Q&A with Olympian Jessica Mendoza - pg. 43

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7 Women's Open Slow : Hawks/Miss Kitty's claims title in 2008 The team from Iowa uses a come-from-behind effort to win

8 Men’s Slow Pitch; ABS Easton claims 2008 title TCP/Easton forces "if game" with 20-19 win but ABS Easton takes title

9 2008 Hooters Championship Series a Success in Oklahoma City! Five Champions crowned with an excitement packed weekend of softball

12 A Message of Hope The journey of the 2008 Olympic Team

16 The Gold Coast Hurricanes Bringing the ASA 18-Under GOLD title to the state of Florida for the first time

If You Build It, They Will Come. 17 ASA Hall of Fame Complex and ASA Associations provide top notch facilities

Vote 2016 19 The fate of Olympic softball will be determined in October

20 2008 National Championship Results

21 2009 National Championship Schedule

22 2009 Playing Rule Changes

25 Ageless Umpire Lloyd Bailey of Ohio has called over 5,000 games

26 Officialgear.com Get everything you need to be ready to umpire the first game of the season

29 Bernie Profato – Saying Good-Bye After 39 Years One of ASA’s finest retires after a stellar career

30 Class of 2009 - ASA Hall of Fame Eight more added to the membership bringing total to 353 Executive Director 34 Circle of Prayer Ron Radigonda Players show spirit to help an ASA family member in need

Editors 36 I Wish To Watch U.S. Olympic Softball Julie Bartel A young girls’ wish granted to travel to Beijing to support the U.S Olympic Team Holly Krivokapich 37 What’s The Difference? Try to find the six things different in the two photos

Contributors 39 The Game America Plays: Celebrating 75 years of the Amateur Doug Arnold Softball Association- Book gives insight into the development of the ASA Dennis Andersen 40 Meet the USA Softball Men’s National Team Ron Jackson The team hopes to bring home a medal from the 2009 World Championships Bill Plummer III Kathryn Roethel 42 Thank You from the USA Softball Women’s National Team

43 Mulling It Over With Mendoza Design & Layout Two-time Olympian Jessica Mendoza answers your top questions Old Hat Creative www.oldhatcreative.com 44 What’s Going On In The ASA?

48 The End Of An Era Balls and Strikes magazine goes online in 2009 The Official Publication of The Amateur Softball Association / USA Softball Balls and Strikes Softball Magazine is published annually by the Amateur Softball Association 2801 N.E. 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, (405) 424-5266. Balls and Strikes Softball® is a federally registered trademark of the Amateur Softball Association of America © Amateur Softball Association 2008 Visit us on the Internet: www.asasoftball.com & www.usasoftball.com ASA Balls&Strikes 4C Ad:Layout 1 11/18/08 1:02 PM Page 1

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Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine

2008 Women's Open Champions

Hawks/ Miss Kitty’s comes from behind to win Women’s Open

Coming from the loser’s bracket, Hawks/Miss Kitty’s of Des Moines, Iowa captured the 2008 ASA Women’s Open National Championship in a 6 -5 walk-off decision over the Armed Forces. It was a long day for the winning team as they played five games tallying a 4-1 record. The Hawks forced the “if” game five when they skunked Armed Forces 2008 Women’s Open 10-0 in game four. In the final championship win, the Hawks Sirene Johnson. “And that we did. We lost to Armed Forces Champions Hawks/ were led by and tournament MVP Sirene Johnson twice and we really needed to combine our mental focus with Miss Kitty show off their (Tallahassee, Fla.) who led the way going 2-for-4 in the final our physical talent to win this. We changed our defense due Championship Banner! game with three RBI. Armed Forces put up a great fight with to their base hits in the game before and we finally started four batters each contributing two hits. But they couldn’t hold hitting the ball. Our team never gave up! And we love Okla- the lead as Hawks/Miss Kitty’s scored two runs in the bottom homa City!” of the seventh for the eventual walk-off win. The home champion went to Hawks/Miss Kitty’s Ruby “This team has a great group of talent, but we just needed Nugent while the batting champion went to extra hitter and to pull together our mental game,” said tournament MVP head coach of Hawks/Miss Kitty's Christan Dowling. 7 »ALL AMERICANS Tournament MVP Sirene Johnson .643 (9-for-14) for the The following is the 2008 ASA Women’s Open Championship All American Team. champion Hawks/Miss Kitty team.

Infield: Ch r i s t a n Do w l i n g , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Infield: Leticia Pa c h e c o , Armed Forces

Infield: Ca r a Co u g h e n o u r , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Infield: Br a n d i Ja c k s o n , Armed Forces

Outfield: Ru b y Nu g e n t , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Outfield: Br i t t a n y Sh a n n o n , Armed Forces

Outfield: Tr a c y Do u g e r e , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Outfield: Ka r r i e Wa r r e n , Armed Forces

Utility: St a c i e Sy m o n d s , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Utility: Bu f f y Ar m s , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Utility: La u r i e Do u g h t y , Armed Forces

Utility: Am y Sc h w e i n f u s , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Utility: Re n a En g e l h a r d t , Armed Forces

Pitcher: Ma r y Ho f f , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Catcher: Si r e n e Jo h n s o n , Hawks/Miss Kitty

Batting Champion: Ch r i s t a n Do w l i n g , Hawks/Miss Kitty

HR Champion: Ru b y Nu g e n t , Hawks/Miss Kitty

MVP: Si e r e n e Jo h n s o n , Hawks/Miss Kitty ABS Easton of Hartley, Delaware celebrates the 2008 National 2008 ASA Men’s Class A Slow Championship title at ASA Hall of Pitch National Champions Fame Complex.

A three-way tie with nine home runs a piece, (from R to L) Andrew Shiltz (Davenport, Iowa), Brett Helmer (Cicero, NY), and Chaun Demars (Becker, Minn.) all received Champion honors. LIVE WEB STREAMING! NEW to the 20008 tournament was live streaming through www.asasoftball.com. With live commentary and online chats available, it proved to be a successful venture that will definitely take place during the 2009 tournament. Men’s Class A Slow Pitch; ASA 2K SERIES! Long Haul/Phonemasters/ Miken won the inaugu- ABS Easton claims 2008 title ral 2008 ASA 2K Series with a total of 120 points! ABS Easton of Hartley, Delaware traveled the furthest for the ASA Men’s Class A Slow Pitch They received an ASA National Championship in Oklahoma City. And the trip was well worth it. Prize Pack valued at over They completed a weekend of outstanding play taking home their first ever Men’s Class $2,000 upon arrival to A National title. The team of slow pitch sluggers opened the weekend blanking Ptown Boyz Oklahoma City for the 21-0 and never looked back until the championship round. In game two, All Star Plumbing Men’s Class A National fell victim to ABS Easton in a 25-6 defeat before TCP/Easton of Burlington, Iowa saw ABS Championship. The prize pack was a combination of ASA Easton for what would be the first of three meetings in two days. With the 18-4 win, ABS merchandise, Hooters Restaurant gift cards and sponsor was cruising as they knocked off Team Combat/Pytch Blakk in a 26-8 win for the 4-0 record equipment. into the championship round. The ASA 2K Series started in 2008 and consisted of seven A determined TCP/Easton team rose to the occasion in the championship game forcing designated tournaments serving as ASA 2K sites meaning 8 the ‘if game’ with a 20-19 seventh inning victory. But the power and defense of ABS endured that each event will award a $2,000 travel certificate to the as they claimed the title in the final game of the tournament with a 15-10 championship first place team. The teams then received their money victory. The champions were led by the efforts of winning Bill Honeycutt (Elkridge, upon arrival in Oklahoma City for the ASA Men’s Class A Md.) and Shaun Ballard who each contributed three hits National Championship. a piece. Brett Helmer (Cicero, NY), one of the pick-ups for ABS, drove in three runs and finished with a 3-for-4 BE SURE TO PARTICIPATE DURING THE 2009 SEASON! performance and shared the HR trophy with two other players. The loss ended a tremendous run for TCP/Easton (6-2), which was led by pitcher Losson White (Omaha, Neb.) who was named the tournament’s MVP and clearly deserved it as he did everything he could to propel his team to victory. In fact, if it wasn’t for White TCP might not have advanced to the ‘if game.’ It was White’s two-run scorching liner off the glove of ABS second baseman Chris Omaha, Nebraska native and Montenegro in the bottom of the seventh that scored the tournament MVP Losson White winning and tying runs in a 20-19 win in the championship poses with ASA Tournament game to force the if game. Umpire-In-Chief Bernie Profato. An insurance adjuster, the 29-year-old White batted .677 and drove in 12 runs. He was added to the team as a pick-up player and it proved to be one of the best pick-up players for TCP in years. The front of White’s jersey was evident how hard he worked to get TCP to the champion- ship round. It was covered with the Oklahoma red clay as he time and time again dove for balls and stopped them to make the play, some of them spectacular. 2008 Men’s Class A Slow Pitch First-Team All American Summing up his team’s performance, White said, “It – Kneeling from R to L: Rhodney Donalson (ABS/Easton, was unbelievable. We weren’t expected to do anything. It Kyle Decker (Team Combat/Pytch Blakk), Brian Wegman was fun and we certainly played together.” (ABS/Easton), Andrew Shiltz (TCP/Easton). As a team ABS Easton, hit .640 for the weekend Standing from R to L: Chaun DeMars (Tharaldson slugging 31 home runs and outscoring opponents 124 Enterprises), Todd Joerling (Jean Shoppe/Team Easton), to 48. The leading hitter in the tournament was ABS Reggie Schulte (Tharaldson Enterprises), Brett Helmer Easton’s Brian Wegman (Hamilton, Ohio), the other ABS (ABS/Easton), Rusty Bumgardner (Team Combat/Pytch pick-up, who batted .900 (18-for-20) with seven homers Blakk), Nate Staats (TCP/Easton), Losson White (TCP/ Easton). ASA President-elect Andy Dooley and 18 RBI. presents Tournament Batting The 2009 Men’s Class A tournament is slated for Oc- Missing: Dexter Avery (Armed Forces), Denny Crine (Long Champion Brian Wegman with tober 1-4 at the ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma Haul Trucking/Phonemaster/Miken), Eric Thompson (Jean his award. City. Shoppe/ Team Easton), and Brett McCollen (Long Haul Trucking/Phonemaster/Miken).

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine 2008 Hooters Championship Series a success in Oklahoma City!

MEN’S CLASS B TITLE STAYS IN THE EAST MVP Burkhalter hit .545 for the weekend with three home runs AS LIGHTHOUSE WINS SERIES 3-1 OVER and a team-leading seven RBI. REDWOOD

Lighthouse suffered its first loss of the Series on the final day, but came back with a win to take home the Hooters Championship Series Men’s B Crown with a 3-1 record. Lighthouse took the first two games before a neck and neck game three as no team led by more than two runs. They were tied go- ing into the seventh inning, but Redwood outscored Lighthouse, 4-2 to take home a 13-11 victory and keep the series alive. Lance Dalbey (Minneapolis, MN) led the way for Redwood going 4-for-4 with three runs scored.

The win pushed a game four where Lighthouse secured their title with a 12-2 win. Lighthouse’s Jason Branch (Brooksville, Fla.) scored two runs while going 3-for-4 with three RBI. The series MVP was awarded to third baseman Donnie Burkhalter (Clermont, Fla.) who was 6-for-11 with three home runs and seven RBI.

“This really means a lot to us to win,” said Burkhalter. “We worked really hard this year and traveled a long way to get here. It’s a nice way to end a good tournament and also thank our sponsor.”

GAME RESULTS Game 1: Lighthouse 4 Redwood/Sportsdiamond.com/Worth 1 Game 2: Lighthouse 14 Redwood/Sportsdiamond.com/Worth 3 (5 innings) Game 3: Redwood/Sportsdiamond.com/Worth 13 Lighthouse 11 Game 4: Lighthouse 12 Redwood/Sportsdiamond.com/Worth 2 (Championship) Since 2001, the Men’s Class B title has been won by a team representing the East. 9 SUBURBAN/SKS WINS MEN’S CLASS C CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 2 A.M. VICTORY

Finishing in the wee hours of the morning, the Men’s C title was gutted out by CA/JO and Suburban/SKS ending at 1:40 a.m. with Suburban/SKS on Fairbanks displays his top 14 to 13 in eight innings. CA/JO made a valiant effort in the bottom of the MVP honors following the seventh inning scoring seven runs to tie the game at 13 before the winning championship game. run was walked in for Suburban/ SKS to take home the title trophy.

Representing the North in the first year of the four corners concept for Men’s Class C, Suburban/SKS finished their pool play at 1-2 and came into the final day as the No. 2 seed. They were 2-0 in the bracket coming into the first match-up with CA-JO, but their bats fell short in a 20-8 defeat forcing the “if game.” But with their spirits and energy high after midnight, they burned the midnight oil in order to claim the title of 2008 ASA Men’s Class C National Champions.

The MVP award was given to Todd Fairbanks (Jackson, Miss.) who led all batters for Suburban/SKS hitting .636 (14-of-22) for the weekend. As a team, the champions hit .484 with six total home runs recorded.

GAME RESULTS Pool Play 1: Suburban/SKS 5 Ruffnecks 15 (5) Pool Play 2: CA-JO 16 Phares Glass 10 Pool Play 3: CA-JO 19 Suburban/SKS 4 Pool Play 4: Ruffnecks 17 Phares Glass 18 Pool Play 5: Phares Glass 4 Suburban/SKS 11 Pool Play 6: Ruffnecks 10 CA-JO 20 S Bracket Game 1: CA-JO 22 Phares Glass 12 Bracket Game 2: Suburban/SKS 18 Ruffnecks 12 Bracket Game 3: GM 3:Ruffnecks 14 Phares Glass 10 Bracket Game 4: Suburban SKS 13 CA JO 3 Bracket Game 5: Ruffnecks 10 CA JO 23 Bracket Game 6: Suburban SKS 8 CA JO 20 Bracket Game 7: Suburban SKS 14 CAJO 13 (8 inn.) (Championship) After a long night, Suburban/SKS poses with their 2008 title trophy.

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine JOE CORBIS WINS MEN’S CLASS D WITH COMEBACK WIN OVER BLUE WATER Blue Water of Fallbrook, Calif. finished with one more win than Joe Corbis of lighting the inning was five-straight hits including a by Lane Strobel Frederick, Md., but the final game is what mattered as Joe Corbis triumphed (Walkersville, Md.). Both Strobel and Joe Mullinex (Jefferson, Md.) were over Blue Water 5-4 in the final game of the Hooters Championship Series in 2-for-3 in the Championship game. Men’s Class D. One of only two games with a combined score of less than 10 in the Class D tournament, Blue Water was unable to combat a five-run Billy Bakner (Waynesboro, Pa.) was crowned the Men’s Class D Most Valu- fourth inning that pushed Joe Corbis to the title. able Player as he was responsible for 13 RBI, four runs scored and hit .545 (12-for-22) over the weekend. It was all Blue Water in the final game as they led Joe Corbis 4-0 until the lead change in the fourth would end up being the score in the books. High- GAME RESULTS Pool Play 1: Blue Water 6 Dust-Tex 0 Pool Play 2: Softball Express 13 (5) Joe Corbis 2 Pool Play 3: Joe Corbis 11 Dust-Tex 7 Pool Play 4: Blue Water 13 Softball Express 5 Pool Play 5: Softball Express 19 Dust-Tex 4 (4) Pool Play 6: Blue Water 9 Joe Corbis 8 Bracket Game 1: Blue Water 13 Dust-Tex 2 Bracket Game 2: Joe Corbis 18 Softball Express 17 Bracket Game 3: Softball Express 20 Dust-Tex 8 (5) Bracket Game 4: Joe Corbis 18 Blue Water 14 MVP Bakner took home Joe Corbis kept the Men’s Class D title in the East for Bracket Game 5: Blue Water 12 Softball Express 8 top honors after leading the 4th consecutive year. Bracket Game 6: Joe Corbis 5 Blue Water 4 (Championship) the team with 13 RBI.

YARD DAWGS CLAIM WOMEN’S CLASS C TITLE OVER THE LOOKOUTS Alex’s Yard Dawgs of Calhoun, Ga. claimed the Women’s Class C National Angie Huff (Griffin, Ga.) drove an RBI single to left field to plate the eventual Championship in dramatic fashion. After winning the first two games of the winning run. series, they looked to be cruising to the title but the Lookouts of Houston, Texas certainly bounced back making the final day a fun one. In the 7-6 win, Alison Cook (Mobile, Ala.) and Beth Kimsey (Helen, Ga.) combined for four runs while Huff and Stacie Wheeler (White, Ga.) both The Lookouts started the second day strong as ever taking a 9-4 victory in contributed two RBI a piece. game three to put the series at a 2-1 advantage to the Yard Dawgs. The Lookouts had three players go for 3-for-4 in the contest while Racheal Jackson The Yard Dawgs Dena Stacks (Gainesville, Ga.) was crowned the MVP of (Spring,Texas) went 4-for-4 with three RBI. the Tournament for her outstanding play. Stacks hit .462 (6-for-13) with two RBI while scoring two runs. 10 Neither team was ready to go home in game four as the teams battle through 10 innings with the Yard Dawgs emerging with a 7-6 championship victory. The Yard Dawgs took an early 3-0 lead in the third inning, but would trail by one as the Lookouts took the 4-3 lead in the fourth inning. The Yard Dawgs looked to be closing in with a 6-4 advantage in the bottom of the seventh inning, but the Lookouts responded tying the game with two runs thanks to clutch hitting from Lisa King (Pasadena, TX). The defense and pitching of both teams silenced the eighth and ninth innings before the Yard Dawgs

GAME RESULTS Game 1: Alex’s Yard Dawgs 8 Lookouts 4 Game 2: Alex’s Yard Dawgs 9 Lookouts 0 MVP and pitcher Dena The 2008 Women’s Class C champions hit .397 as a Game 3: Lookouts 9 Alex’s Yard Dawgs 4 Stacks led her team team outscoring opponents 28 to 19. Game 4: Alex’s Yard Dawgs 7 Lookouts 6 (10 inn) (Championship) from the circle with a 3-1 record.

ELLIOTT COMMUNICATIONS DOMINATES WITH 3-0 RECORD TO WIN WOMEN’S CLASS D Elliott Communications of Olathe, KS swept the Women’s Class D division “It’s great to walk away from this with a National Championship title,” said with a game three come from behind 19 to 16 victory over the Dynamic Duels Schmidt. “This is my third Hooters Championship Series and it feels good for the championship title. It was a close one as the Dynamic Duels looked to to come here with such a great team. This was the first HCS appearance pushed Elliott to a game four with an 8 to 7 lead after three innings. However, for many players on our team so I am happy that we were able to make it the strength of Elliott persevered as they produced three consecutive four- a winning one.” run inning performances to take game three. Six Elliott players contributed three hits in the contest while three of those four each added four RBI. For the series, Elliott Communications outscored the Dynamic Duels 46-19 over the two days of competition.

The West continues to dominate the Women’s Class D winning the title for the past three consecutive years. Elliott Communications’ Katie Schmidt (Topeka, Kansas) was named the MVP for the series after leading the team hitting 6-for-9 with eight RBI on the weekend.

GAME RESULTS Game 1: Elliott Communications 12 Dynamic Duels 2 S e r i e s M V P K a t i e Game 2: Elliott Communications 15 Dynamic Duels 1 ECI swept the series with a 3-0 record outscoring the S c h m i d t p o s e s f o r Game 3: Elliott Communications 19 Dynamic Duels 16 (Championship) Dynamic Duels 46-19 to take home the title. a photo following the championship victory. Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine 11

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine U.S. Olympic Softball Team Silver Medalists

A Message of Hope {By Julie Bartel} SA Softball’s 2008 Olympic story wasn’t a fairy tale ending nor did the team Uclose the book with a ‘happily ever after.’ But despite the finish, the message in the end wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about ‘hoping for ever after.’

In 2005, the IOC made a decision that will forever affect the sport of softball. With the ’08 Games being the final hurrah, the U.S. certainly wanted to complete the ‘grand slam’ coming home with a fourth-consecutive gold medal. Fortunately they On August 12, the U.S. met its first opponent in The Canada game then resumed and the U.S. came home with a medal, but unfortunately it was Olympic rookie team Venezuela. Pitcher Jennie battled from behind coming up with an 8-1 win and not of the golden variety, but silver. Finch (La Mirada, Calif.) opened the Games in improving to 4-0. Capitalizing on Canadian errors, successful fashion with a record setting victory. the U.S. took the lead in the sixth and sealed the Dating back to September of 2007, the Women’s The U.S. put up 11 runs for an Olympic record win in the seventh taking the game out of reach National team selected an 18-member roster to for most runs scored in a game while Finch and for the Canadians. From the circle, Osterman journey the country in preparation for competition (Salinas, Calif.) combined for a no- garnered the win as the U.S. would have three in the 2008 . With training camps hitter. Olympic rookie Caitlin Lowe (Tustin, Calif.) games remaining until the playoffs. every month, the team worked to earn a spot on led the U.S. effort with a 3-for-4 debut with one RBI the 15-member roster that would compete in what coming on a solo inside the park home run. Riding an 18-game Olympic win streak dating back would be for now softball’s last Olympic stand in 12 to 2000, the U.S. quickly extended the streak to 21 Beijing. Game two began the three-game gauntlet of fac- after three consecutive run-ahead rule victories. ing its toughest opponents in , Canada First was Chinese Taipei in a 7-0 five-inning tri- With a February 19 start date, on the KFC Bound 4 and Japan in as many days. Left-handed pitcher umph that saw Olympic newcomers Vicky Galindo Beijing tour, the journey began in Tucson, Cat Osterman (Houston, Texas) became just (Union City, Calif.) and (Anaheim, and stretched to every corner of the country. The the second U.S. pitcher to ever toss an Olympic Calif.) earn their first hits in their Olympic careers Red, White and Blue reached the likes of Bir- complete game no-hitter on August 13 with a while veteran Finch earned her second win of the mingham, Alabama and Stratford, Connecticut to 3-0 shutout over rival Australia. The south paw Games with a six- performance. Midland, Texas and Sacramento, California. With was almost perfect in the contest recording 13 a 59-1 overall tour record, the U.S. was poised, and allowing just three runners to reach Then it was the with an 8-0 five-inning confident, and prepared to begin the battle that base via the walk. victory where south paw Abbott recorded the first awaited them in Beijing. Being three-time defend- in Olympic history for a USA Soft- ing Olympic Gold Medalists, the target was on their Next up was northern neighbor Canada, but Mother ball athlete. She recorded nine strikeouts in the back with seven other teams waiting in the wings Nature won out as rain suspended the game 15-batters faced and the U.S. used three home to steal the coveted gold medal. in the fourth inning. With the U.S. runs improving to 6-0. trailing 1-0, play resumed against With a week of practice in Canada the next day after Cruising right a long, the U.S. closed round-robin Beijing, the team was fortu- the U.S. cap- action with a 9-0 win over Olympic host China. nate to experience tured win No. Using a first inning nine-run rally, the U.S. secured one of the most 3 with a 7-0 the No. 1 seed in the playoffs for the second con- c e l e b r a t e d a n d five inning secutive Olympic Games. Japan finished as the decorated Open- All three medal winning game against No. 2 seed with Australia at No. 3 and Canada ing Ceremonies in Japan. The landing at No. 4. Olympic history. U.S. used a To add, President teams gathered together and four-run first With a fourth-gold medal just two games away, George W. Bush inning attack the U.S. opened playoffs with a heart pumping made a special visit en route to 4-1 extra-inning win over Japan. Facing Japanese to practice that cre- spelled out “2016” in victory over pitching ace Yukiko Ueno, who had defeated the ated memories to Japan while U.S. on four occasions since the 2004 Games, the last a lifetime. He just in front of home plate. connecting game displayed softball at its finest. The pitching of laughed with the on eight hits Abbott held off the Japanese through eight innings team and encour- including a before the efforts of Lowe and power hitter Crystl aged them to keep new Olympic record with four home Bustos (Canyon Country, Calif.) put four runs on doing what they were doing to runs in the contest; two of which came the board in the top of the ninth to seal the victory. inspire little girls across the country from Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.). With the win, the U.S. would move to its fourth to be athletes and role models. He promised From the circle, Abbott garnered her first Olympic consecutive Olympic Gold Medal game. to them to help get the sport of softball back on victory tossing five complete innings allowing just the Olympic program. one hit and retiring four batters via the strikeout. And Japan again would be the opponent. Ueno and crew fought back through the bronze medal

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine through the first two innings before they their cleats at home plate symbolizing an end to struck first with a 1-0 lead in the third. Eri five outstanding USA Softball careers. all left their cleats at home Yamada then drove an Osterman pitch ... over the fences for a home run and the But as the tears began to dry and hugs conta- 2-0 lead. A thirty-minute rain delay then giously spread, something happened on the field plate symbolizing an end to halted play, but the U.S. quickly responded that night that was greater than a victory and more as home run leader Bustos put the game emotional than a defeat. The international softball five outstanding USA Softball at 2-1 with one swing of the bat with a world sent a message of hope. All three medal home run to left field. Continuing to play winning teams gathered together and spelled out careers. from behind, it just wasn’t in the cards for “2016” in softballs just in front of home plate. The the U.S. as they left six runners stranded enemy lines disappeared and a chant of the words 13 in the final innings before Japan added “Back Softball” emerged. Arm in arm, the softball game with a 12-inning thriller against Australia another run for the eventual 3-1 win. world was uniting in a message to the IOC….and who came away with the bronze as the Japanese hoping for “happily ever after.” advanced. Stunned with disbelief, the U.S. walked away with the silver medal as Japan captured its first Facing Japan for the third time in six days, the Olympic Gold. With tears of sadness not only game drew a crowd of over 8,000 as history was for the outcome but also the sport’s sendoff, the being made with what could be the final Olympic medal stand drew emotions for the U.S. players Gold Medal game for softball. from deep within. (Santa Fe Springs, Calif.), Bustos, (Indian Harbour With Osterman in the circle, the U.S. came out Beach, Fla.), Tairia Flowers (Tucson, Ariz.) and strong in the gold medal game holding Japan Lovieanne Jung (Fountain Valley, Calif.) all left

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine

The Gold Coast Hurricanes – Bringing the Gold back to the East Coast By Holly Krivokapich Coach Marty Cooper well as competition became “I was very proud of how down to the draw and some Olympics and while some watched from afar in 2007 more intense. Highlighting this team battled through lucky breaks.” may have that goal it’s very as the Firecrackers captured the season was an appear- the season. This team had C o o p e r, w h o h a s difficult and they must real- the 2007 ASA Girls’ GOLD ance at the Canada Cup awfully big shoes to fill and coached for 30 plus years, ize it may not happen. That 18-Under National title, after with games against Japan, I am very proud that they is dedicated to the sport but doesn’t change that softball knocking his Gold Coast Venezuela and a couple worked hard to battle into a quick to point out that there is a great game and such a Hurricanes out of the hunt for of games against teams of real solid ball club. Going un- is more to life than softball. good way to get skills that a Championship. This 2007 the defeated is a great stamp for He coached his own daugh- you will use later in life.” third-place team lost 10-12 league. The team went 2-4 the State of Florida as well ters, but both pursued other The view was much players but the 2008 team but the event was a good as for the East Coast,” said options high school finding sweeter in 2008 but looking went an impressive 7-0 to psychological preparation Cooper. “At the gold level, great success off the soft- ahead Cooper will again lose take home Florida’s first-ever for the team. the competition is so close ball field. many of his top players. But GOLD Title. The last stop of the 2008 and there are so many great “Softball is a great av- if the past is any indicator of As for many GOLD season, but definitely not the teams. You need to be good enue to make friends, travel the future, it’s much too soon teams throughout the Nation least important, ended with but a little lucky as well and and sometimes get your edu- to cast them aside. one of the biggest hardships the team posting a 7-0 re- sometimes the ball bounces cation paid for at a school for them is losing the players cord and a golden title at the your way. I honestly believe you may normally not be to college and the 2008 Gold ASA Girls’ GOLD 18-under a lot of the teams can get to able to attend. However Coast Hurricanes were no National Championship. It the final four but it can come very few athletes go to the exception, losing more than came down to a Champion- 10 of its lineup from 2007. ship game that exemplified Adding to the struggle was their season, battling back the team was more of a for a win. The Corona Angels regional team with athletes took the lead but would not from about five states so hold it as Gold Coast tied 16 they could not really gel until it up then went ahead. The school was out and the team teams would tie again in could get some solid prac- the fifth, but in the bottom tice. The first two qualifiers of the seventh Gold Coast’s left the team still searching Kelly Smiley came through to qualify for Oklahoma City. with a hit giving the team It was not until early June a 6-5 win and Florida’s first in Auburn, Alabama, with a ASA GOLD title. Stephanie complete staff, that a quali- Brombacher, a freshman at fication was set. Florida, carried the load for After qualifying in Au- the pitching staff with the 2008 ASA Girl’s GOLD 18-Under burn, it was time to get down team rallying behind her to National Champions to business. With the team bring the Gold title back to roster solid, practices as the East Coast.

»RESULTS

Place... Team Name...... Hometown....Record

1st...... GOLD COAST HURRICANES....Plantation, FL...... 7-0 2nd...... CORONA ANGELS-TYSON...... Corona, CA...... 7-2 3rd...... AZ HOTSHOTS GOLD-GATTI....Scottsdale, AZ...... 5-2 4th...... SO CAL EXPLOSION...... Tustin, CA...... 5-2 5th...... SO CAL ATHLETICS...... Upland, CA...... 6-2 5th...... SHAMROCKS...... Vienna, VA...... 7-2

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine {By Julie Bartel} Photo: Damian Salas

If you build it, they will come. n 1985, when the Amateur Softball (Inset): The ASA four-field complex plays host (Above): The University of Michigan Softball Association (ASA) broke ground on to the WCWS and World Cup every year. Stadium’s Alumni Field was dedicated on April 25, 2008 vs. Michigan State. the Hall of Fame Complex, they had 17 Ia vision. A vision to create one of the most recognized softball venues in the and in 2008 welcomed a brand new state-of-the- facilities in order to promote more events and art scoreboard with video components. To add, essentially enable the game to grow. country; a vision to bring in fans from all thanks to the efforts, time and money of the ASA over the country; a vision to showcase and the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors “When the Olympic team toured the nation on Bureau, the complex has future plans on the ho- the Bound 4 Beijing tour, I was amazed at the the sport of softball on all levels and rizon that include a new press box and an umpire/ top-notch softball facilities we now have in the disciplines; a vision that echoed “If you team meeting room. U.S.,” said two-time Olympian . “It’s really exciting to see how the park and recreation build it, they will come.” An around the clock operation, the stadium attracts directors and colleges have put forth such an effort over 125,000 fans every year including over 500 to keep softball alive and thriving.” teams during the 26 weekends of play. Today in 2009, those visions are a reality. As athletes journey through the ASA pipeline and “The complex has really grown over the last 20 aspire to reach the collegiate level, facilities like The ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City years with upgrades and the popularity of the the Twin Lakes Sports Park in Bloomington, Ind., has become the mecca of softball facilities in the sport,” said ASA Stadium Director Chris Sebren. Lagoon Park in Montgomery, Ala. and the James country. Whether you are “We are able to facilitate I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va. assist in participating in a 12-under large tournaments with our the development of not only the game, but the Hall of Fame tournament, four fields and for the WCWS athlete. Teams compete against the ‘best of the are a collegiate fan following we are able to accommodate best’ in ASA National Championships that are the Women’s College World 3,000 more fans by renting continually staged at outstanding stadiums and Series, or have witnessed the outfield bleachers. Honestly, parks around the country. USA Softball National teams, the key to having a first-class more than likely you have facility is hard-working staff, From an ASA standpoint, facilities across all 83 visited the home of softball time and money. With those associations are always making capital improve- in the . three things working together, ments to enhance the experience for the athlete all things are possible.” and also remain competitive for tournaments Depending on the year of bids. There are many factors that weigh into the one’s visit to the facility, Leading the way, the Hall of decision making of ASA National Championships the stadium has certainly Fame Complex has been with the layout and functionality of the facility as On February 21, 2008, the Lady evolved over time. A two- a model for several other a high priority. field complex in its inception, Vols took the field for the first facilities across the country. the home of the World Cup time at Sherri Parker Lee Softball As the sport has progressed “We’ve conducted 15 ASA national tournaments has doubled in size with through the ASA Junior Olym- in Bloomington and won 14 Jim Farrell Awards of four fields, now has 5,000 Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. pic program, stadiums and Excellence over the course of the past 15 years,” permanent seats at the Don Photo: William Ewart. complexes from coast to said Mick Renneisen, Director, City of Bloomington E. Porter ASA Stadium field, coast have enhanced their Parks & Recreation. “We think that providing a

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine quality playing facility for championship play is a Cherokee Recreation and Park Agency was landscaped with grassed islands and flowers so basic requirement for hosting ASA championship originally constructed in the fall of 2004 with five it’s not just a sea of concrete. The flowers around play. At the same time, providing a quality facility Championship lighted fields in the venue. The the facility are changed out 3-4 times a year always also results in providing a benefit for our local complex lies on 12 acres with approximately 500 offering a fresh look. youth and adult teams who play on those same hours per year of events. Under the operation of facilities for their entire seasons. Quality facilities parks Ben Brown, the staff has faced sev- Along with the softball families, Freedom Ridge attract participants for local leagues as well as our eral obstacles over the years, but has always been Park, a 50-acre athletic facility, has four lighted series of invitational tournaments, ASA qualifiers, able to maintain a great facility. Just footsteps regulation soccer fields, four picnic pavilions, and ASA State and National events. You don’t away from the complex is the Valley Playground, two playgrounds, two concession/restroom build- get the opportunity to host these events if you a 20,000 square foot playground that is one of ings, a lighted walking trail, and a maintenance don’t have quality facilities. In addition, by having the largest in the state of Georgia. The complete facility. During softball tournaments, the large these events our community reaps the reward of also has six batting cages as well as an affordable multi-purpose field and the four soccer fields are significant economic impact for our local business concession stand. available for teams to warm-up and practice prior community.” to games. “The 2008 award notices and awards all of the at- In the past five years, universities like Michigan, tention and dedication we put into the facility. The 2006 – Field of Dreams Softball Tennessee, and San Diego State have developed best thing about the complex is there are so many new facilities that have accommodated double user groups and also we have great communica- Complex – Las Cruces, N.M. the fan base as well as provided for high-level tions between the parks and rec department and production on television networks. At the Texas the maintenance so that we host great events Field of Dreams will host the 2010 Girls’ B A&M Softball Complex, they have added additional which sets us apart,” said Brown. “We all get out 12-Under Western National Championship. locker rooms and a players lounge and in the ‘spirit there together and work the grounds to make it of the game’ the Aggies offer their facility to Texas work. It’s not uncommon to see someone rake ASA for championship play so young athletes can fields that has nothing to do with maintenance. Ev- have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. eryone pitches in to make it a positive experience for local and also other states who come here.” "I think the recent upgrade in so many college facilities is an indication of the status of and the in- 2007- Freedom Ridge Park terest in Women's ,” said University of Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins. “It is a Complex – Ridgeland, Miss. fan's game and we have shown that we are a very viable television sport that is beginning to flourish. Freedom Ridge Park hosted the 2004 and 2008 I believe women's softball will be the next women's USA Softball Olympic Teams. sport to break into the male dominated television sportsworld and will surpass women's . Facility upgrades have been the biggest reason for this surge in interest and really has validated that we are here to stay!" The Field of Dreams Softball Complex was built in 18 2001 by the citizens of Las Cruces who passed a school bond issue to fund the facility. The complex Softball Complexes is a girl’s fast pitch facility only with permanent Around the ASA fences set at 200 feet. The fields are in immaculate condition all year long and have been a huge boost for fast pitch softball in the Las Cruces area. In 2006, the Amateur Softball Association along with Stabilizer Solutions Ballyard Products imple- There is a large warm up area for teams behind mented the ASA Complex of the Year award given each field with pitching rubbers for teams to be to the most outstanding complex nomination able to prepare for upcoming games. There are received to the ASA National Office. In addition bleachers that stretch from dugout to dugout to the plaque awarded, each winner receives ap- Freedom Ridge Park has played host to many and behind home plate on each field with ad- proximately $2,000 in field maintenance products ASA events including hosting a tour stop during ditional area for fans to set up lawn chairs down from Stabilizer Solutions. the 2004 Aiming for Athens Tour and the 2008 the outfield fence lines. All dugouts are covered Bound 4 Beijing Tour. In addition to these events, for shade and the bleachers are covered with a “The ASA Complex of the Year award honors and the facility hosts between 20-25 events a season netting to protect fans from foul balls. The entire brings much deserved attention to some of the plus league play. Their league play includes youth facility including the bleachers and second floor best softball facilities in the country,” said Chris softball as well as over 60 teams who compete in scorers are handicap accessible and is a major Sebren, ASA Hall of Fame Complex Director. “The the adult softball league. reason for the extremely large sidewalks and the ASA is fortunate to host its National Champion- entrance into the facility. The two sidewalks have ships in some of the most highly-developed and “This award is a great honor and something that trees and flowering plants in the center that adds maintained stadiums in the U.S.” we will take great pride in. We will use this honor a special touch to the facility. to market our facility for years to come. I have a To see your facility win the 2009 ASA Complex of great maintenance staff who works hard to main- The Field of Dreams Softball Complex is complete the Year, contact your local association commis- tain the facility and provide a great experience to with large air conditioned bathroom facilities, a sioner about nominations! all who come to Freedom Ridge,” said Director of training room and an umpire room with personal Recreation and Parks Chris Chance. “They take lockers. The top floor of the press box can be 2008 – Twin Creeks Softball great pride in everything they do and I think that reached by stairs or by an elevator. There are sep- Complex – Woodstock, Ga. shows. We want people to leave here saying it’s arate rooms for each scorekeeper and announcer the best facility they have ever played in and we for each field and all are air conditioned. do whatever we can to make that happen. We are “The school administration that oversees the Twin Creeks won also very lucky to be backed by a board who gives complex has been very supportive in allowing the 2008 ASA us the budget to accomplish this. This is a good New Mexico ASA to hold its State Championships, Complex of the reward for all the hard work that everyone puts in National Qualifiers, National Championships and Year. to making this a top-notch facility.” large ASA sanctioned events at the facility,” said New Mexico ASA Commissioner Alice Cox. “We The Twin Creeks Another thing that sets Freedom Ridge apart is are currently working with the High School Athletic Softball Complex, the extensive landscaping surrounding the bricked Department to establish a top notch softball clinic operated by the facility. The parking lot can hold 500 cars, but is at these facilities on a yearly basis.”

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine VOTE 2016

{By: Holly Krivokapich}

t was hard to determine where the biggest heartbreak was; the loss of the gold medal that would have given USA Softball the title of “four-time gold medalists”, the goodbye to the five Iplayers and life-long friends who retired their cleats on home plate in Fengtai Stadium; or the realization that possibly the final game for Olympic softball had just ended. With the final out on August 20, 2008, girls from Japan to the United States to the Netherlands woke up from their dream of playing softball for their country to realize that possibly the final out had already been played.

The softball community was stunned when word came out that softball was elimi- nated from the Olympic program in July 2005 during an International Olympic Com- mittee meeting in Singapore. The 105 ballots were distributed in July and softball 19 needed a simple majority of 53 to stay on the Olympic program. With a delegate abstaining, the 104 votes were evenly split, 52-52, ousting the sport with no clear reason why.

The 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy provided a last-chance effort to reverse the decision and put softball back on the program, where it hoped to continue after only being put on in 1996. The vote however was not in favor of the sport of softball leaving the fields empty in 2012.

Although the vote was over three years ago, the confusion and frustration is still very much present as to why softball, along with baseball, are the first sports elimi- nated from the Olympic Games in over 70 years? Was it political? Did softball get lumped in with baseball? A misunderstanding? A punishment for the dominance of the USA in softball? How can a sport that encompasses every type of female athlete and turns no one away, not be allowed at the pinnacle of Amateur Sports in the Olympic Games?

The next chance comes in 2009 when the IOC meets in Copenhagen on October 2. They will commence for the XII IOC Congress where the city and sport programmes for 2016 will be voted on. If the vote is in favor of Chicago as host city for 2016, this could be beneficial for the sport of softball with the popularity it has in the U.S.; however nothing is a guarantee.

Now it may not be as important as why it was voted out, but rather what needs to be done to help the IOC realize the universality of the sport. Less than a month after watching Japan leave with a gold medal, two-time Olympic coach Mike Candrea and two-time Olympian Jessica Mendoza headed to Italy and Great Britain to hold clinics for the youth as well as coaches spreading their knowledge of softball. At several International events, the USA Softball National team has left behind thousands of dollars in equipment to other teams in need of equipment including screens, bats, cleats and balls to help grow their program. The International Softball Federation implemented their program Back Softball at the 2007 Junior Women’s World Cham- pionships with a 10 point blueprint plan to get softball back in the Olympic Games. Their efforts can be found by visiting www.backsoftball.com.

While June 13, 1991 signified the beginning of the journey for Softball in the Olym- pics, early October could prove to be the most significant date as Softball battles to get back where it deserves ... in the Olympic Games. Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine 2008 ASA National Championships Results

ADULT FAST PITCH ...... TEAM HOMETOWN JUNIOR OLYMPIC FAST PITCH...... TEAM HOMETOWN

Men’s 23 Under Fast Pitch...... Farmington Fastpitch Farmington, WI Boys’ 10-Under Fast Pitch...... Northwest Royals Northwestern, MO Men’s A Fast Pitch...... Italian Athletic Club Stockton, CA Boys’ 12-Under Fast Pitch...... Brandon Pizza Ranch Brandon, SD Men’s B Fast Pitch...... CFD Kokomo Saints Kokomo, IN Boys’ 14-Under Fast Pitch...... Soukup Sioux Falls, SD Men’s C Fast Pitch...... Landis Supermarket Telford, PA Boys’ 16-Under Fast Pitch...... Rockhounds Amazonia, MO Men’s Major Fast Pitch...... Patsy’s New York, NY Boys’ 18-Under Fast Pitch...... Hartford Explosion Hartford, SD Men’s 45 Over Fast Pitch...... Harold’s of Lexington Lexington, MO Girls’ A 10 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Wild 1’s Sissonville, WV Men’s 50 Over Fast Pitch...... Harold’s Supermarket Lexington, MO Girls’ A 10 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Platte County Monarchs Platte City, MO Women’s 23 Under Fast PitchVA ...... Legends Hampton, VA Girls’ A 10 Under Western Fast Pitch...... American Athletics Riverside, CA Women’s A Fast PitchNor ...... Cal Heat Manteca, CA Girls’ A 12 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Virginia Class Action Women’s B Fast PitchOC ...... Impact Buena Park, CA Scrappers Salem, VA Women’s Major Fast Pitch...... So. Cal Hurricanes Irving, CA Girls’ A 12 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Thunder Goshen, IN Girls’ A 12 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Force 96 Blast Moore, OK ADULT SLOW PITCH...... TEAM HOMETOWN Girls’ A 12 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Mizuno Pride 95 Torrance, CA Girls’ A 14 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Miami Valley Xpress Centerville, OH Coed A Slow Pitch...... Roundtree Bar & Grill Ypsilanti, MI Girls’ A 14 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Chi-Town Express Coed B Slow Pitch...... S& R Metals Waterloo, IA 14 Black Schererville, TN Men’s 16 Inch A Slow Pitch...... Kings Rolling Meadows, IL Girls’ A 14 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... GA Impact Silver Douglasville, GA Men’s 16 Inch Major Slow Pitch...... Flashback Mt. Prospect, IL Girls’ A 14 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Irvine Sting-Thomas Irvine, CA Men’s Church Slow Pitch...... Eastside Baptist Jasper, AL Girls’ A 16 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Central PA Krunch Harrisburg, PA Men’s A Slow Pitch...... ABS/Easton Hartley, DE Girls’ A 16 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... BNGSA Avantis Angles Bloomington, IL Men’s 35 Over Slow Pitch...... Production Painting Stamford, CT Girls’ A 16 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Tennessee Fury Ootewah, TN Men’s 40 Over Slow Pitch...... JK Inc Orange County, CA Girls’ A 16 Under Western Fast Pitch...... California Breeze Auburn, CA Men’s 45 Over Slow Pitch...... Courtesy Culver City, CA Girls’ A 18 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... East Norriton Men’s 50 AA East Slow Pitch...... Indiana Old Stars Cedar Lake, IN Heartbreakers East Norriton, PA Men’s 50 AA West Slow Pitch...... Dust-Tex Mandan, ND Girls’ A 18 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Bartlett Silverhawks Bartlett, IL Men’s 50 AAA East Slow Pitch...... Carpenter’s Legends Youngsville, NC Girls’ A 18 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... MS Pride Moss Point, MS Men’s 50 AAA West Slow Pitch...... Dust-Tex Mandan, ND Girls’ A 18 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Utah Pegasus Woods Cross, UT Men’s 50 Major East Slow Pitch...... Frederick Chevrolet/ Girls’ B 10 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Apponaug Pride Warwick, RI E&E Metal Fab Harrisburg, PA Girls’ B 10 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Oshkosh Raiders Oshkosh, WI Men’s 55 AA East Slow Pitch...... Lou’s Royals Charlotte, NC Girls’ B 10 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Tulsa Blast Tulsa, OK Men’s 55 AAA East Slow Pitch...... Northern Virginia Force Springfield, VA Girls’ B 10 Under Western Fast Pitch...... West Grove Toxic Garden Grove, CA Men’s 55 Major Plus Eastern Slow Pitch.. Travelodge Columbus, IN Girls’ B 12 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Lehigh Valley Flames Whitehall, PA 20 Men’s 55 Major Eastern Slow Pitch...... Southern Slam Moultrie, GA Girls’ B 12 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Wichita Impact Wichita, KS Men’s 60 AAA Eastern Slow Pitch...... Flip Dow Bonding Girls’ B 12 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Texas Tornados San Antonio, TX Seniors Gastonia, NC Girls’ B 12 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Bonita Valley Bonita Valley, CA Men’s 60 AA Eastern Slow Pitch...... Great Lakes Financial Midland, MI Girls’ B 14 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Renegades Silver Cicero, NY Men’s 60 Major Plus Eastern Slow Pitch.. Turn Two/ Girls’ B 14 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Mt. Prospect Power Mt. Prospect, IL Haynes Jeep/Elite Richmond, VA Girls’ B 14 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Gulf Coast Storm Biloxi, MS Men’s 60 Major Eastern Slow Pitch...... Spicer Properties MD Keedysville, MD Girls’ B 14 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Snohomish County Men’s 65 AA Eastern Slow Pitch ...... Burlington Classics Burlington, NC Express Marysville, WA Men’s 65 AAA Eastern Slow Pitch...... Georgia Nuggets Grayson, GA Girls’ B 16 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Richmond Elite Richmond, VA Men’s 65 Major Plus Eastern Slow Pitch.. Florida Legends/ Girls’ B 16 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Team Conxion Virginia, IL Human Kinetics Ormond Beach, FL Girls’ B 16 Under Southern Fast Pitch...... Rage Kingsville, TX Men’s 70 Eastern Slow Pitch...... Georgia Peaches Lawrenceville, GA Girls’ B 16 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Magic Valley Sooners Kimberly, ID Women’s 35 Over Slow Pitch...... Yard Dawgs Calhoun, GA Girls’ B 18 Under Northern Fast Pitch...... Grand Rapids Mixers Grand Rapids, MN Women’s Open Slow Pitch...... Hawks/Miss Kitty Des Moines, IA Girls’ B 18 Under Eastern Fast Pitch...... Juniata Jaguars Port Royal, PA Men’s B Eastern Slow Pitch...... Lighthouse Orlando, FL Girls’ B 18 Under Western Fast Pitch...... Downey Bellflower, CA Men’s B Western Slow Pitch...... Redwood/Sports- Girls’ 18Under GOLD Fast Pitch...... Gold Coast Hurricanes Plantation, FL diamond.com/Worth Lino Lakes,MN Girls’ A 10 Under Fast Pitch...... Team Smith Blue Chino Hills, CA Men’s C Eastern Slow Pitch...... CA/JO/Absolute Girls’ A 12 Under Fast Pitch...... Corona Angels Smith Corona, CA Bail Company Chesapeake, VA Girls’ A 14 Under Fast Pitch...... Lakewood Ladies Black Downey, CA Men’s C Northern Slow Pitch...... Suburban Softball Kalamazoo, MI Girls’ A 16 Under Fast Pitch...... Lady Magic Elk Grove, CA Men’s C Southern Slow Pitch...... Phares Glass Houma, LA Girls’ A 18 Under Fast Pitch...... Lemont Rockers DD Lemont, IL Men’s C Western Slow Pitch...... Ruffnecks Lancaster, CA Men’s D Eastern Slow Pitch...... Joe Corbis New Windsor, MD Men’s D Northern Slow Pitch...... Dust-Tex Mandan, ND JUNIOR OLYMPIC SLOW PITCH...... TEAM HOMETOWN Men’s D Southern Slow Pitch...... Softball Express Gainesville, GA Men’s D Western Slow Pitch...... Blue Water San Diego, CA Girls’ 14 Under Slow Pitch...... Oklahoma Predators Midwest City, OK Women’s C Eastern Slow Pitch...... Alex Yard Dawgs Calhoun, GA Girls’ 16-Under Slow Pitch...... Clarksdale Meridian, MS Women’s D Eastern Slow Pitch...... Dynamic Duels Winter Springs, FL Girls’ 18-Under Slow Pitch...... Team Kentucky Villa Hills, KY Women’s C Western Slow Pitch...... Lookouts Houston, TX Women’s D Western Slow Pitch...... Elliott Communications Olathe, KS MODIFIED PITCH...... TEAM HOMETOWN

Men’s 10 Man Modified...... Secory Flyers Port Huron, MI Men’s 9 A Modified...... Granite State Bulldogs Sandown, NH

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine 2009 ASA National Championships Schedule

Tournament Name...... Start Date End Date Location Tournament Name...... Start Date End Date Location

ASA ADULT FAST PITCH Men’s Major...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 South Bend, IN Girls’ A 16-Under Eastern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Salisbury, MD Men’s Class A...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Decatur, IL Girls’ A 18-Under Eastern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 York, PA Men’s Class B...... 9/2/2009 9/7/2009 Prescott, AZ Men’s East Class C...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Decatur, IL Girls’ A 10-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 College Station, TX Men’s West Class C...... 9/2/2009 9/7/2009 Hastings, NE Girls’ A 12-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Clinton, MS Men’s 23-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN Girls’ A 14-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Fort Worth, TX Men’s Masters 40-Over...... 8/26/2009 8/30/2009 Springfield, MO Girls’ A 16-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Columbus, GA Men’s Masters 45-Over...... 9/10/2009 9/13/2009 Fresno, CA Girls’ A 18-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Tallahassee, FL Men’s Senior 50-Over...... 9/25/2009 9/27/2009 Prescott, AZ Girls’ A 10-Under Northern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Allouez, WI Women’s Major...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Auburn, AL Girls’ A 12-Under Northern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Green Bay, WI Women’s Class A...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Auburn, AL Girls’ A 14-Under Northern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 St. Joseph, MO Women’s Class B...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Auburn, AL Girls’ A 16-Under Northern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 St. Louis, MO Women’s 23-Under...... 7/16/2009 7/19/2009 Sterling, VA Girls’ A 18-Under Northern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Bloomington, IN

ASA ADULT SLOW PITCH Girls’ A 10-Under Western...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Tracy, CA Men’s Class A...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ A 12-Under Western...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Tracy, CA Men’s Masters 35-Over...... 9/11/2009 9/13/2009 Auburndale, FL Girls’ A 14-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Mt. Vernon, WA Men’s Masters 40-Over...... 8/28/2009 8/30/2009 Mandan, ND Girls’ A 16-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Phoenix, AZ Men’s Masters 45-Over...... 9/11/2009 9/13/2009 Waxahachie, TX Girls’ A 18-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Aurora, CO Men’s Church...... 8/7/2009 8/9/2009 Dallas, TX Men’s Industrial...... 8/21/2009 8/23/2009 Gadsden, AL Girls’ B 10-Under Eastern ...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 York, PA Men’s 16 Inch Major...... 9/4/2009 9/7/2009 Marshalltown, IA Girls’ B 12-Under Eastern ...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 York, PA Men’s 16 Inch Class A ...... 9/4/2009 9/7/2009 Cedar Rapids, IA Girls’ B 14-Under Eastern ...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Dayton, OH Women’s Open...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ B 16-Under Eastern ...... 8/6/2009 8/9/2009 Sterling, VA Women’s Masters 35-Over...... 8/7/2009 8/9/2009 Topeka, KS Girls’ B 18-Under Eastern ...... 8/6/2009 8/9/2009 Sterling, VA Coed Open...... 9/18/2009 9/20/2009 San Antonio, TX Coed Class C...... 8/27/2009 8/30/2009 Cumming, GA Girls’ B 10-Under Southern ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Garland, TX Coed Class D...... 8/27/2009 8/30/2009 Decatur, AL Girls’ B 12-Under Southern ...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 LaGrange, GA Girls’ B 14-Under Southern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Tulsa, OK TERRITORY TOURNAMENTS Girls’ B 16-Under Southern ...... 7/22/2009 7/26/2009 Ridgeland, MS Hooters ASA Men’s East Class B...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Tupelo, MS Girls’ B 18-Under Southern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 College Station, TX Hooters ASA Men’s Eastern Class C...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Columbus, OH Hooters ASA Men’s Eastern Class D...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Salem, VA Girls’ B 10-Under Northern ...... 7/28/2009 8/2/2009 Bloomington, IN Hooters ASA Men’s Northern Class C...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Liberty, KS Girls’ B 12-Under Northern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Bowling Green, KY Hooters ASA Men’s Northern Class D...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Rochester, MN Girls’ B 14-Under Northern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Overland Park, KS 21 Hooters ASA Men’s Southern Class C...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Augusta, GA Girls’ B 16-Under Northern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Wichita, KS Hooters ASA Men’s Southern Class D...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Montgomery, AL Girls’ B 18-Under Northern ...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 Wichita, KS Hooters ASA Men’s West Class B...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Lawton, OK Hooters ASA Men’s Western Class C ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Portland, OR Girls’ B 10-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Salem, OR Hooters ASA Men’s Western Class D ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Farmington, NM Girls’ B 12-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Milwaukie, OR Hooters ASA Women’s East Class C ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Meridian, MS Girls’ B 14-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Clinton, UT Hooters ASA Women’s East Class D ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Dothan, AL Girls’ B 16-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Lancaster, CA Hooters ASA Women’s West Class C ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Springfield, MO Girls’ B 18-Under Western ...... 7/27/2009 8/2/2009 Lancaster, CA Hooters ASA Women’s West Class D ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Salem, OR Men’s Class E/REC Eastern...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Salem, VA Boys’ 10-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN Men’s Class E/REC Northern ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Topeka, KS Boys’ 12-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN Men’s Class E/REC Southern ...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Killeen, TX Boys’ 14-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN Men’s Class E/REC Western...... 8/28/2009 8/30/2009 Sparks, NV Boys’ 16-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN Boys’ 18-Under...... 7/29/2009 8/2/2009 North Mankato, MN CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS Hooters Championship Series Men’s Class B...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK ASA JUNIOR OLYMPIC SLOW PITCH Hooters Championship Series Men’s Class C...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ 10-Under...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 Owensboro, KY Hooters Championships Series Men’s Class D...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ 12-Under...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 Owensboro, KY Hooters Championships Series Women’s Class C...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ 14-Under...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 Owensboro, KY Hooters Championships Series Women’s Class D...... 10/1/2009 10/4/2009 Oklahoma City, OK Girls’ 16-Under...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 Owensboro, KY Girls’ 18-Under...... 7/23/2009 7/26/2009 Owensboro, KY ASA SENIOR SLOW PITCH Senior 50,55,60,65,70,75 East...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Burlington, NC ASA MODIFIED PITCH (only Major, AAA, AA) Men’s (10)...... 9/4/2009 9/7/2009 Fond du Lac, WI Men’s (9) Class A...... 9/4/2009 9/7/2009 West Palm Beach, FL Senior 50,55,60,65,70,75 West...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Spokane, WA Men’s (9) Major...... 9/4/2009 9/7/2009 West Palm Beach, FL (only Major, AAA, AA) ASA NATIONAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS Senior 50,55,60,65...... 9/3/2009 9/7/2009 Oklahoma City, OK 8-Under Pitching Machine...... 5/23/2009 5/25/2009 Cabot, AR (only Major Plus) 8-Under Coach Pitch...... 7/17/2009 7/19/2009 Fort Smith, AR Coed Wood Bat...... 9/5/2009 9/7/2009 Kent, WA ASA JUNIOR OLYMPIC FAST PITCH Men’s Slow Pitch Wood Bat...... 9/5/2009 9/7/2009 Kent, WA Girls’ GOLD 18-Under...... 8/2/2009 8/9/2009 Oklahoma City, OK USA/ASA Girls’ Class A 10-Under ...... 7/26/2009 8/2/2009 Johnson City, TN MILITARY TOURNAMENTS USA/ASA Girls’ Class A 12-Under ...... 7/26/2009 8/2/2009 Normal, IL Men’s Slow Pitch...... 4/17/2009 4/19/2009 Killeen, TX USA/ASA Girls’ Class A 14-Under ...... 7/26/2009 8/2/2009 Marietta, GA Men’s Slow Pitch...... 4/24/2009 4/26/2009 San Diego, CA USA/ASA Girls’ Class A 16-Under ...... 7/26/2009 8/2/2009 Sioux Falls, SD Men’s Slow Pitch...... 5/1/2009 5/3/2009 Washington, D.C. USA/ASA Girls’ Class A 18-Under ...... 7/26/2009 8/2/2009 Las Vegas, NV Men’s Slow Pitch...... 5/1/2009 5/3/2009 Seminole County, FL

Girls’ A 10-Under Eastern ...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Sterling, VA Women’s Slow Pitch...... 4/17/2009 4/19/2009 Killeen, TX Girls’ A 12-Under Eastern ...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Sterling, VA Women’s Slow Pitch...... 4/24/2009 4/26/2009 San Diego, CA Girls’ A 14-Under Eastern ...... 7/30/2009 8/2/2009 Sterling, VA Women’s Slow Pitch...... 5/1/2009 5/3/2009 Washington, D.C. Women’s Slow Pitch...... 5/1/2009 5/3/2009 Seminole County, FL

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Rule 1 Definition Charged Conference: When a team Rule 3 Section 3 B: The Optic yellow ball shall be used in National representative requests a suspension of play or delays the game for the Championships beginning in 2010 for all Slow Pitch, including Coed, Mas- purpose of delivering a message to another team member, unless the pitcher ters, and Seniors. is removed from pitching position. • Comment: The Slow Pitch players wanted this because the yellow ball • Comment: This allows the coach to talk to their pitcher before deciding is easier to see as the game goes on. to remove the pitcher without being charged a conference. Rule 3 Section 6 G: Effect: Players wearing metal cleats after being Rule 2 Section 1: Men’s Modified fence distance to be a max of warned by the umpire not to do so shall be ejected. 325 Feet. • Comment: This adds a penalty for players who wear metal cleats when • Comment: Modified Players requested this to add more defense to not allowed and have been asked to remove them. the game. 22 Rule 4 Section 2 I: Allow a courtesy runner for an ADA player. Rule 3 Section 1 A 1: Remove the word “or” and replace with • Comment: This allows a courtesy runner for an ADA player who is on “and”. base. The rule will be the same as the Seniors rule.

• Comment: All approved bats must have the certification mark and be on Rule 4 Section 6 C 1: Removes the penalty of disqualification from the list of approved bats. Item 3 of the rule about the bats manufactured the Substitution Rule. before 2000 still applies. • Comment: This only removes the disqualification portion of the rule, the Rule 3 Section 1 F: The bat shall be free of burrs, DENTS and balance of the penalties still apply. The unreported substitute is now in visible cracks… the game and all rules regarding reentry still apply.

• Comment: This adds to the call out of the surface of the bat to be Rule 5 Section 8 A: Adds home run limits to Women’s Slow Pitch in free of dents. Umpires will no longer have to identify if a dent is small the following classifications: enough for the bat ring to fit over the bat. If it has a dent the bat shall be removed from competition. 1. Women’s Open Unlimited 2. Women’s Class C 4 3. Women’s Class D 2 Rule: 3 Section 1 K The official bat shall be of one piece construction, multi-piece permanently assembled or two piece interchangeable construc- • Comment: Sets new limits for the number of Home Runs in Women’s tion. If the bat is designed with interchangeable components it must meet Slow Pitch the following additional criteria: Rule 5 Section 8 A 1: Move Slow Pitch Coed Open Classification 1. Mating components must have a unique locking key to prevent uncerti- to the 8 Home Run limit category. fied equipment combinations in the field. 2. All component combinations must meet the one piece bat rules. • Comment: The Slow Pitch Task Force asked for this based on the 3. Manufacturer must demonstrate that the interchangeable bat fails in a players input. safe manner. (i.e. visible damage before locking feature’s) fail’s) 4. Bat components must be designed in a way to prevent uncertified Rule 5 Section 8 A 2: Move Men’s Slow Pitch B Classification to equipment alterations. the 6 Home Run limit category.

• Comments: This allows for new bat technology that the Equipment Stan- • Comment: The Slow Pitch Task Force asked for this based on the dards Committee has studied for several years before approving it. players input.

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Rule 5 Section 8 A 3: Move Men’s C Slow Pitch Classification and Rule 6 Section 6 A Fast Pitch: …. an Approved manufactured Coed C Slow Pitch Classification to the 4 Home Run limit category. drying agent that is included on the list published by the ASA, may be used by the pitcher. The Resin must be left on the ground and the approved drying • Comment: The Slow Pitch Task Force asked for this based on the agent in the pitcher’s pocket. Effect: … If any other substance is found in the players input. pitcher’s pocket the pitcher shall be ejected.

• Comment: Some drying agents are resign and need to submitted to Rule 5 Section 8 A 5: Move Men’s D Slow Pitch Classification and ASA for approval before they can be used by the pitcher. Currently only Coed D Classification to the 2 Home Run limit Category. Gorilla Gold is approved.

• Comment: The Slow Pitch Task Force asked for this based on the players Rule 7 Section 3 B: Adult Slow Pitch Only, Prior to the pitch the input. This also removes the ½ inning out for the D classification. batter will enter the batters box with a one ball one strike count. Exception: Masters and Seniors Rule 5 Section 8 A 6: Add Men’s E/Rec. Slow Pitch Classification 23 of play and establish a zero Home Run limit. Any over the fence Home Run • Comment: The Slow Pitch Players wanted this rule. is a ½ Inning ending out. Rule 8 Section 1 C 2: add to the exception 16” Slow Pitch the ball • Comment: The code added a new classification of Men’s Slow Pitch, remains live. and restricted their home runs. • Comment: In 16” Slow Pitch runners can lead off and can be picked off Rule 5 Section 9 A 1: Men’s Fast Pitch Only: the Run Ahead Rule therefore the ball should remain live. is now 15 after 3, 12 After 4 and 7 after 5. Rule 8 Section3 I Exception: Add Masters Slow Pitch. • Comment: This changes Men’s Fast pitch from 8 after 5 innings to 7 after 5 innings. • Comment: The Masters Division of Slow Pitch can now hit an over the fence home run and not run the bases. Rule 5 Section 9 A 3: Men’s A Slow Pitch Only, 20 after 4 and 15 after 5. Rule 8 Section 5 I: When a fair batted ball deflects off a fence then off the fielder before going over the home run fence. Effect: The ball is dead. • Comment: This changes Men’s A Slow Pitch Run Ahead Rule from 20 All runners and or batter-runner are awarded two bases from the time of after 3 to 20 after 4. the pitch.

Rule 5 Section 11: Add Men’s Fast Pitch 40 – O and 45 –O Clas- • Comment: This should be a two base award since it can not be caught sifications to the Tie-Breaker rule. for an out. We are now consistent with other organizations.

• Comment: The 45 – 0 Classification of Men’s Fast Pitch was added by Rule 8 Section 7 I 2: If properly appealed by any defensive player a rule change and the 40 –O was added by a code change. They both during a live ball the runner is out. will play under the same Tie-Breaker rule as Junior Olympic Girls. • Comment: This is a clarification of the rule as it has been called by Rule 6 Section 1 A Fast Pitch and Modified: The pitcher umpires. must take the position on the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and the ball in the glove or the pitcher’s hand. Rule 8 Section 10: (All Fast Pitch) • Comment: This only clarifies a rule that Fast Pitch and Modified umpires have enforced for years. • Comment: All Fast Pitch will follow the Courtesy runner rule previously used only by the Junior Olympic Classification of Girls and Boys. Rule 6 Section 3 O Fast Pitch and N Modified: Effect: A ball called on the batter.

• Comment: The Effect of Letter O in Fast Pitch and N in Modified was an Illegal pitch and were always intended to be a ball on the batter only.

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine THE FIRST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL EVENT SINCE THE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

JULY 16-20, 2009 ASA HALL OF FAME STADIUM

WATCH AS USA AVENGES ITS OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL LOSS AGAINST JAPAN

WWW.USASOFTBALL.COM LLOYD BAILEY IS KNOWN FOR HIS LONGEVITY AS AN UMPIRE. His closet is wall-to-wall blue. “They call me ‘Blue’ when I work softball games,” said the resident of Sugarcreek Twp., Ohio, who has called games for 51 years. “In football and basketball, they Ag e l e s s are less friendly, calling me, ‘Hey, ref!’ or even a bleepity-bleep.” Bailey, 78, is known for keeping a game comfortable for the players. He also was an Amateur Softball Association commissioner for nearly 20 years in New Jersey. He reflected on six Um p i r e decades of officiating more than 5,000 games. IN HIS WORDS . “In 1954, I was in the Army stationed in Germany and when the call for umpires came from our Ha s Ca l l e d headquarters I applied. I thought I knew enough about softball to umpire the military league. How wrong can you be? I was a total disaster. When informed that two members from the ASA staff were conducting a clinic in Frankfurt, I immediately applied for time off to attend. After the three-day clinic, I decided that when I returned from Germany I would join the ASA as an umpire. I started in 5,000 New Jersey in 1957, attended an ASA umpire school in Staten Island, New York conducted by Merle Butler. After returning to the U.S. in 1968, I joined the New Jersey group again and worked mostly in the two counties of Monmouth and Ocean. In 1982, the Monmouth county umpires wanted to form their own chapter and we separated from the Ocean County group with only nine umpires and two Ga m e s leagues. But during my time here as District Commissioner (18 years) we had 124 umpires and 487 teams from 12-years-old to Masters, both fast pitch and slow pitch. I attended annual umpire clinics and schools as a college umpire because the ASA was doing college games then.”

By Ron Jackson, Staff “My experience with the ASA has always been pleasant and invaluable. I have been to tournament Writer- Dayton Daily News sand clinics supervised by many of the well known ASA Umpire Staff members whom I highly regard Reprinted with permission such as Tom Mason, Merle Butler, Dave Epperson, Norm Davis, Henry Pollard, Ron Jeffers and of the Dayton Daily News now I am an eight year member of the Dayton ASA. I have attended many clinics conducted by the very knowledgeable Jerry Fick. If any umpire wants to be better, ASA is for them. As I begin my 53rd year as an ASA umpire, I believe I can adequately evaluate the ASA program and know it is the best in the world. I am happy to be a member of the ASA Kettering-Ohio Umpire Board, beginning my tenth year here.”

. “I’ve worked softball games that involved 1996 Olympi- ans Dot Richardson and Michele Smith, and that was a big thrill. I umpired The King and His Court with Eddie Feigner. Feigner was a great showman and once threw the ball 114 miles per hour--- faster than Bob Feller.”

“I umpire the old-timers games at JFK Park in Kettering 25 on Mondays, and those fellows are real inspirations. There are players in their 80s and 90s. You can tell they were very athletically talented earlier in their careers. There’s very little arrogance on the diamond. A lot of laughs and camaraderie, though.”

“I’ll call games solo and I can handle it. One game I was working by myself, and there was a play with a runner on second and a hit to the outfield. I stayed close to the plate, but the ball was cut off, and there was a close play at second base. One of the players screamed, ‘Hey ump, why don’t you hustle and get out here and make the call?’ I told them, ‘My name isn’t (former Dodgers stolen-base artist).’ As the lone umpire, which runner am I going to concentrate on --- the lead runner or the trail runner?”

“The best women’s softball pitcher I’ve seen up close is Kathy Arendsen. She was intimidating (6-foot-2, 177 pounds), had an overpowering rise ball, and her fastball was clocked on the radar gun at 72 mph, which is equivalent to a 105-mile fastball in baseball. Batter hardly saw it. She played for the legendary Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, Conn.”

“I’ve. only had one police escort after a game I officiated, and that came in high school football in New Jersey when I was the referee – the one who wears the white hat. The ending of the game resembled the end of the famous Cal- Stanford multiple-lateral game.”

“I. played sports at First Creek High School in Hazard, Ky., and I am a 1949 graduate. I made all-state in basketball and played in the same era as UK (University of Kentucky) greats Cliff Hagen and Frank Ramsey.”

“I’m. not ready to hang up my mask. It helps to have an understanding wife of 54 years (Lois). I’m enthusiastic about softball. I want everybody else to be like that, too.” Photo: Jim Noelker

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Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Top-Tier Team Insurance for ASA Registered Teams for 2009 For the 46th year, Bollinger provides Team Insurance Plans for ASA’s JO and Adult Teams. These coverages stand ready to defend and protect you in the event of injuries or lawsuits arising out of your softball activities. ASA TEAM ACCIDENT & LIABILITY COVERAGES

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2009 ASA Junior Olympic Team Insurance Plans Package Plan (Includes Accident and Liability Insurance) League Rates* Single Team Rates Accident Deductible 12 & Under 13 – 19 yrs 12 & Under 13 – 19 yrs $250 $97 $141 $184 $223 28 $100 $125 $155 $230 $257 $0 $175 $196 $270 $315

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Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine If a person could be called the “face” of the ASA’s person contests and athletic agents. Profato was men’s slow pitch program during the past three appointed to the position in September of 2004. decades, it’s Bernie Profato of Niles, Ohio. On To say Profato has had an interesting career is February of 2009 that will change, however, an understatement. He’s been a solider (Marine when the 63-year-old will conclude his illustrious with service in Viet- 39-year career after attending the ASA’s bian- nam), athlete (fought nual Umpire-In-Chief clinic on February 5-7 in “BERNIE WAS A heavyweight Ernie Oklahoma City. BALLPLAYER’S Shavers in an ama- teur boxing match); Appropriately enough, Profato served as a UIC for UMPIRE..." police officer (retired his last time in September during the ASA’s Men’s from Niles Police With Sylvester Stallone, who Profato served as Class A Slow Pitch National Championship in Dept in 2000) secu- security for as well as watched the World Heavyweight rity man and sports official (professional boxing title fight between Earnie Shaver’s and Muhammad Ali 29 in New York’s Madison Square Garden” referee). BERNIE with Pollard, were the slow pitch mainstays of the Profato, who is a member of the ASA Hall of Fame, National Umpire staff. joined the ASA National Umpire staff in 1979, re- PROFATO – placing his dear friend and mentor, Frank Susor, “When Bernie and I joined the staff, it was primarily who recommended Profato to replace him on the fast pitch umpires,” said Pollard who recalled one ASA National Umpire Staff. Although Profato will of the few times that Profato was on edge. “In Saying good-bye no longer serve as a UIC at the slow pitch national the early years of the National Umpire staff, it was championships and for the East Central Region, required to have potential staff members give a after 39 years he will remain a member of the prestigious ASA clinic to the other members of staff on some phase National Softball Hall of Fame Selection Commit- of softball, then have the potential staff member {By Bill Plummer III} tee. Besides Susor, Profato credits Pollard, Bill answers questions asked by the other members of the National Umpire staff.

Oklahoma City. Class A is the highest level of play The staff members also gave their input about the ASA has for men’s slow pitch, having eliminated potential new staff member to Tom Mason, former the Major and Super Divisions years ago. ASA National UIC from 1972-1980. Mason, who But before they were discontinued, Profato more will celebrate his 78th birthday on April 1, 2009, often than not was the UIC for the top level of recalls he had Bernie “do the infield fly rule and slow pitch and respected the players’ ability. that he was a little nervous.” They in turn respected him because they knew Profato would give them a fair shake and be the Profato quickly learned the finer points of giving take-charge guy needed to handle players at the clinics and became one of the top clinicians in the upper levels of slow pitch. ASA with a refreshing down-to-earth, common sense approach that was well received throughout “Bernie was a ballplayer’s umpire,” said Henry the country. Pollard, former ASA deputy UIC and the Central Virginia commissioner. “If you ask the players “You could count on Profato in the big games,” from all levels of competition, including the very Profato conducting an umpire clinic in Frankfurt, Germany for the Air Force. said Mason. “If I was the UIC and had a tough tough Super Slow Pitch Division, to name the top game coming up in the tournament, Bernie would umpires in the country, Bernie Profato is always be my pick.” mentioned.” Finley, former Southwest Region UIC, and the late Merle Butler (former ASA Director of Umpires), Perhaps Mason has the best description of Profa- Profato is retiring from softball because of the time and others for helping him progress and develop to. ‘’He was one of a kind, very loyal to ASA.” and demands of his job as executive director of the as an umpire. And those are the kind of people that will be missed Ohio Athletic Commission, formerly the State Box- because they have earned the respect of many, ing Commission, which regulates boxing, mixed “I can’t say enough about Pollard’s help in the many people down the road of life.” martial arts, wrestling, kick boxing, karate, tough administration end of it,” said Profato, who, along Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Eight more added to ASA Hall of Fame honor roll {By Bill Plummer III}

lthough he retired after the 1981 season, the National Softball Hall of Fame to Al Yaeger was still happy to get the phone 353 since it was established in 1957. A call informing him he was one of eight Formal inductions were started in 1981 people elected to the ASA National Softball Hall and since 2001 the induction has been of Fame for 2009. held at the closing banquet at the ASA National Council meeting. “I’m elated. I am excited. I just wish it (election) had been sooner,” said Yaeger who will be enshrined The reason Yaeger’s election wasn’t sooner was because he wasn’t nomi- nated until 2008, although he had re- tired in 1981 as a player. He was elected on the first time he was submitted. A nominee can be submitted a total of three times and if he or she isn’t elected then their name is removed from further consideration.

Yaeger, who starred for the Raybestos Cardinals from 1965-1981, is the 12th former Cardinal elected to the ASA Na- 30 tional Softball Hall of Fame. Raybestos has the second most number of former » Jeff Seip hit .500 in 1983 to lead the ASA National players elected to the Hall of Fame. Championship in batting. Only the Clearwater, Fla. Bombers have more of their players in the Hall of Fame with 22. Fellow 2009 Hall of Famer Jeff Seip of Boyer- An outfielder, Yaeger was a member of four Na- town, Pa., also collected a batting championship tional Championships teams and had a career during his career (1976-1990), batting .500 to lead .298 batting average. Yaeger earned All-America the 1983 ASA National Championship in batting. honors three times and also led the 1971 ASA National Championship in batting (.455). One of the most feared hitters in Men’s Major Fast Pitch during his career, Seip awed fans with his outstanding power and consistent RBI totals, hitting 18 homers and driving in 43 runs in National Championship play. He earned All-America honors six times. In 1976, he was a member of the USA Team that shared the gold medal in the ISF World Championship and in 1984 was » Al Yaeger was a member of four National a pick-up player for the Franklin Cardinals Championships teams and had a career .298 batting average. » Allyson Rioux was a member of five ASA National Championship teams and next November in Reno, Nev. four National runner-ups.

Yaeger is one of four players and four non-players who represented the USA in the World in the ASA Hall of Fame Class of 2009. The other Championship in Midland, Mich. Twice players are Allyson Rioux of Stamford, Conn. Seip helped teams win ASA National titles (deceased), Leah O’Brien-Amico of Corona, Calif., (1977-1978) and led his team to a pair of and Jeff Seip of Boyertown, Pa. gold medals in two of the four Olympic Festivals he participated in. The non-players elected included Bennie Bunch of Enid, Okla., (meritorious service), R.B. Thomas Leah O’Brien Amico earned ASA of Manassas, Va. (manager) and umpires Newton All-America honors six times during her Buckner of Brooklyn, N.Y and Tony Walsh of career and was a member of three Olym- Memphis, Tenn. pic gold-medal winning teams in 1996, 2000 and 2004. She posted a .313 batting The Class of 2009 increases the membership in average in 15 highly competitive events

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine the Raybestos Brakettes before she passed away on February 9, 1989 of a brain tumor. She was a member of five ASA National Championship teams and four National runner- ups. In 1985, she won not only the prestigious Erv Lind Award as the outstanding defensive player in the National Championship, but also the tournament’s MVP award. She is the 20th former Brakette elected to the Hall of Fame.

Tony Walsh started his umpiring career in 1979 and worked five ASA National Championships between » Newton Buckner worked nine ASA National 1981 and 2003. In 1988, he was Championships. named to the ASA National Umpire staff representing the Southwest onships, including eight Men’s Modified Pitch Region and remained a member of Nationals. In five of the championships, he was that staff until 2001. He is a mem- selected to work the plate in the championship ber of the ASA National Indicator game. Buckner was named New York City UIC Fraternity and the ASA Medals in 1981 and the association was later changed to program. Southern New York. In 1992, Newton became a member of the National Indicator Fraternity and a “While I look at all the outstanding individuals in the Hall of Fame, I still am in awe of being a part of that group,” said Walsh. “There are so many individuals that were » Tony Walsh started his umpiring career in 1979 truly leaders of the ASA umpiring program. I truly and worked five ASA National Championships owe this accomplishment to the many umpires between 1981 and 2003. that I was able to umpire with, the gentlemen who helped me become a better umpire and the many umpires that I have met through my travels. They during her career, ranging from the Pan American made the clinics fun and rewarding for myself and Games to the Olympics. O’Brien-Amico was an have brought many memories that I will carry with 31 outstanding clutch player throughout her career me for a lifetime.” and starred playing the outfield or first base. Newton Buckner umpired from 1981 through Allyson Rioux, who is only the second Hall of 2001 and worked nine ASA National Champi- Famer elected posthumously, played 10 years for » Leah O’Brien Amico earned ASA All-America honors six times during her career and was a member » A former player, Bunch played or coached in 32 of three Olympic gold-medal winning teams in 1996, 2000 and 2004. state tournaments and served as the ASA rep at 12 ASA National Championships.

year later was ISF certified in modified pitch. Bennie Bunch, the 39th person named in meritorious service, has been involved with the Oklahoma ASA since 1969 and has been instru- mental in the growth and the improvements the Association has experienced the last 40 years. A former player, Bunch played or coached in 32 state tournaments and served as the ASA rep at 12 ASA National Championships. He helped his hometown of Enid, Okla., host 11 ASA Nationals.

R.B. Thomas has been the manager of the Thomas Engineering team the past 31 years, lead- ing the team to eight ASA National Championships in 19 appearances. The National Championships have included two in the 50 plus division, two in the 55 plus division and four in the 60 plus division. Besides being the team’s manager, R.B. has sponsored from one to five teams every year since 1978. During his career, he has sponsored 43 teams with 11 winning ASA Nationals. He is the 26th manager elected to the ASA Hall of Fame.

“It is a great honor to have been elected to the ASA Hall of Fame,” said Thomas. “Myself and our team has been elected to other Halls of Fame, but to be included in the ASA National Hall of Fame is very special.” Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Experience the industry’s best umpire training product:

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34 {By: Holly Krivokapich} Circle of Prayer {Email submitted by: Doug Arnold}

One of the best things at working to gather up the many children that were playing in the dugout right in front of his daughter and her at the ASA National Office is hearing throughout the complex, coaches hurrying to get teammates. Things became very emotional at this equipment covered or in a dugout and a very nice point and one of the mothers from the team had the stories of the people we serve; the man named Paul Medina , who is an assistant the sense to move the girls out of the dugout to the players, the umpires, the coaches and coach for the North Torrance Gold , was desper- pavilion area of the complex where they huddled at times the fans. Recently the National ately helping a group of parents to get control of together crying and praying. In the mean time, Office received this email from Wyoming an easy up canopy. Paul started having some the thunderstorm subsided and the ambulance Junior Olympic Commissioner Doug severe chest pains and was helped by some of and a fire-truck arrived and patiently proceeded Arnold who was blown away at something the parents into the team dugout where a couple of to work on Paul. As they worked on him the word parents pro- that happened during his 16 & Under ceeded to try “B” Western Nationals. It wasn’t a home run or a Operfect game or anything “the word that of that nature but rather what really matters… someone had people helping people. suffered a “During the second day of heart attack bracket play at the 2008 16 & Under "B" Western Nationals be- spread through ing held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, The Gold from North Torrance , the complex..." California was playing the Killer Bees from Springfield, Oregon in a loser out game. It was a pretty competitive to help him game and both teams were fighting to stay alive out. It was a in the tournament. The weather in Cheyenne very serious during this time of the year is known to be a little situation and unpredictable and during the game a small sum- Mr. Medina mer thundershower quickly became a very violent seemed to thunderstorm. The games were all being stopped be having a due to lightning and everyone not from the Chey- heart attack enne area was somewhat in a panic. Parents trying Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine that someone had suffered a heart attack spread “We were so moved to see all the e-mails from through the complex and many people gathered so many concerned people regarding Paul's con- around to see what was happening. The EMT ' s dition. What a way to end Nationals! We did not stabilized Paul and loaded him into the ambulance expect to end with a ride in an ambulance to the along with his wife and sped away to the local hospital. We are still not sure what caused this Emergency Room. medical emergency. We think it may have been a combination of the stress of the game, the bit of As Mr. Medina was driven off in the ambulance, turmoil caused by the weather during that game “I'm the team mom and the players from North Torrance proceeded to the and possibly the altitude to which we are not ac- circle joined hands and sat down to pray customed. The tests were not conclusive. my husband was the for their coach. Many of their parents joined them coach/manager for the in the circle to pray for Paul. Then the most unbe- We were so touched by everyone's concern. We lievable thing happened. Players from the other are very appreciative of how everyone stepped in team at Nationals. This 35 five teams that had been playing on the adjacent to help, especially our team parents that accom- is something that we'll fields and a few additional teams that had been panied us to the hospital and those that stayed there to warm up for the next game along with behind looking after our daughter, Marissa. As we never forget, nor will many parents, coaches, ASA umpires, tournament sped away in the ambulance, we noticed people the team. It was truly officials, field maintenance crew, etc. all poured coming together on the field. We thought perhaps onto the field and formed a large prayer circle. It it was a briefing about the weather and further an amazing experience was the most heart wrenching thing I have ever instructions in dealing with the delays. We were for us all. We, as a experienced. Just minutes before the storm, the moved to tears when we learned that everyone team, were so touched teams had been caught up in their own games came together in a circle of prayer for Paul. We and warm ups . Umpires were getting ready for have faith that this had a lot to do with Paul's but the outreach from their next games and the tournament staff and recovery. As Doug Arnold stated, we also felt this everyone on the field crew were going about the business of running demonstrated how close the softball community an ASA Championship tournament. Suddenly, is. We cannot thank you all enough for helping us that day. It truly shows everyone was a part of the ASA family and pray- get through this very scary situation. We were so how caring the softball ing for a man that only a handful knew. The circle amazed with how everyone stepped up to the plate lasted for a few minutes and then as quickly as it and how everyone was so kind...from all those community is as had formed, everyone dispersed and went back Cheyenne softball officials, coaches, organizers to everyone came together to the business at hand. Many just stood there in all the other team athletes and their coaches and as one.” awe of what had just happened. For the rest of parents to the emergency staff that came to assist tournament it seemed as though everyone was us and everyone at the hospital! Even though our different. Later that evening, I learned that Mr. team did not make it to the championship games Julie Jelski Medina had been stabilized enough to be released on Sunday, we came away with a great feeling for the hospital so that he could fly home to Tor- about the whole experience. rance, California. I have been involved in Girls Thank you all again from the bottom of our fast pitch for over 15 years and I have seen and hearts for your e-mails and the pictures of the been a part of many wonderful things. The game prayer circle and may God bless you all. of softball has been very good to many people and Christina, Paul and Marissa Medina (and son, many great life experiences have come from our Mychael) great sport. From what I saw and was a part of on that August afternoon in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Editors Note: We briefly caught up with Paul I would say that we are a very close knit family. and he is feeling great. He is thankful for the in- The ASA Family.” cident as it helped doctors find that he had some clogged arteries/valves that may have caused a After returning home the Medinas were so full cardiac arrest at a later day. He is forever grate- moved by the experience that they sent out this ful and thankful to the ASA community! email to all the people who helped them through this trying time.

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine The Make-A-Wish Foundation®

of North Texas {By Kathryn Roethel, Make-A-Wish Foundation©} I wish to watch U.S. Olympic softball

c o r e s o f U . S . S women’s softball fans clung to the fences cheering and vying for the attention of their favorite players, who had just completed their Olympic round-robin “It brings tears play with a resounding to my eyes 9-0 victory over China. just thinking The players, however, that she would were all crowded around one young fan – 16-year- choose [to old Rachel, who had meet] us,” traveled to Beijing from added pitcher her hometown in Texas Jennie Finch." and whose fondest wish was coming true.

Rachel has always been a big fan of the USA Soft- ball team. She and her dad 36 watch games together every time the team is on TV, and she knows all the players. Rachel’s own days in the pitcher’s circle – she started for her high school’s varsity team as a freshman – were put on hold, however, when she was diag- Rachel’s dream day to watch the team play nosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. in-person began with tickets to the United States vs. China softball game. After cheer- “It was really, really hard,” said Rachel, the ing her idols to victory, {Rachel By Eli was Pagel surprised } first freshman at her school to letter in soft- when International Softball Federation Presi- ball. “I had to miss a whole season.” dent Don Porter made a special presentation to her. She also learned that NBC’s announc- “Rachel has to have chemotherapy treatment ers had mentioned her wish during the game every Friday,” her dad, Rob, said. “And she broadcast. she would choose [to meet] us,” added pitcher Jennie Finch. used to be afraid of needles! Somehow, “It’s cool. Really cool.” though, she’s managed to stay upbeat.” “It was wonderful – way beyond expecta- tions,” Rob said. And Rachel’s Olympic wish didn’t end with the game or the Rachel’s condition made her eligible for a USA’s gold-medal game she attended. She met Olympic wish, and even though the Summer Olympics Then Rachel got the rare opportunity to meet champion swimmer Natalie Coughlin and women’s discus was almost a year away, she knew her great- every member of the team she’d so long gold medalist Stephanie Brown-Trafton at a pizza party est dream would be to see admired. She collected organized by NBC for wish kids and their families in Beijing. the U.S. women compete “They’re kind of what autographs, a jersey, Rachel invited Brown-Trafton to join her and her family on for the gold medal. In bats and an official game a tour of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the fact, the long wait for her helped me get through ball. Coach Mike Can- Great Wall of China, and much to Rachel’s surprise, Brown- wish was a source of all this,” Rachel said. drea gave her a hug and Trafton accepted! strength for her during the lineup card from the treatments. game. And, best of all, The joy of Rachel’s Olympic wish continued, even on her Rachel posed for pictures and talked to her plane ride home. She shared her flight with the gold-medalist “It made it a little bit easier, knowing there favorite player, pitcher Monica Abbott. U.S. men’s volleyball and U.S. women’s soccer teams. She was something good out there for me to look and her sister were able to try on their medals and pose for forward to,” Rachel said. “When I know that I can bring a smile to photos with the players. someone else’s face, or that I bring chills to Rachel, her parents and her younger sister, them, that just warms my heart so much,” Still, Rachel – her cancer newly in remission – counts the Makenzee, braved the long international flight Abbott told NBC after meeting Rachel. moments she met her softball heroes as her fondest wish from Texas to Beijing – a first for Rachel – and memories. “They’re kind of what helped me get through all experienced 10 days of Olympic glory. “It brings tears to my eyes just thinking that this,” she said.

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine

Magazine

Softball

Softball ANSWERS: 1.Missing Polo logo on jacket, 2.Extra button on jacket, 3.Left rear sign is missing logo, 4.Right rear sign logo is different color, 5.Lapel

& Strikes

Balls Balls pin is on opposite side of jacket, 6.Tag on ID Passes is different color.

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CHANGES

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From the Author – Bill Plummer, III

Now Available! » THE BOOK: “The Game America Plays: Celebrating 75 years of the Amateur Softball Association,” was actually started four LOG ONTO to five years ago by author-historian Bill Plummer III. SOFTBALL OUTLET.COM “I had hoped that someday I could write a history of the ASA and fortunately it happened in 2008,” said Plummer, who had researched the ASA through 1950 before resuming the project when ASA signed with Arnica Publishing to do the book.

“The goal was to make the book the best one we could and I feel this was accomplished. I appreciate the help and coop- eration of the Arnica team and others who contributed to this project,” said Plummer.

Plummer, who has been involved with softball for more than 40 years, dedicated the book to his late father, William H. Plum- mer Jr,, who died in 1982, and to his mother, Ann D. Plummer, who celebrated her 93rd birthday in December and lives in Liverpool, N.Y.

“That made the book special to me,” said Plummer.

THE BOOK MADE ITS OFFICIAL RELEASE AT THE 2008 ASA COUNCIL MEETING IN OKLAHOMA CITY, NOVEMBER 7-14 AND HERE IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

39

“What an awesome publication ! “Plummer did an outstanding job on “The book “The Game America Bill did a great job in putting this the book. I just don’t understand how Plays” is a great piece to honor together; so much so that we have people have that kind of knowledge the sport of softball. It covers purchased 125 copies for all of our but he does and he does a great job everything about the sport from Texas ASA members.” of humanizing all those years. I've the inception of the game to known Bill a long time and he has how far it has come in adult > TEXAS ASA COMMISSIONER GLENN more knowledge that is put down in participation as well as collegiate MORRISON that book than I ever thought. He did and at the national team level. I a great job on it.” am proud of the ASA for putting out this publication so that people > AT-LARGE PLAYER REP AND 2008 HALL OF FAME around the World can have a INDUCTEE FREDDIE EZELL better knowledge of the game.”

> TWO-TIME OLYMPIC SOFTBALL COACH AND ASA DIRECTOR OF COACHING EDUCATION MIKE CANDREA

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine The 2008 USA Team competed in the Tri- Nations tournament with Canada and Japan MEET THE MEN’S TEAM as preparation for the 2009 Worlds. sent the U.S. as it has been a goal of his since he From July 17-26 2009, the USA Softball Men’s National team will com- started fast pitch. pete in the XII ISF Men’s World Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatch- ewan, Canada. A 16-country tournament that consists of pool play and Name: Don Garvey then playoffs, the U.S. will look to better its 2004 World Championship Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin finish of fourth place (7-2) by bringing home a medal this year. Age - Height - B/T: 38 – 6’0” – R/R Position: Infield/Catcher “We have a legitimate shot at competing for a medal,” said Men’s Na- Experience: Has played with Circle Tap since tional team head coach Peter Turner (Stockton, Calif.). “Needless to 2000; Won the 2006 ASA Men’s Major Cham- say, our goal is to find ourselves on top of the podium. We will compete pionship; Member of 2004 USA Softball World and with a little luck we can reach our goals.” 40 Championship team in Christchurch, NZ Favorites: » Vacation Spot: Rocky Mountains » Late Night Along with head coach Turner, the U.S. will be led by assistant coaches Snack: Anything Sweet » Car: Chevy Trucks Dream Job: Thad Brown (Modesto, Calif.) and Avon Meacham (Upper Marlboro, Md.). Anaheim Angels Groundskeeper » Book: Bible » U.S. City: Green Bay, Wis. – because of the Packers! BE SURE TO FOLLOW TEAM USA IN CANADA THIS JULY THROUGH WWW.USASOFTBALL.COM! Quote to Live By: By his daughter Grace Garvey: “The World could be gone tomorrow, so make READ BELOW THE BIOS OF THE 17-MEMBER TEAM. today the best it can be!” NOTE: Only 15 players have been selected and the final two athletes will be added by March 1, 2009. A fulltime salesman for Werner Electric Supply in Neenah, Wisc., Garvey attended the Uni. of Name: Frank Degroat, Jr. Favorites: » Movie: Caddyshack » Sport (Besides SB): Golf Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he was a three-year Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey » College Team: Wisconsin Badgers » Dream Job: General All Conference and 1991 All-American for base- Age - Height - B/T: 33 – 6’3” – R/R Manager of the Green Bay Packers » Song: National ball. He credits his wife Sheree and his parents Position: Catcher Anthem for his success off the field and on the field Chris Experience: Earned the 2007 & 2008 ASA Men’s Quote to Live By: “NDML” DeLarwelle has been a longtime teammate, friend, Major National Championship; Honored as first The 1990 NCAA Division III Baseball Player of and the reason he started the game. He has two team All-American in 07 and second team in 08; the Year, this Uni. Of Wisconsin-Oskhosh gradu- children Dennis, 12, and Grace, 11. Member of the USA team since 2006 ate is no stranger to men’s fast pitch softball after Favorites: » Food: Thai » College Team: Wichita State playing for 15 years. A teacher in Forestville, Name: Paul Koert Shockers » Three people to have dinner with: Barack Obama, DeLarwelle is married to wife Sheryl and they Hometown: Brooklin, Ontario, Canada Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates »Dream job: Stock Broker » have one son, Cade. Age - Height - B/T: 30 - 6'4" - L/L Book: The Hobbit Position: Pitcher Quote to Live By: “Treat others as you want to Name: Nate Devine Experience: 2009 marks his first season with USA be treated.” Hometown: Sonora, California team, but has years of experience with the ISC. An IT Network Administrator, DeGroat Jr. Age - Height - B/T: 31 – 6’2” – R/L Favorites: » Movie: Shawshank Redemption » Vaca- started playing fast pitch thanks to his father and Position: Utility tion Spot: Aruba » Book: Little Red Book of Sales » Pro family who played during his childhood. A former Experience: Has played for five Men’s FP teams team: Dallas Cowboys baseball player who graduated from County Col- and currently plays for the So Cal Bombers; Joined Koert joins the U.S. team having duel citizenship lege of Morris, DeGroat Jr. is the proud father of the USA team in 2007 and competed in the Ameri- in the U.S. and Canada. He was born in the U.S. a 2-year-old. can Challenge Series and 2008 Tri-Nations and moved to Canada when he was three-years- Favorites: » Movie: Tombstone » Vacation Spot: Las Vegas old. He and his wife Allison are expecting their Name: Chris DeLarwelle » College Team: USC » Three People to have dinner with: Bill first child on April 11. Hometown: Forestville, Wisconsin Clinton, John Elway, Albert Einstein » Car: Mercedes Benz Age - Height - B/T: 41 – 6’1” – R/R AMG Name: Adam LaLonde Position: First Base Quote to Live By: “Live life to the fullest.” Hometown: Ashland, Kentucky Experience: 2005 ASA National Champion with A professor and assistant baseball coach at Age - Height - B/T: 33 – 5’11” – R/R Circle Tap; 2002 & 2005 ASA MVP; Has played Merced College, Devine started in fast pitch with Position: Centerfield/Catcher on five USA Softball National teams (99, 00, 04, a hometown team that included his friends and Experience: A member of USA team since 2002; 07, 09) their fathers. The University of La Verne MBA Won 2005 ASA Men’s Majors with Tampa Bay graduate feels it is a tremendous honor to repre- Smokers, Four-time ASA All-American Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Favorites: » Vacation 2001 and says it is “an indescribable honor and Name: Stephen Pinocchio Spot: Australia » Food: to put our colors across my chest to compete is Hometown: Jamestown, California Lobster » U.S. City: New one of the best and proudest moments I have Age - Height - B/T: 28 – 5’9” – R/R York » Late Night Snack: experienced.” Position: Utility Popcorn » Sport (besides Experience: 2008 ASA Men’s Class A National softball): Football Name: Travis Price Champion with Italian Athletic Club; Named to first Quote to Live By: Hometown: Corona, California team All-American; Currently plays fro the So Cal Phil 4:13 - I can do Age - Height - B/T: 32 – 5”11” – R/R Bombers; Named to USA Softball team in 2008 everything through Position: Pitcher Favorites: » Sports Team: St. Louis Cardinals » Late Night Christ who strength- Experience: Has played in ASA since 2002; Snack: Brownie Bites » Toughest Opponent: My alarm clock » ens me. currently plays for Vancouver Grey Sox; Been Dream Job: To play A Central Michi- a member of Quote to Live By: “What would you attempt to do gan University alum, USA Softball if you knew you could not fail?” LaLonde currently National team Pinocchio is the rookie of the 2009 squad having works as a Softball since 2004 his inaugural year with USA Softball in 2008 at the Instructor at a facil- Favorites: » Tri-Nations tournament. A 2003 Coastal Carolina ity called Champi- Movie: Miracle on University graduate, he played baseball in college onship Fast Pitch Ice » Food: Sea- and currently is the assistant baseball coach at in Kentucky. He is food » Hobbies: Merced College with teammate Nate Devine. the proud father of Hunting, fishing, 2-year-old son Ty- scuba diving, Name: Landy Rodriguez son and thanks his camping, working Hometown: West Haverstraw, New York family and friends out » 3 People to Age - Height - B/T: 40 – 6’0” – L/R as his biggest sup- go to dinner with: Position: Third Base, Catcher Adam LaLonde has been porters of his softball Al Pacino, Nolan Experience: Has played for Patsy’s and most a member of Team USA career. Ryan, Jennifer recently the SoCal Bombers; Won ASA Champi- since 2002. Lopez onship in 2004 with Patsy’s; 2006 USA Softball Quote to Live Pitcher Travis Price led the Player of the Year; Name: Terry Luster By: “Set your U.S. to the 2007 American Favorites: » College Team: Alabama » U.S. City: Austin (6th Hometown: Bunceton, Missouri goals high.” Challenge title. Street) » Music: Slow church music » Movie: The Last Samurai Age - Height - B/T: 42 - 6'3" - R/R A main stay » Food: Rice and Beans Position: Pitcher on the U.S. Quote to Live By: “Train hard or go home.” Experience: Six-time ASA All-American; Currently roster for seven years, Price actually played vol- A club coordinator at World Gym, Rodriquez plays for Albaugh, Inc.; Member of 2003 USA leyball in college at the University College of the has recently come on to the USA Softball scene Men's Qualifier team and 2007 American Chal- Caribou. He currently is a general manger of a and certainly has made an impact. A professional lenge Series team health club and comments “it is an honor to take baseball player in 1991 and 1992 with the Anaheim Favorites: » Movie: The Natural » Team: UNC TarHeels » the field and represent my country. I treat the op- Angels, he started his FP game by playing Modi- Food: Steak, Potatoes, & Gravy portunity with great respect.” fied Pitch where he garnered 2004 All-American Quote to Live By: "Don't get hurt practicing." honors. 41 This insurance salesman and Central Missouri Name: Daryn Miller State University graduate started in FP softball Hometown: Creve Coeur, IL Name: Chase Turner when he was in high school and names his wife Age - Height: 33 – 5’10” Hometown: Stockton, California Sheryl as his biggest supporter of his athletic Position: Infield Age - Height - B/T: 23 – 5’11” – L/R career. They have two children, Jason who is 15 Experience: Named to USA Softball team in 2007; Position: Utility and Justin who is 6. Started ASA Men’s Class A in 2003 with Rudd’s Experience: Has played for the Italian Athletic Club Team and named first team All-American; Moved from the last three years; ASA All-American in Name: Kyle Magnusson to Major and played for Quad City Sox and MVD Class B and Class A; 2008 ASA Class A National Hometown: Minot, North Dakota Sports Champion; 2008 was first year on USA team Age - 39 Favorites: » Vacation Spot: Anywhere on a beach » Movie: Favorites: » Sports Team: San Jose Sharks » Movie: Shaw- Position: Outfield Bull Durham » Pro Sports Team: NY Yankees » Three people shank Redemption » U.S. City: Experience: Veteran USA Softball player who to have dinner with: Mickey Mantle, Michael Jordan, Walter Portland, Oregon » Pets: Ali (Boxer) started playing in 2002; Won silver at the 2003 Payton » Dream Job: Coach softball and ; has been played ASA fast Miller got involved in softball after watching teach at a DI Program pitch since 1994 and is a five-time ASA Men’s his dad play and wanted to be like his dad. He Quote to Live By: “It’s now Major All-American. is currently attending Palmer College studying to how you start, it’s how you Magnusson has been a constant in the U.S. be a chiropractor after graduating from Memphis finish.” program for seven years. The 1993 Olivet Naza- State. The son of head coach rene alumni is currently the co-interim head softball Peter Turner, this Sacra- coach at Utah. Name: Matt Palazzo mento State student, is the Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa youngest on the 2009 roster. Name: Blake Miller Age - Height: 26 – 5’11” He brings a strong athletic Hometown: Kingsville, Texas Position: Infield/Outfield background having played Age - Height - B/T: 35 – 5’10” – L/R Experience: Has been a member of the USA baseball in junior college Position: Shortstop/Second Base team since 2007; Has played ASA Men’s Major and ice hockey at Sac State. Experience: Has been playing Men’s FP since for Florida Fast pitch and Team Iowa; Two-time He credits his start in FP 1994; Currently plays for Kitchner Hallman Riv- second team All-American to the Guanella Brothers ershark Twins; ASA First and Second team All- Favorites: » Vacation Svpot: Disneyworld » Song: ‘Imagine’ and enjoys the people and American; has played for USA since 2001 John Lennon » Candy: Skittles » College Team: Iowa Hawkeyes competiveness of playing Favorites: » Movie: Bull Durham » Hobbies: Golf » Sports » Best Christmas gift: Go-cart with I was 14. this sport. Team: Pittsburgh Steelers » Three People to have dinner with: Quote to Live By: “Treat others as you wish to Head Coach Pete Bobby Knight, John Wooden, Larry Bowa » Food: Steak be treated.” Turner is looking Quote to Live By: “Why Not!” One of the most versatile players on the team, to lead the team to a medal finish Palazzo is very competitive and has winning a The head women’s softball coach at Texas in 2009. A&M-Kingsville, Miller was a baseball player at World Championship as one of his athletic goals. Uni. of North Carolina Pembroke before receiv- He began playing softball after he completed his ing his MBA from Mesa State in 2003. He has collegiate baseball career. a long tenure with USA Softball dating back to

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine »

42

A special thank you to all our host sites for making the KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour such a wonderful experience for the USA Softball Olympic team as well as the fans throughout the Nation!

Tucson, Ariz. Birmingham, Ala. Stockton, Calif. Midland, Texas Palm Springs, Calif. Ridgeland, Miss. Salinas, Calif. Portland, Ore. Altamonte Springs, Fla. Sulphur, La. Prescott, Ariz. Spokane, Wash. Hollywood, Fla. Los Angeles, Calif. Fort Worth, Texas Rapid City, S.D. Clearwater, Fla. Washington, Pa. Topeka, Kan. Springfield, Mo. Fullerton, Calif. Plant City, Fla. St. Louis, Mo. Stratford, Conn. Oklahoma City, Okla. Ann Arbor, Mich. Normal, Ill. Akron, Ohio Las Cruces, N.M. Williamsport, Pa. Stevens Point, Wis. Salem, Va. Houston, Texas Bowie, M.D. South Bend, Ind. Irvine, Calif. Greensboro, N.C. Visalia, Calif. Midland, Mich. Knoxville, Tenn. Rohnert Park, Calif. Ashland, Ohio Johnson City, Tenn. Sacramento, Calif. Killeen, Texas Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Mulling it over with Jessica Mendoza

wo-time Olympic Medalist and 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman »of the Year Jessica Mendoza took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some of your questions!

Q: “As a parent of a 14-year old girl playing both high school softball and travel ball, I sometimes struggle with how much to push my child. She loves playing softball and wants to Tplay in college but sometimes does not want to put the time in when her friends are going to the movies or having sleepovers. I know parents need to push their kid at times but how do I know if it’s too much?” Mark, Los Angeles, Calif.

A: “Mark, this is such a fine line and one of the hardest things to handle. My best advice is to really read your daughter’s reactions when you push her. Every child needs a little push and motivation, but no one knows her better than her parents as to when that is too much. So my suggestion is to of course positively encourage her, and try to get her to understand it is the little extra things that set her apart and make her better, but at the same time make sure you notice how she responds to that so you do not burn her out.You can find some great tips for this situation at www. sports (especially basketball) can help build responsiblesports.com” A: Thank you John for your support. First of and develop other skills that she might not 43 all, we are going to do everything possible to get in softball, but needs; for example, agility, Q: “First of all, I am one of your biggest fans and love get softball back into the Olympics (visit www. explosiveness, reaction and quickness. watching you hustle in the outfield. I am 16-years old and backsoftball.com for all the info). But if it is The second point is if you narrow your want to play softball in college. I sometimes get stressed not an Olympic sport, these young girls will granddaughter’s options to only one sport all out with school, softball, applications and still wanting to still have many dreams and goals to aspire the time, she can burn out. I see that happen hang with my friends. I know you had a busy summer with to. First, to play softball in college has now more and more often with parents trying to do the tour ( I was in Sacramento and it was great!) and the become such an amazing opportunity that softball all the time with their kids. So have Olympics. How did you balance that and what advice can is so much more common now than ever her play basketball and softball for as long you give me?” before. There will also still be a national as she is happy!” Lee Ann, Rancho Cordova, California team, so these young girls will still have the opportunity to put "USA" across their chest, Q: "I coach a 14-Under team in Texas. We A: “Hi Lee Ann! First of all, I am so glad that you appreciate which to me is just as emotional as any came and watched ya'll play in Fort Worth hustle and the importance of education, major kudos! As for Olympic event. There are also professional and noticed the team doing a stretching balancing, it is not easy -- but that is what makes you special. opportunities in both the PFX Tour (www. warm-up before the game. How important In order to be good at everything you are involved in, you pfxtour.com) and the NPF (www.profastpitch. is a group warm-up before practice and/or need to have a plan. Whether that is a plan for the next day, com) for women to say they play softball for a game? Is that something I should implement that week, or that month (or all) it helps me so much to have living. So between education, national pride for my team ? " it out in front of me: what I need to get done and when. Not and the dream job, I hope there will still be Beverly, Fort Worth, Texas that your whole life has to be regimented and organized, but many dreams for these young girls to have! it eases my stress levels (they can get up there too!) when A: “These are great questions. I HIGHLY I can lay out everything I need to do and then make a plan Q: "Would you suggest for youth to be play suggest that you implement something similar to get it all done. Then, you just take a deep breath and multiple sports ? My granddaughter loves to what the Olympic team does before games hammer it out. The funny thing is, when you plan it out like both softball and basketball but is more and practices. What this does is not only that it seems so much easier and things get done so much talented and has a better chance to go further properly warm up the body, but it implements quicker that I end up adding on more stuff to do -- it never with softball. She wants to play both but her sport-specific movements that provide extra ends!! Thank you again for your words and for being so parents are not sure if it would be better for strength, agility and conditioning work just ambitious, never change that! Best of luck!!” her to just focus on softball. Thoughts?" in the 10-15 minutes of this warm up! It is Nancy, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. something that has helped me become better Q: "I live in Oklahoma City so I have had the opportunity prepared and also kept me from injuries. Our to see many great events from College Softball to all A: “No doubt about it, definitely play as many performance coach for the Olympic team, three World Cups. To see softball out of the Olympics is sports as you can. I was a two-sport athlete Brandon Marcello created the warm up you heartbreaking for not only the girls out there but also for in high school (basketball and softball as saw and has a video he sells on my website: the fans. If it does not get voted back in, what will be your well), and I would say a majority of my USA www.jmendoza.com/product/. Check it out advice to the young girls out there whose biggest dream is teammates were two-sport, if not three-sport, and use it with you team!” to play in the Olympics?" athletes as well. My point is twofold: other John, Edmond, Oklahoma Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine EWS AND NOTES

Pi n k Ou t a SUCCESS!

On June 7, 2008, the USA Softball Women’s National team made history by donning pink uniforms in support of breast cancer awareness. The entire team not only wore the uniforms, but also had sponsors create pink equipment such as cleats and gloves to show their support. The first 5,000 fans to enter Hall of Fame Complex received a pink shirt to “pink out” the stadium. The USA beat Canada 9-5, but the real victory came months later through an eBay auction as ASA collected $25,000 through sales of the jerseys and equipment. On November 10, a check was presented to the Central Oklahoma Susan G. Komen Foundation in the amount of $25,000.

Britain, It a l y a n d So f t b a l l Oh MY!

Check out the blog from Olympian Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) who 44 toured London and Italy with two-time USA Softball Olympic head coach Mike Candrea (Tucson, Ariz.) to lead clinics through efforts from the ASA, Softball UK, the Italian National Softball Program, and the United States Olympic Committee International Grant program. The tour was about 10 days with this blog coming from the final day.

September 25, 2008 Tirrenia, Italy

e are now in Italy working with Candrea, being Italian, is in heaven with can be to communicate off the field with Wplayers and coaches from almost his pepperoni pizzas every night! Last language barriers, it is a beautiful thing to all of Europe. There is so much to share night they took us to a feast of five courses be able to communicate on the field with and talk about. So far Coach Candrea of food including pastas, mussels, clams, the game of softball. and I have covered topics such as stance calamari, lobster and a ridiculous amount and mechanics of hitting, communication of dessert! All the Olympic training we All of us enjoyed our time spent in both between players and coaches, dynamic did has completely gone away in the few the UK and Italy and look forward to warm up and training, practice planning, days we have been here! But when in spreading this great game and growing baserunning and fly ball drop steps. Rome ... the international family of softball that Coach videotaped players and even most much more. of the coaches and has had classroom We have worked with players and meetings going over their swings. There coaches from Belgium, Israel, Argentina, Ciao from myself, Mike Candrea, Ronnie have been a lot of good questions and Bolivia, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, UK, Croatia, Isham and thank you to ASA, USOC, we feel we have covered so much in the France, Holland, Ireland and many more. Baseball Softball UK and FIBS Italia for eight hours a day we have been on the So inspiring to know there are that many making this happen!! field or in the classroom. people playing this sport. And in just the week or so we have spent here, there Our nights have been spent eating some has been so much information shared of the best food in the world. And Coach and absorbed. No matter how difficult it

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine 2009 Ea s t o n Fo u n d a t i o n Yo u t h So f t b a l l Wo r l d Cu p Se t f o r Eu r ope

The city of Prague will play host to the Girls’ 16-and-under fast pitch tournament to coincide with climax of the Olympic Reinstatement Campaign. In addition to the Czech Republic being the host country, the event will take place from August 9-16, meaning it will conclude just over six weeks before the International Olympic Committee votes on the programme for the 2016 Olympic Games. The event will consist of 10 teams, with a possibility of that number increasing to 12.

In 2008, Prague successfully hosted the first-ever Men’s Fast Pitch World Cup and has been the site of the Prague Softball Cup in 2004. The 2007 men’s event had significant national TV coverage, and there have been several national tournaments in the host softball venue as well.

The Easton Foundation Youth Softball World Cup will be an invitational event and all five regions are expected to be represented (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania).

ASA Ump i r es Su ppo r t ‘Re d Fr i d a y ’s’

Red Friday’s started with a Georgia ASA hosted Advanced Fast Pitch Umpire Camp in Alpharetta, Ga. on June 13-15 and has turned into a nationwide support for the troops on behalf of the ASA umpire staff. On June 13, all participants were decked out in red in support of the men and women in the military. The National 45 Umpire staff conducted the three-day clinic that included 29 students.

A practice passed along to the National Umpire Staff by Larry Montgomery, a member of the Deputy Supervisor Umpire staff, the idea was embraced by all participants. The practice of ‘Red Friday’s’ was originated by Southwest Airlines and passed along through a series of email forwards as a simple way to demonstrate gratitude and support to those that protect the country. Cont'd on page 46

Me n d o z a Na me d Wome n ’s Spo r t s Fo u n d a t i o n Te a m Spo r t swom a n o f t h e Ye a r

On October 14, 2008, Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.), who will become president of the organization in 2009, was awarded the Sportswoman of the Year Award for Jessica Mendoza team-sport athletes from the Women’s Sports Foundation. The award was given at the 29th Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. “I see this award as a reflection of the accomplishments of all my teammates this year. It is a huge honor to be named to this list of amazing women who have won this award in past years,” said Mendoza. “I also love that WSF has recognized more than just athletic achievements, but what athletes are doing to give back and keep women’s sports progressing to the future.”

Following the decision to remove softball as an event from the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Jessica Mendoza and the U.S. National Women’s Softball Team made a valiant showing in what may be their final Olympic effort, not just for the team but for their sport. During the 2008 pre-Olympic tour, the team played 60 games in more than 45 cities. Mendoza’s hitting record sparked excitement with a .495 average, 102 hits, 107 RBIs and 21 home runs. Mendoza was the third batter during the Olympic Games in Beijing, for which Olympic Cont'd on page 46

Photo Credit: Norton Foell - 2008 Women's Sports Foundation RED FRIDAYS CONTINUED Tr y Th i s Fo r Br e a k f a s t The ASA National Umpire Program has kept the effort alive as there are about mpires who work a national presented with years of service pins. NIF 10-15 umpires who are still honoring tournament represent a trophies and Elite Umpire certificates are the troops by wearing red on Fridays to small percentage of those presented to those who have attained that show support to those who defend our U country, which gives our members the status. Occasionally, an honorary umpire registered each year. Those able to opportunity to participate in the sport obtain membership in the National award is presented to a deserving board member or league administrator. of softball. Indicator Fraternity or earn Elite

Umpire status represent an even This ceremony takes place after a leisurely smaller percentage. Umpires who breakfast and includes the Metro Detroit have the skills, the knowledge ASA umpire staff, Board members, NIF and the experience to perform at members, assignors and all of the honorees. MENDOZA CONTINUED Lawson has occasionally scheduled a guest the national level are necessary coach Mike Candrea (Tucson, Ariz.) speaker including a professional umpire, to the success of our national noted “…to hit third in our order is quite an umpire who worked the Men’s World tournaments. These umpires, alone, an honor.” Her average of .333 in 24 at Championships and a regional UIC. A would not be able to cover all of the bats, including four home runs, helped short business meeting is conducted to games that require ASA umpires lead her team to win the silver medal. discuss rule changes, umpire insurance, She tied for first in stolen bases, ranked at the local level local tournaments, each year. the annual golf outing and other topics of 46 There are numerous importance to our umpires who toil umpires. The entire at this avocation program lasts only i n e v e r y l o c a l two hours. Lawson association and in all budgets the cost of the divisions of play. They caterer, the plaques, may never have the M e d a l s P r o g r a m opportunity to umpire memberships, Years in the national arena, of Service Pins, and they may choose to remain in the security other awards into the annual budget. of their local association, or they may not “Our annual Awards Breakfast has proved want to be away from their jobs and families. to be a great way to “kick off” each year,” They are the “blue collar” guys and gals said Lawson. It generates enthusiasm whose efforts make our local leagues and for the umpire program, creates a sense tournaments possible. They cover their of pride in our vocation and allows us to games and help out in every emergency. recognize those loyal men and women, Bob Lawson, Metro Detroit ASA Umpire- in “Blue”, who make up this outstanding in-Chie, realized that these umpires are organization. Breakfast anyone?” the backbone of this organization must second in home runs and third in runs be recognized and rewarded for their batted in. contribution to its success. Off the field, Mendoza represented the Detroit ASA hosts an Awards Breakfast United States as an Athlete Ambassador prior to the start of each season. Assignors for Team Darfur to raise awareness select individuals, to receive a plaque of the ongoing crisis and participated signifying a unique contribution to the umpire in the U.S. Army’s Goodwill Tour of program. Medals Program memberships Afghanistan in January of 2008. are presented to umpires who have participated in the Detroit ASA educational program and umpire local tournaments. League assignors and NIF members are

Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine Combat_LisaFernandez_ASA_ad 12/3/08 3:08 PM Page 1

COMBAT WELCOMES 3-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST LISA FERNANDEZ TO OUR TEAM.

combat sports is pleased to announce women’s fastpitch player lisa fernandez who will swing combat exclusively. a special edition bat in 47 her honor will be released this season.

Known for power and fearlessness, Lisa fernandez is arguably the most recognized name in softball. as a pitcher, fernandez is untouchable. As a hitter, masterful.

“we are extremely proud to have an athlete of lisa’s caliber join our growing team, her name and track record speak for itself”

steven sutherland, president

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Balls & Strikes © 2008 combat softball. Softballall rights reserved. Magazine BALLS AND STRIKES GOES DIGITAL

Dear Readers: With the digital age taking over and the cost of printing and ship- ping rising, in 2009, Balls and Strikes Magazine will be going to an online version. The design will be the same as in the past but will be able to be viewed online with many great features includ- ing video and clickable links. With the time and cost savings that come along with the online version, the ASA National Office will be able to produce more than one publication a year bringing you more great softball news! Be sure to log onto www.asasoftball. com and sign up for Balls and Strikes Online in the upper right hand corner. Thanks for your continued support!

Balls and Strikes Magazine Staff

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