SUMMER 2020 EDITION Volume 33 • Number 2

Seniorwww.seniorsoftball.com SoftballMORE THAN JUST A GAMENEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION Major Updates Announced for Remainder of 2020 Senior Softball Season All Qualifier, 2020 TOC Winners Earn 2021 TOC Berth Softball News Report ACRAMENTO – The surging COVID-19 pandemic continues to force changes in the senior Ssoftball season. After tournaments and leagues were cancelled in March, April and May, the sport has started – sporadically in June and July. As of the middle of July, a few tournaments throughout the nation have been played and several have been cancelled. n Western National Championships “We are planning to hold several Move to St. George/Mesquite tournaments in August and throughout n All Winners of Qualifiers in 2020 the rest of 2020,” said Terry Hen- Earn 2021 TOC Berth nessy, Senior Softball USA’s chief n 2020 International Co-Ed Division executive officer. “However, we are Cancelled at the mercy of state and local health officials – who are making decisions Photos by Jack Eberhard based on the spread of the pandemic Action shots from the 2019 Eastern National Championships. Winners of the Eastern and Western National Champions take the first step towards the Triple . Please See Page 4 NSSHOF Inducts 24 in 2019-2020 Class Dave Dowell Inducted in Director Category Softball News Report 11 players and one director. 2020 USTANG, Okla. One of the managers is WOMEN’S – Following a from Canada, another had a WORLD .700 winning percentage, the CUP hiatus last year, SERIES M24 members of the Senior pioneer players had more Softball community re- than 160 years of superb cently received the call of a experience and the players Women's World Cup Series lifetime, enshrinement into inducted have won scores of Update the National Senior Softball All World, All American and Page 4 Hall of Fame (NSSHOF). All-Tournament honors. Play in Two or More Qualifiers - Photo by Jack Eberhard The joint 2019-2020 The lone director is no $200 Off Entry Fee Dave Dowell at the 2019 NSSHOF Class includes two stranger to Senior Softball- Tournament of Champions pioneer managers, two man- Play in Three or More Qualifiers - Please See Page 16 Free Entry agers, eight pioneer players,

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Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 3 Senior Softball News 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 Sacramento, CA 95827 Index (916) 326-5303 (916) 326-5304 FAX www.seniorsoftball.com From the Cover: Sponsor Index: BSN Sports - Official Ball Supplier Publisher Updates on SSUSA Season of SSUSA...... Pg. 23 W.E. Ruth Continued on...... Pg 4 Adidas - Official Shoe of SSUSA Editor ...... Pg. 19 Terry Hennessy Women's World Cup Elite Sports USA - Official Series Update Uniform of SSUSA...... Pg. 13 Managing Editor Continued on...... Pg. 4 Anthony Ramos

Contributing Writers National Senior Softball Bat Sponsors: Art Eversole, Carl Gustafson, Donna Hall of Fame (NSSHOF) McGuire, Stan Reents, Jack Sirard, Continued on...... Pg. 16 Pg. 7 Dave Weinman

Internet Director Scott Flodin News Index: Art Director Pg. 11 Sue Ballenger Covering the Bases....Pg. 5 Pg. 17 Photographer Mike Christy Obit.....Pg. 8 Jack Eberhard JacksActionShots.com So Cal State Marketing Manager Champs...... Pg. 8 Pg. 21 Fran Dowell

Nothing in this publication shall be deemed Umpire's Corner...... Pg. 9 to constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by Senior Softball USA, LLC. (SSUSA), of any information in this publication. Hitting Column...... Pg. 10 SSUSA, LLC., disclaims any and all liability with respect to any use of, or reliance on, such Pg. 25 information. No information in this publication shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as Editorial...... Pg. 12 a recommendation of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted by, or binding on, any person or entity. Nor shall information contained in this publication Senior Moments...... Pg. 14 be deemed to constitute in any fashion what- Pg. 27 soever an endorsement by SSUSA, LLC., of any product or service advertised herein. The Fitness Column...... Pg. 15 material set forth in this publication is provided on an informational basis only. SSUSA, Inc., is not engaged in the practice of any profession, including but not limited to law, medicine and Carl's Corner...... Pg. 26 Pg. 28 accounting, and nothing in this publication should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate competent professional advice. 4 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition Updates: Hardship Requests for World Masters Continued from page 1 Teams that have difficulty ter the 2020 WMC are quali- Champions. in their areas. qualifying all of their play- fiers for the 2021 season and The Eastern National “The situation is fast- ers for their World Masters teams are allowed to add play- Championships remain as changing and fluid, but we Championships roster – or ers of age for 2021 season. scheduled in Loudoun County, believe that the measures have significant difficulties The 2021 Tournament of Virginia, on the original dates: we have instituted – and the playing in a Qualifier – may Champions was moved from July 28 – Aug. 2. nature of our sport – will help be granted exemptions, ac- its traditional February dates Winners of the Eastern or get teams back on the field in cording to SSUSA. to Jan. 20-24 because the Western Championships, the the safest possible way.” The exemptions will be Super Bowl will be played US National Championship Hennessy said that the granted on an individual basis in Tampa, Fla., in February Game and the World Masters dates for divisions competing depending on the hardship. 2021. Championships (WMC) win in the World Masters Cham- The exemptions must be re- Westerns Move to the Triple Grand Slam. pionships (WMC) will remain quested in writing and include St. George The US National games the same. the entire roster of players The Western National will be played during the Among the major changes expected to attend the WMC. Championships, originally World Masters Champion- are: For a list of expanded scheduled to be played in Sac- ships in Las Vegas from Sept. Moving the Western roster exemptions during the ramento and Placer counties 17- Oct. 4, 2020. National Championships to pandemic, see Covering the in California from July 28- International St. George, Utah, Aug. 11-16; Bases on next page. Aug. 2 is being moved to St. Co-Ed Division inviting winners of all 2020 All Qualifier Winners George, Utah on Aug. 11-16. Cancelled SSUSA qualifiers and 2020 Invited to TOC The move comes after The International Co-Ed TOC winners to the 2021 Because of the loss of so California experienced a Division of the World Masters Tournament of Champions many TOC Qualifiers, winners spike in COVID-19 cases and Championships has been can- in Florida; providing hard- of all SSUSA Qualifiers will pulled back opening several celled because of international ship exemptions for teams be invited to the Tournament sports. travel restrictions. that cannot get to a qualifier of Champions in Florida from St. George was the site of The Third Annual Inter- for the World Masters Cham- Jan. 20-24, 2021, according to the Spring Worlds, which was national Co-Ed Division was pionships in Las Vegas, and SSUSA officials. moved from March to August scheduled to be played Oct. adjusting the requirements for Winners will be notified after the initial COVID-19 3-4, 2020 at the World Mas- the Women’s World Cup in and invited after the World shutdown. The winners of di- ters Championships. Valdosta, in October Masters Championships visions in the August tourna- “We plan to add the (See story below). (WMC) in Las Vegas, which ment will represent the West International Co-Ed Division Hardship marks the official end of the in the US National Champion- back to the WMC schedule in Requests for WMC 2020 season. Tournaments af- ship games against the Eastern 2021,” said Hennessy. 2020 Women's World Cup Series Update Softball News Report tive still applies, according to is scheduled over Halloween, Women’s teams enter- SSUSA, and the tournament is Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2020 – and ing the Women’s World Cup open to all women’s teams in all the teams are invited to a Championships in Valdosta, the 40-75 age divisions. Halloween Party and Costume Ga., will receive $200 off “Women’s teams now Contest on Saturday evening their entry if they play in any have an additional incentive to sponsored by the Valdosta- two Senior Softball USA celebrate Halloween and play Lowndes County Parks and Freedom Park, the 2018 Qualifiers this season, SSUSA in Valdosta,” said Fran Dow- Recreation Authority. SSUSA Complex of the Year, announced this week. ell, SSUSA’s executive direc- Women’s teams playing in Valdosta, GA, is set to It was announced earlier tor. “We made this adjustment in fewer than two SSUSA host the inagural Women's that women’s teams would re- because several qualifiers Qualifiers can still compete by World Cup Championship, ceive free entry if they played have been cancelled this year paying the $500 entry fee. Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2020. in three or more SSUSA quali- because of the pandemic.” CLICK HERE for more fiers. The free-entry incen- The Women’s World Cup information. Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 5 Roster Exemptions in Place to Help Teams This year teams are strug- single tournament without a the opportunity to play in a gling to find a place to play Covering the player release. Players would SSUSA Qualifier, they may and players are struggling Bases still need a release if they still be invited to the World with the decision of whether By Terry Hennessy decided to permanently leave Masters Championships. or not to play. outside their region (but from their original team. These exemptions are To make it a bit easier, the same side of the Missis- 3. The wait period for all granted on a case-by-case Senior Softball USA is eas- sippi River). Teams using 10 players requesting perfor- basis depending on availabil- ing some roster restrictions defensive players can add up mance or medical waivers ity of Qualifiers in the team’s and allowing some hardship to two (2) out-of-region play- to play one skill level lower region and the individual requests for the 2020 World ers to get to 14 total players would be reduced to 45 days hardship. Masters Championships. or fewer, and teams using 11 (from 90 days) during the All requests must be in There are three major defensive players can add up pandemic. writing and can be emailed to: roster changes: to two (2) out-of-region play- In addition, teams can [email protected]. 1. Major, AAA and AA ers to get to 15 total players or request to add regular players Teams that are down to a fewer. who could not make a quali- Terry Hennessy is chief minimum number of players 2. Teams are allowed to fier, to their World Masters executive officer of Senior are allowed to add up to two pick up players from teams in Championships rosters. Softball USA and can be (2) players from the same the same age group, skill level And, in extreme situa- reached at terryh@seniorsoft- age group and skill level and appropriate region for a tions, when teams do not have ball.com. New Rules and Recommendations of Play The rules and regula- staff, players and coaches by a foul ball. changes at the field before the tions allowing seniors to play should verbally “good game,” • When one team leaves team begins playing. softball tournaments largely without shaking hands, high- the dugout, the next team will • We will be sending depends on the location of fiving or fist-bumping. need to wait until all players managers new Team Waiver the tournament. In several • Players will be expected have exited, then enter. Forms that each player will states, masks are required in to maintain social distancing • The team leaving the need to sign before play- any public gathering. In other and wear masks before and dugout will need to police the ing, saying they understand places, there are limits on the after the game – and during dugout and get rid of trash, softball is a game of risk and total number of the people the game when possible. especially empty drinking that there is always a risk in allowed inside a softball • Managers will be re- containers. group activities of contracting complex. sponsible for keeping any sick • Park personnel will be viruses or other illnesses. Below are the Senior players or players in quaran- asked to periodically disinfect Check in: Softball USA COVID-19 Pan- tine out of the tournament. the dugouts. • Until the pandemic demic Rules and Regulations, • Spectators will be Manager meetings: subsides, we will change our which can be modified to add required to maintain social • Until is it safe to gather player check-in to minimize local requirements: distancing and wear masks in groups of more than 10, groups and contact. Social contact before, during the tournament. SSUSA will forgo all man- • For the remainder of this during and after games: Dugout: ager meetings. All informa- season, players will not check • There will be a “no- • Keep 6 feet of distance tion pertaining to a specific in individually. Managers will contact, no-handshake policy” in and out of dugout. Play- tournament will be sent to fill in the back of the lineup to be observed at every level ers will be required to sepa- managers via email before the cards with first and last names of the organization until fur- rate and in most cases be in tournament begins. A copy of all players present before ther notice. This includes all and out of the dugout on the of the Manager Notes will be each game and directors will physical contact and extends outside of the field fences to available in paper copy. use the lineup cards to check to customary game-related maintain space. • Managers will receive in the players for that tourna- activities, such umpire-coach • Players will NOT be their updated rosters with the ment after the game. introductions, and post-game allowed to spread out on the Manager Instructions. It is • Managers will be handshakes between members field of play because of the up to the manager to let the responsible for letting direc- of opposing teams. Instead, inherent danger of being director know if there are any Continued on next page 6 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition COVID-19 Rules: No Community Water Jugs Continued from previous page • Any gatherings of teams Personal hygiene: tains at least 60% alcohol. or players before or after • Most important: Avoid IMPORTANT: We will tors know about any changes games will need to follow touching your eyes, nose and be enforcing these safety to the roster before their first personal distancing recom- mouth with unwashed hands. measures so that we can get game. mendations of being 6 feet • Cover your mouth and back on the fields as soon as • Managers will receive BALANCED LOADED MOTHER LOAD LOADED apart, and wear masks. Beer, nose – with a tissue, if possi- possible in the safest way for the balls, a pencil and a by the way, is not an approved ble – when coughing or sneez- all our players and officials. Sharpe to use during the tour- COVID-19 treatment. ing, then properly discard the We will be ejecting any player nament to mark balls, fill in Awards: tissue in the trash. or guest who refuses to follow the lineup cards and sign the • We will NOT be hand- • Avoid close contact with these safety rules for the good cards at the end of the game. ing out individual awards this The Game: anyone else who is coughing of everyone else in the park. season. In the TOC Quali- or sneezing or who is other- We appreciate your coop- • We will be providing fiers, managers will receive wise sick. People who exhibit eration in following these new directors and umpires with discount coupons for their COVID-19 symptoms will be procedures as we work to- either masks or face shields. players from the sponsors. asked to leave the park. gether to maintain the highest These will be worn during • There are three reasons • Wash your hands often, health and safety standards. tournaments to protect of- for this policy: using soap and water for at SSUSA’s primary concern ficials who have multiple 1. First, and most im- least 20 seconds each time. is the health and welfare of contacts with managers and portant, we want to make • If soap and water are players, officials and their players. tournaments more affordable not available, use an alcohol- families. • It will be mandatory for because of the economic based hand sanitizer that con- catchers to wear a covering impact the pandemic over their nose and mouth. is having on many • We encourage players people. Therefore, to wear masks when in the we will be cutting dugouts during the game. all entry fees by 15 • Umpires will keep the percent. game balls and disinfect the 2. We will be re- balls they throw in each in- starting the sport and ning. need to ensure there • The on-deck batter or a is enough money to player assigned by the of- retain staff so that fensive team will wear gloves we can maintain the and be responsible for picking tournaments. up the bat after it is used. 3. Our major • We will NOT be sup- sponsors, as you may plying community water jugs imagine, have lost a for obvious reasons until the great deal of revenue pandemic is over. Players already and this will will need to supply their own also them much individual water. needed capital so • As supplies are avail- that they can contin- able, we will be selling face 2020 EMPIRE ue offering the bats, masks, face shields and gai- gloves and products ters for players who want to FEATURING UPGRADED TRIPLE WALL TECHNOLOGY Senior Softball play- buy them. ers need. We recom- • We will be using single mend players buy umpires for all games to help their equipment from INCREASED MAXIMUM OPTIMIZED offset the increased costs of these loyal sponsors, housing umpires in hotels PERFORMANCE DURABILITY PLAYER WEIGHTING who help keep your alone. (Usually umpires share entry fees lower. rooms). This will help keep your entry fees in place.

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TAG US AND USE @EASTONSLOWPITCH @EASTONSLOWPITCH @SLOWPITCHEASTON @EASTONSPORTSNETWORK #POWEREDBYEASTON 8 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition Mike Christy, 80, Founding Father Dies The last of the three Association and the Huntsman 2005, he was inducted into the founders of the Senior Soft- Games also had begun hold- National Senior Softball Hall ball World Championships ing national tournaments. of Fame. Mike returned to (SSWC), Mike Christy, 80, Christy and Wandry with- Oklahoma in 2018. died July 1 in Oklahoma City. drew from the SSWC Board Christy graduated from Christy and Hal Wandry in 1996, but both continued Oklahoma City University in joined Senior Softball USA to be active in holding tour- 1963 and worked in sales and founder Bob Mitchell in form- naments and playing senior marketing at Campbell Soup ing the Senior Softball World softball. Co., the National Football Championships in 1992. “Mike Christy was instru- League, Maritz Motivation The three had worked mental in developing SSWC and Performance Management with Ken Maas to produce Qualifiers and building the Associates before starting his the first Senior Softball World sport,” said Terry Hennessy, own company, Motivation Series in 1989. SSUSA’s chief executive of- Masters. Mike Christy They broke off from Maas ficer. Christy ran Motivation after the 1992 Wandry died in 2001 and Masters with his wife Sherry husband, Randy; son, Christo- to start SSWC, becoming Mitchell in 2010. Christy and they operated pher Christy and wife, Cheryl; the second national Senior Christy lived for many two successful bowling pro son, Jack Christy, six grand- Softball tournament. SSWC years in Lady Lake, Fla., and shops, Three Amigos, in children and his companion, became the non-profit tourna- Hillsborough/Flemington, N.J. Lady Lake, Fla., for 20 years. Sue Stoneman. ment arm of Senior Softball He was born on Jan. 26, 1940. They sponsored many Three Due to COVID-19, plans USA. Christy grew up playing base- Amigos senior softball teams for a “Celebration of Life” for Within four years, the ball and basketball and, as an in the Villages, where Christy Christy will be held at a future World Championships had adult, he continued to excel in played first base. date. Messages of condolence overtaken the World Series sports, bowling and playing Mike and Sherry, who may be sent to MichaelChris- and all other organizations in softball, tennis and golf. died in 2016, were married for [email protected]. In lieu the number of participating He coached many of his 53 years. of flowers or gifts, please con- teams. By that time, the Soft- children’s sports teams includ- He is survived by his sider a donation to the Jack ball Players Association, the ing baseball, soccer, softball three children: daughter, Christy Special Needs Trust International Senior Softball and Special Olympics. In Cindy Christy-Langenfeld and - at P.O. Box 812, Normandy Beach, NJ 08739. So Cal State Champs Find Unlikely Host YUMA, Ariz. – Due to The tournament featured were submitted at the conclu- Men’s 55 AAA the current pandemic that has 33 teams from five states sion of the tournament. California Coast Plumb- continued to halt tournament (California, New Mexico, Ari- ers/Horn: Marty Rodriguez, play in the Golden State, the zona, Colorado, and Nevada) All-Tournament Teams Erich Fischer, Pat Harris, 2020 Southern California in action across eight divi- Mike Dooley, Anderson Al- State Championships, origi- sions in the Men's 40 through Men’s 40 Gold lamby. nally scheduled to be held in 60 age brackets. Whatever (AZ): Joe Lugo, Men’s 60 Major Hemet and Cathedral City, The top three teams in Sergio Canastillo, Manny Ar- AZ Legends Suncoast: was forced to move to Ari- each division were able to gomaniz, Carlos Camarillo. Bruce Thompson, Jeff Brian, zona, here at Pacific Avenue honor individual players with Men’s 50 Major Kelly West, Mark Hughes. Athletic Complex. all-tournament selections. Scrap Iron/Elite (CO): The dates of the tourna- First place teams receive Matt Franci, Josh Stull, Rick Managers, you can still ment remained unchanged, five selections, second place Lundy. submit your all-tournament June 19 - 21. teams earn four selections, Men’s 50 AAA selections from the 2020 To read the tournament while third place teams can Sin City Warriors (NV): Southern California State recap that appeared in the pick three honorees. Randy Mason, Mark Buchan- Championships to anthony@ newsletter, please CLICK Below are some of the an, William Zacharias, Kriss seniorsoftball.com. HERE. all-tournament selections that Shriver, Albert Montoya. Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 9 Retreating Base Runners, When Is It OK? During a recent Senior confuse the defense, perhaps (Umpire judgment comes into Softball-USA tournament, two Umpire's Corner draw a throw, escape a - play here.) different teams raised ques- By Donna McGuire down and help his teammate Now consider again our tions about a similar base-run- reach first base safely. second actual case, the one away, allowing that runner to ning tactic employed by their Naturally, that type of where the runner slid back get up and run to third. opponents. play is not allowed. It would into second. Other things In the umpire’s judg- Both defensive teams be considered a travesty of the could happen if the throw ment, the runner did not wanted the umpire to call the game, a phrase Major League reaches the second baseman. intentionally interfere with the runner out. Baseball came up with more If the second baseman throw. Therefore, the umpire Neither umpire did. than a century ago to corral a touches the base, the force properly allowed the play The games happened just certain speedy ballplayer who play is off. The runner coming to continue. (Whether the hours apart. In each case, a liked to steal second base on from first is out, but the run- defense agrees or not, it is the runner retreated on the base one pitch then steal first (yes, ner sliding back into the base umpire’s judgment that counts path even though a force play he would go back) during the is safe unless tagged before in this situation.) was in effect. Both runners same at-bat. retouching the base. Retreating on the base eventually reached the next Running bases in reverse However, a double play path usually is legal.But our base safely, after the fielders as part of “a travesty of the would be turned if the second rule book hints at one very threw behind them. game” play is not allowed. baseman tags the sliding run- rare case when it is illegal. In SSUSA, there are four Here are three other situ- ner (whether or not he is back Section 8.1.C. states: situations in which runners ations in which a retreating to the base) and then steps on “A runner in a double play cannot retreat without imme- runner should be called out second base to retire the run- situation who stops or retreats diately being called out. immediately: ner coming from first. Heck, towards the base left is not to One is very rare and 1. When a runner headed with a little luck, maybe the be considered as running the highly unlikely to happen. home crosses the commitment second baseman even throws bases in reverse order or mak- We’ll get to all four later. line and then retreats back to first to record a triple play. ing a travesty of the game.” First, let’s consider the over the line toward third A triple play is more like- Ah, yes. A travesty of actual situations that arose. base. ly than seeing someone called the game. That is the rare In the first game, a runner 2. When a batter-runner out for creating a travesty of case mentioned earlier in this was on first when the batter headed to first retreats toward the game. column. hit a grounder to the second home plate as a defender is Example: A runner is on baseman. The runner took attempting to tag or otherwise Donna McGuire is SSU- third with two outs and his off for second but stopped make a play on him. SA’s Central Region UIC and team trailing in the bottom of and back-pedaled when the 3. When a retreating run- Chair of the SSUSA National the seventh. The batter, who second baseman tried to tag ner throws up his hands to Rules Committee. cannot run well, hits a ground- him. As the second baseman block a thrown ball or other- er to shortstop. The runner at threw to first to retire the wise intentionally interferes third decides to take off for batter-runner, the lead runner with a play by the defense. raced to second and reached it second base in an attempt to safely. Though some defend- ers thought otherwise, this is a perfectly legal base-running maneuver. In the second game, with runners on first and second, the batter hit a grounder to the shortstop. The runner at second took a few steps to- ward third before turning and sliding back into second. The shortstop’s throw to second hit the retreating runner in the back. The ball ricocheted 10 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition Send Barrel Instead of Knob to the Ball By Art Eversole er comes from maintaining a Senior Softball News solid connection of arms to Contributor body as the hips will turn the Previously, I covered the barrel to meet the ball flush. hitting technique of turning- On the other hand, knob- the-barrel around your rear to-the-ball separates the con- shoulder back towards the nection of arms to the body catcher, then forward deep and you then become just an into the swing plane. “arm swinger”. Barrel-to-the- Today, we’ll explore ball also helps eliminate going bringing the barrel directly to out early on the pitch that the ball in contrast to the long- weakens power. established method of knob- Bottom line, barrel-to-the- to-the-ball. ball will generate additional Bringing the barrel-to-the- helicopter. During this mo- the hip turn to bring the barrel mph to your bat-speed. ball directly is the end-result tion, the knob of the bat is not square to the ball. Just a side note, Jose Bau- from turning-the-barrel meth- going straight to the ball but Execution: Start by tip- tista of the Raptors od. Most senior hitters have is rotating around your body ping the barrel of the bat turned his career around when been taught knob-to-the-ball in a circle creating centrifugal directly toward the pitcher he adopted the turning-the- their entire lives. In execut- force. The knob-to-the-ball at about a 45-degree angle. barrel. ing this old school technique, method looks okay to those Now begin drawing the bat The insert photos were the hitter either pulls the bat who have been taught the back toward the catcher, at captured from the internet with the front arm, or pushes technique. When executed the same time cocking wrists instructional video discussing it with the back arm, aiming it does not create early bat and setting bat-lag, this is knob versus barrel to the ball. to move the hands out in front speed. The barrel remains your launch position. The • Link to barrel-to-the-ball before making contact. static when hands are pressed launch position is near your instructional video a 2+min: I realize that sending forward. Contrastingly, rear shoulder where the back https://www.youtube.com/ the knob first to the ball has barrel-to-the-ball starts the elbow has now dropped down watch?v=Henv2cKA9Es a deep history and is well bat-barrel immediately while to the waist area (in the slot) • Jose Bautista turning the ensconced in our baseball maintaining the connection and hands are in the palm- barrel-to-ball 2+min video: culture and teachings. But between arms and body as the up and palm-down pattern. https://www.youtube.com/ there are a veritable plethora hips fire (see insert above). The rotation of the hips will watch?v=B0Tv9JTP2qs of ways to deliver the bat to One major drawback with bring the barrel to the hitting the ball, some work, oth- the knob-to-the-ball technique position. In the process of Happy hitting! ers fail. Barrel-to-the-ball is that the barrel stays back drawing the bat to the launch method employs your hands and does nothing as you begin position, try adding a clock- Art Eversole, of Washing- as the pivot point produc- your swing to the ball. wise (opposite for lefty) twist- ton, has played on Major and ing a quick spinning of the Furthermore, moving ing motion of the bat around Major Plus teams with W.E. bat in a horizontal pendulum the knob to the ball creates a your hands that initiates early Ruth Realty. plane, without pressing arms separation of arms from the bat-speed. He is the NW Senior forward. When pressing body losing the advantage of Summary: The Knob-to- Softball Webmaster/Softball the knob-to-the-ball, there kinetic energy that is stored in the-ball delays the starting of Communications/Hitting Club is a disconnect between the legs and torso. Swinging the swing speed as the barrel is Admin/NW Leagues internet arms and core muscles which barrel-to-the-ball also creates not moving, just your arms. coordinator. produces the power in your a quicker move to the ball, al- Furthermore, Knob-to- Eversole can be reached swing. The barrel-to-the-ball lowing the batter to wait lon- the-ball can produce a chop- via email at rtmyboy01@ action is a fundamental part of ger before swinging, helping ping down swing action at gmail.com. rotational mechanics. eliminate going out early on a the ball, making good contact Barrel-to-the-ball utilizes pitch. When invoking barrel- more difficult. In contrast, your hands as the pivot point to-the-ball, the hands do not the barrel-to-the-ball provides in a horizontal plane, like move forward of the body instant bat-speed in a circular a spinning rotor blade on a independently, but maintain motion, creating centrifugal a solid connection allowing force needed for power. Pow- Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 11 12 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition Opinions & Letters The Rumor Has It Terry Hennessy tion for that matter – can only Editor react to the policies enacted at Senior Softball News each tournament site. Howev- Rumors spread like wild- er, because it takes time to or- fire – and can be devastating. ganize a tournament, SSUSA Not surprisingly, they tend to makes a go/no-go decision on become much more prevalent each tournament at the entry during times of crisis. deadline. They are also an entirely The timing of this deci- normal human activity. sion gives teams a chance to In our softball world, cancel reservations and travel the current rumors normally plans – and gives SSUSA revolve around whether time to arrange the necessary tournaments will be cancelled. details to run the tournament That’s understandable because if it is a go. We do need teams states, counties and cities to confirm whether they are seem to be continually chang- going to the tournament at ing their stages of re-opening. that time so that we can do Those changes, in turn, the schedules, and arrange for are dependent on whether the umpires and directors. Sue Ballenger state or county or city sud- After the tournament will let you know as soon as sible as soon as we know denly becomes a hot spot in entry deadline, there is always we are informed, if that hap- it. We will get through this the COVID-19 pandemic. a chance the situation may pens. together…. hopefully sooner Senior Softball USA – change and the tournament Our goal is to give you as than later. and other softball organiza- may have to be cancelled. We much information as pos-

Seccond Annual Caribbean Classic Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Save the Date: Feb 17-22, 2021

For more information, please contact: Jim Goff [email protected] 563-650-1003 Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 13 14 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition Softball Doesn’t Build Character, It Reveals It I’m in a reflective mood Senior Moments Once I began playing in dozen years, and at the most today. I’m basically quaran- their league he occasionally recent tournament another tined, like so many, as the By Dave Weinman called me at home, even in the player approached him and COVID-19 crisis continues founder and for many years off-season, no real reason, just asked if he was Coach Sha- to affect the United States as the big kahuna for the one and to share something funny or pira. Gary hasn’t been called I write this. It’s kind of weird only senior softball league just say hi. Coach in years and he was at the grocery store, not only available in the Erie area- the At his opening day puzzled. The other player ex- do people give me the 6 feet Erie Codgers. ceremony every year Bruce plained that Gary had been his of distance, it’s almost like we I began with the Erie always arranged for an aide to baseball coach at Camp Kohut can’t even look at one another, Codgers in 2007; my friend bring a mentally challenged in Maine, back when he was maybe the virus spreads by Bart Neckers, who lives out young man named Scotty to 10 and Gary was 21. They eye contact. that way, kept encouraging the fields. Someone would hadn’t seen each other in all When I think back to the me to make the drive from pitch to him until he was able those almost 60 years since, good times I’ve had in soft- Buffalo, and despite hearing to strike a fair ball, and then and yet this “young” man ball and the good friends I’ve about their nutty rules like all us fielders would make recognized Gary. Gary never made, I realize that winning running through all the bases, errors and throw the ball away knew this, but this player told was never the thing that mat- and 13 men in the field, and while he circled the bases him that his coaching and the tered most in the end. It’s true no umpires, I made the drive. for a for which he fun he had that summer led what they say, it’s the journey I figured just once, what the would receive a trophy as the to a life-long love of playing that matters, not the destina- heck. 13 years later I still Home Run Champ at the year- ball. tion. make the hour and a half drive end banquet. “I alone cannot change the Two of my softball friends as much as I can in the fall for Because of the coronavi- world, but I can cast a stone have died recently: Dick the doubleheaders they always rus pandemic we can’t have a across the water to create Sperling of Williamsville, play. memorial service yet. That’s many ripples.” (From Mother N.Y., and Bruce Baumann of What made their league OK, it will take some time Theresa, not Dr. Dave). Erie, Pa. so fun was Bruce. His en- to find a ballpark in Erie big Hoping that softball is If you read my previous thusiasm was infectious. He enough for the crowd. again in full swing by the time story, Dick was Spud. He was always remembered every- My last story is about you read this in the SSUSA an absolutely terrible ball- one’s name. There are four another Erie Codger- Gary Summer edition…. player who was completely teams in the league, but the Shapira, who turns 80 this unaware of this fact. This is rosters were always a little year. Bruce actually gave David Weinman, of New what makes softball so great, fluid. He moved people as the Gary the nickname Nomar, York, is the newest contribu- we become lost in the game, need arose from team to team; which stuck. Get it? Nomar tor to SSUSA News. A member the rest of the world doesn’t and everyone wore the same Gary Shapira. Say it fast. of SSUSA since 2010, Wein- matter for an hour and a half. uniform. Everyone over 50 Gary has been playing man has attended numerous Dick was off the field a kind was welcome, no matter their with our team from Buffalo, SSUSA International Tours. and gentle soul, and he’ll be ability level, and the whole the MOGS, in an over-60 missed. lineup hits, no one sits. tournament in Pompano Bruce Baumann was the Beach each of the last half- Annual Convention Postponed Until 2021 Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) announced it will be post- poning its annual convention until 2021. “Because of the uncertain nature of the current pandemic, we believe it is best to postpone our Annual Convention until 2021,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s chief executive officer. “However, the National Rules Committee will meet online at the end of the season.” The convention, originally scheduled Nov. 29- Dec3, 2020, Sacramento, Calif., will host the 2021 SSUSA/ISA will be held Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2021. The site will be the same: Convention Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2021. Sacramento. Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 15

3 Key Exercises to Maintain A Healthy Back By Stan Reents, PharmD Keep your spine straight as you hold this spine can be depleted of oxygen after 30 Senior Softball News position. seconds of sustained contraction, even Contributor • Bird Dog: On your hands and when the contraction is only moderate in In February, George Hood set a knees, extend one arm forward and the intensity. You don’t have to be a physi- record by holding a plank position for 8 leg on the opposite side straight out cian to understand that depleting any hours and 15 minutes. During a practice behind you. Keep your spine and your tissue of oxygen is a bad idea! attempt in 2018, he claims he planked for extended arm and leg horizontal. Also to be avoided are exercises 10 hours and 10 minutes. Each Side Bridge and Bird Dog pose where the back (spine) is twisted. Even Then, in May, Iceland’s Hafthor should be held for up to 8-10 seconds. sitting on an exercise ball and rotating Bjornsson set the deadlift record by lift- Assuming they don’t cause pain, your arms and shoulders from side to side ing 1,104 pounds. These athletes don’t McGill recommends doing each exercise is unwise, according to Dr. McGill. seem too concerned about their back in three sets: Start with 8 repetitions of Are back stretches helpful? McGill health. each exercise, rest, then do 6, rest again, warns to avoid stretches that bring the It’s been estimated that 80% of peo- then do 4 reps. If you can’t do all 18 chest and knees closer (bending forward ple will suffer back pain at some point repetitions in one session as summarized, at the waist), especially first thing when in their lives. Back pain is a potentially then do fewer. you wake up. serious medical condition. Thus, it’s best The key principle is to build up Finally, sitting for many hours at a handled by a physician, not a personal muscle endurance, not muscle strength. time can cause back pain. If your job trainer. As you improve your endurance, increase requires this, use a chair that keeps your However, Stuart McGill, PhD, a the routine to 10 reps, rest, 8 reps, rest, 6 spine in a natural, neutral alignment. world expert on back rehab, provides reps. Elevate your computer monitor to eye intelligent guidance on what exercises For images and greater detail, see: level. And, get up and walk around every are best for maintaining back health, and https://www.acefitness.org/education- 45 to 60 minutes. which ones to avoid. and-resources/professional/expert- McGill recommends these three: articles/7077/low-back-exercises-stuart- Stan Reents, PharmD, is a health • Curl-Up: Lie on your back with mcgill-s-big-three/ care professional and health/fitness one leg straight and the other leg bent Another exercise McGill likes is a coach. He created the website www.Ath- with that foot flat on the ground. Place simple lunge, but modified by raising leteInMe.com®, a resource on the health your hands under your lower back. Con- the opposite arm straight above your benefits of exercise. He is also the author tract your stomach muscles to lift your head. So, if you step forward with your of “Sport and Exercise Pharmacology.” head, shoulders and chest slightly but left foot, you would raise your right arm. don’t sit all the way up. Don’t tuck your This position is held for two seconds chin; keep your upper spine straight. and repeated several times on each side. • Side Bridge: This could also be People with knee pain might want to called a side plank. Lie on your side with avoid this exercise. your knees bent. Lift your body up by What about holding a plank position placing your forearm directly under that for hours and hours? shoulder. Only your forearm and your McGill’s research shows that the lower leg should be touching the ground. long, thin muscles that run along the 16 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition NSSHOF: Continued from page 1 4 SSUSAManagers regional and world/ InductedSPA in 2010. In Newestthe Northwest andClass is without USA (SSUSA), as Dave Dow- national tournament since Additionally, Fulks has doubt part of the reason that ell, SSUSA National Director/ 2004. been inducted into the Hall Western Canada has as many Scheduling, was recognized In addition to his schedul- of Fame in both Heartland teams participate in tourna- for his 17-year career in Se- ing duties, Dave has been on (2012) and Arkansas Softball ments with the Huntsman and nior Softball. the SSUSA Rules Committee (2015). SSUSA.” The NSSHOF is split since its inception and has Outside of managing, The Manager Category is between the pioneer path and served as chair in 2014-2015 Fulks also serves as president highlighted by Karen Honey point system path. and is the editor of the Official of the Board of Directors for and James Sears. In the pioneer path, all SSUSA Rulebook. the North Little Rock Softball Karen Honey, Manager nominees must be a minimum Michael Boone, SSUSA Association. of 75 years old and must have National Director and NS- “One of the characteristics participated a minimum of 10 SHOF Class of ’16 member of Jim’s teams has always years in senior softball. says of Dowell: “He sets a been loyalty and cohesive- In the point-system path, great example for all within ness, and that starts with all nominees must be a mini- SSUSA to be the most thor- Jim and his concern for all mum of 60 years old, have ough, and best that they can his players,” said Jim Mor- participated a minimum of 10 possibly be to achieve tourna- gan. “One strong point is the years in senior softball, and ment success.” importance he puts on involv- may begin earning nomination The Pioneer Manager Cat- ing our wives, which in turn points at age 50. egory is highlighted by Jim makes it much more enjoyable For further details on the Fulks and George Masters. for all.” nomination process, please Jim Fulks, Pioneer George Masters, Pioneer Honey’s senior softball CLICK HERE. Manager Manager career spans 13 years, coach- Dave Dowell, Director ing California Spirit 50 and As a director, Dowell then 55 from 2002 – 14. has worked 15 World Cham- Those years included three pionships, 12 Tournament Triple Grand Slam crowns of Champions, 12 Eastern (2004, 2007, and 2009). National Championships, and “The California Spirit five Western National Cham- teams that Karen has coached pionships. in the 50 & 55 divisions had “SSUSA is extremely over a .700 winning percent- proud of Dave’s achievements age, won many Huntsman and on the field and scheduling Senior Olympics champion- huge tournaments; this is a ships, as well as a few Triple well-deserved honor,” said Fulks, current manager of Masters, who has built Crown championships,” said Terry Hennessy chief execu- Boyd Metals (formerly Tee- a 30-year career in senior Suzy Brazney. “In addition, tive officer, and Fran Dowell, ters, The Crackerbox, Sigma softball, has managed Masters during the 2004 and 2011 executive director, in a state- Bank, and Bank of Rison), has Marauders since 2001. seasons, the team won every ment. a senior softball career that His teams have won Dowell has been an spans 25 years. championships in numer- Continued on page 18 SSUSA Director since 2003 His teams have won ous associations, including and has developed what many World Championships in ISA Huntsman (2002 & 2010), consider to be the finest tour- (2006), NSA (2007 & 2013), SPN (2007), SSUSA (2011 & nament administration system and Heartland (2010). They 2012), and NSA (2013). being used today - in schedul- have also placed second in Jim Klassen says of ing and bracketing the largest World Championships in Masters: “George and his events in the history of Senior SSUSA (2010 and 2013), Marauder teams are well Softball. Through his system, NSA (2010), SPA (2013). known. He has worked tire- Dowell has authored the game For his efforts, Fulks was lessly at promoting the values schedules for almost every named Manager of the Year in of playing senior softball in Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 17 18 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition NSSHOF: 8 Pioneer Players Earn High Honors Continued from page 16 plex and demanding seasonal Ohio Tri Stars. tournament that they played schedule is bar none a full For her contributions to in.” time job.” women’s sports, Cavins won James Sears, Manager The Pioneer Player Cat- the Senior Sportswomen egory consists of the octuplet Award in Delaware in 2010. of: Doris Brown, David Bush, “It has been a pleasure Ellen Cavins, Fred Donaghy, to coach Ellen Cavins,” said Ray Dye, Robert Eisenhauer, Gwen Cappadona. “Her dedi- Peg Moyer, and Mary Niessel. cation, focus and continual Doris Brown, Pioneer desire to improve the game Player make her a joy to coach.” Fred Donaghy, Pioneer nament/All-American selec- Player tions, MVP’s, Best Defensive Player, and Leading Hitter awards. Bush has played with Ed’s Aluminum, Southern Sears has spent a decade Pride, Premium Seats, Geor- managing one of the top teams gia Peaches, Florida Invest- on the East Coast, Superior ment Properties, and currently Senior Softball. Center For Sight. His teams have won “David has been our numerous national champion- everyday short stop with great ships at the highest level (60 defensive skills and one of the Major Plus, 65 Major Plus, Brown has played senior strongest throwing arms,” said and 70 Major Plus), across softball for 16 years with Blue Hugh Brotherton, NSSHOF various associations, USSSA, Chicks, Thoroughbreds, Ohio Donaghy began play- '16 and manager of Center For SPA, and ISSA. Tri Stars and Classic. She has ing senior softball in 1995, Sight. “David is a good person Sears was a two-time racked up eight All-American building an impressive 20- and is our Chaplin, leading us Manager of the Year in SPA honors, an MVP award, and year career. He led his teams in a prayer of thanks before in 2014, earning the accolades two-time best defense recipi- to championships in both the start of each tournament.” with Superior Senior Softball ent. SSUSA and SPA. Former manager of the Ellen Cavins, Pioneer “Although Fred has expe- 60 and Hamel Builders Supe- Player rior 65. Blue Chicks, Paula Klemm, rienced a significant amount Stephen Pierson, NSS- says of Brown: “Doris hits of success, as defined in terms HOF Class of ‘18 states: “As with power, she hits for of winning, it has always been a natural leader, Jim stands average, outstanding defense, my feeling that this is not his out as a true gentlemen and throwing arm has a zip and primary focus,” said Robert ambassador of the great sport she is a team player in every Fisher. “In his approach to of Senior Softball. His abil- way. Her softball ability and athletics, I believe Fred places ity to implement, organize, enthusiasm do not adequately greater emphasis on sports- and coordinate a very com- reflect all the intangibles Do- manship and on playing any ris brings to the team. She is sport in a fundamentally cor- thoughtful and optimistic. She rect manner and by the rules.” is a role model who typifies Ray Dye, Pioneer Player the best in senior softball and Dye has a senior softball women’s athletics.” Cavins played with fellow career that spans 18 years, David Bush, Pioneer ’19-’20 NSSHOF inductee where he has accumulated Player Brown and has earned mul- number MVP and Al World Bush has a senior softball tiple All-American, MVP and Honors in SSUSA, SPA, and career that covers 26 years. Best Defense honors during ISSA, as a member of Indy During that time, Bush has her 13-year career, playing Fog, Chicago Classic, Direct racked up numerous All-Tour- in SPA and ISSA with Blue Chicks, Thoroughbreds, and Continued on page 20 Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 19 20 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition NSSHOF: Pioneers Total 163 Years in the Game Continued from page 18 “Bob is a pioneer of Niessel began her softball Senior Softball on the West career with Ohio Cardinals Coast,” said John Keller. “It and played her first tourna- was an honor to play with Bob ment in 1997 at the Senior and see the love that he had Olympics in Tucson, AZ. for Senior Softball.” Over her 27-year career Peg Moyer, Pioneer playing in SPA and ISSA, Player Niessel has earned 10 All- American honors, as well as an MVP All-World selection, as a member of Ohio Tri Stars and Thoroughbreds. team The Clovers in the 50s, “Mary has played the Employers, Bucks & Bulls, before later moving on to play entire time she has been Pfeiffer Auto, and Canterbury with MOB, GSF, Joe Brown coaching,” said Gwen Cap- Cruisers. All-Stars, Full Circle, Rose padona, “with the exception “Ray has been our MVP Enterprises, and Venom. of one season during which for most of our tournaments “Dave is one of those she battled and defeated and when he was not, he still players that comes along only cancer. Not only did she beat made the All-Tournament so often possessing the rare it, but she returned to play the team,” said Ron Hellier. “He five tool player skillset that Moyer’s senior softball very next season. That is the is our leading offensive player makes him a special Senior career began in 2002 and ultimate example of the fight as well as a defensive stand- Softball player,” said Steven acquired over 30 individual and determination that runs out. Many players look up to Imlay, NSSHOF Class of awards (All-World, All-Amer- through this fine lady’s blood. him as he gladly shares his 2010. “He is an individual that ican, All-Tournament, MVP, She is an inspiration to all.” game knowledge with them.” is always offering support and Best Defense) over her 16 Sissy’s main position is Robert Eisenhauer, Pio- help for his teammates when year career. first base ... She has the ability neer Player they are struggling.” “Peg has improved to make our other infield- Sam Golden, Player women’s senior softball with ers look like superstars by her suggestions, coaching and scooping and stretching, even playing,” said Peggy O’Neill. if they aren’t sending the best “She is always a threat when throws her way.” she comes to the plate. Hits The group of 11 in the all fields, a base hitter and can Player Category include: also hit the long ball. Very David Clover, Sam Golden, hard to defend. Peg has got- Wade Heppert, Raymond ten stronger as the years go. Hubbe, Shirley Karper, Rich- She is a valuable asset to any ard Kuyath, William Macuch, team.” Paul Salow, Stephen Wilson, Mary Niessel, Pioneer Michael Wingard, and An- Eisenhauer’s career dates Player thony Vodola. over 27 years, as he began in David Clover, Player 1988, forming a team for the Clover’s senior softball Senior Games in St. George, career spans 18 years, where UT. He also formed a 55s he tallied eight NSSHOF league in Portland, Ore., in points, earning All-World and 1989, and a 50s league in All-American honors across 1991, and 60s league in 1992, the various organizations, in Vancouver, Wash. LVSSA, SSUSA and SPA Eisenhauer continued from 2006 – 2019. forming leagues in his later Clover sponsored, man- years, creating a 75s league in aged, and played for his own Mesa, Az., in 2011. Continued on page 22 Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 21 22 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition NSSHOF: Karper Lone Female Player Inducted Continued from page 20 all of the major associations. can honors. Macuch has played senior Golden began his senior John Scruggs, (NSSHOF She also earned numer- softball for 22 years, earning softball career in 1995, and 2017), stated that he consid- ous All-Tournament and Best 11.5 points towards the NSS- earned All-World/All-Tour- ers Heppert to be a true “tool Defense in SPA playing with HOF, while playing with Spic- nament/All-American honors player.” “His willingness to Touch of Class, Tennessee er Properties and High Street playing with Texas Legends, play anywhere and anytime Stars, and Southern Stars. Bucs. For his efforts, Macuch Houston Texans, and Hen- shows his love of the game.” Richard Kuyath, Player has been named to the Anne dricks Sports Management. Raymond Hubbe, Player Arundel County Hall of Fame, Randy Hendricks said: Washington DC Metro Slow “Hendrick Sports Manage- Pitch Hall of Fame, and the ment won a number of na- Maryland Hall of Fame. tional/world championships, Ray Wimbrough says, specifically in SSUSA, SPA, “Bill is one of the first players ISA, NSA, ISSA and USSSA. you would pick when starting Sam was instrumental in that a senior team. He excels in success, making many All pressure situations and is an American/All World teams.” excellent hitter with consider- Wade Heppert, Player able home run power as well as very good defensively.” Kuyath has racked up 12 Paul Salow, Player Hubbe, who began play- NSSHOF points playing in 19 ing senior softball in 2001, years with Korba Insurance, has tacked on 15 points Minnesota Masters, Doc’s towards the Hall of Fame over Greyhounds, Rickers, and his 17-year career, playing Minnesota P5/Ancell. Kuyath with High Street Bucs and began playing senior softball Crystal Cobra. in 1998, and has been in- “Ray was one of the best ducted in the Minnesota ASA players to even come out of Hall of Fame in 2002, and the the state of Maryland; helped Minnesota USSSA Hall of Heppert has amassed an lead our team to 15 National Fame in 2007. incredible 26 points towards Major World Champs,” said Ed Korba says of Kuyath, the NSSHOF over a 15 year NSSHOF manager, Pat Carey “Dick was one of the most Salow began his senior career in senior softball play- ’17. productive power and clutch softball career in 2008, earn- ing with teams such as Mid- Shirley Karper, Player hitters on our roster, leading ing 14 points towards the NS- Atlantic, Fergie’s, Damon’s the team in home runs, RBI’s, SHOF playing with Seacrest Grill, Bass Softball, Triangle and was one of the leading Mavericks, Nazzareno Long- Master, Carolina Corbras, and hitters for average in all those horns, Summy’s Nighthawks, CrossFit/Great Clips. Heppert years.” and Sommerville. earned All-World and All- William Macuch, Player “Though he has a quiet American honors playing in demeanor and an unassuming attitude on and off the field, Paul is incredibly talented both offensively and defen- sively,” says Jon Kramer. “In our multiple National and World Championships, Paul Karper’s senior softball has often led in homeruns, career spans 14 years, where RBI’s Gold Gloves, and MVP she’s earned best defense in awards. His competitive at- 2003 and 2005 in USSSA, as titude and great desire to win well as MVP and All-Ameri- Continued on page 24

24 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition NSSHOF: Continued from page 22 SportsmanshipHe has been a great pitcher, has aalways Key been a great Attribute base separate him from even the hitter and fielder, consis- hitter with home run power superstars he plays with.” tently excelling ad leading our when needed. One of Mike’s Stephen Wilson, Player teams.” biggest assets is his speed for Michael Wingard, a senior player. He is versa- Player tile and energetic player that always helps his teammates when their games are not go- ing well.” Anthony Vodola, Player

Team Florida. “I played against Tony for years and have also been teammates,” said Don Clat- terbough. “He was and is an intense competitor, an Wilson began his senior outstanding outfielder, and softball career in 1999, play- a good hitter. He has proven ing with New York Statesmen. Over his 17 year career, to be a better teammate than He’s racked up 10 NSSHOF Wingard has totaled 12 points opponent. I respect him as a points over his current 20- towards the Hall of Fame, player and as a person. year career, in which he also playing with some of the Congratulations to the played with Thermco, Brix & top teams out of Maryland, In his 18-year career, NSSHOF Class of 2019-2020. Stix, and Beef O’Bradys. including Fergies, Damons Vodola has earned 18 points For more information Gary Richter syas, “Steve Grill/Angle Inn, Reckpo Spic- towards the Hall of Fame, on the NSSHOF, please visit has been a great competitor ers and High Street Bucs. playing with Connecticut http://www.sshof.org/ his whole life, a great team- Ray Winbrough, HOF Sportsplex, New Jersey Hit- mate and a super class person! class of 2012, states, “Mike men, Northeast Hitmen, and Update on Upcoming August Tournaments Two popular qualifiers scheduled for next month World Masters Champion- Cool Country Classic II: that were scheduled in August, in Lacey, Wash., have been ships in the fall. Arizona, August 14 – 16 (Dead- line July 31) the Top Gun Summer Classic cancelled. TEXAS STATE CHAM- Classic Rock at the RAC: in San Clemente, Calif., and The LVSSA/SSUSA PIONSHIPS: August 4 – 9 Washington, August 15 – 16 the Rocky Mountain Champi- Southwest Championships (Deadline July 21) (Deadline July 31) Gainesville Qualifier: Geor- onships in Aurora, Colo., have has been shortened to a 3-day WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Nevada/ gia, August 15 – 16 (Deadline been cancelled. tournament, Aug. 28-30. The Utah, August 11 – 16 (Deadline July 31) Tournaments have still not tournament was originally July 21) LVSSA/SSUSA SOUTH- Kansas City Classic: Mis- WEST CHAMPIONSHIPS: been given the green light in scheduled for six days, Aug. Nevada, August 28 – 30 (Dead- California, causing the cancel- 25-30. SSUSA expects a souri, August 6 – 9 (Deadline July 23) line August 4) lation of the Top Gun Summer much smaller turnout because Milwaukee Classic: Wis- Rochester 10,000 Lakes Classic. of the potential heat in Las consin, August 6 – 9 (Deadline Classic: Minnesota, August 21- 23 (Deadline August 7) The City of Aurora Vegas in August. The tour- July 24) NORTHERN CHAMPI- Last Chance Qualifier: Cal- has cancelled all scheduled nament was moved from its ONSHIPS: Michigan, August 13 ifornia, August 22 – 23 (Deadline tournaments at its facilities traditional April dates because – 16 (Deadline July 30) August 7) Wayne Gilmore Memo- through the end of August, of the pandemic. SPRING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Florida, rial: Maryland, August 21 – 23 causing the cancellation of the Please see the list of 15 August 14 – 16 (Deadline July (Deadline August 8) Rocky Mountain Champs. upcoming tournaments, that 31) DeMarini Oregon Champi- Ocean State Classic: Rhode onships: August 29 – 30 (Dead- Additionally, the Smash still remain on as scheduled, line August 14) It Sports Qualifier and Smash near you and be sure to get Island, August 14 – 16 (Deadline July 31) It Sports Last Chance, both your team in qualified for the Summer 2020 Edition Senior Softball News 25 26 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition You Are the Ball, And the Ball is You When I think back on CARL’S CORNER that decomposition process. into the gaps, or bouncing my death in 2009, one se- Months later when I hard along the ground, and oc- quence of memories stands By Carl Gustafson returned to the ball field I casionally soaring in a tower- out vividly: the gradual loss of Then I lost the power to discovered a new form of ing flight high into the air to power. yell, then to speak at all. I lost exhilaration. land beyond the boundaries of At first I lost the power to the power after that to keep My total loss of power the ball park. run and I stood bent, strug- my eyes open, but I could still had taught me that life is The power that a second gling for air. Then the power hear. power, and in softball I found ago was inside your body and to stand ebbed away and I sat Finally all I had the power a way to visualize it and vicar- soul, is now a shooting star down on the first base dugout to do was to think a silent iously fly and soar. zooming high over the green bench. But soon I needed to prayer, and then I no longer The ball itself can not grass below testifying for all lay down as I lost the power had the power to remain con- generate energy, it is just a to see that you are very much to sit straight. I could feel the scious and all went to black, hunk of lifeless material. The alive. power leaving my muscles and I no longer had the power bat hanging in the dugout has Don’t take that sight and and I knew that I could no to awaken, no power to stay no power, it is just a compos- feeling for granted. There longer arise. I could hear alive as my heart beat its final ite of hardened chemicals. But comes a day… myself yelling at the players — ba-bump. when you bat the ball, your not to call an ambulance or The medics did have power, your life, your verve Carl Gustafson is an I would kick their behinds enough power to bring me and vitality, are transferred SSUSA Southern California when I managed to get up off back 45 seconds later, but I into the ball and when it flies Director and member of the the ground from where I’d had already begun to decom- away your power becomes SSUSA National Rules Com- fallen, no longer having the pose, my heart is to this day excitingly visual. The power mittee. power to maintain my pros- 15 percent dead tissue from and flight of that ball is you trate position on the bench. rocketing a 100 miles an hour

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www.worthsports.com 28 Senior Softball News Summer 2020 Edition mikensports.com