WINTER 2018 EDITION Volume 31 • Number 4

Seniorwww.seniorsoftball.com SoftballMORE THAN JUST A GAMENEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION WMC Continues to Dazzle as Largest Senior Softball Tournament

Sin City a Magnet for Senior Softball Teams By Anthony Ramos Softball News Report VE – The 2018 LV / World Masters LChampionships (WMC) set a record of 625 teams, eclipsing last year’s previous mark of 612 teams. LV and joined forces to create the World Masters Please See Page 20

n PAGE 25: WMC All-Tourney Teams n PAGE 29: 2018 Triple Grand Slam Winners n PAGE 31: 2018 U.S. National Champ Winners Major Plus Allowed Two Extra Out-Of-Region Players / 40s Division Given Courtesy Foul Softball News Report VE -- The enior oftball ules Committee gave the 40 Masters Ldivision a courtesy foul, made the 1-1 count permanent for the men’s 50, 55 and 60 divisions and kept the 0-0 count for men’s 65 and older divisions and added two out-of- TRENDS region players for Major-plus teams. International Co-Ed Division Looks Those were among the 37 issues discussed at the annual ules Committee hearing here at Like a Winner in First Tourney PAGE 21 the annual / Convention Nov. 27- 30. The inagural International Co-Ed Division at the 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World The ules Meetings are the centerpiece of Masters Championships featured teams from Germany and Panama, as well as the United States. Please See Convention on Page 4

Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 3 Senior Softball News Index 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 From the Cover: Sponsor Index: Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 326-5303 OFFICE Convention - New Rules for 2019 BSN Sports - Official Supplier of (916) 326-5304 FAX Continued on...... Pg. 4 SSUSA...... Pg. 2 www.seniorsoftball.com 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Adidas - Official Shoe of SSUSA Publisher Championships Wrap-Up ...... Pg. 28 W.E. Ruth Continued...... Pg. 20 Elite Sports USA - Official Editor Expansion of International Co-Ed Division Uniform of SSUSA...... Pg. 34 Terry Hennessy Continued on...... Pg. 21 Managing Editor Tournament Bat Anthony Ramos News Index: Sponsors: Contributing Writers Umpire's Corner...... Pg. 5 Pete Davignon, Dave Dowell, Jack Get to Know the Commitment Line Eberhard, Art Eversole, Carl Gus- Pg. SSUSA Hall of Fame Class of 2018 11 tafson, Stephanie Hopkins, Ross Class of 2019 Announced...... Pg. 5 McCulligan, George Moreno, Tiffany Bat Sponsor of: Tidewater Classic, Southern California State Championships, SSUSA/CAN-Sirs Northern California State Peck, Stan Reents, Jack Sirard Opinions & Letters Championships, Midwest Championships, Northern Champion- Oasis of Senior Softball ...... Pg. 8 ships. Internet Director Book Review Scott Flodin anas in the tfield Pg. 17 Bat Sponsor of: LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Championships, Atlan- Art Director Carl's Corner...... Pg. 10 tic Coast Championships, West- Sue Ballenger ern National Championships, Winter World Championships. Southeast Expansion...... Pg. 10 Marketing Manager National Senior Softball Hall of Fran Dowell Fame Class of 2018...... Pg. 12

Nothing in this publication shall be deemed to constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by Senior Softball USA, LLC. 2018 Winter National Championships Pgs. 23 / 30 (2019 Roster Event)...... Pg. 15 Bat Sponsors of: Spring National Championships, Jim Sherman (SSUSA), of any information in this publication. Memorial Northwest Championships, Southern Champion- SSUSA, LLC., disclaims any and all liability ships. with respect to any use of, or reliance on, such Fitness Column...... Pg. 18 information. No information in this publication shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as Pg. 36 a recommendation of any industry standard, or Hitting Column...... Pg. 19 Bat Sponsor of: Spring World as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted Championships, Rock 'N Reno Challenge Cup, Rocky Mountain by, or binding on, any person or entity. Nor 2018 Winter World Championships Recap Championships, Winter National shall information contained in this publication (2019 Roster Event)...... Pg. 32 be deemed to constitute in any fashion what- Championships. soever an endorsement by SSUSA, LLC., of any product or service advertised herein. The Finance Column...... Pg. 38 material set forth in this publication is provided on an informational basis only. SSUSA, Inc., is All-Tourney Teams: not engaged in the practice of any profession, Winter Nationals...... Pg. 16 including but not limited to law, medicine and World Masters...... Pg. 25 accounting, and nothing in this publication Pgs. 39 / 40 Winter Worlds...... Pg. 35 Bat Sponsors of: Texas State Championships, Northeast should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate Championships, ISA Senior World Series, Eastern National competent professional advice. Championships, Tournament of Champions 4 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Convention: Roster Size Increased for Older Teams ing with no courtesy foul, complained that Major-Plus WMC. Continued from Page 1 to make all divisions using teams were able to pick up everal other items business conducted dur- the 1-1 count consistent. too many players for the failed, including over-run- ing the convention and two Currently uses the World Masters Champion- ning second and third base, sessions are open for public 1-1 count for all 40 Mas- ships. eliminating or changing the comment. ters, men’s 50, 55 and 60 n the end, the Commit- batter’s box, allowing play Delegates also elected divisions and women’s 50 tee decided to do away with to stop if the sun affected four people into the division. the Major-Plus eua li ers the first or third baseman nternational all of Fame There was the annual (known as the Major-Plus- and adding a manda- for 201 a nd three others motion to extend the 1-1 Plus eua li ers), allow all tory eua li er for the next – including Execu- count to all divisions, but Major-plus teams to pick season for all Major-Plus tive Director Fran Dowell the committee voted to up two more out-of-region teams winning their divi- – were inducted into the retain the full 0-0 count for players (for a total of four sions at the WMC. all of Fame this men’s 65 and older divi- players), and reui re Major- nd a number passed, year ( ee stories on Pages 5 sions and women 55 and Plus teams to play in a including increasing the and 6). older divisions, citing the ua lifying tournament and numbers of players on a The issues addressed latest national player survey be restricted to the same roster for older teams. The ranged from double-elim- results that showed older roster additions as all other rule allows teams with 11 ination formats for the 75 divisions favored the 0-0 divisions. defensive players to have and 80 divisions, to penal- count. We didn’t reui re 22 players on the roster and ties for using illegal bats, ome of the other major Major-Plus teams to play divisions with 12 defensive playing at night, eliminat- changes – and much of the in ualifiers or restrict players can have 24 players ing the batter’s box, foul discussionc oncerned the additions to their rosters on their rosters. tips, and overrunning Major-Plus division. because we felt it was un- n other action, the second and third bases. number of Major- necessary as they were at committee voted to adopt a Fewer than half passed. Plus players said they did the top level of play, said set of Co-Ed rules based on ules Committee Chair not like the idea of stronger Terry ennessy, existing Co-Ed rules. Donna Mc uire, the Mid- Major-plus teams giving an chief eecutive officer and For a complete report, west mpire-in-Chief, eua li er at the top division a member of the ules please click the link below made clear at the beginning of play. ome said teams Committee. t became for the fficial Minutes of of the meeting that the pur- from the East should be obvious this year that we the 2018 ules Committee pose was to improve, not able to pick up more out- needed to impose some meeting https //senior- simply change rules. of-region players because restrictions because a few softball.com/wc/wc2018/ The ules Committee is there were so many more teams picked up almost a - ules-2018.pdf chaired by Mc uire and is players in the West. Others whole new team for the made up of 13 voting mem- bers and six alternates. The Committee meets every year at the annual Convention to discuss and vote on rules. Pitch count was on the top of the agenda, with sev- eral competing resolutions introduced. ome wanted a 1-1 count for all divisions, others wanted no courtesy fouls. The committee decided to add a courtesy foul to the Bat representatives from Easton and Wilson present to the SSUSA Rules Committee on 40 Masters, who were play- new potential testing standards. Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 5 Get to Know the Commitment Line Every once in a while, a Umpire's Corner return legally to third base catcher relatively new to the By Donna McGuire after crossing the commitment senior game will point to the line? commitment line between body part has touched the line Yes. home and third base and ask, or the ground past the line.) But only when the umpire “What is that?” So if a runner crosses the sends the runner back. Though a simple mark on line before realizing that an One example: Runners the field the commitment line otfielder caht a all are at first and third hen the can impact plays in inning- it is too late for the runner to batter hits a slow roller toward altering ways, from short- return to third to tag up. As the second-baseman. The circuiting a rally to rattling a soon as he re-crosses the com- rnner rom first collides ith defense that thought it had se- mitment line toward third, the the fielder he mpire ells cured a big out. Its application umpire should call him out. “dead ball,” calls that runner sometimes trips up rookies On the other hand, once out for interference and sends and veterans alike – anyone a runner crosses the commit- the other runner – even if from managers to spectators ment line headed home, the already past the commitment to umpires. defense no longer can tag him line – back to third base. Bobby Davis (Player Think you know all com- or her out. Another example: A batter Category) SSUSA Hall of mitment line rule nuances? Savvy runners understand sinles to the riht field ith Fame Class of 2018. Then ponder this: Is there ever this. a runners on second and third a time that a runner can cross Consider this play wit- and one out. That runner, who the commitment line headed nessed in May: With a runner represents the innin’s fith SSUSA home and then legally return on third, the batter hit a slow run, jogs home and crosses to third base? grounder toward the pitcher. the scoring line. Thinking the Inducts 3 We’ll get back to that The runner broke for home. inning has ended, the batter- later. he pitcher fielded the all runner enters his dugout Into Hall The commitment line ignored the batter-runner ithot tochin first ase exists for safety reasons. It and turned toward the runner The umpire calls the batter- of Fame allows Senior Softball-USA headed home. That runner runner out. The ball is dead Softball News Report to greatly reduce collisions at froze inches shy of the com- and all runners must return to LAS VEGAS – Senior home by requiring the runner mitment line. The pitcher the base occupied at the time Softball USA awarded top to stay away from the catcher. trotted toward him, glove of the pitch. That includes the honors to Fran Dowell of A play at home becomes a extended. Just before being runner who’d jogged home California in the Director force out. To score, the runner tagged, the runner slid a foot from third. category (see separate story must touch the ground on or across the commitment line. As these examples show, on page 6), Bobby Davis of past the scoring line (or scor- By rule, the runner was there are times when crossing Florida in the Player category ing plate) before the catcher safe for being tagged past the the commitment line doesn’t and Diana Gano of Arizona gains possession of the ball commitment line. He didn’t matter. in the Manager category, while touching the strike mat. even need to finish oin Most of the time, howev- inducting these three into the The commitment line home. er rnners and fielders shold International SSUSA Hall of -- drawn perpendicular to An eperienced fielder pay attention to that short Fame here Nov. 30. the foul line 30 feet from knows to watch the runner’s white line – and understand Delegates at the SSUSA home plate -- is the point of feet. He would extend the what it means. Annual Convention also no return. Before touching glove, as if he is going to elected four Hall of Fame or crossing it, the runner can apply a tag, but wait for the Donna McGuire is inductees for 2019: reverse direction to third base. runner to slip across the com- SSUSA’s Central Region *Rick Seifman of Arizona But once he touches/crosses, mitment line. Then he would Umpire-in-Chief and Chair of in the Director category. the runner must continue throw home for the easy force the National Rules Committee. *Hugh Brotherton of Flor- home. If he steps back to the out. ida in the Manager category. third-base side, he is out and Now, let’s return to the *Ken “Boggie” Van the ball remains live. (“Cross- question near the top of this Bogaert of Wisconsin in the ing” means a foot or other column. Can a runner ever Continued on Next Page 6 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition

SoftballFran News Report Dowell: Heart & Soul ofmies SSUSA of the cities we touch. LAS VEGAS – In a mov- “But Fran’s lasting legacy ing ceremony which drew a will be the unabashed car- standing ovation, Fran Dowell ing and concern for so many was inducted into the 2018 players, managers and their Senior Softball USA Hall of families,” said Hennessy. The Fame in the Director category rewards for this aren’t nearly here Nov. 30. as ash as the national rec- Dowell, SSUSA’s execu- ognition for her outstanding tive director, made a lasting accomplishments. impression with her accep- “But they mean much, tance speech, in which she much more to Fran. That is recognized the staff, directors, evident in the scores of cards umpires and sponsors – never she sends out to comfort and mentioning her own achieve- congratulate when a player or ments. family member needs it most; “Fran is truly unique in it is in the constant phone Fran Dowell with Terry Hennessy (left) and Dave Dowell our sport – and extremely calls that let players know she during the SSUSA HOF Awards Banquet. accomplished. In fact, she not cares; it is in the fact that she only shattered expectations in *Recognized by Sports Championships, which drew really does want to help play- a male-dominated sport, but Events Magazine in both 2009 more than 624 teams to Las ers and make sure they not has been the driving force in and 2012, as one of the top 12 Vegas this year. only have the best possible redefinin the ver cltre o sports promoters in America, *She has increased the eperience on the field t senior softball,” said Terry winning their coveted Award number of cities in which to know they are can count on Hennessy, chief executive of Excellence both years. SSUSA holds tournaments her as a friend. oficer o SSUSA in introdc- *Elected into the National from 35 in 2005 to 90 in 2019 “I’ve said many times, ing her. Senior Softball Hall of Fame and helped bring SSUSA over many years, that Fran is Her accomplishments in 2015 with the most votes league support and sanction- the heart and soul of senior included: ever recorded for a candidate. ing to more than 300 cities. softball – and that is because ein named the first *For the past 15 years, *Under her leadership as she has put her heart and woman Executive Director Fran has guided the largest se- executive director, tourna- soul into helping players and in a major national softball nior tournaments in the sport, ments infuse more than $160 teams,” said Hennessy. organization in 2006. including the World Master million a year into the econo- SSUSA Awards: Diana Gano Named HOF Manager Continued from Previous Page Hall of Fame Player for 2018. other countries. grew quickly, and by 2004 Specialty/Player category. Davis played for the All He has trained youth in had four women’s teams, *Joe Franco in the Player Star US Military team as a many of those places – and ranging in age from 40 to 60. category member of the US Air Force ill e teachin the first That year the Saints 40 team Those four will be in- and has been inducted into Camp for Chinese Youth in won the World Champion- ducted at the 2019 SSUSA three Hall of Fames and has Florida in February. ships in Phoenix and the Win- Convention in Las Vegas in played on some of the top Diana Gano was inducted ter Worlds in Las Vegas. December 2019. teams in the sport. as SSUSA’s 2018 Hall of The Silver Saints, a 55- In addition, SSUSA hon- In addition to playing at Fame Manager. plus team, were undefeated ored a number of others with the highest level in Senior Gano founded the Senior champions in the Major Divi- awards for exemplary service Softball, Davis played on Saints in Arizona in 1999 as sion of the Senior Softball in 2018. several international tourna- a non-profit corporation to World Series. Additionally, In this year’s Hall of ments, including in Japan, promote softball for senior they won several gold med- Fame inductions, Bobby Da- China, Taiwan, Cuba, Spain, women. als at the Phoenix Senior Germany and a number of The Saints organization vis was inducted as SSUSA’s Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 7 SSUSA Awards: SSUSA Class of '19 Announced Continued from Previous Page uler, director and has been he won the National Champi- for swing analysis breakdown, Vice President of Umpires for onships Batting title. and finall teachin at his the past 10 years. He helped Ken “Boggie” Van three-cage facility near Bel- build the modern program Bogaert of Wisconsin was mont, Wis. since the Bob Mitchell years. elected in the SSUSA Player/ Boggie has played at He has brought his ex- Specialty Category. the top level of the sport for pertise as running the largest decades, most recently for the softball programs of any age Powerhouse Pope Transport group in Arizona to senior of Wisconsin and Roberts softball and has been a guid- Construction. Boggie has ing force in Senior Softball been a force – and an am- USA emerging as premier bassador – for the sport for senior program in America. decades. Joe Franco of Washing- Hugh Brotherton of ton State was selected as the Florida was elected as SSU- SSUSA Player for 2019. SA’s Hall of Fame Manager. Brotherton is a positive force of nature. When he Ken "Boggie" Van Bogaert enters a room, he lifts every- one’s spirit with his zest for Diana Gano (Manager “Boggie” is recognized as softball – and life. Category) SSUSA Hall of Fame Class of 2018. one of the top softball hitters Brotherton was the driv- Olympics and Prescott Senior in the nation – and has taught in orce in estalish the first Olympics and won the SSWC literally thousands of players 80-year-old team in Senior Tucson Showdown. the art of hitting. Softball and four years ago, he ano also as the first Since 1993, his ROTA- estalished the first team National Women’s Director TIONAL POWER HITTING He has managed Center for SSUSA. for slowpitch softball, base- For Sight to several World The four people elected ball, and fastpitch has sold Championships and to three Joe Franco to the 2019 Hall of fame were more videos worldwide than Triple Grand Slam titles. announced at the same time. Joe Franco has been an any other hitting instructor. Hugh’s leadership in the old- Rick Seifman of Arizona impact player in the North- His company also teaches est divisions of senior softball was elected as SSUSA’s Hall west, and a constant on WE nationally by running clinics, has been an inspiration to of Fame Director for 2019. Ruth teams for almost three individual lessons, by distance younger teams who all hope decades. Beginning in 1991, emailing of video and SKYPE Joe was First Team All Ameri- Continued on Page 9 can in the ASA 40+ Worlds. In 1992, 1993 and 1994 Joe was named First Team All World in the USSSA 40+ Worlds. In 1995 and 1999, Joe aged up and made ASA First Team in both years – includ- ing being the lead hitter in the 1995 ASA Worlds. Rick Seifman In SSUSA, Joe won All Seifman, SSUSA’s vice- Tournaments for the SSUSA president/umpires, has been World Championships in instrumental in many aspects 2001, 2002 and 2013. of Senior Softball since 1996. He picked up senior All He has been a National World honors in USSSA in Tournament Director, sched- 2004 and ASA in 2015, where Hugh Brotherton 8 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Opinions & Letters Senior Softball: An Oasis of Sanity EDITOR’S NOTE: These We don’t care; players can be are Terry Hennessy’s closing as crazy as they like as long as remarks to the 2018 SSUSA/ they follow the rules, respect ISA Convention in Las Vegas each other and are good team- on Nov. 30. Hennessy is mates. Senior Softball USA’s chief We may be a small bea- executive officer. con of light in these dark and Our sport offers an oasis discordant times…. but we are of sanity in a world caught up very much like an oasis. It is in bitter divisiveness. not important because of its Consider how lucky we size – it is important because are to create activities in it exists. which a person’s worth is We believe without apol- measured by simple standards ogy that people can work o throin hittin fieldin together for a common goal – and – above all – teamwork and our players prove it every and sportsmanship. time the tae the field Sue Ballenger Sportsmanship is our What better positive ex- to many, many more. Softball USA is fairness, foundation and concepts of ample can we offer? We continue to lead integrity and honesty. As long interit and airness define I am proud to work Senior Softball in numbers as we remain true to our core our goals. together with you to provide and innovation. But we can values – and keep in mind that Everyone is welcome, re- this welcomed opportunity never take that leadership for we are doing this for the play- gardless of political, religious to thousands of players – and granted. ers and the teams, I believe or just plain whacky beliefs. this classic example of hope The foundation for Senior we will succeed. Nana's in the Outfield Celebrates Senior Game By Janet Mitchell It’s no surprise that tens of When she said, “Mom, I can’t Senior Softball News Guest thousands participate around find ana here is she Contributor the country. her mother answered, “Nana’s I have played softball all I decided to write a chil- in the otfield I ne riht my life, and it gets more fun dren’s book to celebrate our then and there that I had to every year. I now play in the participation in and love of rite that oo 60+ women’s age group with senior softball. The idea for This book celebrates our my senior team of 18 years, the book came at the National participation. It also reinforces the Maryland Roadrunners. Senior Olympic Games in Bir- the message that doing one’s We all know that it is mingham, AL in 2017. best, supporting one’s team- incredibly important to stay While watching a game, mates and enjoying the effort physically active, as well as I observed a little girl – prob- is important for those of any socially engaged, as we age. ably about 7 years old – who age. I think that’s an important Playing on a senior team pro- was upset because she could message for everyone. And vides the opportunity for both. not locate her grandmother. while it’s technically a chil- Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 9 SSUSA Awards: Yearly Awards Handed Out Continued from Page 7 to be playing when they reach who won the award for an 85. unprecedented second time. Robyn Nichols of Reno/ Sparks Convention and Visi- tors Authority received the Executive Director Award for outstanding achievement. Mike Hula of Nevada was recognized as SSUSA’s Director of the year. David Lee of California was Umpire of the Year Dale Eeles and Fran Dowell. Mike Hula and Fran Dowell. Bill Geisbauer of Min- nesota was named Regional Director of the year. Freedom Park Softball Complex in Valdosta, Ga., was named Complex of the Year. George Page, Executive Director at Valdosta-Lowndes George Page County Parks and Recreation Authority, was in attendance SSUSA also recognized to accept the award. several others for exemplary Freedom Park hosted the service: 2018 Eastern National Cham- SSUSA’s top award, the poionships, and is set to host Award of Excellence was the 2019 Southern Champion- given to David Rodriguez of ships. Clark County Parks and Rec- reation Department, and Dale Eeles of Las Vegas Events, Terry Hennessy, David Lee and Fran Dowell. Nana: A Children's Book for All Ages Continued from Previous Page ing company and the result book at our tournaments and Maryland Roadrunners, is dren’s book, it can be enjoyed was so gratifying. Next, donate the profits to m team selling the books as a fund- by all of us. After all, playing I needed to decide how I The response has been won- raiser. While it is available on senior softball can make you wanted to sell the book. derful. Teams are generally Amazon, if purchased directly feel like a kid again (except We all know how expen- pretty good about supporting from me, the team earns more or those aches and pains sive it can become the more other teams’ fundraising, but money per copy. I knew what messages I we participate in tournaments: it’s been especially rewarding If you are interested in wanted to convey in the book, entry fees and travel expenses to hear stories of grandmoth- purchasing the book, please and I worked with an illustra- do add up quickly. A few ers reading the book to their email me at this email ad- tor to add appropriate illustra- women’s teams are fortunate grandchildren, sending it to dress: MitchellJanetL@ tions. I enjoyed the process to have sponsors to cover their grandchildren along with comcast.net (please note the immensely, as I had a chance at least some of the cost, a medal they have won, and “L” in the email). Each copy to really focus on what we do but most do not. Therefore, having players ask for extra is $10; shipping and handling on the field and h e love fundraising becomes a very copies for their senior leagues is an additional $2.00. it. important part of our team. back home. Most importantly – keep I selected a self-publish- I decided I would sell the Our senior team, the on plain 10 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition The Strength of Senior Softball - Love When Pam left the room, Carl's Corner sion. imbibe and share and hold on Bob thought little of it. After By Carl Gustafson Bob is a tall, tough, rug- to. 39 years of marriage they ged man, who doesn’t call Bob told only two soft- enjoyed the old shoe comfort either from experience or attention to himself or wal- ball people the night a brain that only a long marriage vicariously, that it is a dread- low in self-pity, but he was so aneurysm laid Pam to rest, but laces together with laughter, fully lonely place, and none of overwhelmingly bolstered and by morning he was inundated understanding and acceptance. us wants to go there. comforted by us, his softball with calls, emails, texts and They had married in a Bob Looney’s wife was family, that he allowed me to offers of help. grand cathedral. The walls of pronounced dead the last day tell this story. I had just returned from which are the great cliffs of of Novem- our annual convention where Yosemite, a land of beauty, in- ber and he “He was so overwhelmingly this year’s theme seemed to be spirationand challenge—like showed up bolstered and comforted by Senior Softball as a family. their marriage. No rock in the for softball Every Hall of Fame in- valley stood taller or stronger the following us, his softball family, that ductee mentioned it time and than they would be for each Tuesday. he allowed me to tell this time again, and it was the cor- other. To those nerstone upon which Senior Apprehension swept who don’t story." Softball CEO Terry Hennessy through him when he heard understand strctred his final address the crash. From his Navy our culture, it might seem It is one that illuminates Our sport is played with SEAL training he knew contrary to the needs of grief, for all of us the real beauty of bats, balls, gloves, and rules, instantl that the allen fire but to those of us who have our sport which I watched that but at the senior level where he found was in mortal danger come to understand through Tuesday as player after player, so many suffer with ailments and as he called 911, his heart countless kindnesses that teammate and opponent, em- and where death is the last encased in lead. senior softball is a tightknit braced him; gripped his arm, out, the strength of our game Only Bob knows his family, to show up among his his shoulder, his hand; patted — is love. thoughts over the next 24 brothers is absolutely where him and to a man ninch- Carl Gustafson is Senior hours as his faithful, loving a crestfallen warrior would ingly, looked deep into his Softball - USA's Southern wife, lie unconscious on the come to salve his wounds and rie filled ees and oered California Director. road to death, but we all know seek the warmth of compas- up their very souls for him to SSUSA Continues Southeast Expansion Softball News Report nett County, GA. Senior Softball USA announced a major expansion in the May 18-19: Old South Classic in Savannah, GA. Sotheast or addin ational alifiers July 6-7: Palmetto Challenge in Spartanburg SC. “We’ve had numerous requests from teams that want to Aug. 17-18: Myrtle Beach Blast in South Carolina. play in tournaments in which they know rosters are checked Aug. 24-25: ast Chance Cllman alifier in Cllman A to ensure fair – and equal -- competition,” said Fran Dowell, SSUSA’s eective director he alifiers also ive teams a Visit https://seniorsoftball.com/?events for more information on chance to qualify for the World Masters Championships in Las each tournament, as well as the rest of the 2019 SSUSA Tour- Vegas, the largest tournament in the sport.” nament lineup. he ne alifiers mar the sinle iest epansion in a region in more than a decade for Senior Softball USA. SSUSA said it was planning a series of special promotions Heard in the Dugout to kick off the tournaments. “We have some very exciting promotions for this new se- "I used to count sheep, but they made ries o tornaments eep tned said oell such a racket with their baaing that it kept me awake. Now I count oranges The Qualifiers include: on an imaginary orange tree!" - Gracie April 13-14: Msic Cit ational alifier in ranlin Allen April 25-28: each State Classic ational alifier in in- Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 11 12 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Bill Ruth Highlights NSSHOF Class of '18 OKLAHOMA CITY – SSUSA World Masters Cham- The National Senior Softball pionships. Hall of Fame (NSSHOF) has Leitner has played with oficiall nveiled the Class o some of the top teams in 2018, including Bill Ruth, the California at the Major Plus president of Senior Softball level, including San Francisco USA. Eighteen inductees Seals 75, San Francisco Seals make up the newest class 70 (then Streamline Circuits including one manager, six 70), and NorCal Bluejays 65, pioneer players, one pioneer among others. Leitner helped woman player, eight men lead his teams to the Triple players and two women play- Grand Slam in 2016 (SF Seals ers. 75) and 2011 (SF Seals 70). Ruth, one of the best- From 1968-2000, Leitner known names nationally in served as the Northern Cali- softball since the 1960s, has fornia Softball Commissioner led his teams to national titles for ASA; and was inducted Terry Hennessy (L) presents Bill Ruth with NSSHOF Plaque in ASA and USSSA. Later, into the Chico Senior Softball in Senior ball, his teams have with Bill for 20 years and he Playing with Mitchell’s Hall of Fame in 2002. competed and won at the is one of my closest friends. Eastern States/Mitchell’s Ochampaugh, 79, of highest levels (Major and He is a tenacious manager, an Construction, Hruz helped New York, began his senior Major-Plus) in SSUSA, SPA, extremely skillful pitcher and lead his teams to numerous softball career in the early World Series, LVSSA, ASA a wonderful business partner,” championships in the various 2000s playing with the Syra- and USSSA. said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA senior softball organizations, cuse Cyclones 60 team. On the International chie eective oficer including SPA, ISSA, SSU- Stage, Ruth has managed SA, LVSSA and ASA. US teams that have won in Pioneer Player His teams have won a Ireland, Dominican Republic, Category combined 17 national cham- Australia, England, Italy and pionships and 60 tournaments Spain. The Pioneer Player Cat- overall, with Hruz earning While Ruth was recog- egory consisted of six players: nine all-tournament selec- nized as a Hall of Fame Man- Robert Hruz, Mike Leitner, tions. ager, he would easily have Richard Ochampaugh, Rich- Lietner, 77, of Cali- alified in the laer Cat- ard Osborn, Marv Rueck and fornia, spans a senior softball egory for his superb pitching James Thomas. career of 26 years. skills. He continually pitched Hruz, 86, of Maryland, on teams 10 years younger has been playing slow-pitch than himself at the highest softball for 35 years. level. th cold have alified Richard Ochampaugh in the Director category, as well. He is not only owner of In 2007 and 2008, ISA, but is president of SSU- Ochampaugh helped lead SA – and served as Chairman his teams to a victory at the of the National Senior Softball SSUSA World Championships Summit from 2008-2009. in Phoenix. Ruth has been inducted The 2007 season saw his into the USSSA Hall of Fame, Mike Leitner Syracuse Cyclones 65 AA the Washington State Hall of From 2003-2007 and team win the 15-team divi- Fame, the ISA Hall of Fame 2010-2014, Leitner earned all- sion, as the No. 12 seeded and the SSUSA Hall of Fame. tournament selections in the Robert Hruz “I’ve known and played SSUSA Worlds and LVSSA/ Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 13 NSSHOF: 18 Members Make Up Class of '18 Continued from Previous Page Rueck, 79, of Oregon, Spirit, where she continues to Cinderella Cyclones posted a has a senior softball career of play today. perfect 5-0 record in bracket 28 years. Austin earned Best Defen- play. sive Player honors in 2016 in In 2008, his Syracuse Cy- SPA. clones 70 AAA team posted went unbeaten (4-0 in seeding Player Category and 4-0 in bracket) to win the 12-team division. Ocham- The Player Category saw paugh would earn All-Tourna- eight inductees enshrined, as ment honors both times. Gary Ellison, Robert Hough, Playing with the New Dave Meggison, Stephen York Statesmen 75 at the James Thomas Pierson, Patrick Ricci, Rich 2015 LVSSA/SSUSA World ties 80, Arizona Prospectors Schmidt, Andrew Snyder and Masters Championships, 75 and 80, Arizona Wranglers Stan Suichta all received the Ochampaugh led his team to a 70 and Arizona Mustangs 65. call to the hall. , 67, of Virginia, rnner-p finish in the eiht- Marv Rueck Thomas has won titles in nu- Ellison team division, while earning merous organizations, includ- has racked up 11 All-Tourna- All-Tournament honors. Rueck helped lead his ing SSUSA, SPA, Huntsmen ment selections dating back With SPA, Ochampaugh General Equipment 75 team Games and National Senior to 2001. Playing with Fergies, earned All-American honors to the Triple Grand Slam title Olympics. Rekco, and Turn 2, Ellison with the NY Statesmen 75 in in both 2015 and 2017 (PDR earned All-Tournament selec- 2014 and 2015. Fastsigns). Rueck earned an Pioneer Woman tions throughout numerous Osborn, of California, All-Tournament selection for Player Category associations including ISA, who died in 2004 at the age of his performance at the 2015 ASA, USSSA, SPA, ISSA, 82, had a senior softball career LVSSA/SSUSA World Mas- Rosemary Austin, NSA, ISF, and LVSSA. spanning 17 years. ters Championships. 82, of Florida, is the lone in- Along with the PDR ductee in the Pioneer Woman Fastsigns 70 and 75 teams Player Category. (now General Equipment 75), Rueck also has played with WE Ruth Realty 60 and 65, The Bellettinni 70, and First American Title 65, among others. In SPA, Rueck earned All-American honors in 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Gary Ellison Thomas, 86, of Michi- gan, has an incredible senior Most recently in SSUSA, softball career of 35 years, Ellison has played with dating back to 1982 in Oak Carolina Cobras, while also Richard Osborn Park, Mich. Rosemary Austin playing with Superior Senior Playing with La Mesa 65s Most recently playing Softball. and San Diego Silverhawks with Center For Sight 85 (FL), Austin began playing Hough, 72, of Utah, (70, 75, 80), Osborn compiled Thomas helped lead to the softball again at 34, organiz- began his senior softball seven SSWC World Champi- team to back-to-back titles ing a women’s league. She career in 1995 with BRL. A onships and eight All-Tourna- at the LVSSA/SSUSA World played on four teams over a career currently spanning 23 ment selections. Masters Championships (2017 16-year span. After retiring years, Hough has played at the Osborn served in the and 2018). and moving to Florida, she be- Major and Major Plus levels Army Air Forces during Along with Center For gan playing in a local league, with teams such as Omen World War II. Sight, Thomas has also played starting with Golden Gals for Florida Investment Proper- 60-65 and went on to Florida Continued on Next Page 14 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition NSSHOF: Eight Highlight Player Category Continued from Previous Page played with Road Dogs, Kellys Sports, Summy’s, Nighthawks, and Sommerville Softball, which he also man- ages. Pierson, 66, of North Carolina, joins the NSSHOF Class of ’18 along with his fellow teammate, Gary El- lison.

Patrick Ricci 75 in 2018. He’s also played Andrew Snyder with Omen 65 and Nor-Cal including Scrap Iron/Phiten Robert Hough Bluejays 65, among others. 65 Major, Scrap Iron Legends 70, St. George Gold, Scrap Schmidt earned numerous 70 Major, and Scrap Iron 70 Iron 70 Legacy, and Tharald- All-Tournament selections Legacy Major Plus. He’s also son’s, among others. Between playing in the SSUSA Worlds played with some teams out of SSUSA/LVSSA and SPA, and LVSSA/SSUSA World Arizona and New Mexico. Hough has earned eight All- Masters Championships. In 21 years of playing Schmidt joins fellow senior softball, Suichta earned Tournament selections. Stephen Pierson (aka “Man- Omen 70 teammate, Robert All-Tournament selections in Meggison Pierson began his senior go”), 63, of California, began Hough, in the NSSHOF Class SSUSA, SPA, NASCS and softball career with the Caro- his Senior Softball career in of 2018. ISA. Suichta was inducted lina All Stars (now Carolina 2005 with the Seacrest Maver- into the Colorado USSA Hall Cobras), while also playing icks. of Fame in 2001, and the with Superior Senior Softball. Scrap Iron Hall of Fame in During his career, Pierson 2008. Suichta also joins his has racked up 15 All-Tourna- former Scrap Iron 70 Legacy ment selections across SPA, teammate, Robert Hough, in ISSSA, ASA, and SSUSA/ the NSSHOF Class of 2018. LVSSA. Ricci, 72, of New Jer- sey, has been participating in senior softball for 22 years, beginning with NJ Mizuno. Ricci has also played with Jer- sey Classics, Monkey Joe’s, Rich Schmidt Jersey Metro, EPA Statesmen Snyder, 66, of New Jer- and currently with Bradford sey, enters the hall of fame as White. a long-time member of Sweet For his efforts, Ricci has Dave "Mango" Meggison Construction, playing on the Stan Suichta earned All-Tournament selec- Meggison has racked up 50, 55 and 60 age teams. tions throughout the numer- 10 All-Tournament selections He began his senior ous associations, including throughout the various senior softball career playing with Woman Player SSUSA, SPA, and ISSA. softball organizations includ- Promotion Sportswear and Category Schmidt, 74, of ing SSUSA, LVSSA, SPA, earned nine All-Tournament California, has played senior ISSA, and NASCS. selections from 2002-2012. The Woman Player Cat- softball for 16 years and is a Along with the Mav- Suichta, 73, of Colo- egory includes Angie Ayala long-time member of Omen ericks, Meggison has also rado, has played with some of 70. He played with Omen the top teams out of Colorado, Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 15 NSSHOF: Ayala Inducted at Winter Worlds Continued from Previous Page ing in senior softball for 10 years, playing with Dream- girlz, arguably one of the top women’s teams in the country. Fox has earned nine All- Tournament selections, while also helping lead Dreamgirlz to SSUSA’s Triple Grand Slam title five straiht seasons from 2013-2017. This success led to reamirl earnin the first move up to Major Plus for a Women’s team. Pleasse visit the National nie yala as ocially nducted into the durin the Senior Softball Hall of Fame 2018 Winter World Championships in Phoenix, AZ website for more information. AZ Saints and now plays with 2013-2016. Barbara Foxx To view the entire Arizona Dream Team, which Ayala held her NSSHOF 18-member NSSHOF Class of and Barbara Foxx. she also manages. Induction Ceremony during 2018, please CLICK HERE. Ayala, 64, of Arizona, Ayala and her Ari- the 2018 Winter World Cham- For more information has been participating in se- zona Dream Team played pionships this past November. regarding nomination require- nior softball for 18 years. in SSUSA’s Tournament of Foxx, 64, of North ments and procedures, please She began playing with Champions every year from Carolina, has been participat- CLICK HERE. 2018 Winter Nationals Host 105 Teams Softball News Report Trace (FL) Men’s 65 Major Florida Investment Prop- FT. MYERS, FL – The Jersey Masters Red (NJ) erties 80’s (FL) first riinal ornament o Men’s 65 AAA New York Statesmen 80‘s Champions C alifier Kentuckiana (IN) Men’s (NY) of the 2019 season was held 65 AA Peach Tree Restaurant here, Nov. 6 -11, with 105 Venom (FL) Men’s 70 80’s (PA) teams participating across 21 Major Plus ProHealth Care 80’S (WI) age divisions at the 18th An- Michaels/Handeland (WI) Center For Sight 85’s nual Winter National Champi- Men’s 70 Major (FL) onships. Bradford White/Jersey ProHealth Legends 85's Twenty-one teams secured Masters (NJ) Men’s 70 AAA (MN) their invitations for the TOC 55 Major Florida Legends Men’s 75 As the elder statesmen of in February of 2020: Vecter Scorpions (FL) Major Plus the game, these teams will all Suncoast Adidas (FL) Men’s 55 AAA Monkey Joe’s Big Nut automatically receive invita- Men’s 40 Major Plus Florida Stingers Men’s 60 Co. (NJ) Men’s 75 Major tions to the Tournament of Suncoast Adidas (FL) Major Plus Jersey Masters (NJ) Champions next February in Men’s 50 Major Plus Levin/Ameriprise (FL) Men’s 75 AAA Polk County, FL. Brickyard Classics (IN) Men’s 60 Major In addition, there were Men’s 50 Major Long Island Jaguars (NY) nine Men’s 80+ teams that To read the full tourna- Depend On A Friend Men’s 60 AAA participated in the 2018 Win- ment recap that previously Foundation (FL) Men’s 50 Glory Daze (KY) Men’s ter National Championships: appeared in the newsletter, AAA 60 AA Bucs and Bulls 80's (FL) please CLICK HERE. RBC Wealth Management Team Florida Men’s 65 Cape Cod Shark 80s (FL) Men’s 55 Major Plus Major Plus (MA) Derby City (KY) Men’s Beef O’Brady’s Southern Chicago Geezers 80's (IL) 16 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter Nationals: All-Tournament Teams The top three teams from Chicago Prime (IL): Rich- Studz (WI): Herbert Han- Men’s 75 AAA the Winter Nationals selected ard DeLay, Jeffrey Horn, An- nam, John Cardo, Donald Laine, Jersey Masters (NJ): All-Tournament members. thony Davis, Lovelle Johnikin. Jr. Richard Lillich, Fred Prince, Action Auto Parts (RI): Men’s 65 AA John Forames, David Maddalena, Men’s 50 Platinum David Hawkins, Tom Hagist, Kentuckiana (IN): Steven Richard Pagliaro. Brickyard Classics (IN): Thomas Mooney. Greenert, Sr., James Douglas Syracuse Cyclones (NY): Paul Hanley, Chris Lang, Timo- Men’s 60 AAA Steele, Richard Heil, Gary Pawl- Robert Wood, Ken Moses, Daniel thy Smith, David Owen. Long Island Jaguars ick, Doug Dukes, David Barnes. Dillon, Joseph Broun, Edward AMR-DLB (OH): Robert (NY): Michael Cohen, Richard Action Auto Parts (RI): Bergamini, Howard Bernard. Noeth, Craig Ellis, Jeffrey Grate. Caravaggio, James Goelz, Lenny Kenneth Sheehan, Manuel Costa, Chicago Gray Sox (IL): IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE NEW Men’s 50 AAA Glover, Thomas O’Brien. Kevin Sheehan, James Dean, Jerry Santerelli, Jack Zuzak, Depend On A Friend Founda- Playmakers (WI): Herbert Gerry Deshaies. Wayne Markett. tion (FL): Jack Arcuri, Hank Hannam, Tom Sweinberg, Dave Men’s 70 Major Men’s 80 Platinum Buczynski, Chris Cabrera, Paul Gerdman, John Cardo. Michaels/Handeland (WI): Florida Investment Prop- Conover Jr., Carlos Rodriguez. Cincinnati 60’s (OH): Earl Brad Mueller, Gary Luck, Robert erties: John Fournier, Jacob Public Enemy (FL): John Hoover, Teddy Weingartner, Szaniawski, Bert Hempler, Wood, Billy Brotherton, Ray Loftus, Dominick Biondo, Mike Mike Viox. Wayne Fiedler. Dye, Thomas Sides, Frank Vargo. Lloyd, Walter Massie, Jr. Men’s 60 AA Minnesota Prize: Don New York Statesmen: Sandlot Softball (FL): Glory Daze (KY): Mitchell Goltz, Jerry Smrekar, Bob Frey, Jim Nugent, Edward Finnegan, Chris Marker, Tony Lanza, Terry Smith, Richard Oppel, Danny Robert Goldstrand. Douglas Hogue, Jack Westbrook. Palmi. Hall, Roger Cochran, David CC Medical Services (NY): Men’s 80 AAA BAT SERIES FOR 2018 Men’s 55 Major Plus Johnson. Joe Cataldi, John Davide, Joseph Chicago Geezers (IL): An- RBC Wealth Management Ted Todd Insurance (FL): May. thony Gurdak, Al Savala, Mickey (FL): Gerard Blair, Kevin Gor- Larry Lepore, Dan Fischer, Jim Men’s 70 Silver Mills, Gordy Tozier, James don, William Vriesenga, Tony Hamilton, Paul Steinitz. Bradford White/Jersey Dedelow. Bassett, Louis Sanchez. Men’s 65/70 Major Plus Masters (NJ): Richard Boehmer, Cape Cod Sharks (MA): Men’s 55 Major Venom 70 (FL): Vincent Joseph DeFabio, Richard Po- Robert Robidoux, John Seliga, Derby City (KY): Timothy Melograno, James Davidson, lonitza, Raymond Poyer, Lou Henry Baldassarri, Jack Des- Powell, Kevin Curry, Anthony Stewart Casterline, Dennis Vilotti. champs. Ferrell, Tony Stansbury, Harold Schroader, Bob Schreyer. Lane Construction (FL): Men’s 85 Major Adams. Team Florida 65: Richard Bill Hans, Terry McIlrath, Don ProHealth Legends (MN): Action Auto Parts (RI): Meltz, Tony Vodola, Michael Bobish. Roger Schroder, RC Brown, Robert Smith, Jeff Bloch, Robert Henderson, Tom Turton. Florida Southern Force: Willie Wood, Robert D’Amadio, Putney, Bill Lancellotta. New Jersey Hitmen 65: John Baker, Mark Solomon, Gary Henry Smith. Dayton Legends (OH): Carl Nocera, Frank O’Neill, Bowers. Center For Sight (FL): Mark Harrison, Rick Hoppe, Tim Joseph Czarnecki. Men’s 75 Platinum Tommy Hicks, Tom Ingham, Knecht. Men’s 65 Major Florida Legends: David James Thomas, David Bush. Men’s 55 AAA Beef O’Brady’s Southern Decker, Robert Conrad, Thomas Vecter Scorpions (FL): Trace (FL): Dave McDermott, Dabbs, Michael Marcum, Robert Managers, if your team Thomas Lowther, Andrew Bob Crafton, Rocky Spottswood, Koss. Rick Rivard, Tom Houser. Chadwell Supply (FL): is missing, please email your Packard, Michael Chnupa, Chuck all-touranment selections to Torgler, Jr., Gerry DuGuay. Who’s On First (FL): Ray Dye, William Denegar, Alan Ameriprise FL Legends: Steven Brand, Marvin Swosinski, Balfour. 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Risks of Carbohydrate Concentration Above 6% By Stan Reents That begs the question, do sports more than an hour. At that point, Senior Softball News Contributor drinks contain too much sugar? you will have substantially depleted In my last column, I provided It’s unhealthy to consume a lot your stored carbs. Thus, the sugars in some asic inormation on id and of sugar. Sports drinks and energy sports drinks can be helpful. sodium intake. drinks contain sucrose, fructose and But a softball game doesn’t Next, let’s explore the pros and glucose, so should these beverages be require continuous (uninterrupted) cons of sports drinks and energy avoided? effort for an hour or more. drinks, starting with the basic ques- These simple sugars are an ex- Soccer is similar to softball: both tion: What’s the difference between cellent source of energy for exercis- sports involve brief sprints alternating the two? ing muscles. Though, carbohydrate with less intense effort. here’s no niversal definition or concentrations below 2 percent won’t A study of professional soccer sports drinks or energy drinks. And, enhance performance, while amounts players shows that sports drinks can the distinction is blurred further when above 6 percent increase the risk of e eneficial ne rop dran ater sports drinks are advertised as provid- stomach cramps. while the other group drank a car- ing quick energy. Sports drinks contain the optimum bohydrate-electrolyte drink during a Sports drinks are typically a sugar concentration to provide quick 90-minute match. Immediately after, solution of simple sugars with small energy during prolonged sports com- all players completed several skills amounts of electrolytes like sodium petition: Gatorade “Thirst Quencher” tests. The players who consumed the and potassium added. Sports drinks (the original formulation) contains 21 carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink rarely contain caffeine. Cytomax, rams o cars per id onces performed better on these tests (Osto- Gatorade and Powerade are examples That works out to 5.8 percent. Cy- jic SM, et al. 2002). here, though many brands are avail- tomax and Powerade are similar. So, in summary: able. Some sports drinks also contain (NOTE: Multiple formulations of During a double-header, a three- protein or amino acids and these are these brands are available.) hour tennis match, a century bike generally intended to be consumed But the sugar concentration in ride, or a marathon, consider drinking right after exercise or competition energy drinks is much higher: 11 per- some sports drinks. Select a product ends and, as such, are often referred cent for Red Bull, which is equivalent that has a carbohydrate concentration to as recovery drinks. to Coca-Cola Classic. At this concen- no higher than 6 percent. If it gives Energy drinks are essentially soda tration, stomach cramps are likely. you stomach cramps, simply dilute it. pop with vitamins, herbal supple- So, so sports drinks improve per- For a variety of reasons, I recom- ments, and/or amino acids. Sports formance more than drinking water? mend you avoid energy drinks while drinks almost never include vitamins It’s clear that dehydration worsens exercising and playing sports. and herbs. Energy drinks contain athletic performance. Research on Stan Reents, PharmD, is a health much more sugar than sports drinks this dates back to the 1940s. care professional and health/fitness and more caffeine than soda pop. However, if you’re not exercising coach. He created the web site www. Energy drinks are usually carbonated, hard, or sweating profusely, there’s AthleteInMe.com®, a resource on the whereas sports drinks never are. Full no real advantage to consume sports health benefits of exercise. He is also Throttle, Monster, NOS and Red Bull drinks over plain water unless your the author of the sports medicine text are popular brands of energy drinks. game or exercise session lasts for “Sport and Exercise Pharmacology.” Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 19 Set Bat-Lag Early to Increase Power By Art Eversole setup but then sets his bat-lag by tilting Senior Softball News Contributor the barrel head toward the pitcher. His I know from operating my hitting wrists are fully cocked or loaded before club in SeaTac, WA, that many senior executing his swing, then he maintains softball players spend hours upon hours his pre-set bat-lag until the hands are in the gym building enormous muscles. released to the ball. arer mscles ma e eneficial to Please take time to inspect the stick- overall health, but not so much for gener- man diagram (center image) as it shows ating softball Power. the correct and incorrect way to set bat- According to some studies, bulk can lag; admitting that my diagram is a bit actually impede bat-speed as quick twitch busy. muscles are trained to move slower, In addition, I’ve reproduced a photo rather than faster. of a former great MLB hitter George For the same reasons, many guru Brett (photo below), from the Kansas hitting instructors are now against using City Royals who was inducted into the a heavy weighted practice bat. In my Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, on the estimation, the building of proper swing first allot rett demonstrates hat pre- mechanics is the key to achieving any Stickman diagram showing correct set bat-lag looks like forming a triangle and all hitting goals. and incorrect way of setting bat-lag between the bat and lead arm. My recommendation to seniors when Utilizing bat-lag will create greater looking to hit with more power, without shut, the greater the power that is pro- Power with less effort by letting the bat bulking up, is to pre-set their bat-lag right duced. Therefore, the faster you can do most of the work, rather than muscle. at setup. I say this because hitters may be move your bat to the ball the greater the under the false impression that there is impact with the ball. app ittin lag in their swing, but many are surprised et’s visit aain the enefits o litin that they are mistaken when looking at weights versus improving swing mechan- Art Eversole, of Washington, has their video. You can have some pre- ics, by looking at the power and work/ played on Major and Major Plus teams swing movement and then set your bat- strength formulas. with W.E. Ruth Realty. He is the NW lag, but once set, you must maintain it all Power vs. Strength: Senior Softball Webmaster/Softball Com- the way to just before contact. Strength (or Work) = Force x dis- munications/Hitting Club Admin/NW Bat-lag yields power by delaying tance the object is moved. Leagues internet coordinator. stored up energy built up during the pre- Power is the rate at which Work is Eversole can be reached via email at swing process. Setting bat-lag during the done: P = Work/Time. [email protected] setup will store up potential energy as So, Power = Force x displacement you wind your hips and shoulders back, of the object (i.e. the bat) divided by the creating tension between upper and lower Time it takes to perform the action, will body that is then released to the swing. have a larger effect on how hard you hit Bat-lag creates power by delaying or the ball versus Strength. lagging the bat barrel behind your hands Note that strength does not have the during the swing, then exploding into the Time element in its equation. So how ball at the last moment, as you roll over quickly you can move the bat to the ball your wrists. An analogy to this bat-lag (bat-speed) will result in a higher energy method is if you were to visualize slam- released at impact which is Power. ming an open door shut, versus slowly Included here is a link to a video of pushing it closed. Chris Larsen (https://www.youtube.com/ Note that both methods of closing watch?v=dqpZ4wBNPZk), a professional the door cover the exact same distance softball player, hitting in the Stadium- or displacement of the object door. Both Power-Tour (i.e. the long-haul bombers) methods also perform the exact same event at Saeco field in Seattle amount of work and accomplish the same This video provides a visual of task, that of closing the door. what I’ve been discussing in this article. However, the quicker the door is Notice that Chris holds his bat upright at 20 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 21 2018 WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA WMC: Over 2,000 Games Steve Simmons Memorial Played in 15-day Span Sportsmanship Continued From Page 1 California, during the Championships, which opening ceremonies of the of the Year Award began in 2012 with 446 second session. enior Softball - USA annually awards the teams. The WMC has grown Steve Simmons Memorial Sportsmanship The 2018 WMC saw every year since, resulting of the Year at the LVSSA/SSUSA World a player hit a grand slam in adding a third weekend SMasters Championships. from each side of the two years ago and the “This award transcends the game itself,” plate in the same game, a expansion of two of the said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA CEO. “It stands wedding on the field, the four sessions. for all that is good in the sport: passionate first senior International Spanning 15 days, the competition played with good humor and good Co-Ed games – and the tournament began with fellowship - that is the formula for good sports- largest divisions in the the Men’s 55 and 60 age manship. The beauty of good sportsmanship sport. divisions playing Sept. is that it incites a love of the game for all who witness it.” Players and teams 20-23, continued with the Photo by Jack Eberhard The Perfect Backdrop: Las Vegas draws over 600 teams for the second straight season. In 2018, SSUSA honored No Dice/Bay displayed remarkable Men’s 65 through 85 age Photo Lab (CA) - Men’s 65 Major, during the sportsmanship, with only divisions playing Sept. second session. two suspensions over 2,018 24-27 and the Men’s 40 “Thank you so much for this award on games across 34 divisions. and Women’s 40 and 50 behalf of everyone on our team,” said Christo- In fact, the top SSUSA age divisions playing Sept. pher McGriff, manager of No Dice/Bay Photo award is for sportsmanship 28-30. The tournament Lab. “I have always stressed the importance and was awarded to No concluded with the Men’s of good sportsmanship with all of our players, Dice/Bay Photo Lab 65 50 age divisions Oct. 4-7. and I'm always very pleased when I see some- one on our team befriending our opponents and Majors from Northern More than 11,500 Monk and Cindy Johnson tie the demonstrating kindness and support to others." knot in Las Vegas. players competed in the "Congratulations to SSUSA for recog- tournament, representing Masters, with California representing the most nizing the importance of sportsmanship and 47 states (including pointing out to others that this is a quality the winners with nine teams. Washington DC), four organization values above all of the other ways Canadian provinces, and Florida had five winners, people can excel in sports.” while Arizona, Illinois, The Bavarian Royals from Deutschland added a little German flavor to the Continued on Page 24 the U.S. territory of Guam. 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships. and Canada, were all well In a tournament first, an North American and International Co-Ed international co-ed division represented with three was held, with teams winners each. Divisions to Take Shape in 2019 Softball News Report representing Germany and There were a number of usual suspects who hoisted SACRAMENTO – Senior Softball USA has announced the creation Panama, along with two of North American and International Co-Ed Divisions following a suc- teams from the United the World Masters trophy in 2018, as MTC 60’s/Dudley cessful inaugural Co-Ed play at the 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters States, participating in the Championships. (CA) – Men’s 60 Major four-team division. The “We are partnering with ISA to offer co-ed divisions in some of our co-ed division was played Plus, Timberworks/Adidas U.S. tournaments and we are in the process of expanding co-ed play with during the third session. (CA) – Men’s 65 Major USA Slo-Pitch National in Canada for our North American Division,” said Plus, Venom (FL) – Men’s more than just a game... Fran Dowell, SSUSA executive director. Kevin Naylor belted a grand Thirty-five teams would 70 Major Plus, Florida SSUSA’s first International Co-Ed division competed at the WMC No Dice/Bay Photo Lab (CA) - Men's 65 Major slam from each side of the go on to win the World plate in the one game. Continued on Page 22 Continued on Page 24 22 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition WMC: TKP Wins Fifth WMC Title Continued From Page 20 drive the ball. At first, I nvestment Properties didn’t think it went out – Men’s 80 Major Plus, until my teammates started Center For ight (FL) – yelling. Men’s 85 Major, and T P ’ve always been a 40s (C ) – Women’s 40 switch hitter since my Major, all repeated as Little League days, stated champions. Naylor. let the situation MTC 60’s reign of base runners dictate includes a three-peat which side of the plate ’ll across two age divisions, bat. have more power as the team won the Men’s right handed, but more 55 Major Plus Division placement left handed. at the 2016 LV / give a lot of credit to my World Masters teammates for creating Championships. TKP 40s captured the Women's 40 Major Title at the WMC for a those situations. Timberworks and 5th time in 2018. The feel-good story of Venom also extended their and had to be restrained our office within 0 days. the tournament occurred championship runs to a by teammates. fter the Nune did not respond off the field during the three-peat, continuing to game, on two occasions, he so he has been suspended third session, when Cindy dominate their respective approached and threatened for 12 years with no appeal ohnson, a player from age divisions. the umpire. for seven years. Dames ot ame ( ) The T P franchise has The umpire, in fear of Mickey Mantle-type married Monk ohnson, dominated the Women’s her safety after the threats, performance was seen one of the coaches on the 40 Major Division, asked to be escorted to in seeding play during team. The ceremony was winning the World Masters her car. The player is the second session, in a performed by Elvis, at the Championships in five suspended for the 201 game between New ersey Little White Chapel. (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, season, until the conclusion itmen and ebels (C ) The story of Monk 2018) of the seven years of the World Masters in the Men’s 65 Major Plus and I is uite fitting, said since the tournament has Championships next Division, when New ersey Cindy. We met by chance moved to Las Vegas. October. The player has itmen’s evin Naylor, 68, at a benefit tournament the Overall, sportsmanship appealed the suspension. blasted a grand slam from day before Mother’s Day was on wide display is withholding the each side of the plate in the in 2015 at Prospector Park throughout the tournament, name of the player pending same game. in pache unction, ri . with only two suspensions a ruling from the ppeals was fortunate enough Monk needed two more issued. Board. to have my teammates load ladies to form a team that The first suspension The second suspension the bases and give me an would help raise money involved umpire involved an underage opportunity to hit for the for a colleague/dear friend intimidation player on player. received fences, said Naylor. whose wife had passed the 50 Major Washington credible information that think it was the third inning suddenly. lthough Monk Legends, was suspended for Miguel unez falsified his when I hit the first grand and had never met, was extreme unsportsmanlike age and that he was not slam right handed. The contacted by a mutual conduct during and after old enough to compete in same situation developed friend that had not played the 12 30 game at unset the 40 Master’s two innings later. The wind with in years to participate, Park on Oct. 6. During program. reue sted had shifted slightly so was more than happy the game, he charged the he send proof by means of a decided to hit left handed. to be a part of it. pon umpire after he was ejected notarized birth certificate to got the perfect pitch to Continued on Page 24 Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 23 24 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition WMC: Happily Ever After All-Time Steve Simmons Continued From Page 22 next best thing, our softball meeting Monk, little did family. Memorial Sportsmanship know that under the rough, Our dear friends of the Year Winners long-bearded exterior bought champagne and Continued From Page 21 was a handsome, funny, cake, we also tailgated The SSUSA Sportsman- 2011 VE charming man. in the Chapel parking lot ship Award is named after Georgia/Alabama Masters 60 was smitten the moment afterwards and had our Steve Simmons an inencer 2012 he threw a rainbow to first dance together. It SSUSA National Director, Minnesota Prize 65’s first base after beautifully was amazing. efinitely a who passed away in 2012. snagging a ground ball at weekend to remember 2013 3rd base, and laughed about Cindy would go on to Below is a list of previous Hannington’s 55’s, MA award winners. it. fter a week of texting receive another ring that 2014 we had our first date and weekend, as Dames ot 2005 50 Caliber St. Louis Softball we both knew we were it ame won the Women’s 40 Conklin Brothers, CA 40 Club, MO for each other. Division. (West) 2015 Following numerous Sweet Construction, NJ 50 To read the full (East) Git-R-Done Softball Club, CA annual trips to Las Vegas touranment recaps that for softball tournaments, appeared in the previous 2006 2016 the couple finally tied the newsletters, please click on River Hawks, CA 80 San Antonio Silver Streaks, TX knot this past eptember. the below links 2007 Monk and I filled ession 1 Roberts Construction, WI 50 2017 out the marriage license (Men s 55-60) Guam Seniors 50 application through our ession 2 2008 Armed Forces Guam Sportaculars of Canada 65 Bud Light Guam phones at dinner and there (Men s 65-85) Sindalun Guahan was an opening at the Little ession 3 2009 Guam Women’s - FIGO Vegas Chapel that same (Men s 40/Women s 40-50/ Scrap Iron Club of Colorado Islanders evening with Elvis, said nternational Co-Ed) Guam Women’s - Team SOTTA Cindy. We didn’t have 2010 ession 4 (Men s 50) NM High Desert Roadrunners Guam Women’s - Team our kids, but we had the 65 Mighty 50’s Co-Ed: USA Blue Wins Inaugural Division Continued From Page 21 Masters Championships, Saturday – Sunday, Oct. 5 – 6. this year, drawing teams from Germany and Panama who For more information on the division, please contact An- played two US co-ed teams. thony Ramos for the North American Division at Anthony@ The SSUSA staff is currently inviting many of the Interna- seniorsoftball.com, or Ross McCulligan for the International tional teams that SSUSA has competed with over the past 30 Division at [email protected], or by phone at 916-326- years in 40 countries. 5303. “We were pleased with the overwhelming response to the co-ed division, which prompted us to expand the program for 2019,” said Dowell. In this year’s competition, USA Blue won the inaugural division, posting a perfect 6-0 record (3-0 in seeding and 3-0 in bracket play). The team defeated Panama Police 20-17 in the championship game. USA ed finished in third place hile avarian oals erman finished in orth place For 2019, the International Co-Ed Division will take place Post-game handshake during the International Co-Ed play at the drin the orth and final session o the SSASSUSA World 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships. Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 25 World Masters Champs All-Tourney Teams he top-or finishin LOL-Legit Ol’ Ladies Men’s 40 Major Benjamin Gomes, Joby Ama- teams from the 2018 LVSSA/ (CA): Frances Rojas (Team DTA/KJE/SUP (CA): ral (Team MVP). SSUSA World Masters Chm- MVP), Natalie Parsons. Russ Maltes (Team MVP), Men’s 50 Major Plus pionships select All-Tourna- Women’s 50 AAA Jose Ortiz, Jayson Wisdom, Team Kitty/FAI/FBI ment participants. B.O.O.B.S (CA): Char- John Freitas, Robert Escalan- (FL): Mike Dill, Brad Still- All-Tournament selec- lene Avila (Team MVP), te. well, Steve Heller, Co-MVPs’ tions from the World Masters Tracy Remitz, Kari Zamora, Headbangersports.com - Reynaldo Gutierrez and Champioships earn points Caroline Saenz, Janet Dial, (FL): Billy Brescia, Chris Robert O’Brien. towards the National Senior Jacquelyn Hrabowski. Wilson, Matt Butler, Jay J.K. Inc./Easton (CA): Softball Hall of Fame (NS- H-Town Sisters With Wasalaski. Ronni Salcedo, Johnny Bailey, SHOF). Bats (TX): Nora Jones, Jen- Wicked Sports/PT Dennis Rullie, Matt Suder. nifer Weier, Cad Davis, Irene Express (CA): Will Taveras, Texas Mavericks: Wayne Women’s 40 Major Willis. Willie Galaz, Jose Flores. Garrett (Team MVP), David TKP (CA): Gina Oliver OnFire/Afoa Insurance SBOB/ATHALONZ/ Feather, Mike Jimenez. (Team MVP), Jennifer Stew- (CA): Lisa Mobley (Team VOODOO SPORTS (AZ): Men’s 50 Major art, Lisa Bull, Deb Cormier, MVP), Tina Doxtater, Bekki Samuel Rodriguez, Vinny Brian Patten/Mark Kristi Whitcomb, Kimberly Garcia. Sieckowski, Jenny Valenzuela Thomas Law (PA): George Roter. Who’z Yer Daddy-50 (Team MVP). Troupe, Joe Norris, Don TST (CA): Marissa Shades of Grey (WA): Kelly Men’s 40 AAA Probst, Greg Donophan, Rick Antonius, Katie Volner, Emily Adams (Team MVP), Chris- NMPunishers Dudley/ Stelton. Salazar, Josie Ruiz (Team tine Gittings, Shelly Patrick. Elite: Aaron Yalch (Team OG (CA): Dean Childers MVP). Men’s 40 Major Plus MVP), Billy Nigh, Leonard (Team MVP), Greg Bovero, Women’s 40 AAA Classic Glass/One Na- Juan, Jose Mendoza, Felix Kevin Bourgeois, Joe McCal- Hawaiian Connection: tion (CA): Eliseo Aguilar, Garcia. lum. Brandee Unaite, Kehau Cama- Bryan Schmidt, John Brown, Red Eye/RHSK Softball KC Classics (MO): Ron ra, Georgette Panui, Allison Tyson Becker (Team MVP). (PA): Shawn Fillman, Jona- Ronfeldt (Team MVP), Skip Nihei, Anu Kekauoha. GTS (WA): Pat Paschal than Fink, Robert Marcks. Wiley. Colorado Ohana: Tyres- (Team MVP), Chris Hoshaw. Shut-D (HI): Jeff Flores, Men’s 50 AAA sa Johnson, Tara Thorbin, Kat Arizona Heat: Edwin Chase, Rebekah Ratzell. Soto, Rudy Galvan, Jon Woe- Old Nasty Curves (CA): slaw, Gary Dahlgren, Greg Erin Luke, Glenda Forbing, Fletcher. Melinda Rovetti. ManCave/WorkSteps Pro Moves (CA): Rosa (TX): Hugh Green, Kenneth Salas, Lisa Maxey, Lori Jar- Lane, Donnie Kellogg, Danny rells (Team MVP). rifin an ope eam Women’s 40 AA MVP). Dames Got Game (AZ): Alaska Kings: Kirk God- Cynthia Ellis, Jennifer Tids- frey, TJ Namen, Jon Dompier. bury, Nancy Schoenhofer, Ra- Chi Town Assualt/Titan/ chel Mast, Irene Bouzanquet. T2Auto/DynaMac (IL): Bob Women’s 50 Platinum Reed, Jeff Burda, Scott Ward Old School (CA): Sa- (Team MVP). brina Bobkowski (Team Men’s 50 AA MVP), Deena Dobbins, Diane Gray Ghost (IL): Theron Dahilig, Patty Felker, Alma Roberts, Sherman Daniels Jr., Guzman, Brenda Foor. Eugene Laird, Charles Oca- Stix With Impact (CA): cio, Clifford Burnett. Patti Albrecht, Becky Rob- All-In Softball (IL): ertson, Stacy Willis, Patricia Deangles Smith, Gregory Affriseo, Elizabeth Kitlinger. Blazina, David Alan Schmidt, Arizona Dream Team: SBOB/ATHALONZ/VOODOO SPORTS (AZ) named Team President David Szafranski, John Musto Sonya Fultz (Team MVP), Jenny Valenzuela as their MVP. Jenny received a call during the (Team MVP). Angie Linder, Terry Davis. tournament informing her of her father's passing. Continued On Page 26 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition WMC: All-Tournament Teams Continued Continued From Previous Page Tommy Parra, Sammy Perez. Schiffmann, Edward Rushing. line, Clifton Stratton, James Romo’s Trouble (TX): Scrap Iron Mile High Northwest Silver (WA): Davidson, Bob Schreyer. Stephen Powell, Mike Hig- (CO): Jeffrey Wood, Andy Steve Salmon (Team MVP), Sons of Pitches (CA): gins, Jimmy Pena. Gonzales, Douglas Klimas, Butch Jones, Chris Fudenski. David Taylor, Herman Vaught, ITV Consulting (BC, James Riley. Men’s 65 Major Plus Art Langlois, George Anas, Canada): Glen O’Keefe, Brad Spin Tees (WA): Victor Rebels (CA): Chris Dave Miller (Team MVP). Debroni. Mercado, Will Henderson, Dayak (Team MVP), Steve SoCal Gusto (CA): Ron- Men’s 55 Major Plus Thomas Dorsey. Grimm, Art Tressler, Barry ald Windell, Raymond Fly, Sommerville Softball Longshoremen (VA): Oliver, Rick Cady. Dan Milakovich. (CA): Isac Alvidrez, Ronni Billy Williams, Dwayne Team Florida: John Lam- Omen (CA): Peter Salcedo, Danny Arevalos, Williams, Pete Garcia (Team bert (Team MVP), Edward Houghton, Michael Baldo- Robert Robinson, Brian MVP). Carrington, Norman Edwards. nado. Hausner. Men’s 60 Major Plus Men’s 65 Major Men’s 70 Major RBC Wealth Manage- MTC 60s/Dudley (CA): Enviro-Vac Marauder Minnesota P5/Ancell: ment (FL): Jose Armas, Tony Gary Robertson, Bob Aikman, (BC, Canada): Ralph Tipton, Douglas Swenson, Richard Bassett, Richard Clark. Dave Matusich, Steven Imlay, Rick Parker, Donald Freund, Kuyath, Paul Trewick, Rick CornerStone (OR): Gary Mark Zurilgen. Peter Sheen, Jim Klassen. Hoen, Rudy Wicklander. Springer, David Dahilig, Bar- Summy’s (CA): George Handeland Flooring Nor-Cal STIXX (CA): ney Lewis. Robinson, Kevin O’Reilly, (WI): Michael Baehman, Paul Hal Johnson, Bruce Barnes, Men’s 55 Major Mike O’Donnell, Mike Cox, Lance Riddell, Chuck John Melvin, Lucio Cosare Ohio Elite/Creative Toomey. Skellett. (Team MVP). Stucco/Louisville Slugger: Hollis Appraisals (FL): Carolina Cobras (NC): Tri-State Diamondbacks Tim Linson (Team MVP), George Roberts, Lawrence Stephen Pierson (Team MVP), (NM): Roger Assink, Danny Mark Horn, Kelly Ratcliff, Reedus, Horace Jefferson. Randy Thomas, Danny Bal- Shewcraft. Joe Ausec, Gary Perkins. Texas Crush Sixties: lard, Ron Sandy. Men’s 70 AAA WC Thunder (IL): Terry Reggie Simmons, Murray Top Gun Mavericks Masters Marauders Dunn, Kevin Krahn, James Williams. (CA): Don Ludwig (Team (BC, Canada): Tad Kokaji, Walsh, Tonny Gilchrist. Men’s 60 Major MVP), Don Chandler. Rich Halliburton, Craig Barra- So Cal (CA): Dave Bar- Minnesota Masters/ Men’s 65 AAA clough, Vern Benn, Dave retto, Jeff Iannone, Reggie Ancell: John Reagan, Don Rocco’s OTD (AZ): Schill. Stanton, Eric Morrison (Team Tarasewicz, Steven Bennett, Joe Simental (Team MVP), Sacramento Islanders MVP). Phil Gutterman. Charles Bullard, Angel Lopez, (CA): Bruce Allen (Team Rock n Legends (TX): Sin City Softball (NV): Edward Sanchez. MVP), Richard Edwards, Joey Gillaspy, Steve Veronie. Brian Graham (Team MVP), Sidewinders Desert Edward Stoessel, Michael Men’s 55 AAA Richard Bass, Willie Banks, (AZ): Robert Hamilton, Larry Berlant, Jon Ellison. Crossfire (TX): Rick Mike Swank. Adams, Arnie Kvarnberg MN Lumberjacks: Ste- Henderson, Randall Peoples, Windy City Softball (Team MVP). ven Baker, Richard Majcin, Kenny Farris, Daniel Brown, (IL): James Cushing, Brian Men’s 65 AA Allan Salverson. Rick Steward, Mike Kinard Campbell. Grey Sox (WA): Timothy Top Gun Patriots (CA): (Team MVP). Men’s 60 AAA Wheatley (Team MVP), Ron Bob Martinez (Team MVP), Ameriprise FL Legends: Chicago Prime (IL): laitter an rifith ames Larry Revert. Danny Van Camp (Team Rick Kellemen, Dave Smith, Hardenbrook, John Higgins. Men’s 70 AA MVP), Dave Leon, Seth Scott Eaton, Martin Lolich, Blue Chips (IL): Rob Chicago Hitmen (IL): Marlieb, Mike Mash. Anthon Davis. Jesk, Bruce Van Auken, Dan Phil Whitman, Michael Fresno Heath (CA): Big Daddy’s Donuts Kairis, Charles Plonczynski. Sabatino, Steve Gajda, James Craig Heredia, Mark Stegall, (MO): Phil Loomis, Mike Relentless (TX): James Kupiec, David Vorwald. Russ Reisinger. Love. Anderson, Louie Caputo Jr., El Paso Nine-Elevens Texas Heat: Derek Har- Men’s 60 AA om ronfield (TX): Robert Nava, Robert ris, Gene Hensarling. Team Texas San Anto- Duke City Dynamite Ward, Mickey Saucedo, Don- Men’s 55 AA nio: Pete Moreno, Joe Morin, (NM): Mike Sinnott, Jim Mc- ald Reay. New Mexico Boom- Sergio Angulo, Rayes Estrada, Cormack. Triple Play (CA): John ers: Harvey Ledesma (Team Tom Abrahamson. Men’s 70 Major Plus Thompson (Team MVP), MVP), Mike Caro, Rey Git-R-Done (CA): Tom Venom (FL): Vincent Lanny Witt, James Grubb, Granillo, Antonio Hernandez, Gesler, Mark Moreno, Jan Melograno, Stewart Caster- Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 27 WMC: All-Tournament Teams Continued Continued From Previous Page Wilson, Robert Hannah. Git-R-Done (CA): Cas Mazet, Rus- Larry Sargent. Men’s 75 Major sell Cooata, Jack Fisher, Dennis Phistry, Doughboys (NV): Dale Alcorn, JP California Connection: James Gregory Krebs (Team MVP). Molfetta, Ed Wade (Team MVP). Kenney (Team MVP), Kenneth Corneli- Stark St. Pizza S.CA: Doug Tomlin- Men’s 75 Major Plus son, Maxwell Litt, Frank Mazzeo, Gene son, Ross Bickerton, Tom Harwood, Ed Scrap Iron Legacy (CO): David Adams. Strong (Team MVP). Smith, Bob Brown, Steve Strommen, State Roofing Systems (CA): Edwin Arizona Outlaws: Michael Sullivan Billy Kee, Tom Whelan. Lowe, Bruce Hyman, Gilbert Jess, Char- (Team MVP), Roger Salisbury, Blake Omen (CA): William Nevis, Richard lie Sherrill. Moffat. DeMarco, Joseph Cors, John Di Re. Findlay Automotive Scorpions Men’s 80 Platinum General Equipment (WA): Fred (AZ): Troy Singletary (Team MVP), Florida Investment Properties (Ma- White, Jay Brack, Clauis Nickleberry. Richard Fink, Tom Lorgan. jor Plus): Billy Brotherton, Jacob Wood, San Francisco Seals (CA): William Men’s 75 AAA Thomas Sides, Vinnie Remson, Robert Johnson, John Fournier (Team MVP). Fairway Ford (CA) (Major): Vin- cent Duarte, Carroll Shook, John Fisher, John Chacon, Gary Burtsell. LOTA Softball (AR): Marlyn Schroepfer (Team MVP), Don Harris, Joe Housley. Top Gun Diamond (CA) (Major): James Shipe, Bob Fisher. Men’s 80 AAA New York Statesmen: Thomas Ladd, Jim Nugent, Ron Cunningham, John Tortora, Art Barnes. Sacramento Gold (CA): Ray New- man, Clifford Vierra, Charlie Partin, Roland Stiarwalt. MN Legends: Lowell Thompson, Earle Anderson, Donald Carruth. Scrap Iron Gray Berets (CO): Joe DeCristofaro, John Wunderli, Don Notarmuzi. Men’s 85 Major Center For Sight (FL): Tommy Hicks (Team MVP), David Goldberg, Dwight McVicker, Steve Sellinger, Tom Ingham, Joe Sykes. Arizona Prospectors: Lester Hanson (Team MVP), John Siegfried, Norman Brooks, Jayman Avery. Southwest Stars (TX): Norman Shugar, John Vaughan, Bill Klinkenberg. Legends/ProHealth (MN): Roger Schroder, Willie Wood, Robert D’Amadio.

Managers, if your team is not listed, please email your all-touranment selec- tions to [email protected]. 28 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 29 2018 Triple Grand Slam Features Repeats Five teams completed the Redwood City Gold Rush, CA Hamel Cava- elusive Triple Grand Slam in 80 liers, VA 70 2018, etching their names in 2016 Triple Play, SSUSA lore. Smack That, CA W 40AAA CA 70 Dreamgirlz, MD W 50 State oofin Suncoast Adidas (FL) - Sommerville Softball, CA 50 Systems, CA Men's 40 Major Plus Hollis Appraisals, FL 60 75 Sommerville Softball San Francisco Seals, CA 75 Center for (CA) - Men's 55 Major Plus Sacramento Gold, CA 80 Sight, FL 80 Timberworks/Adidas 2015 2010 (CA) - Men's 65 Major Plus Kiss Our Stix, CA W 40AAA Center for Venom (FL) - Men's 70 Dreamgirlz, MD W 50 Sight, FL 80 Major Plus Sommerville Softball, CA 50 Florida Leg- Old School (CA) - Wom- Summy’s, CA 55 ends/Human en's 50 Major Top Gun III, CA 60 Kinetics 65 Omen, CA 70 PDR/Fast- The Triple Grand Slam PDR Fastsigns, OR 75 signs, OR 70 consists of winning the West- San Francisco Seals, CA 75 Spot Bar & ern or Eastern National Cham- Florida Investment Prop. 80 Grille, OR 50 pionship, the U.S. National 2014 2009 WE Ruth WA 55 Championship Game, and the Dreamgirlz, MD 50W Blaine County Title, ID 60 Scrap Iron/Worth CO 55 World Masters Championship. MBA Elite, CA 60 CJ & S Express, AZ 50 Moran & Company MI 65 For Timberworks/Adidas Superior Senior Softball, VA Florida Legends/Human Ki- 2005 and Venom, this marks the 60 netics 65 Double Play CA 50 second straight Triple Grand Omen, CA 70 Kar Phone/TKP, CA 40W Scrap Iron CO 60 Slam title for each team. Syracuse Cyclones, NY 70 Roberts Construction, WI 55 Chicago Classics Red IL 50 Sommerville Softball Florida Investment Properties Sidewinders, AZ 70 Florida Investment completes the Triple Grand 80 2008 Properties 70 Slam or the first time as a Center for Sight, FL 85 2nd Wind, CA 50W Cornwall 75’s MI 75 team, after completing the feat 2013 ac fice Associates MA 2004 in both 2016 and 2015 as a Dreamgirlz, MD 50W 70 California Spirit 50W 50’s team. Ohio Silverados, OH 60 Ca$h 4 College, NJ 65 California Spirit 55W Hamel Builders/Superior, VA JK, Inc., CA 40 Old A’s CA 55 All-Time Triple 65 Joeseppi’s/Bellettini, WA 70 The Farm CA 55 Grand Slam Winners San Francisco Seals, CA 75 NorCal Bluejays, CA 65 Bickerton Iron Works CA 60 2012 NY Motion 55 Northwest 75’s WA 75 2017 Omega QSE Construction, Robson Ranch, AZ 60 2003 B.O.O.B.’s, CA 40 Women MD 55 Shawn Montee Timber, ID 50 Showtime CA 40W Dreamgirlz, VA 50 Women W.E. Ruth Realty, WA 60 Syracuse Merchants, NY 55 WE Ruth Realty WA 50 J.K. Inc/Miken, CA 50 Hamel Builders/Turn 2, VA 65 Tiodize D-99, CA 80 Fairway Ford CA 65 Roadhouse Blues/BP & As- Syracuse Cyclones, NY 65 Turn 2, NC 60 Emerald City Masters WA 65 sociates, PA 50 Pinnacle Physical Therapy, 2007 Dream Team MI 60 MTC/Dudley, CA 60 AZ 70 All Star Ford Masters, WA 40 West Michigan Sportsmen 65 Omega IT Services, MD 60 Syracuse Cyclones, NY 75 California Spirit 50W Mitchell’s Construction PA 70 Timberworks/Adidas, CA 65 California Spirit, CA 55W California Spirit 55W Syracuse Cyclones NY 70 New Jersey Hitmen, 65 California Spirit, CA 60W Las Vegas Neons, NV 60 2002 Venom, FL 70 2011 San Francisco Seals, CA 70 California Spirit Majors 55W Sacramento Buds, CA 70 Bay State Bombers, MA 55 Texas Classics 75 Coca Cola Classics WI 60 San Francisco Seals, CA 75 MTC Softball Club, CA 60 WE Ruth Realty, WA 65 2001 General Equipment, OR 75 Steel Dawgs, OH 60 2006 SF Seals, CA 65 Florida Investment Properties, Omen Softball, CA 65 Ladies Choice CA 50W Jimmy Dukes, CA 65 80 San Francisco Seals, CA 70 Road Dogs CA 50 30 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 31 U.S. National Championship Game Winners The 2018 LVSSA/SSUS- Men's 50 AAA ic US National Champions for Nor-Cal Stixx (CA) - Men's SA World Masters Champion- Team 757 (VA) defeated thier respective division. 70 Major ships featured 16 U.S. Na- acific Coast Alliance CA tional Championship games, 24-13 CCS Fireballerz (CA) - Sacramento Islanders (CA) - pitting winners of the Eastern Women's 40 AAA Men's 70 AAA National Championships up Men's 55 Major Plus against winners of the Western Sommerville Softball (CA) Dreamgirlz 50 (VA) - Triple Play (CA) - National Championships. defeated RBC Wealth Man- Women's 50 Major Plus Men's 70 AA The games were held dur- agement (FL), 25-2 ing seeding play. In divisions Old School (CA) - Omen (CA) - of four or more teams, the Men's 55 AAA Women's 50 Major Men's 75 Major Plus winning team earned the top Ameriprise Florida Legends seed in bracket play, while the defeated Michael's Automo- OnFire/Afoa Insurance State Roofing Systems (CA) runner-up was seeded second. tive Group (OR), 20-16 (CA) - Women's 50 AAA - Men's 75 Major Overall, Eastern teams outdid their Western counter- Men's 55 AA D&K Tradition (CA) - Triple Play (CA) - parts, holding a 9-7 edge in Longshoremen 55 (VA) de- Men's 55 Major Men's 75 AAA the 16 games. feated Spin Tees (WA), 23-16 U.S. National Champions Pastimers (WA) - Sacramento Gold (CA) - completed the second leg of Men's 60 Major Plus Men's 60 AA Men's 80 AAA the Triple Grand Slam. Summy's (CA) defeated Hol- lis Appraisals 60 (FL), 19-5 Sidewinders Desert (AZ) - 2018 U.S. National Cham- Men's 65 AAA pionship Game Results Men's 60 Major Sin City Softball (NV) Women's 40 Major defeated Tasty Pizza (MN), Kryptonite (FL) defeated 22-21 Wikkd (CA), 16-9 KEEP YOUR Men's 60 AAA Men's 40 Major Plus Senior Bend Elks (OR) EYE ON THE BALL Suncoast Adidas 40s (FL) defeated Georgia Alabama ® defeated Prestige/Elite Sports Seniors/GAS Softball, 20-17 OC (CA), 33-32 WITH VSP Men's 65 Major Plus Men's 40 Major Timberworks/Adidas (CA) MTC 40's (CA) defeated defeated Team Florida, 33-22 S2S/.40 Cal (FL), 18-14 We’ve partnered with VSP Vision Care to provide Men's 65 Major members access to affordable, comprehensive Men's 40 AAA Carolina Cobras (NC) coverage through an Individual Vision Plan. Mach One 40's (WA) defeat- defeated No Dice/Bay Photo • Low out-of-pocket costs on eye exams, glasses, ed ive Casino M - Lab (CA), 23-9 and contacts • Personalized care from a VSP network doctor Men's 50 Major Plus Men's 70 Major Plus Suncoast Adidas 50s (FL) Venom 70 (FL) defeated • Plans start as low as $17 a month defeated Northwest Softball/ Omen 70 (CA), 28-27 vspdirect.com/softball/welcome Worth (WA), 36-27 Automatic US Champions Men's 50 Major Lighthouse Lookouts/Ath- The following teams did letic Shop (GA) defeated not have an opponent for the ©2018 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. CPD/Ancell 50s (MN), 20-17 US National Championship VSP is a registered trademark, and VSP Individual Vision Plans is a trademark of Vision Service Plan. game, and thus were automat- 32 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition 191 Teams Compete in 2018 Winter Worlds PHOENIX – The 18th Men’s 65 AAA Division, Last Vac Marauders (BC, Canada) Annual Winter World Cham- Call plaed aless in a best two-out-of-three pionships hosted 191 teams ball, going 2-0 in seeding play game series to win the Men’s representing 21 states and two to eventually earn the No. 3 70 Major Plus Division. Canadian provinces here in seed eore rattlin o five Omen took game one 25-13 mid-November. straight wins in bracket play, and game two 16-12 to sweep The tournament began including a 21-10 win over the series. with the Men’s 65 through 85 Scrap Iron Diamonds (CO) in After being upset in their (AZ) defeated ProHealth Care age divisions playing Nov. the championship game. first racet ame aainst (WI), 24-9, in the winner- 13-15. Scrap Iron Diamonds Poncho’s (AZ) 15-9, top seed tae-all final roealth Care Beginning with the Men’s bounced back from an 0-2 Sideinders A on five defeated Sidewinders 14-12 65 Major Plus Division, Tim- showing in seeding play, straight games, including dou- in the championship game to berworks/Adidas (CA) swept going 4-2 in bracket play en ble-dipping Poncho’s, winning force the “if” game. Findlay R & R 65’s (CA) in a best rote to their rnner-p finish the championship game, 16- Scorpions A finished in two-out-of-three game series. Both of Scrap Iron Diamonds’ 15 (walk-off in the bottom of third place. Timberworks cruised to game losses came against Last Call. the open) and the “if” game, Arizona Outlaws took one win 31-16, before sweep- No Guts, No Glory (CA) 16-14, in the six-team Men’s home the four-team Men’s ing the series in game two, finished in third place hile 70 Major Division. Trailing 75 AAA Division, going 3-0 with a 26-22 victory. C-Mstans CA finished 13-11 heading into the top of in seeding play to lock up Animals (CA) completed in fourth place. the open, Sidewinders plated the top seed, before winning a perfect week to win the Scrap Iron 5280 (CO) and five rns in the innin to even- three straight in bracket play, six-team Men’s 65 Major Utah Coyotes rounded out the tually hold onto the 16-14 title including a 22-3 win over Hui Division, going 2-0 in seeding top six teams. victory. Midwest Express (IA) Ohana Warriors (HI) in the play to earn the No. 2 seed, In the six-team Men’s finished in third place championship game. Hui Oha- before going 3-0 in bracket 65/70 AA Division, Los Vatos In the eight-team Men’s na won back-to-back elimi- play, including a 21-11 win Viejos 65 (AZ) avenged its 70 AAA Division, Chicago nation games after dropping over Rocco’s (AZ) in the 22-20 loss in the champion- Strikers entered bracket play their first racet ame en championship game. Rocco’s ship game against Blue Chips as the top seed, following a rote to their rnner-p finish made a valiant run through 65 (IL), with a 21-16 victory 2-0 showing in seeding play. riple la CA finished in the elimination side of the in the “if” game. New Mexico The team lived up to its top third place. bracket, winning four straight oomers finished in third overall rank, going 4-0 in Emerald 80s (WA) swept games, en route to their place after winning three bracket play to complete an Top Gun Gold (CA) by scores rnner-p finish op seed straight elimination games. undefeated week, includ- of 18-16 and 15-14 to win the Ariona Ancient finished in The team entered bracket play ing a 22-21 win over No. 2 Men’s 80 Major Division. third place. as the last seed after going 0-2 seed Git-R-Done (CA) in the In the four-team Men’s In the largest division of in seeding play. championship game. Trailing 80/85 Gold Division, Scrap the first session the -team Omen (CA) swept Enviro- 21-17 heading into the bottom Iron Gray Berets 80 (CO) of the open, Chicago Strikers came back to defeat Git-R- rallied ith a five-rn rall Done 80 (CA), 24-13, in the to complete the come-back “if” game, after dropping the victory for the championship. championship game 15-11. Bouncing back from an 0-2 Sideinders A finished record in seeding, Prime Time in third place. (CA) posted a 4-2 record in The Winter World Cham- bracket play, including four pionships continued with the straight wins in the elimina- Women’s 40 through 70 age tion side of the bracket, en divisions, as well as the Men’s route to their third-place 40 through 60 age divisions, finish playing Nov. 16-18. The four-team Men’s 75 Beginning with the three- Major Division came down to team Women’s 40 Major Divi- Chicago Strikers (IL) - Men's 70 AAA Champions the “if” game, as Sidewinders Continued on Next Page Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 33 WWC: TABU Wins Five Straight Elimination Games Continued from Previous Page Women’s 50 AAA Division, sion, top seed Colorado Ohana Motown Magic (MI) out- breezed through the bracket, lasted NW Lady Legends defeating Wikkd (CA) 16-4 in (WA). Game one saw Motown the championship game. The Maic strie first tain the victory capped off a perfect 24-19 win. NW Lady Legends weekend for Colorado Ohana. evened the series with a thrill- et irt M finished in ing 20-19 win in game two, third place. forcing the third and decisive In the 10-team Women’s game. In the rubber-match, 40 AAA Division, TABU Motown Magic took the home (CA) escaped the elimination the championship with a 17-9 side of the bracket with three win. straight wins to reach the Top seed Ladies Choice championship game. Need- CA pt on a aless peror- GTS (WA) - Men's 40 Major Plus Champions ing to continue to win out, mance, going 2-0 in seeding Epress CA finished in third punched its ticket to the TABU did just that, double- play, and 3-0 in bracket play, place. championship game with four dipping Tharaldson Softball including a 14-13 win in the In the four-team Men’s 40 straight wins in bracket play. (NV) 15-9 and 26-25 in the championship game against Major Plus Division, top seed Their opponent in the championship and “if” games, nd Wind CA in the five- GTS (WA) went undefeated, championship was a familiar respectively. team Women’s 60 Division. going 3-0 in seeding, before one, as the game featured a re- Trailing for most of the SorMor A finished in capping off the tournament match of an earlier meeting, “if” game, TABU tied the third place after winning a with a 3-0 record in bracket that saw FunHavers defeat ame at all ith a five-rn pair of games in the elimina- play, including a 42-39 win le ill MafiaS et- bottom of the sixth. Heading tion side of the bracket. over Automatic (NV) in the works (AZ), 23-21. into the open inning, Tharald- In the five-team Women’s championship game. Auto- Falling into the elimina- son plated five rns to reain 70 Division, top seed South- matic fell to GTS, 34-22, tion racet le ill Mafia the lead 25-20. It would not west Dream Catchers (NM) in their first racet ame rattled off three straight wins be enough; however, as TABU won three straight elimination before winning back-to-back to secure their spot in the would strike back with a six- games, including a double- elimination games to reach championship game, where run bottom of the open to take dip of LV Neons (NV) in the the championship. Pony Tail the team would avenge its the title. championship game (13-11) Epress CA finished in third earlier loss with a 30-20 win, Tharaldson defeated and “if” game (19-12). LV place. forcing the winner-take-all TABU earlier in the bracket, Neons defeated Southwest The largest division of “if” game. However, FunHav- 18-14, to knock the team Dream Catchers, 7-1, earlier the second session featured ers old have the final sa down into the elimination in the bracket to knock the the 17-team Men’s 40 Major taking the “if” game in walk- bracket, setting up the team’s team down into the elimina- Division. FunHavers (AZ), off fashion, 14-13. antlet rn o five straiht tion side of the bracket. Saints the No. 2 seed in the bracket, omies A finished wins on Championship Sun- in third place, winning three day. Top seed Straight Pride straight one-run games to be- CA finished in third place gin bracket play, before drop- Stix With Impact (CA) ping back-to-back games. Bad posted a perfect 3-0 record in Seed CA finished in orth bracket play to win the three- place following a three-win team Women’s 50 Major Divi- run through the elimination sion, including a 15-11 win side of the bracket. over Arizona Dream Team in T’s Train/Integra (AZ) the championship game. LOL- also made a strong push eit l’ adies CA finished through the elimination side in third place. of the bracket with three Playing a best two-out- straight wins to be among the three game series in the Southwest Dream Catchers (NM) - Women's 70 Champions Continued on Page 35 34 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 35 WWC: Jose Canseco Leads Team to Victory Continued from Page 33 Plus Division. Elite/Dudley final si teams remainin on jumped out early to take game Sunday. one, 47-26; while So Cal In the four-team Men’s evened the series with a 25-24 40 AAA Division, Whatever win in game two. The rubber- (AZ) posted a perfect 3-0 match saw Elite/Dudley win record in bracket play, includ- the final ame - ing a thrilling 19-18 walk-off Bouncing back from an win over Joker’s Wild (AZ) in 0-2 showing in seeding play, the championship game. Big No. 10 seed Vegas Strong as A finished in third (NV), led by former MLB All- place. Star and MVP Jose Canseco, The nine-team Men’s 50 posted a perfect 5-0 record in FunHavers - Men's 40 Major Champions Major Division saw the top bracket play, including a 29- two seeds square off for the 28 win over JU Entertainment Division, Arizona Scorpions nation side of the bracket, championship. (CA) in the championship completed an undefeated where the team rallied with Top seed 4 The Fallen game in the 11-team Men’s 55 weekend, going 2-0 in seeding six straight victories, includ- (AZ) got to the champion- Major Division. play and 4-0 in bracket play, ing a revenge 28-17 win over ship game unscathed, winning including a 31-11 win against Oshkosh Ambassadors in the three straight games. After Antiques of Iowa City (IA). third-place game, to reach the dropping their second game Top seed Thunderstruck (AZ) championship game. Weak- of the bracket against Stadium finished in third place end Warriors CA finished in (CA) 19-17, No. 2 seed Thun- Hawaii Five-O won the fourth place. derstruck fell into the elimina- seven-team Men’s 60 Major Arizona Ballers made a tion side of the bracket, where Division, as the team posted a valiant run through the elimi- the team won three straight perfect 4-0 record in bracket nation side of the bracket with win-or-go-home games to play, including a 23-14 win three straight wins to reach reach the championship game. over top seed Arizona Old Sunday. Fueled by their survive School in the championship In the nine-team Men’s 60 and advance mentality, Thun- game. Arizona Old School AA Division, top seed Van- derstruck edged out an 8-7 had previously won four couver USA-Wooly’s (WA) win in the championship game straight games in the elimi- went 2-0 in seeding play and for their fourth straight win on nation side of the bracket to rolled to the championship (From L to R): Scott Guthrie, Sunday, forcing the “if” game. manager of Vegas Strong, and reach the championship game. game undefeated, until falling In the end, Thunderstruck Jose Canseco, pose with the Northwest Softball Club/Un- just short to Los Vatos Viejos WWC championship trophy. would run out of gas, as 4 The derdos WA finished in third (AZ) 17-16 as the division Fallen would take the “if” Trailing 22-21 heading place. title would be decided by the ame - Stadim finished into the open inning, Vegas Representing the Great “if” game. in third place. Strong plated eight runs in White North in the 14-team Trailing 13-3 heading Top seed Grayed & the top half of the open to go Men’s 60 AAA Division, top into the open inning of the Confused (UT) registered a ahead, 29-22. JU Entertain- seed X-Men (BC, Canada) “if” game, Los Vatos Viejos perfect weekend, going 2-0 ment answered with six runs went unbeaten, going 2-0 in mounted an incredible come- in seeding and 4-0 in bracket in the bottom half of the open, seeding play, before rolling back, scoring 13 runs to take a play, including a 15-13 win as Vegas Strong would hold through bracket play with a 16-13 lead. Vancouver USA- over Elite/Scrap Iron (CO) in on for the win. 4-0 record, including a 17-15 Wooly’s would avoid the the championship game of the Following an 18-5 loss win over No. 3 seed CJ & S dreaded double-dip, coming 14-team Men’s 50 AAA Divi- against Vegas Strong to begin Express (AZ) in the champi- back with a four-run bottom sion. Sin City Warriors (NV) racet pla oeriner onship game. of the open to take home a 17- finished in third place WA rattled o five straiht After being upset by No. 16 win of their own. Elite/Dudley (AZ) wins en route to their third- 14 seed Oshkosh Ambas- All-In I finished in outdueled So Cal (CA) in a place finish sadors (WI), 20-19, in their third place, rebounding from best two-out-of-three game In another 11-team opening bracket game, CJ & S an 0-2 showing in seeding series for the Men’s 55 Major division, the Men’s 55 Silver Express dropped to the elimi- play. 36 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 37 Winter World Champs All-Tourney Teams The top three teams from McAndrew, Rex Morrison, Jeff Jon Forbes, Bill Ward, Jack Findlay Scorpions (AZ): the Winter Worlds selected Brandhagen, Kenneth McCarthy, Brunschmid. Richard Gwilt, Tom Lorgan, Troy All-Tournament members. Mark Ozolins. Men’s 65 AA Singletary. Thunderstruck (AZ): Los Vatos Viejos (AZ): Men’s 75 AAA Thomas Trieber, Randy Pongratz, Paul Hernandez, Bill Saunders, Arizona Outlaws: Lenny Women’s 40 Major Steve Sigourney, David Tibbetts. Bob Sismondo, R. Dean Burrow, Mykland, Wayne Poindexter, Colorado Ohana: Jennifer Stadium (CA): Ed Lujan, Granville Smith. Will Romano, Robert Sachs, Doolittle, Alyson Morgentern, Mike Flynn, Andrew Lineberger. Men’s 70 Major Plus Francis Doering. Tanya Norton, Amy Palma, Men’s 50 AAA Omen (CA): James Staple- Men’s 80 Major Tyressa Johnson. Elite/Scrap Iron (CO): ton, David Briones, Bob Cum- Emerald 80s (WA): Doug Get Dirty (NM): Jenny Richard Lundy, Jeffrey Wright, mings, Ellwin Jobe, Steve Callan, Spindler, John Anderson, James Jenkins-Knight, Elizabeth Kue- Tom Sutak, Ken Lindow. Daniel Walsworth. Hann, Darwin Reynolds, Fred hne, Paulette Baca-Asplund. Men’s 55 Major Plus Men’s 70 Major Vanouck. Women’s 40 AAA So Cal 55 (CA): Alan Sidewinders (AZ): RJ Men’s 80/85 Gold Tharaldson Softball (NV): Derow, Darren Howe, Jeff Ian- Ashley, Michael Carroll, Mike Scrap Iron Gray Berets Joann Fukuma, Rhonda Hilpipre- none, Nelson Kracke. Staudt, David Toepel, Doug (CO): Joseph DeCristofaro, An- Maier, Therese Schmidt, Myste Men’s 55 Major Tucker. thony Elia, Kent Loutensock, C. Hutton. Vegas Strong (NV): Jose Midwest Express (IA): Bill Purcell, John Wunderli. Saints (AZ): Melissa Ellis, Canseco, John Failla, Armando John Kelly, Edward Rastovski, Sidewinders 80s (AZ): Kimmie Mars, Ramona Llerenas. Caban, Tim Ryan, Charles Glenn Soyer. Thomas Grubb, Larry Benjamin, Women’s 50 Major Bilyeu. Men’s 70 AAA Ronald Johnson. Stix With Impact (CA): Doerflinger (WA): Brett Chicago Strikers (IL): Lar- Monica Rubio, Jeanette Bailey- Kreuger, Todd Deck, Kevin ry Hall, Thomas Vancura, Tony Brown, Sheryl Sanchez, Lisa Managers, if your team Juma. Inzerillo, Terry Van Klavern, Dan Hill, Shandra Lee. is not listed, please email Men’s 55 Silver Tuftee. Arizona Dream Team: Antiques of Iowa City (IA): Men’s 75 Major your all-touranment selec- Angie Linder, Kim Moore, Sonya Jeff Kuepker, Steve Schroeder, Sidewinders (AZ): Jerry tions to anthony@senior- Fultz, Cathy Nicodemus. Larry Lipcamon, Denny Jenn. Bianchi, Richard Collins, Billy softball.com. Women’s 50 AAA Thunderstruck 55’s (AZ): Kee, Jay Larson, Buster Dickin- Motown Magic (MI): Allen Nelson, William Armijo, son. Daena Slagle, Tracey Bell, Mona Jerry Lowe. Onyemelukwe, Lisa Pugh, Laura Men’s 60 Major Mooneyham. Arizona Old School: Paul NW Lady Legends (WA): Cooley, Ludwig Nordahl, Bill Jenny Langenhorst, Theresa McKnight, Ken Van Keuren. Gotter, Susan Stencil, Karlene Men’s 60 AAA Schuler. CJ & S Express (AZ): Will Women’s 60 Lendof, Randy Tompkins, Mi- SkorMor (AZ): Eleanor chael Manna, Dale Ulrich. Hawley, Nancy Holyoke, Lori Men’s 60 AA Drotman. Los Vatos Viejos (AZ): Women’s 70 Danny Marquez, William Ong, Southwest Dream Catchers Fred DeLeon, Frank Aponte. (NM): Lois Gray, Avis Taylor, All-In (IL): David Schmidt, Ruth Ann Marshall, Arvita Hig- Richard Bowlds, Larry Pelock. gins, Sara Denzler. Men’s 65 Major Plus LV Neons (NV): Jean R & R 65’s (CA): Armando Vaughan, Pat Lawlis, Kathleen Corella, Richard Moreno, Rich- Hawk, Barbara Lang-Ruzic. ard Markota, Tom Plucinak. Saints Express (CA): Susan Men’s 65 Major Cary, Lynn Ann Shutt, Nancy Arizona Ancient: Steve Musser. Hilby, John Barresi, Dick Reader. Men’s 40 Major Plus Men’s 65 AAA GTS (WA): Joey Smith, Last Call (NV): Steve Pat Paschal, Eric Becker, Jason Malloy, Lowell Moore, Dennis raves ssell finton Worley, Bruce Schochat, Mike Men’s 40 AAA Sullens. Joker’s Wild (AZ): Arthur Scrap Iron Diamonds Alejandro II, Kevin Abers, Ray- (CO): Jim Casswell, Jesus mond Lopez, Hector Lepur. Bencomo, Charlie Powell, Arthur Men’s 50 Major Graebe. 4 The Fallen (AZ): Jamie No Guts, No Glory (CA): 38 Senior Softball News Winter 2018 Edition Update Insurance Policies in Event of Disaster WORTH IS BACK By Jack Sirard Many, many years ago, my wife’s grandmother mar- IN THE SSUSA GAME ried a charming retiree who had recently sold his San THE WORTH WICKED 1-PIECE SSUSA BAT Francisco-based jewelry busi- UTILIZES A PLAYER-PREFERRED XL ENDLOAD ness and moved to the coun- TO GENERATE HIGHER SWING SPEEDS. tryside. Being a jeweler, he was very particular about his new custom-built home and detached workshop, nestled among the towering pines. I don’t know that he had hand selected each board, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he had. Over the years, my wife’s grandparents passed away and her mother inherited the Photo Credit: Getty Images home. Subsequently, her mom Overhead view of damage caused by the Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. had a debilitating stroke and we moved her to a nursing were last in the home a few Paradise. what is and is not covered home near us, leaving her months ago, we took more In retrospect, I think it’s in the event of a disaster brother in the home as a care- than 50 photos of the inside probably a good idea to have and made updates where we taker of the property. of the home, fearing that we a copy of your homeowner’s thought we needed added The home sat on a beauti- might lose something to a insurance policy as well as a protection. ful one-acre tree-lined site burglar if no one was there copy of the most recent pay- And while we thought overlooin a manificent watching the property. We ment and contact information we knew pretty much what’s canon filled ith ooded opened closet and cupboard outside the primary home. in our home, we now have properties of oak, pine and doors for photos and dis- Having that information photo evidence to document manzanita bushes. played a few collections that enabled me to make the call to it. We’re planning on send- Unfortunately, that home Mom had, just in case. the insurance company early ing copies of all these docu- was is Paradise, Calif., and It’s amazing how much on and to get an insurance ments to our son who lives in like the thousands of other stuff was in the two-bedroom claim filin nmer another state…just in case. CF100 TECHNOLOGY: home, but that’s what you end I’m not certain that indi- In addition, I think you homes in town, it burned to 100% CARBON FIBER BARREL the ground in November, up with when three genera- vidual homeowners in Para- can learn a lot from those leavin onl a fireplace stand- tions keep bringing in new dise could have done much to ho either srvived the fire or PROVIDES A LIGHTER WEIGHT, ing tall in the center of the items. prevent the devastatin fire as those who didn’t. MORE DURABLE BARREL FOR property. In addition, since my it roared through the com- Those life lessons could UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE. wife is the genealogy expert munity in minutes, but there prove to be invaluable in the While we lost the family home and all the stuff inside in the family, she had made are many lessons to be learned future for all of us. (and there was plenty of numerous copies of old family that cold enefit others XL LOADING: stuff), we fared far better than photos and documents that we Since we too live in a Jack Sirard is a retired A 0.5OZ ENDLOAD FOR PLAYERS thousands of others who lost shared with the entire fam- heavily wooded area in the nationally syndicated finan- SEEKING A MODERATELY ily so some of that history is Sierra foothills, we’re taking cial columnist and Senior Edi- family members and/or have ENDLOADED BAT, OFFERING no place to go. preserved. time this winter to trim up our tor for Senior Softball-USA. We also did a few things The second thing we did trees and removing brush on MORE MASS IN THE END OF THE right since Mom had her as caretakers of Mom’s estate, the backside of our property. BARREL FOR EXTRA WHIP AND stroke and my wife took was to review and update her Piles of old brush and dead SMOOTHER FINISHES ON SWINGS. charge of her care. homeowner’s insurance policy limbs will be cleared up soon. For instance, when we and to have that mailed to our We’ve contacted our home, 120 miles away from insurance agent to see exactly

WWW.WORTHSPORT.COM Winter 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 39 WORTH IS BACK IN THE SSUSA GAME THE WORTH WICKED 1-PIECE SSUSA BAT UTILIZES A PLAYER-PREFERRED XL ENDLOAD TO GENERATE HIGHER SWING SPEEDS.

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WWW.WORTHSPORT.COM 40 Senior SoftballTwenty News Years of Domination.Winter 2018 Edition Proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA.

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