor didn’t want place at both Chattanooga and Dallas. to take with him for the merger, plus At the Windy City Classic, Smash It whatever else he could scrounge Sports/Scene lost their third game of together. This team was predicted to the tournament to SIS/Thunder (32-21) do no better than third place in the then won five games in a row to make Conference, and that was only if Dan it all the way back to the champion- Smith’s return team to Major softball ship. But SIS/Thunder beat them again didn’t pass them up too. (39-24) and Smash It Sports/Scene My, how things have changed! had to settle for 2nd place with a 7-2 record. Former Houston Rockets head coach SIS Thunder slugger Ryan Harvey Rudy Tomjanovich once famously Smash It Sports/Scene did not lose stated, “Never underestimate the heart again for the rest of the regular season. of a champion.” Boy, was he right. All They won 27 consecutive games that team of haggard leftovers did was over the course of five tournaments post a 69-7 season record last year for for 1st place finishes at both Legs a winning percentage of .908, which of the Seattle Dual, the 49th Smoky included 1st place in 10 out of 13 tour- Mountain Classic, Cincinnati Major naments including the USSSA Major and Columbus B.A.T.S. Major. SIS/Scene World Series. ended the regular season as the 1st place team in Conference USSSA with Plus, they added quite possibly the 1,669 points. best hitter in the game to their lineup for this year. At the Conference Championship, Smash It Sports/Scene won their SIS Thunder SS Don Dedonatis III Smash It Sports/Thunder/Backman/ opener over Nightmare/Miken (24-9), TBD/S&S/Miken/Worth is a Major before being upset by Dan Smith/ team based in Rochester, New York Menosse (23-22). SIS rallied to beat who enters the 2018 season as the top- NewBreed/DeMarini (23-8), Resmondo ranked team in the nation. (30-19), and Dan Smith/Menosse in a “I expect the same from this team as I rematch (33-19) to make it to the cham- do every year – I expect us to win the pionship game. But their new rival SIS/ Major World Series,” said Andy Purcell. Thunder beat them again (15-11) and “We know that we can lose if we don’t Smash It Sports/Scene had to settle for play well or if the other team just out- the 2nd place trophy. plays us. But overall our expectation is At the final USSSA Men’s Major World to win it all.” Series to ever be played at Disney, In 2017, Smash It Sports/Scene opened Smash It Sports/Scene opened with a win over Steel Sports (24-9). The Class SIS Thunder CF Nic Santana

T 8 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball

SIS Thunder leadoff hitter Jason Branch SIS Thunder Andy Purcell SIS Thunder slugger Kyle Pearson

A world champion had won a play-in powerful hitter in the game over the learning each other and when we get it game earlier in the day to get to the past few seasons. Last year, he led together, it will be even better. We’re all prime-time game that night. Next, SIS Conference USSSA with 129 home runs on the same page, we are here to win crushed Nightmare/Miken (17-2). In with 302 RBIs to go along with his .756 and win only. Nothing else matters at the semi-finals of the winner’s bracket, on-base percentage. that time.” SIS/Scene won a close game over Dan Ten-time World Champion DeDonatis Riley batted .743 with 37 home runs, Smith/Menosse (27-24). is perhaps the most decorated short- McBryde batted .707 with 55 homers In the all-important finals of the stop of all-time. Like Purcell, he and 155 RBIs and Ussery batted .716 winner’s bracket, Smash It Sports/ is advancing in age at 43 but still with 50 dingers and 147 RBIs. Many Scene won another hard-fought possesses the smoothest glove and consider Vitcak to be one of the best contest over Resmondo/Easton (23-20). strongest arm in the game. DeDonatis in the game, perhaps even Resmondo went on to eliminate Dan is a two-time Major World Series MVP second-best behind only Purcell. Smith/Menosse but then faced the winner himself and has been named New York native Rick Schiffauer of daunting task of having to beat SIS/ Defensive Tournament MVP an incred- Smash It Sports is the primary sponsor Scene twice to win the tournament. ible 51 times in his career, including of the team. Other sponsors include The championship game went back- at last year’s Major World Series. Seth Green of Thunder Sports, Tim and-fourth for seven innings and was DeDonatis batted .669 last year. Franks of Tarheel Drilling and Blasting, finally decided in the bottom of the Other top on-base percentages for Jerry Backman and Scott Sunderland. seventh on a bases-loaded walk to Smash It Sports from last year were Dennis Rulli to give Smash It Sports/ Smash It Sports will be managed by Briggs at .754, Reyna at .741, Branch at long-time Resmondo skipper John Scene the win (22-21) and the world .738, Santana at .729 and Dillon at .717. championship. Rector. Assistant coach and former Dillon blasted 89 home runs, while player Jason Kendrick is the national Smash It Sports welcomes back nine Branch added 88 and Briggs had 74. promotions manager for Miken and players from their 2017 team, including Branch had 262 RBIs, Briggs had 250 Worth, who provides the equipment for pitcher Andy Purcell, Ryan and Dillon had 237. the team. Both Kendrick and Rector are Harvey, middle- Luis Reyna, Smash It Smash lost two key players USSSA National Hall of Famers. Donny DeDonatis, third- from last year’s team in Andrew Collins SIS/Thunder/Backman/TDB/S&S/ baseman Cory Briggs, left-fielder and Dennis Rulli but bolstered their Brandon Dillon, center-fielder Nic Miken/Worth remained in the head- already-potent lineup with the addi- lines for much of the off-season thanks Santana, right-fielder Jason Branch tion of first-baseman Kyle Pearson, and utility player Lee Payne. to a cross-country challenge between who some consider to be the best hitter the owners of Smash It Sports in New Leading the way is arguably the in the game today. The Louisiana native York and Monsta Bats in California. greatest slow-pitch player of all-time was named the Most Valuable Player at The result was a $100,000 winner-take- in pitcher Andy Purcell. Even at age the 2016 Major World Series and was all five-game series dubbed “War By 48, Purcell is still the most dominant the Home Run King of the 2017 Major The Shore” played at the new USSSA player in the country. The 12-time World Series. Last year, Pearson batted complex in Vera, Florida. SIS won the World Champion is the only four-time .792 with 84 home runs and 212 RBIs. series, three games to two. Major World Series MVP winner and is Other newcomers to the SIS team are without question still the best pitcher Smash It Sports is opening their 2018 infielder Brian McBryde, Josh Riley Conference USSSA schedule at Las in the game. His assortment of pitches, and Adam Ussery and backup pitcher command of the strike zone and Vegas before heading to the Hall of Andrew Vitcak. All four come over from Fame Dual in Florida. Other stops on defensive fielding skills are unrivaled. the SIS/Thunder/Miken/Worth team. In addition to his pitching prowess, their schedule include Chattanooga, Purcell has also crafted himself into “Both A.C. and Rulli are phenomenal Dallas, Chicago, Indianapolis, Brooklyn one of the top hitters in the country. players and I loved playing with them, Center, Seattle, Maryville, Cincinnati Last year, Purcell finished 6th nation- but I have all the confidence in the and Columbus (Ohio). The defending ally with a .765 on-base percentage world in our new guys and am not world champions will also be the with 57 home runs and 166 RBIs. worried at all about how they will do,” favorites to win both the Conference said Purcell. “I know the new guys will Championships and USSSA Major Harvey has blossomed into the most fit in great. We all have talked and are World Series.

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# 2 Resmondo / RDD / H.Auto / All In / Sprizzi / Easton Resmondo seeking to regain spot at top of mountain in Conference

In a tumultuous off-season of big time softball the rest of the year. But there softball that has seen at least one- would be no more gold medals. third of the sponsors from last year’s A trip to Seattle for the Derby Dual Major World Series either leave or netted a 4th place finish in Leg I combine with others, it is the old war and a tie for 5th in Leg II. Resmondo horses from the Easton flagship team went 5-2 for an impressive 2nd place that have been flying quietly under the finish at the Smoky Mountain Classic. radar. They wrapped up the regular season Defending world champion Smash It with 3rd place showings at both Sports has made significant changes the Cincinnati Major and Columbus to its roster. Third place finisher Dan B.A.T.S. Major. Resmondo/Easton Smith/Menosse has completely over- finished 2nd in the Conference USSSA hauled its roster. The focal point of the final standings with 1,438 points. Resmondo 2B Greg Connell off-season dialogue has been domi- At the Conference Championships, nated by a cross-country spat between they snuck past Racks/Sonny’s in two sponsors that culminated in an the first round (15-14) then got beat underwhelming event called “War by by SIS/Thunder in the second round the Shore.” (36-26). Resmondo dropped to the Meanwhile, Resmondo/Easton suffered loser’s bracket and beat Racks/Sonny’s a huge loss early in the off-season, again (27-9) before being eliminated by made up for it with several key pickups Smash It/Scene to finish in 4th place. and has quietly gone about its busi- There was still hope that Resmondo/ ness of getting ready for the 2018 Easton could summons old powers season. Don’t forget the fact that Travis and return to glory at the Major World Resmondo’s teams did win 10 Major Series. They stormed through their first World Series titles from 2003-2015, three games with wins over The Scene/ Resmondo Jeremy Yates the most of any sponsor in softball HDLNS (21-9), Racks/Sonny’s (36-24) history. And that Brett Helmer’s Easton and Bad Draw/B&B/Brougton (25-9) to flagship teams have won five of their advance to the finals of the winner’s own over the past 16 years. It was bracket. In a showdown against rival the peculiar game of softball musical Smash It/Scene, Resmondo dropped a chairs last off-season that put these close game (23-20). But they rebounded two once-mortal enemies in the same to beat Dan Smith/Menosse (37-29) to dugout. Now, they are the stable ones. make it to the championship game. Resmondo/RDD/H. Auto/All In/ That turned out to be a thriller of a Sprizzi/Easton based in Winter Haven, game that ended with a bases-loaded Florida enter the 2018 season as the walk-off walk in the bottom of the 2nd-ranked team in the nation. seventh inning with Smash It/Scene Last year began with Resmondo winning (22-21). The 2nd place finish Resmondo infielder Bryson Baker going 7-2 to finish 2nd at the Sin City symbolized much of the 2017 season. Classic in Las Vegas. Two weeks later That loss was hard to accept, but what at the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida, came next was worse. Resmondo lost Resmondo took 2nd place in Leg I and their best player in first-baseman Kyle 3rd place in Leg II. Next, they won Pearson, arguably the best player in one of only two 1st place trophies for the game today, over a bat contract. them on the year by taking the Hoosier And they lost him to the team that just Classic in Columbus, Indiana. beat them in the finals of the Major After finishing 4th at the Windy City World Series. Classic in Chicago, they won their But Helmer remained focused and went second tournament of the year at the out and signed four of the top young Dudley in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. players in the Conference to make up The team played good, consistent the difference, including Resmondos Brian Wegman

T 12 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball

for a .710 avergae with 102 home runs 243 – and that came by hitting from and 248 RBIs. Haglund had a combined the leadoff position. Other top home on-base percentage of .686 with 81 run hitters on the team were Connell homers and 193 RBIs. In his stints with 94, Wolf with 83, Clark with 79, with Killbomber and OA Apparel, Lewis Wegman with 77 and Umscheid with combined to hit .777 with 70 home 72. Clark tied Baker with 243 RBIs. runs and 149 RBIs, while Rettenmeier Other who drove in over 200 runs batted .651 with 43 dingers and 131 were Connell with 234, Wolf with 213, RBIs. Wegman with 211 and Umscheid with Resmondo MI Brett Rettenmeier Other than losing Pearson, Resmondo/ 208. Easton returns the rest of their 2017 Sponsors of the team include Travis starting lineup intact. And that include Resmondo of Resmondo Sod, Scott some very good players, such as Delorge of RDD, Bob Hortenbach of H. pitcher Travis Clark, catcher Bryson Auto, Tom Bradley and Mark Breault Baker, first-baseman Brian Wegman, of Sprizzi, and Easton Sports. Helmer second-baseman Greg Connell, short- returns as the field manager and his stop Kevin Bazat, third-baseman assistant coaches are Pete Campbell, Bubba Mack, outfielder Buddy Wolf Tom Bradley and Steven Gentry. The and utility players Mike Umscheid and statistician is USSSA Hall of Famer Resmondo OF Neil Haglund Brad Reckart. USSSA Hall Of Famer Saul Simpson and the travel coordi- Scott Kirby could be available to the nator is Shirl Webb. Jeremy Yates and Neil Haglund who team for selected tournaments. both started the year with Backman/ Resmondo/Easton will open the season Louisville Slugger then moved over to Baker had the highest on-base at the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas SIS/Thunder after Backman folded. percentage among returning players at and follow that up with the Hall Of Helmer also signed athletic center- .787. Other top hitters were Wegman at Fame Dual in Florida. Other Conference fielder Steele Lewis from Killbombers .751, Clark at .731, Wolf at .727, Connell USSSA tournament stops will be at and OA Apparel, and middle infielder at .725 and Mack at .708 for a total of Columbus (Indiana), Chicago, Seattle, Brett Rettenmeier from Backman/LS six returning players who hit .700 or Maryville, Cincinnati and Columbus and Racks/Sonny’s. better. Pearson is considered a beast, (Ohio). The team will also be at the but Baker actually tied him for the Conference Championships and will In his combined stints with Backman team-lead in home runs with 96 and then try to return to top of the moun- and SIS/Thunder, Yates combined to hit actually beat him by 10 in RBIs with tain at the Major World Series.

# 3 Dan Smith/Menosse/Steve Smith/Shirts and Logos/Easton Dan Smith overhauls roster in search of another World crown

One of the best sponsors ever in big Shirts and Logos/Easton is a Major time softball returned to the game last team based in San Jose, California year and Conference USSSA is better and will enter the 2018 season as the off because of it. Dan Smith and his 3rd-ranked team in the nation. long-time co-sponsor Ed Menosse “I feel with the team we have put decided to get back into softball, together this year, we will be very along with Dan’s son Steven Smith and competitive with the two other Major general manager Pat Dalsanders. teams,” said Dalsanders. “As Smash It The team had a successful season in Sports pretty much dominated every- 2017 by most standards. But when thing last year, I feel there is a lot more you have won four Major World Series parity among the three Major Teams titles, finishing 4th in the Conference this year. Any one of us could win on USSSA standings and 3rd at the Major any given weekend.” DS Erick Kanaby World Series isn’t good enough. So Dan Dan Smith/Menosse won USSSA Major Major level. Dan Smith left the game Smith is overhauling his entire roster World Series championships in 2000, by only keeping two players from last after finishing runnerup at the 2010 2004 and 2008, along with co-spon- World Series and the sport was not the year and bringing in an influx of new soring the 2005 World Champions talent. same without him. But his return last along with Travis Resmondo. Those year breathed new life into Conference Dan Smith/Menosse/Steve Smith/ were some of the best teams ever at the USSSA.

T 14 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball

tied for 7th at the Smoky Mountain Classic, went 6-2 to take 4th place at Cincinnati, and tied for 5th at the Columbus B.A.T.S. Major. They ended up in 4th place in the Conference USSSA finals standings with 1,312 points. At the Conference Championships in the upper bracket, Dan Smith/Menosse beat Worth Astros (5-2) and Smash It/ Scene (23-22) to advance to the finals of the winner’s bracket. But they were knocked off by SIS/Thunder (21-15) DS infielder Lee Powers then got eliminated by Smash It/Scene DS 3rd baseman Dale Brungardt (33-19) to settle for 3rd place. After a seven-year absence, Dan Smith/ Menosse made a return to the Major World Series in the event’s 18th and final year at Disney. Smith opened with a win over his NorCal neighbors, the Bay Area Legends (16-12) and followed that up by beating Worth Astros (20-15). In a tough semi-final matchup, Smash It/Scene held on to beat Dan Smith (27-24). But Dan Smith wasn’t finished yet. They dropped to the loser’s bracket and defeated Racks/

DS LF Jordan Spaulding Sonny’s (24-9) and The Scene/HDLNS DS Slugger Argen Dodds (24-9) to advance to the finals of the loser’s bracket. But Resmondo/OA Apparel/H. Auto/Easton, led by Dan Smith’s former player Brett Helmer, beat Smith/Menosse (37-29) to send them home with the 3rd place trophy. Not content with how the first year back ended, Dan Smith hit the recruiting trail, with a heavy emphasis on adding more power. From NewBreed/DeMarini, Dan Smith/ Menosse signed first-baseman Lee Powers, third-baseman Dale Brungardt, DS Ben Dunn outfielder Davis Bilardello and short- DS Steven Lloyd stop Steve Whaley. Between stints with Dan Smith struggled out of the blocks Backman and NewBreed last year, of Nightmare/Miken, first-baseman last year, going 2-2 and finishing tied Powers combing to hit .739 with 63 Erik Kanaby of Smash It/Scene, short- for 9th place at the Sin City Classic home runs and 180 RBIs. Brungardt stop Ryan Stovall of SIS/Thunder and in Las Vegas. But two weeks later at batted .730 and belted 65 homers with backup pitcher Mike “Nino” Echeverria the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida, Dan 192 RBIs. Bilardello had a .701 on-base of Myautojack/Tunie Sports. Dunn is Smith/Menosse went 6-0 to win 1st percentage with 71 homeruns and 190 considered one of the top defensive place in Leg I. The results were not as RBIs, while Whaley batted .691 with 60 outfielders in the game and also batted good in Leg II as the team went 2-2 to dingers and 191 RBIs. .732 last year with 76 home runs and tie for 9th place. From Racks/Sonny’s, they added big 177 RBIs. Kanaby batted .689 with A 7th place finish at the Choo Choo Texan catcher Argen Dodds and left- 46 homers and 144 RBIs. The slick- Classic in Chattanooga, was followed fielder Jordan Spaulding. Dodds is fielding Stovall carried a .691 on-base by a pair of 5th place finishes at the one of the top young sluggers in the percentage with 29 home runs and 72 Texas Legends and Windy City Classic. Conference and he had an on-base RBIs. At the Derby Dual in Seattle, Dan Smith percentage of .731 last year, with 89 The only two players retained from finished 2nd behind SIS/Thunder in home runs and 234 RBIs. Spaulding is the 2017 Dan Smith/Menosse roster Leg I and tied for 5th in Leg II. an athletic outfielder who hit .702 with were pitcher L.C. Watson and second- 50 homers and 150 RBIs. In the final three events of the baseman Steven Lloyd. regular season, Dan Smith/Menosse Other players signed in the off- Then, just when you thought the dust season were center-fielder Ben Dunn

T 16 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball had settled, Dan Smith/Menosse Dan Smith Organization look forward state of Texas (Watson, Dodds, Dunn, added a cherry to the top with the late to getting started.” Kanaby and Whaley) they will also signing of 2017 Major World Series Dan Smith, Eddie Menosse and Steven attend the Space City Classic in Most Valuable Player outfielder Andrew Smith are the primary sponsors of the Houston this year. Collins of Smash It/Scene/Worth. team, while Easton Sports will supply The following week, Dan Smith/ Collins is one of the best all-around the equipment. Uniforms are provided Menosse wil head to the Hall Of players in the game. He had an on-base by Shirts and Logos. The team’s general Fame Dual in Florida. Other stops on percentage of .759 last year and was manager is Pat Dalsanders. Steven their regular season schedule will 2nd in Conference USSSA with 98 home Smith remains the head coach and be Chattanooga, Dallas, Chicago, runs and 264 RBIs. Hector Pagan is the statistician. Seattle, Brooklyn Center, Maryville, “I have a group of young men that can’t Dan Smith/Menosse will once again Cincinnati and Columbus (Ohio). The wait to get started and perform as a open their Conference USSSA season team will also be at the Conference team,” said Dalsanders. “The closeness at the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas. Championships, and will try to win of this team is the best I have ever However, with five players from the their legendary sponsor his fifth USSSA been associated with and we as the Major World Series championship.

# 4 Rack’s/Worth Astros/Miken/Sonny’s/Klutch/Troupe Pilcher, Price team up in search of AA World championship contender

Sonny Pilcher and Herb Price are from different parts of the country but both have shared a passion for slowpitch softball. Pilcher is from Wyoming and Price is from Indiana. They have both fielded Top 10 teams in Conference USSSA the past several years, Pilcher with Racks/Sonny’s/Athlon and Price with Worth Astros/Klutch/K&G. Chattanooga. They also finished 2nd at This year, Pilcher and Price are joining the Dudley/Budweiser in Minnsota. forces and have assembled a team At the Conference USSSA that could very well be the best Class Championships, Racks went 1-3 to Racks pitcher Bill Pinkham AA team in the country. Racks/Worth tie for 5th place and Worth Astros Astros/Miken/Sonny’s/Klutch/Troupe is went 1-2 to tie for 7th. Worth Astros officially based in Fishers, Indiana and also participated at the AA World enters the season as the fourth ranked Tournament and came in 3rd place. team in the nation – highest after the three Major teams. At the Major World Series, Racks opened by defeating Xtreme/Miken Racks finished 7th in the 2017 (21-5) before losing to Resmondo Conference USSSA final standings with (36-24). They rebounded to beat Bay 1,198 points. They opened the year Area Legends and Precision/3rd Street with a championship at the Space City (27-16) before being eliminated by Dan Classic in Houston. That came just Smith/Menosse (24-9) to finish tied days after a 4th place showing at the for 5th place with a 3-2 record. Worth Racks 2nd baseman Steve Edwards Sin City Classic in Las Vegas. Racks Astros won their World series opener racked up 2nd and 5th place finishes over OA Apparel/Broughton (20-17) at the Seattle Dual and tied for 7th in before suffering back-to-back losses both Legs of the Hall Of Fame Dual in to Dan Smith/Menosse (20-15) and SIS/ Florida. Thunder (16-10) to finish 1-2 and tied Worth Astros finished 5th in the 2017 for 9th place. Conference USSSA final standings Racks is bringing five players to the with 1,264 points. After scoring 4th merger – outfielder Dan Kirkwood, and 5th place finishes at the Hall Of infielder Brian Faria and utility players Fame Dual in Florida, Worth/Astros Lex Ramirez, Jon Nelson and Samuel won 1st place at the Circle City Classic Christensen. Kirkwood batted .709 last in Indianapolis. Next was a 2nd year with 28 home runs and 150 RBIs, place finish at Choo Choo Classic in Racks slugger Mike Brambilla

T 18 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball while Faria batted .695 with 42 homers who played for Classic Glass in Racks/Worth Astros will open their and 132 RBIs. 2017 and batted .812 (3rd in all of Conference USSSA season in Las Worth Astros is bringing eight players Conference USSSA) with 70 home runs Vegas, where they will have their to the merger – pitcher Bill Pinkham, and 167 RBIs. Previously he played hands full with all three of the Major catcher Chad Mullins, second-baseman for OC Swats. Newman played for The teams. Two weeks later, they will be Steve Edwards, middle-infielder Troy Scene/HDLNS/Easton and batted .661 at the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida. Krider, shortstop Ricardo Lizcaino, with 34 home runs and 96 RBIs. He Other stops on their schedule include third-baseman Rob Roop and played for Pilcher with Racks in 2015. Chattanooga, Columbus (Indiana), outfielders Sid Stephany and Brian Rounding out the roster are utility Chicago, Indianapolis, Brooklyn Center, Farrar. Edwards led the team in hitting players John DeJarnette and Brandon Maryville, Cincinnati and Columbus with a .761 average and chipped in 53 Patzig. (Ohio). Racks/Worth Astros will be at the Conference Championships and are home runs and 150 RBIs. Mullins was Pilcher and Price are the primary spon- the top slugger with 63 homers and 193 expected to be one of the favorites at sors of the team, while Jason Kendrick the AA World Tournament. RBIs to go along with his .740 average. of Miken/Worth supplies the equip- Stephany belted 43 homers, while Roop ment and Brandon Patzig of Klutch And if the merger proves to be a and Lizcaino each added 37. supplies the jerseys. The field manager success there’s no reason the team Two other starters on the new team is Sonny Yamcharern and the assis- shouldn’t be a high finisher at the will be first-baseman Mike Brambilla tant coaches are James Troupe, Kenny USSSA Major World Series in Viera, and outfielder Corey Newman. Lowell and Jerry Scudder. Florida. Brambilla is a big West Coast slugger

# 5 Precision/3rd Street Precision/3rd Street looking for Continued Conference consistency

Precision/3rd Street/Easton was one of the most consistent teams in Conference USSSA last year with Top 10 finishes in every tournament except two and only one tournament all year where they didn’t go at least 2-2 or better. Manager William Wax has added more firepower to give his already potent lineup a boost. Precision/3rd Street/Bull Dawg from the championship game, where they lost to Smash It/Scene. Still, an 8-2 Chicago, Illinois enter the 2018 season Precision CF Travis Houseman as the 5th-ranked team in the nation. record and 2nd place finish solidi- fied their regular season position and Precision waited until the Hall Of Fame prepared them for the post season. Dual in Florida to begin their 2017 season. They were 2-2 in both Legs, Precision/3rd Street finished ninth which was good for a 9th place finish in the Conference USSSA final stand- in Leg I and 13th place finish in Leg II. ings with 1,152 points. Wax’s team They followed that up with 3rd place got hot at the right time and went finishes at the Circle City Classic and undefeated at 4-0 to take 1st place in Hoosier Classic, both in Indiana. the middle bracket at the Conference Championships. Precision followed In their hometown of Chicago, that up with a 2nd place showing at Precison slugger Chad Durick Precision/3rd Street posted a 3-2 the AA World Tournament. record which was only good for Heading into 2018, Precision/3rd Street 9th place, but they broke out at the At the Major World Series, Precision welcomes back nine players from Dudley Classic in Minnesota with a lost their first round game to last year’s team, including – pitcher 5-2 record and 3rd place finish. After Nightmare/Miken (17-10) but the team Dan Bean, catcher Brad Tabler, first- a 1-2 showing at the Smoky Mountain rallied to win their next two games baseman Brett McCollum, shortstop Classic, Precision had their best finish over Klutch/Bull Dawg (18-3) and Jeff Keske, third-baseman Matt Rear, of the regular season at Cincinnati. Baugh Ford (22-2) before being elimi- infielder Kyle Kannenberg, outfielders They lost their first game to The Scene/ nated by Racks/Sonny’s (27-16). Their David Kessler and Travis Houseman, Cornerstone (22-21) before reeling off 2-2 record was good for a 7th place and utility player Rob Mahaffrey. eight consecutive wins to make it to finish.

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McCollum was the top hitter on the team a year ago in all three catego- ries, as he batted .738 with 64 home runs and 151 RBIs. Other top on-base percentages were Tabler at .725, Rear at .696, Kessler at .696, Bean at .693, Keske at .683 and Houseman at .680. That’s consistency.

Tabler belted 52 home runs to finish Precision pitcher Dan Bean Precision Rear Kannenberg and Keske second behind McCollum, while Rear smashed 46, Kessler hit 38 and Team at the Major World Series where Precision/3rd Street/Bull Dawg will Houseman added 35. he help Dan Smith to a 3rd place finish. open their 2018 season at the Space Flood played for NewBreed/DeMarini City Classic in Houston, before heading New additions to the team this year out to Florida for the Hall Of Fame will be second-baseman Chad Durick, last year and batted .698 with 40 home runs and 123 RBIs. Lunda played Dual. Other stops on their Conference middle-infielder Jeff Flood, pitcher schedule are Charlotte, Columbus Roger Drake, catcher Jason Magnum, for OA Apparel and hit .767 with 69 homers and 163 RBIs. (Indiana), Chicago, Indianapolis, outfielder Brad Lunda and utility Brooklyn Center, Maryville, Cincinnati player Jason Joseph. Sponsors of the team are William Wax and Columbus (Ohio). The team Durick played for Dan Smith/Menosse of Precision, Rob Mahaffrey of 3rd will also play in the Conference last year and posted a .688 on-base Street Financial and Donald Munford Championships and should be a top percentage with 59 home runs and 170 of Bull Dawg Trucking. Todd Ankney is contender at the AA World Tournament, RBIs. He made the All-Tournament also on the coaching staff. before heading back to the Major World Series.

# 6 TDB/FAI/Klutch/Miken TDB/FAI/Klutch/Miken adds USSSA Hall of Famer BJ Fulk to potent squad TDB/TM Sports/Klutch/Miken had a solid team in 2017 that was good enough to qualify for the Major World Series. But primary sponsor Tim Franks made a big splash in the off- season by signing several noteworthy veterans, highlighted by USSSA Hall Of went 5-2 to tied for 5th place out of Famer B.J. Fulk. 34 teams including all the Majors and AA’s in the nation. A pair of 2-2 finishes The early results have been good, as at Cincinnati and Columbus B.A.T.S. TDB went to the grand opening of the wrapped up the regular season. new USSSA Headquarters complex in TDB slugger BJ Fulk Viera, Florida in March and went 5-0 As they have done many times in the to win first place at the Stars Versus past, TDB saved their best for the Stripes Classic. TDB/FAI/Klutch/Miken biggest stage. After losing their first from Charlotte, North Carolina enters game at the Conference Championships the 2018 season as the 6th-ranked middle bracket to Precision/3rd Street team in the nation. (12-8), then reeled off consecutive wins over Wiley’s (14-2), Bad Draw TDB opened last year with a 3-2 (21-15), Classic Glass (26-22), Bay Area record and 9th place finish at Las Legends (12-10), OA Apparel (15-14) and Vegas. Results were not so good at Xtreme/Miken (12-11) to make it all the the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida, as way back to the championship game. TDB pitcher Faron Miller they went 0-2 in Leg I and 1-2 in Leg Precision/3rd Street beat TDB for the II. They bounced back to take 9th in went 0-2 at the Major World Series second time to win the tournament Chattanooga, then went on a run of with losses to Steel Sports (14-11) and but the 5-2 record and runnerup finish 5th place finishes in four of their next The Scene/HDLNS (18-14). gave TDB the 17th and final berth to five tournaments – Atlanta, Chicago, the Major World Series. Franks welcomes back several of his Maryville and Portland. The 49th top players from last year including Annual Smoky Mountain Classic was At the AA World Tournament, TDB went infielders Orlando Castillo and Tyler the best showing of the bunch as TDB 1-2 to tie for 7th place, then the team Wilson, first-baseman Jason Martel

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Tank where he won eight Major World Legends. Montano batted .717 last year Series championships. Included in with 33 home runs, while Renno hit that span was one World Series Most .723 with 53 homers. Valuable Player award and multiple The primary sponsors are Tim Franks All-World Tournament awards. In of Tarhell Drilling and Blasting and 2017, Fulk batted .663 for Resmondo, J.R. Matusik of Florida Atlantic including 64 home runs and 168 RBIs. Ironworks. Jerseys are provided by TDB also raided the roster of Dan Brandon Patzig of Klutch and equip- Smith/Menosse for four new players, ment is supplied by Jason Kendrick of including infielder Donnie Hammonds, Miken/Worth. outfielders Jason Matusik and Brian TDB OF Jason Matusik TDB/FAI/Klutch/Miken will open their Zirkle and utility player Kyle Pearson. Conference USSSA schedule at the and player/coach Brian Titus. Wilson Hammonds batted .749 for Dan Smith Sin City Classic in Las Vegas before led the team last year with a .761 last year with 58 home runs and 138 heading to the Hall Of Fame Dual in on-base percentage along with 60 RBIs. Matusik was second on the team Florida. Other stops on the schedule home runs and 147 RBIs. Martel led with 71 homers and first with 174 RBIs will be Charlotte, Chattanooga, Dallas, the team in power categories with 62 to go along with a .687 average. The Chicgao, Seattle, Maryville, Cincinnati homers and 150 RBIs to go along with fleet-footed Zirkle batted .684 and “the and Columbus (Ohio). TDB will also his .728 average. The veteran Castillo other Kyle” Pearson hit .669. attend the Conference Championships batted a solid .752 with 41 homers and Rounding out the TDB roster will be and will be one of the favorites at the 85 RBIs. pitcher Faron Miller from The Scene/ AA World Tournament. With all the new The biggest free agent signing for TDB HDLNS, catcher Curtis Stewart from talent on board, TDB should be able to was big left-handed slugger B.J. Fulk OA Apparel, infielder Tyler Marshburn clinch a spot in the Major World Series who has already been inducted into from Bad Draw, infielder A.J. Montano without having to wait until the last the USSSA Hall Of Fame. Fulk spent the from Classic Glass and Racks and minute. past 10 years with Resmondo/Specialty outfielder Jeffrey Renno from Bay Area

# 7 Pure Sports/Monsta/Bad Draw Pure Sports/Monsta/Bad Draw hope designer bats make team a contender Craig Shaw is shaking up the softball bat industry with the new Fuzion and Integrity bats made by Pure Sports. The one-piece bats are crafted with 100% advanced up-cycled composite material from the aerospace industry, making them stronger than standard carbon fiber bats. The bats are tamper- ESP (28-13), before losing a shootout proof and require no break-in period. to Money/Miken (37-33). Pure Sports Shaw has assembled a strong lineup went to the loser’s bracket and scored for his Pure Sports/Monsta/Bad Draw wins over Seminoles (29-14), Worsham Pure 3rd Baseman John Williams team to demonstrate the effectiveness (31-14), All-Out (42-33) and Insidious of the bats. Last year’s Pure Sports (21-19) before finally being eliminated team was competitive on the Class A by tournament champion Racks/ level. But with all the new talent Shaw Sonny’s (28-8) on Sunday morning. Pure has added for this year, Pure Sports/ Sports finished with a 6-2 record and Monsta/Bad Draw from Charleston, a respectable 5th place showing in South Carolina will enter the season as the 64-team tournament. Pure Sports the 7th-ranked team in the nation. averaged 29.1 runs per game for the Pure Sports opened 2017 with a 2-2 weekend. showing in Las Vegas before having The only other Top 10 finishes during their best tournament of the year at the season for Pure Sports came at the Space City Classic in Houston. Portland (7th), Hall Of Fame Dual Leg II Pure OF and 2017 batting title winner Brad Carlsen Pure Sports opened the event with (9th) and Chicago (9th). The team went a 41-0 blanking of Clutch City and 2-2 at Chattanooga and Cincinnati, and Pure Sports finished the year with followed that with a win over Jokers/ 1-2 at the Smoky Mountain Classic. 906 points, which was good for 21st

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Pure SS Freddie Bynum Pure pitcher Justin Mucciarelli Pure infielder Chente Granados place in the Conference USSSA final Williams is one of the fastest-rising plate appearance. But his pitching standings. They were 67 points short stars of Conference USSSA. Despite keeps other teams from scoring many of qualifying for the Major World his enormous size, the 30-year-old runs, which increases his value to a Series. Pure Sports did not attend the Williams is fleet-footed and has one of team. Conference Championships and went the best gloves at third-base and best Rounding out the Pure Sports roster 0-2 at the A World tournament, losing arms overall. Williams split last year will be shortstop Freddie Bynum, to The Scene/Cornerstone (37-26) and between OA Apparel and Dan Smith/ middle-infielder Heath Barnes, BeeTech (29-25). Menosse. Williams batted .745 for OA infielder Zach Messer, outfielders Brad Three of the top hitters from last year’s Apparel and .723 for Dan Smith, but Carlsen and Brent Powers, and utility team are back this year, including he combined for 73 home runs and 191 player Devin Reilly. Sponsors and catcher Patrick Price, infielder Justin RBIs which both ranked among the coaches of the team are Craig Shaw Mackey and outfielder Tyler Zwosta. national leaders. and Brandon Cashwell. Mackey led the team in on-base Granados played for NewBreed/ Pure Sports travelled out West in percentage at a .753 clip, along with 35 DeMarini last year and batted .695 January of this year for the Arizona home runs and 110 RBIs. Price batted with 35 home runs and 124 RBIs. Winter Nationals and went 7-2 to .714 with 36 homers and 94 RBIs, while Lopez and McClanahan both played for finish 2nd in the tournament. Zwosta hit .690. Racks/Sonny’s last year. Lopez hit .676 Pure Sports/Monsta/Bad Draw will Pure Sports has added Carl Pagliatori with 24 home runs, while McClanahan batted .671 with 35 dingers. open their Conference USSSA season of Monsta Sports as a sponsor, along at Las Vegas before heading back to with four of the Monsta players Perhaps Shaw’s most important pickup the Space City Classic in Houston. who won 1st place at the USA/ASA of the off-season was veteran pitcher Then they will go to the Hall of Fame Super National Tournament last Justin Mucciarelli from New Jersey. Dual in Florida. Other stops on the year. Those players include third- The crafty, 43-year-old is considered schedule are Charlotte, Chattanooga, baseman John Williams from Illinois one of best juking USSSA pitchers Atlanta, Chicago, Maryland, and first-baseman Steven Lopez, of all-time. “Mooch” pitched Down 2 Minnesota, Maryville, Cincinnati and second-baseman Chente Garnados Earth Sports to a B World title in 2012 Columbus (Ohio). Shaw has his sites and utility player Ryan McClanahan and Jean Shoppe to an A World title set on winning either the Conference from California. All four played well in 2007. Last year, Mucciarelli pitched Championships or AA World, and hope- for Monsta against defending USSSA NewBreed/DeMarini to a Major World fully earn a trip to the Major World World champion Smash It Sports at the Series appearance. Not known for his Series this year. highly-publicized “War By The Shore” hitting, Mucciarelli batted only .500 recently in Viera, Florida. last year with just 3 home runs in 188

# 8 Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon AA world champion Xtreme/Miken looks to repeat with similar lineup Xtreme/Miken had a solid season in almost intact in search of another 2017 by posting a 35-35 record, which championship ring. Xtreme/Miken/ included a 12-12 slate against other AA ASP/Athlon is a AA team based in teams. But when the chips were down Medina, Minnesota and enters the 2018 and it mattered the most, Xtreme was season as the 8th-ranked team in the at its best and captured the USSSA nation. Men’s AA World Tournament. Xtreme/Miken opened their 2017 This year, they return their team season by going 2-2 to tie for 9th place

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Left side of the Xtreme infield returns - Smith, Letak, Newman Xtreme slugger Shannon Smith Xtreme celebrates their 2017 USSSA AA World title at the Sin City Classic. At the Hall Of re-match (30-26) to advance to the contributions to the championship Fame Dual in Florida, the Minnesota championship. Xtreme/Miken handed season. team also went 2-2 to tie for 9th place Precision/3rd Street their first loss of Xtreme/Miken only made one signifi- in Leg I and did even better in Leg the tournament on game one (35-20) cant addition for 2018 but it was a big II by going 3-2 to tie for 5th place. then completed to double-dipping in one – speedy outfielder Cory Large who Included in Leg II was a win over Leg I game two (41-35) to claim the AA World spent last year with the Scene/HDLNS. champion and Major team Dan Smith/ championship. Xtreme/Miken finished Large batted .655 with 20 home runs Menosse (20-19). the tournament with a 6-1 record. and 75 RBIs to help his team qualify Following a 7th place finish in Xtreme/Miken was clearly emotionally for the Major World Series. Large Chattanooga, 5th place finish at drained when the Major World Series previously won an A World Tournament Texas Legends, 13th place showing in began just three days after the AA ring in 2014 with Line Drive Sportz, Chicago, Xtreme/Miken captured 5th World ended. They were throttled by where he made the All-Tournament place at the Dudley/ Budweiser Classic Racks/Sonny’s in their first game (21-5) team at Worlds. He played 2015 with in their home state of Minnesota. One then were eliminated by The Scene/ Albicocco/The Scene, before returning of their best showings of the regular HDLNS in their second game (22-11). to Line Drive in 2016. season came at the Smoky Mountain Coaches Dan Bergeron and Dave The primary sponsors of the team are Classic where they went 4-2 to tie for Bremer bring back almost their Mike and Vicki McGowan of Xtreme 5th place. Included in Maryville was entire team for another run this year. Cut & Design. Others sponsors include another win over Major team Dan Returning players include pitchers Lyf Nimmo of ASP Nation, Brandon Smith ((26-18). Dirk Updike and Danny Evans, catcher Roberts of Athlon Athletics, and Jason Xtreme/Miken finished out the regular Todd Newton, first-baseman Alex Kendrick of Miken/Worth. season with a 9th place showing at Bremer, second-baseman Joe Skyles, Xtreme/Miken will open their Cincinnati, then went 4-2 tie for 7th at middle-infielder Brandon Newman, Conference USSSA season at Las Columbus B.A.T.S. They finished 10th in shortstop Toby Letak, third-baseman Vegas before heading to the Hall Of the Conference USSSA final standings Shannon Smith, infielder Cooper Fame Dual in Florida. Other stops with 1,139 points. At the Conference Vittitow, outfielders Matt McGowan, on their schedule are Chattanooga, Championships, they went 2-2 to take Colin Baartman and Pat Ellwanger and Dallas, Brooklyn Center, Maryville, 3rd place in the middle bracket. utility player Seth Brown. Cincinnati and Columbus (Ohio). The Then at the AA World Tournament, Smith led the team in on-base team will also play at the Conference Xtreme/Miken opened with a big win percentage last year at .744. The big Championships and will defend their over Baugh Ford (30-22) before losing slugger from Oklahoma also belted throne at AA Worlds. Given the confi- to Worth/Astros (23-7). With their 54 home runs and drove in 140 runs. dence of their 2017 success, Xtreme/ backs against the wall, Xtreme got to Ellwanger hit .730 with 60 homers and Miken should have no trouble quali- work and rattled off consecutive wins a team-best 146 RBIs. Baartman batted fying for a return trip to the Major over Primetime/Easton (31-26), Classic .722 with 46 dingers and 111 RBIs. World Series. Glass (40-35) and Worth/Astros in a All returning players made significant

# 9 Nightmare/Miken Fogle expects Nightmare/Miken to move into top echelon of teams Nolan Fogle started out in USSSA was stuck in the middle of the pack for softball with a D team in 2006. His its first three years, before breaking teams progressed on to C and became through in 2016 including a first place one of the top teams in the Midwest. at the Bash on the Chesapeake in Nightmare/Miken was formed in 2012 Maryland. and the team joined Conference USSSA Nightmare/Miken barely missed out on for the first time in 2013. The team (continued on page 32

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qualifying for the Major World Series Melton played most of the year with in 2016. But they cracked through the The Scene/HDLNS before moving over barrier last year, parlaying a great to Nightmare and compiling an .875 start in Houston with a consistent on-base percentage. Other top aver- season to make it to Disney for the ages on the team were Maggard at .747, first time. This year, Fogle has a nice Hinojosa at .723, Newell at .697 and blend of returnees and newcomers that Daniel at .696. Maggard led the team should be among the top echelon of in home runs with 97 and RBIs with teams in Conference USSSA. 227. Hinojosa hit 83 home runs, Daniel Nightmare/Miken from Branson, added Newell chipped in 49. Hinojosa Missouri heads into 2018 as the knocked in 210 runs. 9th-ranked team in the nation. New additions to the team this year Nightmare OF Colby Hughes Last year, Nightmare’s season got off to will be first-baseman Mike Brown a great start at the Space City Classic in from NewBreed, middle-infielder Jason Houston. Fogle’s team posted consecu- Williams, outfielders Brian Logan from tive wins over Infamous (27-6), PTS Backman/Louisville Slugger and Colby (29-18), The Select Few (31-2), All-Out Hughes from Dan Smith/Menosse and (29-8), Baugh Ford (29-13) and Steel utility player Evan Gallmeier from Sports (28-10) to advance to the cham- The Scene/HDLNS. Jake Mays, who pionship undefeated. But Racks/Sonny’s last played in Conference USSSA with came out smoking hot on Sunday Nightmare in 2015, will return to the morning and double-dipped Nightmare team this year as a utility player. (39-16 and 35-26) to win the title. Nightmare/Miken opens their But Fogle’s team earned 174 valuable Conference USSSA schedule at Las Conference points with their 2nd place Vegas, then will be one of the top seeds Nightmare SS Tommie Melton finish which would eventually help when they return to the Space City them qualify for the Major World Series. Classic in Houston. They will follow Nightmare/Miken went 2-2 in both that with a trip to the Hall of Fame Legs of the Hall of Fame Dual in Dual in Florida. Other stops on their Florida, then scored three straight 9th schedule are Chattanooga, Dallas, place finishes at Chattanooga, Dallas Atlanta, Chicago, Tulsa, Brooklyn and Atlanta. They would later also Center, Maryville, Cincinnati and finish 9th at Little Rock and Cincinnati. Columbus (Ohio). Fogle’s team went 5-2 to take fourth The team should be contenders at both place at the Dudley in Minnesota and the Conference Championships and AA went 4-2 to finish 4th again at the World Tournament. And Fogle hopes Smoky Mountain Classic. his troops can make it back to the Nightmare pitcher Wes Newell Nightmare/Miken finished the regular Major World Series and make a better season strong with 4th place showings showing this time. at Portland and Columbus B.A.T.S. The team finished 9th in the Conference USSSA final standings with 1,161 points. After a poor performance at the Conference Championships, Nightmare tied for 5th place at the AA World Tournament. In his first appearance at the Major World Series, Fogle and his team won their opening game over Precision/3rd Nightmare player sponsor Nolan Fogle Street (17-10). But they lost to eventual Nightmare 3rd Baseman Charlie Hinojosa champion Smash It/Scene in their next game (17-2) then were eliminated by The Scene/HDLNS (26-17) to finish tied for 9th place in the final standings. Nightmare/Miken brings back seven players from laast years team, including pitcher Wes Newell, catcher Billy Maggard, shortstop Tommie Melton, third-baseman Charlie Hinojosa, outfielder Brian Daniel, utility player Josh Collins and Fogle who is a solid starter at second-base. Nightmare CF Brian Logan Nightmare slugger Billy Maggard

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# 10 Newbreed/Steel NewBreed/GTS/Steel flying DeMarini flag seeking AA World championship As the flagship team for DeMarini, NewBreed/Steel is looking to win a AA World title and to qualify for the USSSA Men’s Major World series for the third year in a row. Conference USSSA final standings with 1,235 points. At the Conference “NewBreed/GTS/Steel will be playing Championships, they went 2-2 to tie AA this year. We have a nice mix of for 5th place. NewBreed looked to veteran players and young guys,” said improve on their 7th place finish at DeMarini promotions manager Mike the 2016 Major World Series at Disney Newbreed 3rd Baseman Newbreed SS Cornell. “I would expect this team but laid a goose egg by being upset by Matt Vasquez Steven Malay to be extremely competitive during Baugh Ford in the first round (19-18) Conference play this year and I believe then being eliminated by SIS/Thunder they are built to win and have a good (39-32). shot at vying for a AA title as well as making the 2018 Men’s Major World NewBreed/Steel manager Ryan Lekness Series.” has re-tooled his roster for 2018 and has dropped back down to AA to NewBreed/GTS SteelSports/DeMarini start the year. His sponsorship group based in Tukwila, Washington enters has added Mark Holsonback of Steel the 2018 season as the 10th-ranked Sports, who won the Men’s A World team in the nation. Series last year. Returning as spon- Last year, NewBreed got off to a sors are Beau Hamilton of Game Time sizzling start to the season. They Sports, Don Lekness of DR Drywall, Newbreed Slugger Newbreed leader Dustin Roberts Victor Cordova averaged 37.2 runs per game to go Aaron Poysky of NewBreed and Mike 6-0 to win 1st place at the King of Cornell of DeMarini Sports. Assistant the Northwest Super Dual regional coaches are Ike Rivers and Tim Taylor. tournament. The following weekend, In order to be able to drop back to NewBreed opened their Conference AA, NewBreed had to part ways with USSSA season by tying for 5th place at several its Major players from last year, the Sin City Major in Las Vegas. including Lee Powers, Dale Brungardt, Then, for the second year in a row they Adam Rockoff, Ryan Parfitt, Davis traveled to Florida and made a lot of Bilardello, Steve Whaley and crafty noise at the Hall Of Fame Dual. With pitcher Justin Mucciarelli. the top 37 teams in the nation in atten- Top returning players are first- dance, NewBreed went 5-2 to tie for baseman Victor Cordova, catcher 5th place in Dual I and went 5-2 again Rolando Rodriguez, shortstop to finish runnerup behind Smash It Nick Utley and center-fielder D.J. Sports in Dual II. NewBreed actually Newbreed CF Donald Hollingsworth Hollinsworth. Utley batted .723 with 22 beat the eventual World champions home runs, while Cordova batted .670 the All-Tournament team. Other Steel (26-16) in the first championship game with 29 home runs. Hollingsworth was players coming to NewBreed are to force an “If” game. But SIS held on to with Bay Area Legends to start the year veteran catcher Dustin Roberts and win (26-11) for the championship. before moving over to Classic Glass up-and-coming star outfielder Everett NewBreed went on to have a successful then finishing the post-season with Williams, who played professional season the rest of the way. They NewBreed. . Vasquez, Malay, Roberts and finished 4th at Texas Legends, had 3rd In addition to his sponsorship, Williams are all from Texas. and 4th place finishes at the Seattle Holsonback is bringing four of the top Roberts and Williams both batted Dual, and tied for 5th place at both players from his A World champion .750 last year, while Vasquez hit .723 Cincinnati and Columbus B.A.T.S. Steel Sports team. Third-baseman and Malay hit .639. Vasquez blasted Major. Matty Vasquez was the Most Valuable 45 home runs, Williams belted 28 and One of six Major teams in 2017, Player of the A World Tournament, Malay added 24. Roberts split the year NewBreed finished 6th in the while infielder Steven Malay made between OC Swats, Steel and his mili-

T 34 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball tary team Klutch/Bull Dawg Trucking. he played in 2015 and 2016, before Las Vegas then will head to Florida for Rounding out the NewBreed/Steel pitching for L&S Glass last year. the Hall Of Fame Dual. Other stops on roster will be outfielder Rick Cornu, “Some players to keep an eye on this the schedule include Charlotte, Dallas, utility players Nick Dotson and Blake year are Vic Cordova and Nick Utley,” Chicago, Tulsa, Seattle, Denver and Lively, and pitchers Cole Patterson said Cornell. “They’ll get a lot of help Columbus, Ohio. and Anthony Woodd. Cornu played from Dustin Roberts and Everett Lekness plans on competing in the with Bay Area Legends last year, Williams who both finished in the Conference Championships and the while Dotson was with Legendz Top 10 in Conference USSSA offensive Men’s AA World Tournament. He also from Oklahoma and Lively was with stats.” hopes to get back to the major World Goodfellas/GTS from Washington. NewBreed/Steel/DeMarini opens their Series and make amends for the 0-2 Patterson returns to NewBreed, where 2018 season at the Sin City Classic in finish last year.

# 11 Riot Sports/Broughton/Beckham Bros/Thunder/Worth Beggs assembles talented veterans on new Riot Sports team in Conference Savvy softball veteran Dal Beggs knows a thing or two about winning in Conference USSSA. Beggs has won four Major World Series champion- ship rings (’06, ’07, ’08, ’12) along with a runnerup finish and three more 3rd place showings. The 49-year-old has 41 All-Tournament team awards dating Keith Martin and John Dutch. The back to 2002, which was four years 42-year-old Martin played for Worth before Conference USSSA was even Astros last year and was one of founded. Riot pitcher Dan Sanchez their top hitters with a .663 on-base Beggs hung up his cleats after the 2015 percentage, 57 home runs and 145 RBIs. season and turned to managing. He The 46-year-old Dutch won a A World was an immediate success by leading Tournament ring with Jean Shoppe Backman/Louisville Slugger to a runn- in 2007 and finished 2nd at the 2009 erup finish at the 2016 Major World Major World Series with T&R Stucco. Series. Last year, Backman’s team inex- Infielders are Zane Trammell of plicably folded just four tournaments Nightmare/Miken, Keith Laski of into the year while still playing well. Racks/Sonny’s, Patrick Donahue of One But Beggs is back this year with a group Payment and Precision/3rd Street, Jeff of good veteran players and several Roxby of TDB and Scotty Langford of Riot hitter Keith Martin outstanding sponsors. Riot Sports/ TDB. Trammell batted .728 with 50 Broughton Pharmacy/Beckham Bros/ home runs and 156 RBIs. Laski hit .687 Thunder/Worth based out of Tampa, with 46 homers and 132 RBIs. Langford Florida will enter the 2018 season as had a .727 on-base percentage with 42 the 11th-ranked team in the nation. home run and 100 RBIs. Pitching for Riot Sports will be In the outfield will be Kyle Olsen of 41-year-old Dan “Dirty” Sanchez, who SIS/Thunder, Eddie Bolden of TDB and has played on some of the best teams Mike Ortiz of Worth Astros. Bolden in the nation the past few years. Last batted .704 last year with 15 homers year, Sanchez was on Major World and 33 RBIs. Ortiz batted .649 with 48 Series runnerup Resmondo/OA/H.Auto/ home runs and 156 RBIs. Riot player manager Dal Beggs Easton. He played in 28 games and Joe Bennett of TDB will be a utility batted .687 with 12 home runs. In 2016, player and Craig Rodriguez is the Sponsors of the team are Jason Annino Sanchez won a Major World Series backup pitcher. Bennett batted .732 in and Alex Sherwood of Riot Sports, championship ring as Andy’s Purcell’s limited duty with TDB and Rodriguez John Dutch of Broughton Pharmacy, backup on Resmondo/Specialty batted .655 in 19 games with Steel after Todd Beckham of Beckham Brothers Tank/ Worth. He has also pitched for coming over from a C team. Beggs might Construction, Seth Green of Thunder Albicocco/The Scene. even dust off his equipment and join a Nation and Jason Kendrick of Worth Catching will be the veteran duo of few games as a role player this year. Sports. Beggs is the manager and he

T 36 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball will be assisted by Billy Register who will open their season at the Space They will also attend the Conference assisted him with the Backman Major City Classic in Houston, followed Championships and the AA World team and previously coached Beckham by the Hall of Fame Dual in Florida. Tournament. And if past success of the Brothers teams. Others stops on their schedule are manager and some of the players is any Riot Sports/Brougton/Beckham/Worth Chattanooga, Atlanta, Maryville, indicator, Riot Sports could make some Cincinnati and Columbus (Ohio). noise at the Major World Series.

# 12 All Out/Steel Sports/ASP/Miken All-Out hopes to clear final hurdle and make it to Major World Series The name All-Out has been synony- mous with championship softball in Texas for a long time. Founded as a D team in Houston over a dozen years ago by Richard Zamora and the late Manuel Bijarro, the team climbed the ladder from D to C to B and in 2016 went 1-2 in Leg I and 0-2 in Leg II. they joined Conference USSSA as an A Back in Texas at the Dallas Major they team. Player/coach Matt Pavlich is the went 2-2 to tie for 9th place again. only person from the first ever All-Out The season took a turn for the better team still around but the team is still in Atlanta when All-Out went 6-1 to AllOut infielder Chris Potts playing championship softball. capture 3rd place. Things got even All-Out/Steel Sports/ASP/Miken now better at the Bash On The Chesapeake based out of Gladewater, Texas enters in Maryland when All-Out finished 2nd the 2018 season as the 12th-ranked to Major team SIS/Thunder. A 4th place team in the nation. finish at the Sooner Invitational in Tulsa and another 2nd place showing All-Out barely missed qualifying for at the Busch Classic in Little Rock had the Major World Series their first year All-Out on the brink of qualifying for of Conference USSSA in 2016, liter- the Major World Series. ally falling one win short at the Last Chance in Detroit. Last year, AllOut fell But after a 0-2 finish at the Smoky about 150 points short but had a great Mountain Classic and some internal AllOut pitcher Jeff Graus run at the A World Tournament. issues, All-Out decided to shut it down for the regular season. Barnes was This year, All-Out has retained Tim brought in, changes were made and the Barnes to be the manager of the team team headed for the USSSA A World from the start of the season. Barnes Tournament without much expectation. guided TMT/A&A Utility to the USSSA But after wins over Seminoles (26-23), C World title in 2015 and BHR/ Smash It Sports/RAC (24-3) and The Coppermine to the A World crown in Scene/Cornerstone (25-22), All Out was 2016. Last year, he was the skipper of in the finals of the winner’s bracket OA Apparel/Broughton for most of the against in-state rival Steel Sports. Steel year, before moving over to All-Out for won that crucial game (33-24) sending AllOut slugger Kyndrich Doggett the post-season play. All-Out to the loser’s bracket where “Any time I put a team together the they were eliminated by TG Brand Smith/Menosse before moving over to number one goal is always to win a (27-21), But they still came home with All-Out where he batted .667 with 27 World or National Championship,” said the 3rd place trophy from A Worlds. homers and 60 RBIs. Barnes. “This team will be no different. The Florida native Doggett had a New players on All-Out this year All-Out will be almost a completely .731 on-base percentage for the year will be pitcher Jeff Graus, catcher new team in 2018. The only players with 37 home runs and 86 RBIs. Lyf Nimmo, infielder Shannan Green, returning from our run at A World will Lenz only played 17 games for All middle-infielders Andy Filoteo be Jonathan Lenz, Kyndrich Doggett, Out, but he batted .692 and made the and Chris Potts, shortstop Marcus Tyler Green and Matt Pavlich.” All-Tournament team at A World. The Thornton, outfielders Cole Campbell, In 2017, All-Out opened their season slick-fielding veteran has played short- Matt Schrage and Nick Stark and by going 3-2 to tie for 9th place at the stop for Conference teams such as utility player Chris Anninos. Space City Classic in Houston. At the Sonny’s and Backman/Shoppe. Green There is lots of championship experi- Hall of Fame Dual in Florida, All-Out started 2017 on the Major team Dan ence in the group. Graus won a Major

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World Series championship ring last several young guys making their All-Out/Steel Sports/ASP/Miken will year as Andy Purcell’s backup on Conference debuts like Chris Anninos, once again open their season at the Smash It Sports/Scene. Nimmo won a Nick Stark and Tim Dorn,” said Barnes. Space City Classic in Houston. Next AA World championship ring as a part “Most of the veterans have been role stop will be the Hall of Fame Dual in of Xtreme/Miken. Schrage won an A players on successful teams. Our Florida. Other stops on their schedule World championship ring with Steel success will be largely dependent include Dallas, Atlanta, Tulsa, Little Sports. And Thornton was with Barnes upon their ability to be leaders on this Rock, Maryville and Carencro. The when they won C World in 2015 and A team.” team plans to compete in both the A World in 2016. Joining Pavlich as sponsors of the and AA World Tournaments. And if they “We have a good mix of proven team are Mark Holsonback of Steel are to clear that final hurdle, All Out veterans like Lenz, Potts, Thornton, Sports, Lyf Nimmo of ASP Nation and hopes to make their first appearance at Nimmo, Shannan Green and Jeff Jason Kendrick of Miken Sports. Curtis the Major World Series. ‘Biscuit’ Graus, complemented by Day also returns as an assistant coach.

# 13 Bay Area Legends/Miken Bay Area Legends take pride in being best from the West Coast California has always been fertile soil back to defeat OA Apparel/Broughton for producing top diamond sports in their next game (28-21) before being talent and the Bay Area Legends/ eliminated by Racks/Sonny’s/Easton in Miken/Worth have proven they can a hard-fought game (30-26). compete on a national scale with Bay Area Legends may have given a home-grown talent. Bay Area Legends, preview of things to come in 2018 by based in Castro Valley, California enter winning 1st place in the Major division 2018 as the 13th-ranked team in the of the Toys 4 Tots tournament in Palm nation. Springs in December, a tournament Last year, manager Charles Dyson’s populated by many Major List players. Bay Sponsor Player Joel Gonzalez team opened the season by going 4-2 Dyson is bringing back five players at Sin City Classic in Las Vegas, which from last year’s team – pitchers John was good for a tie for 7th place. The Brown and Gary Perez, catcher Joel following week at the Hall Of Fame Gonzalez, shortstop Carlos Vasquez Dual in Florida, the team went 1-2 in and middle infielder Dameon Smith. both Legs which was good for 17th Vasquez batted .699 last year with 38 place in both. home runs, which is the most of the Bay Area Legends won 1st place at the returning players. Gonzalez batted. 667 CUSSSA All-American Athletics Major with 23 homers and Vasquez hit .657 by going 5-1. Later in the season, they with 14 homers. Brown is a solid front- also won 1st place in the Golden State line pitcher and Perez is the backup. Bay slugger Chris Larsen Major to become one of only a handful Bay Area Legends picked up three of teams to win two Conference USSSA players from fellow West Coast power- with All-Out. tournaments during the season. BAL house OC Swats in catcher Chris Unlike many teams from the past that also scored a 3rd place finish at the Larsen, third-baseman Matt Fox and were heavy on West Coast talent, Bay Sooner Invitational in Tulsa, Oklahoma. infielder Pilar Amaya. Larsen hit for a Area Legends will play a national In the final standings for Conference .742 average with 54 home runs and schedule. They open with the Sin City USSSA, Bay Area Legends finished 13th 148 RBIs, Amaya batted .748 with 26 Classic in Las Vegas, then go to Florida with 1,063 points which qualified them homers and Fox hit .662 with 38 home for the Hall Of Fame Dual. Other for the Major World Series. They tied runs. stops on the schedule are Columbus for 5th place in the middle bracket at Rounding out the roster will be first- (Indiana), Dallas, Chicago, Seattle Dual, the Conference Championships, then baseman Trenzie Campbell, infielders Maryville, Cincinnati and Columbus tied for 7th place at the Men’s A World Dave Johnson and Mario Grenados, (Ohio). Tournament. outfielders Mike Williams and Eliseo Bay Area Legends are planning to play In the opening round of the Major Aguilar and utility players Tristan in the Conference Championships plus World Series, Bay Area Legends drew Metcalf and Wes Taylor. Campbell both the A and AA World Tournaments. Dan Smith/Menosse and played the played with OC Swats and All-Out last And if they are as successful as they Major team a close game before losing year and batted a team-leading .769 were in 2017, will be headed back to (16-12). The West Coast team bounced with 20 home runs during his time the Major World Series.

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# 14 TG Brand TG Brand getting old band back together for run at A World title TG Brand has been one of the top with 17 dingers and 55 RBIs. Evans hit teams in Michigan for many years, .655 with 14 home runs, Kincaid batted dating back to their C team in 2012. .639 and Pichiotino hit .639. They joined Conference USSSA in 2013 Other returning players from last and have continued to compete against year’s team are pitcher James Sparrow, the best teams in the country with a first-baseman Justin Green, Brady primarily local team. They qualified Hightcrew, John Franklin, Tony Payne for the Major World Series in 2014 as and player/coach Jonathon Golich. a B team. Last year, TG Brand had an Infielder Adam Kaminski is back with unspectacular regular season then with a loss to CTC (20-12). In the TG Brand after spending 2016 with came from nowhere to finish 2nd at the loser’s bracket, TG Brand posted Line Drive and 2017 with The Scene/ USSSA Men’s A World Tournament. wins over Seminoles (32-14), Bay HDLNS. The big slugger had a .703 Area Legends (24-23), The Scene/ They have dabbled with mergers a on-base percentage last year with 52 Conrnerstone (27-12), Chanticlear Pizza couple of times in recent years but are home runs and 120 RBIs. back to doing it on their own this year. (28-11) and All-Out/A&A Utility (27-21) TG Brand from Flint, Michigan enters to make it to the championship game. John Onstott and Todd Fairbanks are 2018 as the 14th-ranked in the nation TG Brand was out of gas and fell to two more players who were with TG and the highest rated Men’s A team. Steel Sports (26-15) to settle for 2nd Brand in 2016 that are back with the place with a 6-2 record. team after spending 2017 elsewhere. TG Brand opened the 2017 season by going 3-2 in Leg I of the Hall Of Having done so well as a B team at the Rounding out the roster are Jesse Fame Dual in Florida and went 2-2 in A World Tournament, TG Brand was Solomon from Nightmare and Josh Leg II. They finished 4th at both the naturally one of the favorites for the Kirsten from Astros Worth. Solomon Circle City Classic in Indianapolis and B World. But they could not recapture batted .662 last year with 27 home Hoosier Classic. They went 3-2 at the the magic they had on the A weekend runs, while Kirsten hit .659 with 36 stacked Windy City Classic and 2-2 at and went 0-2 at the GSL B World and homers. Cincinnati. TG Brand also went 2-2 at 1-2 at the USSSA B World. TG Brand will open their Conference the Columbus B.A.T.S. Major to finish For 2018, TG Brand welcomes back USSSA season at the Hall of Fame the regular season in 22nd place in the several of their top hitters from a year Dual in Florida. The rest of their Conference USSSA final standing with ago, including Ryan Morrow, Justin regular-season schedule will include 905 points. They missed qualifying Geiner, Nathan King, Justin Evans, Chattanooga, Columbus (Indiana), for the Major World Series by just 68 Tyler Kincaid and Austin Pichiotino. Chicago, Maryville, Cincinnati and points. Morrow led the team in on-base Columbus (Ohio). The team plans on At the A World Tournament, TG percentage at .756 with 23 home runs going back to the A World Tournament Brand won their first game over JBL/ and 57 RBIs. Geiner batted .717 with and has aspirations of qualifying again Tailgaters (28-23) but followed that 17 homers and 67 RBIs. King hit .664 for the Major World Series.

# 15 Baugh Ford/Pure Sports/Kincaid Sports Baugh Ford not just whistling Dixie, will again be a top team in the South Baugh Ford not just whistling Dixie, about upper level softball in the South Clanton, Alabama enters 2018 as the will again be a top team in the South for a long time. That should not change 15th-ranked team in the nation. The South has been a hotbed for slow- this year, as player/sponsor Tommie In 2017, Baugh Ford opened the year at pitch softball for as long as the sport Baugh has assembled a nice squad for the Space City Classic in Houston and has been around. And Baugh Ford has a run at post-season championship. went 5-2 for a 4th place finish. Baugh been in the thick of the conversation Baugh Ford/Pure Sports/Kinkaid from posted wins over TI Sports (23-21),

T 42 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball AMPM Sports, before rebounding to win five (30-22), Big games in a row in the loser’s bracket Ten (17-1) to finish tied for 7th place. Baugh Ford and AA team closed out their regular season with a Killbombers 2nd place showing at the Cajun Classic (34-12) to in Carencro, Louisiana. make it to Baugh Ford finished in 11th place in the semi-finals of the winner’s bracket, the Conference USSSA final standings before losing to Nightmare (29-13). with 1,082 points, which qualified Baugh Ford rallied for a late Saturday them for the Major World Series. But night win over Levels (36-21) to make the post season was not kind to Baugh it to Sunday. But they ran into red-hot Ford, as they went 1-2 at A Worlds, 1-2 Racks/Sonny’s and the eventual tour- at the Conference Championships and nament champion eliminated Baugh 0-2 at the AA Worlds. Ford (31-14). Baugh Slugger Allen Sponsor/Pitcher At the Major World Series, Baugh Ponder Tommie Baugh At the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida, Ford did score a huge first round player Adam Suhowolak. Baugh Ford went 3-2 in Leg I and 1-2 upset by knocking off Major team in Leg II. In Chattanooga, they went NewBreed/DeMarini (19-18). But the The hard-hitting Folsom led Baugh 2-2 for a 13th place finish. Baugh Alabama team lost their next one to Ford in all offensive categories last Ford’s best showing of the year came Bad Draw/B&B/Broughton (21-8) then year, with a .721 on-base percentage, in Atlanta, where they went 5-0 to win was eliminated by Precision/3rd Street 60 home runs and 158 RBIs. Ponder 1st place at the Peach State Major. They (22-2) to finish tied for 9th place. batted .690 with 21 homers, Suhowolak defeated TCS (34-8), Southern Mayhem hit .690, and Zorich batted .688 with 32 Baugh Ford returns most starters (28-22), Wiley’s Supreme (31-23) and home runs. Baugh is a crafty veteran from a year ago, including pitcher Seminoles (33-23) to advance to the pitcher who is effective at keeping Tommie Baugh, catcher Allen Ponder, championship game where they hitters off-balance. He also hit 32 home first-baseman Ryan McCroy, middle- knocked off CTC (46-36). runs and drove in 82 RBIs to go along infielder Ian Sidebottom, third- with his .569 on-base percentage. At the Smoky Mountain Classic, Baugh baseman Chad Folsom, outfielders Ford lost their opening game to Pure John Zorich and Brian Mays and utility Mays spent most of 2017 with JBL/

T COAST O COAST Big Time Softball 43 Tailgters where he was the leading 88 RBIs. The 29-year-old Rickets played Atlanta, Maryville and Carencro. hitter on that team. Mays batted .717 on C and D teams in North Carolina Entering the season, Baugh Ford has with 38 home runs and 106 RBIs. last year and is looking for his chance a To Be Determined classification. But Newcomers to the team this year in the Conference this year. after finishing just 2-12 against other are second-baseman Ricky Smith, Baugh Ford will again open their AA opponents last year, they will likely outfielder Brandon Hooks, and utility Conference USSSA schedule at the end up with an A classification. If so, player Corey Rickets. Smith played Space City Classic in Houston. The they intend to play both the A and AA for Insidious last year, but previously following week they will be at the Hall World Tournaments. And if they are as played for Baugh Ford in 2011 and Of Fame Dual in Florida. The rest of successful as they have been in recent 2013. Hooks played for All-Out last year their schedule will be a tour around years, Baugh Ford should end up right and batted .706 with 40 home runs and the South with stops in Chattanooga, back at the Major World Series.

# 16 Vivid/Killbombers Kilburn revamps lineup, hopes for a return to World Series by Vivid As player/sponsor Jon Kilburn’s days From there, Killbombers went 1-2 in of playing in Conference USSSA, the Chattanooga, 2-2 in Dallas, then scored 49-year-old hopes to finish on a posi- a 5th place finish in Maryland. After tive note by winning the A World cham- finishing 5th and 7th at the Seattle pionship and making a return trip to Dual, Killbombers went 1-2 at the the Major World Series this year. Smoky Mountain Classic. A path to VCH/Worth made the Major in 2015 their third straight Major World Series and went 3-2 for a surprising 7th place appearance was getting harder to see. finish. In 2016, Vivid/Worth/Klutch So when Killbombers could only tie made the Major but could muster only for 17th place in Cincinnati, Kilburn a 1-2 finish. Last year, Killbombers/ pulled the plug on the season with a DeMarini folded before the post-season 22-20 record. began. Kilburn is hoping for his best Kilburn and a couple of his players year ever this year, and has added the hooked up with OA Apparel to finish parts to make that happen. the year. They did get to participate in Vivid OF Seth Schwindenhammer Vivid/Killbombers/OA/Easton from the AA World and Major World Series Frisco, Texas enters the 2018 as the with OA but went 0-2 in both. hands, very smooth. We call him the 16th-ranked team in the nation. The Heading into 2018, Kilburn is looking Tasmanian Devil because he’s fast and manager of the team is veteran Dan for brighter days ahead. He’s bringing a whirlwind. Wherever the ball is, Josh O’Brien. five players with him from last year’s isn’t far behind.” “Like every sponsor, I hope to end team, including pitchers Kenny Newcomers to the Vivid this year will the season with a ring,” said Kilburn. Turlington and Stephen Cooper, be pitcher Ryan Dacko, catcher Nick “We’ve chosen to do a more slimmed middle-infielder Josh Brown, and Shay, second-baseman Chris Vasquez, down schedule. This year I stepped outfielder Barry Fentiman. Crump shortstop Brookes Howard, third- down from AA to A for a number of batted .724 last year with 21 home baseman Logan Armstrong, outfielders reasons, but in the end the goal is to runs and 75 RBIs. In limited games Nick Santos, Seth Schwindenhammer win A World. Making the Major would with Killbombers, Fentiman batted and Trey Gilliland and utility players be a nice accomplishment but it’s not .667 and Brown batted .629. Turlington Nick Mitschke, Brian Bohanon and our primary goal. The goal is to get and Cooper bath batted .583 but are Matt Vern. relied on more for their pitching skills ourselves some hardware.” Gillialnd played with Classic Glass than hitting. In a part-time roll as a last year, while Schwindenhammer was In 2017, Killbombers/DeMarini opened catcher, Kilburn batted .612 with two with OA Apparel. Shay helped Steel their season by going 3-2 to tie for 9th home runs and 13 RBIs. place out of 64 teams at the Space City Sports win the A World title and both Classic in Houston. It was a disap- Kilburn is looking for bigger and Mitschke and Bohanon spent time pointing finish only because Kilburn’s better things from Brown this year. with All-Out, who finished 3rd at A team won the same event in 2015 and “Brownie joined up with us last year Worlds. Dacko, Howard, Armstrong and placed 7th in 2016. At the Hall of Fame after OC Swats went down and had an Santos are all making the jump from Dual in Florida, Killbombers went 3-2 immediate impact,” aid Kilburn. “He’s B/C/D-type local teams to A ball and for 7th place in Leg I and 2-2 for 9th a solid hitter who will hit close to Conference USSSA. .700 without home runs. He has great place in Leg II. “I’ve watched Nick play from afar

T 44 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball and he’s always impressed me,” said young players on his team this year Vivid/Killbombers/OA/Easton will Kilburn. “Good hands, solid hitter could develop into superstars of the open its season at the Space City and a great teammate. He’s quiet and future. Classic in Houston, to be followed respectful and surprisingly humble for “Even then you could see the potential by the Hall of Fame Dual in Florida. a guy with his talent.” in those guys, but finding and playing Other stops on the schedule are Dallas, Kilburn points out that he has spent with guys like those that I mentioned, Atlanta, Tulsa, Little Rock, Maryville, time as teammates with such talents well that’s special,” said Kilburn. “You Cincinnati, Carencro and Columbus as Kyle Pearson, Cory Briggs, Steele see them and immediately you know (Ohio). Kilburn intends on playing in Lewis and Argen Dodds before they you have to find a way to get them on the A World Tournament and would hit the big time. He thinks some of the your team and into the Conference.” like to find a way back to the Major World Series.

# 17 Premier/Easton/Headlines Premier partners back up with HDLNS in hopes of making Major World Series Premier/Easton had a solid season in 2017, which fell just short of qualifying for the Major World Series. So this year Premier sponsor Kevin Forwith is joining back up with former partner Ben Cosgrove in hopes of making noise in the Class A division and possibly making the Major World Series. Premier/Easton placed 19th in the Conference USSSA final standings with Premier/Easton/HDLNS from Morrow, 954 points. They were just 19 points Premier pitcher Brian Lakes Ohio enters the season as the shy of 17th place which would have got 17th-ranked team in the nation. them in the Major World Series. In 2017, Premier/Easton had as good Premier attended the A World of a season as any B team in the Tournament and scored a win over One country could expect while competing Payment (22-13) but narrowly lost to in Conference USSSA. They opened at eventual champion Steel Sports (26-23) the Hall Of Fame Dual in Florida and and then was eliminated by Bay Area went 3-2 in Leg I and 2-2 in Leg II, a Legends (25-17). solid showing with all the top teams in the nation attending. Premier went Forwith welcomes back eight players Premier slugger Cory Boothe a disappointing 0-2 at the Circle City from last year’s team, including pitcher Classic and 0-2 at Chattanooga. But Brian Lakes, second-baseman Brock sive categories with a .721 on-base they went 2-2 at both the Hoosier Morrison, infielders John Ashcraft percentage, 60 home runs and 130 RBIs. Classic and Windy City Classic. and Pat Foster, outfielders Brad Burns, The veteran previously won A World Ryan Uckotter and Clay Norton, and championship rings with Nordkap in After going 1-2 at the Smoky Mountain utility player Chuck Lack. 2013 and Line Drive in 2014. Classic, Premier had its best showing of the year by going 5-2 and finishing Uckotter led the team in on-base Disbennett and Staton also played with 7th at the loaded Cincinnati Major. percentage with a .705 mark. Other The Scene/HDLNS. Disbennet batted They lost their first game to Bad Draw top hitters were Foster at .703, Lack .668 with 29 home runs and 97 RBIs, (30-24) before reeling off wins over at .695, Bruns at .677 and Morrison while Staton batted .550 and played Old Bag (34-25), JLS/Yoder (25-5), JBL/ at .663. Morrison led the team with solid defense up the middle. 31 home runs. Bruns was next with Tailgaters (26-21), The Scene/HDLNS Premier/Easton/HDLNS will open (39-30) and The Scene/Cornerstone 21, followed by Norton with 19 and Ashcrcaft with 18. their season at the Hall of Fame Dual (25-5). They were finally eliminated in in Florida. Other Conference USSSA a barn-burner by Precision/3rd Street Newcomers to the team are catcher events on their regular season schedule (39-38). Corey Boothe, middle-infielder Rocky are Chattanooga, Columbus (Indiana), Two weeks later in a non-Conference Staton, third-baseman Ryan Noe, Atlanta, Seattle, Maryville, Cincinnati event, Premier tied for 5th place at outfielder Ryan Disbennett and utility and Columbus (Ohio). The team also the always-tough Cincinnati Metro players Joe Horsely, Kyle Centers and plans to play at the USSSA A World, Tournament. They closed out the Dan Feichtner. GSL A World and USSSA AA World and regular season with a 7th place Boothe played with The Scene/HDLNS hopes to get over the hump and qualify showing at the Columbus B.A.T.S. Major. last year and led the team in all offen- for the Major World Series.

T COAST O COAST Big Time Softball 45 # 18 Seminoles/TPS/NACSF.inc/Easton Seminoles add veteran talent in bid to contend for Men’s A world title Seminoles/Easton from Tulsa climbed the softball ladder in Oklahoma from C in 2015 to B in 2016. Last year, they made the jump to A and even joined Conference USSSA. Not much was known about the Seminoles on the national level but that would soon change. Player/coach Matt Cochran has made some veteran pickups for this Seminoles infielder Chris Hansen year that could make the Seminoles serious contenders for the Men’s A World crown and a darkhorse candi- date to make the Major World Series. Seminoles/TPS/NACSF/Easton enters Tournament and lost their first game the 2018 season as the 18th-ranked to All-Out/A&A Utility in a close one team in the nation. (26-23), before rebounding to beat Seminoles began 2017 by finishing 1st Primetime/Easton (22-6) and Rebel at Battle for Bats and second at the Sports (28-25). They were eliminated by Seminoles SS Josh Moore Ultimate Smash It Sports Bash in two TG Brand (3-2) to finish 2-2 and tied for pre-season appearances. They opened 9th place. include catcher Matt Cochran, first- Conference USSSA play by going 3-2 Seminoles have brought in veteran baseman Oliver Odle, second-baseman at Space City Classic in Houston. One pitcher Danny “D-Lo” Lopez to improve Brandon Raines, outfielders Corey of those wins was a trouncing of L&S their chances for 2018. Lopez has Tapp and Derrick Roland, pitcher Trey Glass from California (39-9). Four days extensive Conference USSSA experi- Gothard. Odle led the team with 48 later, Seminoles opened the Hall Of ence, having pitched for teams such as home runs, while Raines and Matt Fame Dual I with a shocking win over Sonny’s, Shoppe, Bad Draw and even Cochran each belted 45 and Gothard Major team Racks/Sonny’s/Easton 2014 Men’s Major world champion hammered 35. Matt Cochran led the (17-16). Resmondo. He pitched for Monsta in team in hitting at .768 and in RBIs with 127. Seminoles were one of few teams to be the recent ballyhooed series “$100,000 able to lay claim to winning 1st place War By The Shore” where USSSA Major Rounding out the roster are Jered at a Conference USSSA tournament in World champion Smash It Sports beat Kennemer, Jon David Harris, Conner 2017 by going 6-1 to win the Busch ASA Super champion Monsta, three Murray, Mark Cochran, Cody McCarter, Softball Classic in Little Rock. After games to two. Dusty Brown and Michael Boone. losing to All-Out/A&A Utility in the Another seasoned newcomer for the Sponsors of the team are Tony and winner’s bracket final, the Seminoles Seminoles is infielder Chris Hansen, Paula Sanchez of TPS/NACSF Inc. The dropped to the loser’s bracket and who was on 2016 Major World cham- team’s equipment is provided by Brett dropped half-a-hundred on even- pion SmashItSports/ASP/H.Auto/ Helmer and Easton Sports. tual A world champion Steel Sports Mr.Wiggles/Easton and the 2017 Major (50-40). Seminoles then double-dipped runnerup Resmondo/OA/H.Auto/ Seminoles will start their Conference All-Out/A&A Utility (31-25 and 16-5) to Easton. Other top teams Hansen has USSSA season at the Space City Classic claim the championship. played for include Wood Law, Nordkap, in Houston. The following week they will return to the Hall Of Fame Dual in Other top finishes for the Seminoles Line Drive, 4 The Fallen, Allbicocco/ The Scene and Combat Northwest. Last Florida. Other stops on their schedule were 2nd to Steel at the Sooner include Chattanooga, Dallas, Tulsa, Invitational in Tulsa, 3rd place at the year, Hansen appeared in 50 games and batted .667 with 21 home runs and 80 Little Rock, Maryville and Columbus Peach State Major in Atlanta, and (Ohio). tied for 5th at the Dudley/Budweiser RBIs for Resmondo. Classic in Minnesota. Seminoles Jeremy Guess and Justin Beal are also The Seminoles are expected to be one finished 20th in the Conference USSSA joining the Seminoles. Guess finished of the top contenders at the Men’s A final standings with 926 points, which 2017 with All-Out and previously World Tournament and the team is was just 47 points away from quali- played with Nightmare. Beal played hoping their new additions can help fying for the Major World Series. with Steel Sports in 2017. them get over the hump an into the Major World Series. Seminoles went to the Men’s A World Returning starters for Seminoles

T 46 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball # 19 A&A Utility Co/TI Sports/Hovas/ASP Artie Gonzalez thinks A&A has right mix to contend for A World crown Artie “Da Boss” Gonzalez is one of the nicest managers in all softball. He also knows how to put together good teams. His 2015 TMT/A&A Utility squad went 64-38 on the year, including a 1st place finish at the USSSA Men’s C World Tournament. Gonzalez took a year off in 2016, but joined Conference USSSA Bullock and Richard Salazar, in 2017 with less-than-stellar results. outfielders Daniel Homan, Lane Young But “Da Boss” think he has the right and Joshua Waltrich and utility player mix of young guys and veterans to Chris Terry. make a serious title run in 2018. A&A SS Brandon Bellamy Bellamy played for The Scene/HDLNS A&A/Miken/TI Sports/ASP/Hovas last year. Robertson started with based in Conroe, Texas enter the 2018 local tournament in Texas, a 3-2 record Insidious and moved to All-Out before season as the 19th-ranked team in the and 3rd place finish at the Stockyards finishing with Fence Brokers. Ferguson nation. Shootout, before pulling the plug on played with Old Bag last year, but previously had two top-four finishes at “For the 2018 season, I expect our team the team. Gonzalez moved over and A Worlds with Line Drive Sportz from to be one of the top A teams in the helped All-Out for the rest of the year Michigan. Bullock played on Class A country and bring another World title and that team went on to finish 3rd at world champion Steel Sports last year back to Texas,” said Gonzalez. “Our the A World Tournament. and Salazar won an A World title in goals for the year are to win A Worlds Gonzalez is right back in Conference 2007 with R&M Metals/Easton. and qualify for the Major World USSSA with his own team this year, Series.” looking to find the championship “We have some really great veterans in the mix such as CT, Ferg, Rodney Last year, Money/Miken/ASP/A&A formula of 2015. and Lil’ Chris to help the young guys entered the season with high hopes. The team has three veteran pitchers on out,” said Gonzalez. “But one of the And the team started off good, taking the staff, Lil’ Chris Lopez, Rodney Fail new players that I have a feeling will 2nd place at both the North Texas and Michael Martinez. The 37-year-old be a huge contributor defensively and USSSA Winter Worlds and South Texas Lopez has pitched for such Conference offensively is Joshua Waltrich. Dude is USSSA Winter Worlds. USSSA teams as Miken/Mafia, ASP new to the scene and murders the ball. Nation/Easton, Olmito Heat/Diamond Their first Conference USSSA tourna- Another young guy is Lane Young. If Kingz/Miken and Rebel Sports/Miken. ment was the Space City Classic in these two guys learn and listen to the He was the Most Valuable Player of their hometown of Houston and they vets, they will be on a lot of people’s the 2013 Space City Classic, where went 3-2 to tie for 9th place out of radar in the future.” 64 teams. Money scored wins over 2 he pitched ASP Nation to the title. Gonzalez’s company A&A Utility is Legit (30-6), Nine-1-Five (31-16) and Fail also has extensive Conference the primary sponsor of the team. Pure Sports (37-33) to advance to the experience with such teams as Miken Other sponsors are Adrian Sanchez of quarter-finals of the winner’s bracket. Mafia, ASP National, Vivid, Steel and Hovas Development, Roy Ledesman of But they lost to eventual tournament Nightmare. Last year, he started the TI Sports, Lyf Nimmo of ASP Nation, champion Racks/Sonny’s (27-23) then year with eventual A World champion and Jason Kendrick of Miken Sports. dropped to the loser’s bracket and Steel Sports before moving over to Assistant coaches are Ray “Shrek” were eliminated by red-hot Levels All-Out/A&A who finished 3rd at A Reyna and Adrian “Train” Sanchez. (42-32), Worlds. A&A/Miken/TI Sports/ASP/Hovas will The following weekend at the Hall Of Other returning players for Gonzalez open their season at the Space City Fame Dual in Florida, Money/Miken are catcher Pete Hernandez, infielders Classic in Houston, followed by a trip went 0-2 in both Legs and their losing Joshua Bergeron and Joe Marquez to the Hall of Fame Dual in Florida. streak grew to six games. They also and outfielders Ryan Galiher, Josh Other stops on the schedule are Dallas, lost their first game at Texas Legends Sylestine and Jason White. Bergeron, Atlanta, Tulsa, Little Rock, Maryville, in Euless to Levels again (26-25). Galiher and White each made the Carencro and Columbus (Ohio). Money/Miken beat NTX Most Hated All-Tournament team at C Worlds in Gonzalez hopes to be a contender at (26-2) before getting destroyed by 2015 when TMT won 1st place. the A World Tournament and will have NewBreed/DeMarini (67-26). Newcomers to the team include a shot at qualifying for the Major infielders Brandon Bellamy, Chris Money/Miken only lasted for one more World Series. Robertson, Jason Ferguson, Kyle

T COAST O COAST Big Time Softball 47 # 20 Stars/ThunderNation/VSP/Miken Stars/VSP/Miken/Thunder assemble talented team from Rocky Mountains William Sanchez has been sponsoring World Series and only went 1-2 at the teams in Colorado since 2004, so he is B World Tournament. familiar with the abundance of talent Sanchez sat out 2017, but he is back in that state. Sanchez came up through with an A team in 2018 and both he the ranks, starting with a D team, then and Miller think the Stars could live up up to C where he had national success, to their name this year. then on to Conference USSSA with a B team. “Every offseason I try to evaluate what my goals are for any team I’m with After taking a year off in 2017, Sanchez and every year I come back to the same is back and has assembled top talent two goals – qualifying for the Major from across the Rocky Mountain region World Series and winning A Worlds,” and will field an A team. Stars/VSP/ said Miller. “It would also probably be Miken/Thunder from Denver, Colorado a dream come true for me to win the enters 2018 as the 20th-ranked team in Space City Major because of my affilia- the nation. tion with Texas slowpitch softball and Sanchez will be assisted by Brandon being born and raised in League City.” Miller, a Texas native with Conference Shortstop Jake Kessler, infielder Mike coaching experience, who has moved to Snyder, and outfielders Artie Barcelo Denver. Miller was one of the coaches and Tyler Garretson all spent parts of the All-Out team the last two years, of last year playing for SIS/Thunder/ Stars slugger Mike Snyder who have narrowly missed qualifying Miken, a Major team that won 1st place for the Major World Series. at the Conference Championships and “I expect us to have some success,” tied for 7th at the Major World Series. said Miller. “It would be convenient Pitcher Brian Therkildsen, catcher to say that we are an unknown, but Rocky Myers, infielders Grady I think anyone that has followed the Corcoran and Hunter Ramirez, Conference over the past couple of outfielder Nick Runstadler and utility years should know most of our roster. player Nick Balentine all spent time The Colorado and Utah players we have with Colorado B team Levels last year. are an incredible group of guys. Will The team went 7-2 to tie for 5th place Sanchez has been doing this for years out of 64 teams at the Space City and is in the Colorado Hall of Fame.” Classic in Houston and also tied for Stars CF Artie Barcelo As a C team in 2015, Stars/DH Global 5th at the Cajun Classic in Louisiana. won 1st place in eight tournaments Therkildsen also pitched for All-Out at drafted by the New York Mets in 2010. during the year, including a Conference the A World Tournament. He’s a guy that has stadium power Affiliate and five N.I.T.s. They placed “Brian Therkildsen is a guy that I think and will be hitting in the middle of 3rd at the 35th Annual Rocky Mountain has a lot of untapped potential and can our lineup. Hopefully we are able to Shootout, which was a Conference really make a name for himself this get him enough games and at-bats USSSA event won by Racks. Stars also year,” said Miller. “He’s going to be on throughout the year to get him some traveled to Disney for the 2015 USSSA the mound for us but he’s an incred- national recognition if he does well.” Men’s C World Tournament and took ibly smart and crafty hitter with plus Stars/VSP/Miken/Thunder will open 2nd place out of 79 teams with a 10-2 power.” record. their season at the Space City Classic Infielders Ryan Snyder and Doug Wenz in Houston, followed by a trip to the Sanchez and the Stars joined both played for Smash It Sports/RAC Hall of Fame Dual in Florida. Other Conference USSSA as a B team in 2016 last year, a B team out of New York. stops on the schedule are Maryland, and had some success. They started Rounding out the roster are catcher Pat Minnesota, Colorado and Columbus the year with a 2nd place finish at the Farrell and infielder Weston Tallon. (Ohio). The Stars have their sights set Cactus Classic in Arizona, tied for 5th on winning the A World Tournament and 9th places at the Seattle Dual, “Pat Farrell is another guy I think the and they have enough big-point and went undefeated at 6-0 to win 1st Conference should keep their eye on events on their schedule that it is very place at the Rocky Mountain Shootout. this year,” said Miller. “This is a guy possible for them to qualify for the The Stars did not qualify for the Major that played in the minors after being Major World Series.

T 48 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball NPF News 1

NPF NEWS Photos by Andy Drabic/compiled by NPF’s Julie Walton NPF to Celebrate 15th Season With Season-Long Initiatives

Nashville, TN – team owner entity to individual team has also worked strategically and (NPF) has announced it will celebrate ownership. diligently in forming activation assets its 15th season, which leads off in May, Both the and the for current and future sponsorships. through various season long initia- were members of the Those assets include the stand-alone tives that will recognize influential inaugural season of competition in events of the NPF Championship and impactful players of the league 2004. The Racers made the transi- Series, NPF Draft, and the Fall Back throughout its history. The initiatives tion to the new league, having been to School Tour. In addition to that, will take place at both the league and involved in the former WPSL, and the NPF has showcased its potential for team levels and will include specially Bandits were a new team in 2004. The broad based multi platform media themed days at the park, social media USSSA Pride is currently the third distribution through coverage on fan engagements and video messages oldest team, joining the league in 2009 ESPN2 (Championships 2011, 2012 from many of the league’s well-known and celebrating their 10th season of and season plus Championship in players since 2004. professional softball this year. 2013), CBS Sports Network (Season and Championships 2014-2016 and Draft The video messages lead off was Last year, the Beijing Shougang Eagles special birthday wishes from league plus Pre-Series Special 2015, 2016), and became the first complete interna- most recently, NPFTV (2016, 2017), The veteran and USSSA Pride former tional team to join the league followed outfielder, Jessica Mendoza. Following Olympic Channel, MLB.com and Flo by the Aussie Spirit, a fully rostered Sports (2018). her retirement from the Pride in 2012, Australian team that will debut in 2018. Mendoza went on to break barriers in From a performance standpoint, the the broadcasting world by becoming Along the way, there have been many NPF has enjoyed the game’s most the first woman to call a nationally milestones for the league, that, in the accomplished, decorated and recog- televised post professional sports world, is still in its nizable players, both as former USA season game. She is currently a staple infancy. From an administrative stand- Softball Olympians and National on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball point, the league established a true Team members, and NCAA stand- broadcasting team and is a familiar league office in 2007 in Nashville, with outs. Internationally, throughout the voice also, as a lead color commen- the hiring of current Commissioner, league’s 15 years, top players have tator on ESPN’s coverage of the very Cheri Kempf. Kempf, within two years, participated from , Canada, popular NCAA Softball Tournament established two important initiatives China, Japan, the Netherlands and and Women’s College World Series. that would sustain the league through New Zealand. the lean years of national economic The league, starting in 2004, branched hardship- the formation of NPF Media, The league and teams will recognize off from the former Women’s LLC as an investing ownership of the many former players and coaches Professional Softball League (WPSL), league, and the formation of the league throughout the season as well as long- which began in the early 1990’s. The itself as a franchisor. time fans and season ticket holders obvious difference in the NPF was the by hosting fan promotions, interactive structure from a single league and Throughout the 15 years, the league events and presentations. National Pro Fastpitch Announces Partnership Extension with Boombah

Nashville, TN – The National Pro women’s amateur teams. Replica NPF Fastpitch League has announced an jerseys are also available for each of extension to the current relationship history with Boombah and excited to the NPF teams at games and select with Boombah Inc., that will extend continue our relationship,” commented retail outlets nationwide. the uniform companies exclusive NPF Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “Our “I am very pleased that Boombah will supplier status through the 2018 players have a lot of confidence in the continue working with NPF and have season. feel, fit, performance and appearance the ability to promote our uniforms This will mark Boombah’s eighth of the uniforms and that is of utmost through the professional level of fast- consecutive season as the exclusive importance to the league.” pitch softball,” said Rick Tollefson, uniform and practice gear provider for The relationship encompasses both Boombah President. “Outfitting the the NPF. Beginning in 2011, Boombah sponsorship and licensing and professional players of NPF that repre- took on the role of Official uniform includes uniforms, jackets, batting sent the highest level of competition provider for the NPF, a move which practice pullovers and practice gear. in the sport, is something Boombah broke them into the fastpitch softball The arrangement also provides value is very proud to be doing and some- business from the professionals to the for NPF fans and amateur leagues thing that showcases our top quality grassroots. making the same uniforms developed uniforms on the most intense level of “We have been very proud of our for NPF available for other girls and the game.”

T COAST O COAST Big Time Softball 49 NPF News 2

Diamond Extends Partnership As NPF Official Ball to 2020

Nashville, TN – National Pro Fastpitch and dependable product to the NPF for in Fastpitch has reached an agreement between league and Championship competition. softball, and the league and Diamond Sports, that We appreciate their pride in perfor- a pioneer extends Diamond as the Official Ball of mance and their commitment and in women’s the NPF through the 2020 season. dedication to the NPF, our teams, and professional “We are very pleased as a league to players.” sports,” said announce the continuation of our long Diamond has been the Official Ball of Andrea Gordon, President of Diamond relationship with Diamond as our the NPF since 2006, and is the longest Sports. “The league and the players’ Official Ball,” said NPF Commissioner, manufacturer of the NPF Official Ball commitment to excellence on and off Cheri Kempf. “Our Official Ball is an in league history. the field goes hand in hand with our extremely important category because corporate values and dedication to the “Given the continued success and sport. We’re thrilled to be in the circle it directly affects performance. growth for the NPF, we couldn’t be Diamond, year in and year out, has for every NPF game for the next three more excited to continue our long seasons!” provided a high quality, consistent, partnership with the global leader

Lauren Chamberlain Extends Contract with USSSA Pride

Viera, FL – Lauren Chamberlain, the myself. This 2015 first overall draft pick for the organization USSSA Pride, has renewed a one-year is world class contract with the USSSA Pride for from top to the 2018 season. Chamberlain is the bottom and I reigning NCAA homerun record holder can’t think of a (95) and one of the most recognized group I’d rather faces and personalities in fastpitch. be with.” Lauren has been on the Pride for Megan Willis, the assistant General three seasons; spending most of her Manager of the USSSA Pride said, time in the designated hitter position “Being able to lock in Lo for another due to shoulder injury. Throughout season with the Pride is huge for us! the last three seasons with the Pride, Not only does she bring a big bat, but Chamberlain posted 75 total hits, 43 her leadership on and off of the field is RBI, 22 homeruns and a .220 batting invaluable.” average. career with the Pride. I feel a strong Stay up to date on USSSA Pride and Chamberlain said, “I am extremely bond between the players, staff, owner- NPF news by following @usssaflori- excited about continuing my playing ship, the fans and most importantly dapride on social media.

Kelsey Nunley and Kirsti Merritt Extend Contracts with USSSA Pride

Viera, FL – Kirsti Merritt and USSSA Pride General Manager, Kelsey Nunley, both 2016 USSSA Don DeDonatis said, “Head Pride draft picks, have renewed Coach of the University of contracts with the Pride for Florida Softball Team, Tim the 2018 NPF season. Merritt Walton, told me in 2016 that is a two-time (2014-2015) Kirsti was one of his all-time Women’s College World Series favorite players because of the National Champion with the way she played the game. She Florida Gators and Nunley is did everything right. Not only the all-time wins leader for the was he correct, Kirsti is prob- University of Kentucky and a ably everyone’s favorite player 2016 All-NPF team selection. on and off the field and a true Kirsti has played for the Pride example of what the future Kelsey Nunley Kirsti Merritt for two seasons working her way looks like for the Pride for years into an everyday starting position continue my professional career with to come.” in left field. Throughout the last two the Pride. Being drafted to the orga- Kelsey Nunley, the 2016 fifth overall seasons with the Pride, Merritt hit for nization in 2016 was the best thing draft pick and stellar right-handed .296 career batting average with 24 to happen to me and remaining in pitcher out of the University of stolen bases and seven homeruns. the program is such a blessing. I look Kentucky, has made her mark on the forward to the upcoming years and NPF in her two seasons. Nunley is a Merritt said, “I’m honored to be able to many good things to come. Go Pride!”

T 50 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball

NPF News 3

huge asset to the Pride earning All-NPF continue to play for the USSSA Pride. I round of the NPF Draft in 2016 and she honors in her rookie season and love the sport of softball and playing has proven to be worthy of that honor posting a 2.46 career ERA against the with the best organization and players and more. She puts up the numbers best hitters in the game. make it even more enjoyable.” each game, she leaves it all on the field Nunley said, “I am so excited and DeDonatis commented on locking in and I couldn’t be happier to have her grateful for the opportunity to Nunley, “We drafted Kelsey in the 1st for 3 more seasons.” Pendley Signs a one-year extension with the USSSA Pride

Viera, FL – Shelby Pendley has signed 2017 season and helped her earn her a one-year contract extension with the third consecutive All NPF Team award. USSSA Pride for the 2018 National Pro Don DeDonatis, Pride owner and Fastpitch (NPF) season. Pendley, the General Manager said, “Not too many second overall draft pick in the 2015 players come into this league and NPF Draft and the 2015 NPF Rookie dominate, but Shelby has done just of the Year, will enter her fourth NPF that. From her rookie season in 2015, to season this summer. her league ‘Home Run Champion’ Title “It’s a huge blessing to sign a contract in 2017, she hasn’t missed a beat. I am for another year playing the sport I thrilled to have Shelby continuing her love. It’s an honor and a pleasure to professional career with the Pride and be part of the USSSA organization. I’m extension. look forward to what she brings to the very fortunate to get the opportunity Pendley has been a force offensively 2018 season. to play in the NPF and make a living and defensively during her first three Pendley was a three time All- American while playing softball. I’m excited for seasons with the Pride. She has tallied at the University of Oklahoma. She sits this upcoming season and can’t wait 135 hits, 87 RBI, 29 homeruns and a second in career slugging percentage to be back on the field with my team- .305 batting average in her NPF career. and fifth in career batting average in mates,” said Pendley on her contract Her 13 homeruns led the NPF in the Big 12 conference history. All NPF Sahvanna Jaquish Signs 2 Year Deal with USSSA Pride

Viera, FL – Sahvanna Jaquish has she was a special player. I watched her signed a two year contract with throughout her college career hoping the USSSA Pride. The four-time All some day she would wear a Pride American out of LSU was drafted third uniform. By adding such a talented, overall by the Chicago Bandits in the versatile player with Sahvanna’s 2017 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft athleticism, we filled in some of our and was named to the All-NPF Team in current needs and become even closer her rookie campaign. to solidifying our 2018 roster.” Jaquish put up impressive numbers Jaquish was recently named to the last year with Chicago, hitting .323 2018 USA Women’s National Team on the season and mashing four roster this winter and will compete homeruns. She played multiple posi- with the National Team during their tions for the Bandits but primarily 2018 competitive schedule. She joins stayed behind the plate where she Pride teammates Kirsti Merritt and threw out 7 in 27 stolen base attempts. LSU Head Coach and former USSSA Keilani Ricketts on the Women’s Pride Head Coach, Beth Torina told me Don DeDonatis, General Manager of National Team roster. to keep an eye on Sahvanna because the USSSA Pride said, “From the start,

Allexis (Chip) Bennett Signs Contract with USSSA Pride

Viera, FL – Allexis “Chip” Bennett has and two-hole and played center field has proven she could not only produce signed a contract with the USSSA for the Dawgs. in college but did so as well during her Pride. The two-time All American out of Bennett said, “I am beyond thankful rookie year in the NPF. Her speed is a UCLA played for the Scrapyard Dawgs and excited that I have joined the game changer and she adds a whole last season where she earned a Cowles Pride. 2018 is going to be an awesome new dimension to the Pride roster.” Cup Championships and was named to year and I cannot wait to get on the Chip’s addition of speed and energy the 2017 All-NPF team. field with the incredible athletes.” to the USSSA Pride lineup shined this Bennett put up impressive numbers “I couldn’t be happier with the signing past weekend when she made her last year with Houston, hitting .335 on of Allexis “Chip” Bennett,” remarked debut with the USSSA Pride in Palm the season and stealing 13 bases. She General Manager Don DeDonatis. “She Springs, CA where in her first at bat rotated between the lead off positions in the Pride uniform she stretched

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NPF News 4

blooper single into a double. ally to participate in the WBSC sanc- will report to Viera, Florida in late May The USSSA Pride will resume play tioned European Pro Softball Series. to begin training for the upcoming in April as they travel internation- Following their return, Pride players season. Comets Name Stephen Dunn General Manager

Cleveland, OH – The Comets She has been have named Stephen Dunn as the the heartbeat team’s General Manager. In his role, of this team Dunn will oversee all team opera- and has made tions and player personnel. Longtime tremendous General Manager, Joey Arrieta, remains sacrifices to the team’s president and minority keep us going.” owner and will focus on critical initia- Dunn, a former collegiate baseball tives.. player and graduate from Hiram “I want to thank the College, has also played for several for this tremendous opportunity,” said semi-professional baseball organiza- Dunn. “I am incredibly excited and feel tions. After establishing a career in I am the right man for the job. I look sales and marketing with multiple forward to working with our front Northeast Ohio companies, Dunn most office to field the most competitive highly motivated individual and our recently served as Vice President of team possible and to continue growing organization has the utmost confidence Sales and Marketing with Westshore our sport.” in his abilities. His experience and Marketing Group, Inc., a business “I am really eager to have Stephen lead attitude made him the ideal choice to created by him and his father James our players and front office moving be our next General Manager.” Dunn. Stephen hopes to apply his back- ground in both business and athletics forward.” added majority owner Craig “I would also like to thank Joey for her Stout. “Stephen is a passionate and as he leads the Comets into their tireless efforts over these many years. upcoming 2018 season.

Charlotte Morgan Named Head Coach of the Cleveland Comets

Cleveland, OH – General Manager Playing at Alabama, Morgan was Stephen Dunn announced the signing the two-time SEC Player of the of Charlotte Morgan as the new Year, the 2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Head Coach of the Cleveland Comets. Award winner, a three-time NFCA Morgan served as Head Coach for the All-American, and a two-time USA Racers during the 2017 season and led Softball Player of the Year Top 10 the team to a 26-24 record. Finalist. Morgan became first overall Morgan, a previous All-NPF player selection in the 2010 NPF Draft from herself was taken number one overall the Crimson Tide by the USSSA Pride. in the 2010 NPF Draft by the USSSA Growing up in Moreno Valley, Pride. During her four-year profes- California, Morgan began playing sional career Morgan was a dominant softball at the age of nine. At Moreno hitter, both in power an average. She Valley High School, she was a two- enjoyed the best season of her career sport athlete, competing in both soft- in 2013 with a .302 batting average, ball and . After attending 7 homeruns, 31 RBI, .425 on-base- her final year of high school at Valley Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State and now percentage and a .508 slugging View High School, Morgan graduated currently at the University of Texas at percentage. Magna Cum Laude. By graduation, she Arlington. In addition to her playing career, had accumulated numerous awards In her first season at Oklahoma State, Morgan is in her sixth season as an and honors, including league Rookie Morgan helped guide the Cowgirls assistant coach at the collegiate level. of the Year in 2003, Valley View Female back to the postseason for the first Though Morgan was more known as Athlete of the Year in 2006, and Moreno time since 2011 and developed a a in the NPF, she was a Valley High School Scholar-Athlete. pitching staff led by Kacy Freeze, who pitcher and utility player throughout Additionally, Morgan was recognized finished with 19 wins and four saves in her collegiate playing career at the as a three-time first team All-League 2016. Prior to Oklahoma State, Morgan University of Alabama. Morgan has honoree, second team All-League improved the Georgia Tech pitching taken that experience to become an honoree, and first team All-County staff, helping the squad lower their elite pitching coach in the collegiate honoree, as well as league MVP in 2003 ERA by more than a full run in her first game, with schools such as Maryland, and Valley View High School MVP in season with the Yellow Jackets. 2006.

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Comets Sign ALL-NPF Slugger Shellie Robinson

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Comets hitting average, 62 runs batted in and have reached a two-year deal with 23 home runs at USC Upstate. In her veteran outfielder Shellie Robinson, three years with the Racers, Robinson team officials have announced.. cemented herself as one of the game’s Robinson, who spent the past three most potent threats at the plate, seasons with the Akron Racers, recording 34 extra-base hits and 70 belted 8 home runs and added 30 RBI RBI in that span. while batting .297 during an All-NPF A native of DeLand Florida, Robinson campaign in 2017. is the daughter of Thomas and Denise “Shellie is a true professional with Robinson. Shellie has two sisters; an incredible talent,” Comets general Stephanie and Jessica, as well as manager Stephen Dunn said. “We’re three brothers; Stephen, Jonathan and eager to have her arrive in Cleveland Micah. and look forward to seeing her have Robinson was selected in the 5th Robinson is set to join an impressive her best season yet.” round of the 2015 NPF Draft with the new crop of talent making its way to 23rd overall pick. Robinson held a .404 Cleveland in 2018. Alexa Peterson Signs 2-Year Deal with Cleveland Comets

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Comets All-Pac 12 Freshman team in 2011. are excited to announce the signing Peterson was a member of the 2012 of former NCAA All-American, Alexa All-WCWS team. She was a key member Peterson to a two-year deal. Peterson of the team’s two WCWS appear- was the eleventh overall selection ances in 2012 and 2014 and helped in the 2014 NPF draft, out of the Oregon win their first two Pac-12 University of Oregon. Championships in program history. Last year with the Chicago Bandits, “Alexa is the kind of player every GM is Peterson hit at a .267 clip with a .400 always looking for, someone who can OBP and scored 10 times in 45 at bats. play multiple positions effectively and A model of consistency, Peterson is a brings a consistent and powerful right- .266 career hitter with excellent power. handed bat to your lineup. Most impor- Her ability to play multiple positions tantly she brings the kind of person- will almost certainly be utilized this ality and attitude we are looking for,” year, both in the outfield and behind In 2013, she was a First-Team NFCA said Stephen Dunn, General Manager the plate. All-American when she hit a career of the Cleveland Comets. best .424 and 12 homeruns. She was In her four years at Oregon, Peterson named to the All-Pacific Region team The Cleveland Comets look forward posted a career.360 average with 30 four times, the All-Pac 12 First Team to Peterson’s contributions toward a homeruns, 153 RBIs, and 38 doubles. two times, and was a member of the successful 2018 campaign. Australia Enters Professional Ranks of Softball for First Time in History

Nashville, TN – National Pro Fastpitch with a record high eight players last is expanding its international footprint season rostered to the Chicago Bandits, for the second time in eight months including standout pitcher, Kaia with the addition of the Aussie Spirit, Parnaby. marked to begin competition with the “We are thrilled to be part of National 2018 season. Pro Fastpitch competition in 2018. NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf made It’s a game -changer for Australian the announcement Thursday in a coop- women’s softball,” stated Softball erative effort with Softball Australia youth levels of our sport throughout Australia CEO, Chet Gray. “It is our and its CEO, Chet Gray. the world and that is something to plan that the high quality 50 game “This is a move that once again celebrate. The NPF is extremely proud schedule, combined with the intense increases the reach of the profes- to welcome the Aussie Spirit to the daily training environment, will give sional softball footprint, not just league in 2018.” the Australian team a boost ahead of the 2018 WBSC World Championship domestically, but globally,” commented The Aussie Spirit is operated by Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “The which is also a potential qualifying Softball Australia, the nation’s event for Tokyo 2020.” trickle down effect of this type of inter- governing body for the sport of soft- national commitment means contin- ball. For several years, Australian The Aussie Spirit will be based in the uous increased participation at the players have participated in the NPF midwest and will compete at loca-

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tions throughout the region. Those McDowell will manage all day to day with this great game,” said McDowell. locations will include Nebraska, Iowa, operations including schedule loca- “We are working on a schedule that Kansas and Missouri with the goal to tions and special events that will will include many community events place Spirit home games in locations include Spirit team members. that will connect players and fans that coincide with some of the regions “This will be such a great opportu- throughout the season. MSP is very larger youth tournaments. nity for fastpitch softball fans in the excited and honored to be a part of this NPF operations of the Aussie Spirit Midwest to connect with the world’s incredible partnership beginning in will be overseen by Midwest Sports best players, something we know 2018.” Productions (MSP). MSP owner, Jeremy will leave them falling in love more Taylah Tsitsikronis First to Sign with Aussie Spirit

Collingwood, Victoria, Australia – she bats in the middle of the Spirit Taylah Tsitsikronis has become the lineup and delivers much of the power first player to sign a contract with the needed to drive in runs. Aussie Spirit to play in the National “Playing in the NPF has helped my Pro Fastpitch league in the USA this hitting a lot,” she says. “It’s made me year. more knowledgeable about my game. I It’s the first of many such signings know my own swing back to front.” as the Spirit prepare to play in the While she welcomes input from 2018 NPF season to gain maximum coaches, Tsitsikronis believes she has game time ahead of the XVI Women’s learned to self-adjust when things Softball World Championship in Chiba, aren’t going so well in the batter’s box. Japan from August 2-12. myself to get the best out of it.” “I’ve learned how to handle the ups While most Spirit players have had The most important lesson Tsitsikronis and downs. And sometimes there’s experience playing overseas, and some learned from her two professional nothing wrong with my swing, it’s just have played professionally in the US, seasons was how to bounce back after mental.” Japan and Europe, this will be the first a tough game or sub-par performance. Having come into the Spirit team time they have had a chance to play “You’re not going to be at your best primarily as a catcher, Tsitsikronis together as a team in a professional has also seen time at first base and environment. every game,” she says. “If you do have a bad day you have to learn to get over in the outfield, as her strong hitting The five-team NPF competition it quickly and move on. Chances are demanded that she be in the lineup involves each team playing about 50 there’ll be another game next day, so somewhere. If she has a preferred posi- games, although the game schedule has you can’t get down about it. tion, she doesn’t make a big deal of it. not yet been finalized. “We all have our preferences, but I’ll do “It’s the same in the World The Aussie Spirit players will be based whatever is best for the team. I’ll play Championship. You have to get over one wherever they want me to play.” at Missouri Western University and game quickly and prepare for the next play “home” games at various stadiums one.” Although she is only 23, Tsitsikronis in Missouri and surrounding states. has already represented the Aussie Although she has had two seasons in Spirit 58 times, starting with the 2014 Some players have been unable to the NPF, this one will be different, as commit for the full NPF season, but World Championship in Haarlem, she will be playing with Aussie Spirit Netherlands. Tsitsikronis will be among those teammates, many of whom she has who will be there from start to finish, known for several years. In recent international tournaments beginning on May 10 and going she has been in outstanding form. At through until the team leaves for Japan And unlike her experience with the the 2017 Canada Cup, Tsitsikronis in late July. Rebellion and the Bandits, this time finished with a .448 batting average Australian coaches, including Aussie While the adventure will be a new one with two home runs and seven RBIs, Spirit Head Coach Fabian Barlow, will behind only Stacey Porter. for many players, Tsitsikronis will be be in control. able to call on her experience of having In January, the Aussie Spirit played played in the past two NPF seasons, “It will be different playing with girls a four-game series against Japanese first with the I’m used to playing with,” Tsitsikronis professional team Denso Bright in 2016 and then with the Chicago says. “And it will also be different Pegasus in Adelaide. Tsitsikronis led Bandits last year, when she was one of playing for coaches who know me and the team’s offence with seven hits for seven Australians in the team. what I bring to the team. I won’t feel the tournament, including all three of like I have to prove myself. The coaches the team’s home runs. She expects that experience to be know what they get from me.” important, both for herself and for the Having started as a junior with the knowledge she can pass on to others. In her first year in the NPF, Tsitsikronis Penrith in ’s west, Tsitsikronis “It’s very different to what we are went to the Rebellion with a reputa- has also been a key member of the used to in Australia,” she says. “But tion as a defensive catcher. But over NSW Firestars team that won the I’ll go into this season knowing what the past two years her hitting has Gilley’s Shield in each of the past two to expect and knowing how to prepare improved markedly, to the extent that years.

T 56 COAST O COAST Big Time Softball Olympics Can Wait – ’s Focus Is On 2018

Collingwood, Victoria, Australia – As Championship. in August, which we all know she is the youngest member of the 2008 “We have to take every tournament step capable of producing.” Aussie Spirit Olympic team, Justine by step. We can’t really be thinking too Smethurst remembers the sinking Smethurst seemed to have a long far ahead of ourselves. feeling when softball was dumped from Olympic career ahead of her. That the Olympic program after Beijing. all looked to have ended when soft- “The Olympic Games are still a long way away. There are still goals and “It was just sad. We lost what was the ball was dumped from the Olympic pinnacle of our sport,” she says. program after Beijing. But now it’s stepping-stones that we want to back – and so is Smethurst. achieve on that path. The worlds are “Once every four years you’d see soft- the priority, that’s what we’re trying ball highlighted on TV, and as a kid Smethurst and Stacey Porter are the for now.” you’d grow up watching your role only two current Spirit players who The 178cm Aussie Spirit pitcher was models. It was sad to think that Beijing have experienced the thrill of not would be the last one.” only playing in the Olympics, but also the youngest member of the team that winning a medal. went to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, At that point, Smethurst’s Olympic collecting a bronze medal to cap off a career could have been over, as no one When the Spirit last played in the stellar run for the team that has earned could predict when — or even if — Olympic Games, their pathway was a a medal in every Olympics in which softball would be reinstated. “I was simple one: finish in the top four at the softball has been contested. hopeful, but I wouldn’t say I was ever World Championship and pack your confident. I was only 21 in Beijing, so I bags for Beijing. This time it will be different. Smethurst is expected to be one of the thought there might be another oppor- But this time it’s not so easy. To be Spirit’s top pitchers in what is sure tunity down the track, but it was never eligible for Tokyo 2020, the Australians to be a tough qualification campaign a guarantee.” will have to go through some sort of against the best teams in the world. From being the youngest in the team, qualifying procedure, a hurdle that Smethurst is now 31 and among the was not in place last time. According to Aussie Spirit Head Coach Fabian Barlow, that experience could most experienced. She is happy to pass So although Smethurst has experience prove vital, both for what it brings to on her knowledge to younger players of playing at an Olympics, she is a her performances and for the knowl- who find themselves thrust onto the rookie when it comes to qualifying for edge she can pass on to younger world stage. them. players. “For me it’s about taking it one game The qualification rules have not yet “With Justine’s 2008 Olympic expe- at a time. The game we play doesn’t been finalized, but a strong showing rience, she has the opportunity to change. The ball’s the same size; the at this year’s World Championship in share some insight with her team- field’s the same size. It’s really impor- Chiba, Japan, surely wouldn’t hurt. mates of what they can expect at a tant to remember that, but also to And that is Smethurst’s key focus for World Championships that potentially recognize the stage that you’re on at 2018. “We can’t be too consumed about doubles as an Olympics qualifier,” the same time. Olympic qualification,” she says. Barlow says. “You grow and mature as a person. “While it’s important and that’s the end “Ultimately her biggest contribution Ten years ago I was starry-eyed. I was game for where we want to be, we also will be producing world-class perfor- playing with some of my idols on the want to win a gold medal at the World mances each time she’s out on the field Australian team. “For me now, it’s all about enjoying the game.” Bandits Sign Fico to Bolster Pitching Staff

ROSEMONT, IL. The Chicago Bandits high 53 batters over the course of the have come to terms with right- campaign. handed pitcher Rachele Fico on a Fico also added relief efforts in both of one-year contract, team officials have Akron’s games against the Scrap Yard announced. Dawgs in the 2017 NPF Championship Fico, entering her sixth season at Series, tossing three innings and the professional level, spent her first fanning three. five years with the Akron Racers. The Initially drafted with the first overall LSU product has logged 316.2 career selection in the 2013 Draft, Fico was a innings in the circle, amassing 26 wins two-time NFCA All-American during and six saves. her time at LSU. The two-time USA “Rachele is a talented pitcher with During her final season with the Softball Player of the Year finalist made a history of success in the NPF,” Racers, Fico made 17 appearances, a career-high 23 appearances during Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn including 10 starts, and recorded a her rookie season. She built off her said. “We’re looking forward to her career-best 3.22 ERA. She tossed three impressive first season by winning 11 continued success in Chicago.” complete games and struck out a team- games as a second-year pro.

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