SUMMER 2019 EDITION Volume 32 • Number 2

Seniorwww.seniorsoftball.com SoftballMORE THAN JUST A GAMENEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION 2019 Rock 'n Reno Challenge Cup Draws 195 Teams 29 Teams Earn TOC Berths Photo by Jack Eberhard By Anthony Ramos Player from Florida Girls Softball News Report swings away during the 2019 Tournament of Champions. ENO, Nev. - The oldest and longest WMC Truly running Senior Softball-USA Going Global Rtournament, the Rock ‘n Reno Co-Ed Divisions Spark Challenge Cup, hosted 195 Int'l Friendships teams here from May 24 to By Jack Sirard June 2. Senior Writer AS VEGAS – The largest slow-pitch tournament in America is going Lglobal with its newest divi- sion: The International Co-Ed Championships. “Invitations are going to co-ed teams throughout Europe, the Pacific Rim and North America for teams to Please See Page 4 Fifteen states, coming from as far east as Massachu- Player Saves setts and Florida, and outside of the continental United Girl's Life States - Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Canadian province Ron Flathers' Quick of British Columbia, were Action Saves a Child well represented during the Softball News Report tournament. ICE, France – As an official qualifier for Photo by Anthony Ramos Sometimes the the Tournament of Champi- Teams search for their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. right person is in ons, 29 teams secured their Men’s 40 and 60 age divi- That struck first, taking game the right place at berths for the TOC in Florida the perfect time. And in a har- sions. one 25-23. Fun Bunch evened N in February, 2020. Starting in the Women’s the series with a 30-22 win in bor restaurant in this Riviera The tournament began 40 Major Division, Fun game two, before completing resort city the result was sav- over Memorial Day weekend, ing a little girl’s life. Bunch (CA) and Smack That the comeback with a nail- May 24-26, with the Women’s (CA) played a best two-out- biting 21-20 victory in the 40-65 age divisions, and the Please See Page 6 of-three game series. Smack Please See Page 22

Spring 2019 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 WMC Going Global BSN Sports - Official Ball of (916) 326-5304 FAX Continued...... Pg. 4 SSUSA...... Pg. 2 www.seniorsoftball.com Learn to Save a Life Adidas - Official Shoe of Publisher Continued on...... Pg. 6 SSUSA...... Pg. 7 W.E. Ruth 2019 Rock 'n Reno Challenge Cup Elite Sports USA - Official Editor Continued on...... Pg. 22 Uniform of SSUSA...... Pg. 39 Terry Hennessy

Managing Editor Anthony Ramos News Index: Tournament Bat 31st SSUSA Int'l Tour Contributing Writers ...... Pg. 6 Sponsors: Pete Davignon, Dave Dowell, Jack Joe Franco SSUSA HOF...... Pg. 8 Eberhard, Art Eversole, Carl Gus- Pg. tafson, Stephanie Hopkins, Ross Carl's Corner...... Pg. 9 13 McCulligan, Tim McElroy, Donna McGuire, George Moreno, Tiffany Opinions & Letters...... Pg. 10 Bat Sponsor of: Tidewater Classic, Southern California State Championships, SSUSA/CAN-Sirs Northern Cali- Peck, Stan Reents, Jack Sirard fornia State Championships, Midwest Championships, Covering the Bases...... Pg. 12 Northern Championships. Internet Director Scott Flodin 40s Masters Minutes...... Pg. 12 Pg. 41 Steve Imlay Visits China Bat Sponsor of: LVSSA/ Art Director ...... Pg. 14 SSUSA Southwest Champion- ships, Atlantic Coast Champi- Sue Ballenger Lifetime Suspension...... Pg. 16 onships, Western National Championships, Winter World Championships. Marketing Manager Umpire's Corner...... Pg. 18 Fran Dowell Fitness Column...... Pg. 19

Nothing in this publication shall be deemed Hitting Column...... Pg. 21 to constitute in any fashion whatsoever an Pgs. 11 / 20 endorsement by Senior Softball USA, LLC. Bat Sponsors of: Spring National Championships, Jim (SSUSA), of any information in this publication. 2019 Atlantic Coast Champs...... Pg. 30 Sherman Memorial Northwest Championships, Southern SSUSA, LLC., disclaims any and all liability Championships. with respect to any use of, or reliance on, such Finance Column...... Pg. 42 information. No information in this publication Pg. 33 shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as Bat Sponsor of: Spring World a recommendation of any industry standard, or Championships, Rock 'N as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted Reno Challenge Cup, Rocky by, or binding on, any person or entity. Nor Mountain Championships, shall information contained in this publication All-Tournament Winter National Champion- be deemed to constitute in any fashion what- Rock 'n Reno...... Pg. 26 ships. soever an endorsement by SSUSA, LLC., of any product or service advertised herein. The Atlantic Coast...... Pg. 32 material set forth in this publication is provided Tidewater...... Pg. 34 on an informational basis only. SSUSA, Inc., is LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest...... Pg. 34 not engaged in the practice of any profession, Spring National...... Pg. 36 including but not limited to law, medicine and Spring World...... Pg. 37 accounting, and nothing in this publication Pgs. 43 / 44 should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate Texas State...... Pg. 40 Bat Sponsors of: Texas State Championships, Northeast competent professional advice. Championships, ISA Senior World Series, Eastern Na- tional Championships, Tournament of Champions 4 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Int'l Co-Ed Division to Focus on Friendships Continued from Page 1 order. The tournament, which In recognition of their play in friendly competition will be played in Las Vegas, championship play, each and to give players a chance is issuing a global invite to co- member on the winning team to make international friends,” ed teams to play Oct. 5-6 for wins a ring from Josten’s, said Terry Hennessy, chief the chance to win a ring. maker of MLB World Series executive officer of Senior “Since this tournament is and NFL Super Bowl rings. Softball USA. about friendship as much as The international divi- Last year, Senior Softball it is about softball, the inter- sion will compete Saturday- USA launched a trial Co-Ed national co-ed teams must be Sunday, Oct. 5 - 6, 2019. The Division during the LVSSA/ drawn from the same metro- entry deadline is Sept. 4 and SSUSA World Masters Cham- politan areas to prevent teams the entry fee is $395 plus a pionships, attracting teams from loading and to provide team registration fee of $40. from Germany, Panama and the opportunity for more For first time players, player the United States in the inau- teams to be able to compete,” registration fee is waived. Hennessy said. Team rosters restricted to gural International 40 Masters Bob Mitchell - SSUSA Founder Co-Ed Division. “We want the Interna- respective metropolitan areas. become a growing force in the Yes, this is the same tional Division to be about For more information, visit se- international arena as well. tournament that last year at- even competition and mak- niorsoftball.com/?event=1388. For the past 31 years, the tracted a record total of 612 ing friends with players from In addition, prospective organization has been hold- teams from 40 to 85 years around the world. We are teams can contact Anthony ing goodwill tournaments in old. Altogether there were 33 waiving the player registration Ramos at SSUSA, 916-326- countries far and wide, from divisions, including the Co-Ed fee, cutting the tournament to 5303 or Anthony@seniorsoft- China and Japan to Italy and division, that competed in the two days and cutting the entry ball.com. France and to more than 30 2018 WMC. fee in half.” Senior Softball USA has other nations. The co-ed trial was so “We’ve had encourag- been in operation for 31 years SSUSA is one of the successful, that Senior Soft- ing signs from our develop- and has been the largest senior founding members of the Pa- ball USA received many re- ing partnerships with several softball company in the world cific Rim Slowpitch Softball quests to make it a permanent domestic and international since 1996. In fact, it is larger Federation, along with Japan, division. softball organizations,” he than all of its competitors China and Taiwan. Canada The reason is simple. said. “Each is quite hopeful combined. has joined this year and more While there are many of sending teams to the World SSUSA has more than Pacific Rim countries are ex- good reasons to play the game Championships.” 26,000 registered national pected to join in the future as of softball, if we’re forced He noted that SSUSA players in every state and the sport’s popularity contin- to pick just one, it has to be is working directly with the Canada and hosts the WMC, ues to blossom. the opportunity to make new following groups to build up the largest slowpitch soft- Bob Mitchell, a retired friends…in both dugouts. the number of teams play- ball tournament – of any age California Highway Patrol You just can’t have too ing in the international co-ed group – in America. In ad- officer who founded Senior many friends. They’re the tourney: dition, SSUSA runs national Softball-USA, in Sacramento, people who make you laugh, · Slo-Pitch National (SPN) qualifiers and regional cham- Calif., in the spring of 1988, pick you up when you’re - Canada pionships in more than 70 did so with the firm belief that down and are there with open · Independent Sports cities and sanctions leagues in everyone is welcome. arms, day or night. Association (ISA) - US 300 cities. Mitchell set the guide- And if you’re like so · Members of the Pacific The secret to its suc- lines: “This is a sport that many softball players, there’s Rim Slow-Pitch Softball cess stems from its founding doesn’t discriminate. Not by nothing like coming home Association - China, principles of fairness, honesty age, not by sex, not by race from a tournament with a Japan, Taiwan, Hong and integrity. And by having and not by religion. Our goal bunch of new names to add to Kong the top team ratings system in is to provide the opportunity your growing list of friends. · Nations from recent the sport, SSUSA continues to for any senior to play soft- If that seems to strike a international tours - build on its successes. ball.” comfortable chord with you, Italy, France, Denmark, Not only has SSUSA then this year’s World Masters Sweden, Norway, Ireland, built a firm foundation in Championships are made to Mexico. the United States, but it has

Spring 2019Masters Edition Co-Ed TeamsSenior Softball News 5 Compete in Las Vegas! If you are 40+ come play with us: The International Co-Ed Division for the LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships returns in 2019 with the North American Division (U.S. and Canada) and International Division. Last year, teams from Germany, Panama, and the United States came to play in the inaugural International Co-Ed Division. Make sure your team joins in 2019!

What you need to know: International Co-Ed Divison 2019 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships Las Vegas, Nevada October 5-6, 2019 Entry Fee: $395 Entry Deadline: Thursday, September 5, 2019

For more information: Contact Anthony Ramos [email protected] to get your team set up!

FYI - Team rosters will be restricted to their respective metropolitan area.

facebook.com/seniorsoftball @seniorsoftball

Senior Softball-USA [email protected] www.seniorsoftball.com 916-326-5303 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 Sacramento, CA 95827 6 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition USA Senior Teams Win in France, Italy Softball News Report chini of Florida went a perfect Three senior USA teams 4-0 to win, with USA White, competed against French, Ital- managed by John Fournier of ian and German teams – and Florida, coming in second (3- each other -- on the French 1) and USA Blue, managed by and Italian Riviera May 2-14. Butch Jones of Washington, The tournaments took came in third (2-2). place in Genoa, Italy, and The German team had a Nice, France, amid some of strong showing, losing two the most breathtaking scenery games by a single run, and along one of the most fabled ended fourth (1-3). The host coastlines in the world. Italian team was made up of The 31st Senior Softball fast pitch and baseball players USA International Tour saw and steadily improved through 74 players, friends and family the two-day event. play ball, visit historic Cinque The championship game Terre (five seaside towns ac- came when USA White and One of the Cinque Terre towns on the Riviera only accessible by cessible mostly by water), try water. Red faced each other with scents at a French perfume the players. tragically lost his wife Vickie identical 3-0 records. USA factory, explore Monte Carlo The three teams – USA/ shortly before the tour and Red/Canada won 13-11 in a – and three players got a per- Canada Red, USA White and had to cancel. back-and-forth contest. sonal visit in the palace with USA Blue – were made up of The first skirmish was the The field was very small Prince Albert II, the leader of players from 15 states. Play- Genoa (Italy) International and snuggled between a huge Monaco. ers ranged from 56 to 87 years Softball Tournament, which soccer stadium and the busiest Jerry Scanlon, of Califor- old – and from AA to Major- pitted the three US teams street in Genoa so the tourna- nia, happens to be a personal Plus. The teams were bal- against the Bavarian Royals ment ball was extremely soft friend of Prince Albert II, and anced according to age, skill from Germany and the Rook- to avoid hurting pedestrians or was able to set up the visit. level and position. ies/Eagles from Italy. breaking car windows as they But, of course, softball The one player from The USA/Canada Red sped by the field. Most home was the principal draw – for Canada, Tony Vaccaro, Team, managed by Pete Cec- Continued on Page 8 Save a Life: Learn Techniques and Step Up Continued from Page 1 yelling for help for the girl. The restaurant owner Ron and Marlene Flathers “I got in behind her, at- came over to translate for the of Goodyear, Arizona, were tempted the Heimlich Maneu- father, who thanked Ron, 71, enjoying lunch during the ver and missed on first one,” for saving his daughter’s life SSUSA International Softball he said. “Then I got a good – and many of the other diners Tour here in May when a girl hold at the bottom of her rib stood up and clapped. at a nearby table jumped up cage and pulled up hard – and “I told the girl to grow up and grabbed her throat. a piece of cheese the size of to be a doctor and save a lot of “I jumped up and ran to a golf ball shot out of her lives,” said Ron. her table,” said Ron, a player mouth. The moral of the story? on the USA White Team. “She “I still remember it hitting “Everyone should learn was struggling to breathe and with a thud when it landed,” some basic life-saving tech- turning red.” said Ron, who served 30 years niques, whether it is the Meanwhile, the girl’s in law enforcement and was Heimlich Maneuver or operat- father and little sister began to a first responder with EMT Marlene and Ron Flathers. ing a defibrillator, and then panic, not knowing what to do training. 10-year-old girl got her don’t be afraid to step up to to help – and the restaurant For the next several sec- breath. use it,” he said. with about 100 people erupted onds the father and younger “Then everybody started This time it saved a as concerned diners began sister were crying as the hugging,” he said. 10-year-old French girl’s life. Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 7 8 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Riviera: Friends Become Family on the Fields

Photo of Monaco taken by Robert Sachs of Arizona. From left: Lenny Guida (FL), Prince Albert II of Monaco, Jerry Scanlan (CA), and Wally Introne (MA). Continued from Page 6 France – was played on a very large dirt baseball field. runs, fortunately, rocketed next year – or anytime. Jorge Carrasco; Best Defense, In the one-day tourna- against the side of the soccer “You are our family in Steve Calabrese; MVP Craig ment, sponsored by the Cavi- stadium. sports,” said Mayor Christian Hobar. gal Softball Baseball Club, The host Italian team used Estrosi, “Please feel this is USA Red/Canada: Best USA White took revenge on the event to help promote your home any time you want Offense, Wade Hiraga; Best USA Red/Canada, winning the sport to local officials in to come back to see us.” Defense, Steve Murphy; MVP the championship game by the hopes of increasing funding At the end of the Tour, Bill Hill. identical score they lost by in for both baseball and softball managers announced top team “Stay tuned for informa- Genoa (13-11). in Genoa. awards including: tion on the 2020 International USA Blue took third and If the first field was a USA White: Best Of- Tour to Eastern Europe in the Cavigal French team came small, the second was a giant. fense, John Fournier; Best May,” said Terry Hennessy, in fourth. That outing -- the Cavigal Defense, Chris Miller; MVP SSUSA chief executive of- The Mayor of Nice was International Softball Trophy Jim Roberts. ficer. “We hope to have details on hand to give out the awards (Championships) in Nice, USA Blue: Best Offense, in about two months.” and invited SSUSA back the Joe Franco, WA, Enshrined in SSUSA HOF Softball News Report against many of the players named First Team All World Batting title.” LACEY, WASH. – Joe attending. in the USSSA 40+ Worlds." In presenting the Hall of Franco, 71, known as a hit- Franco was an impact “In 1995 and 1999, Joe Fame plaque and ring, Terry ter with surgical skill and a player throughout the North- aged up and made ASA First Hennessy, Senior Softball lifetime .850 batting average, west and an integral member Team in both years – includ- USA chief executive offi- was inducted into the Senior of the W.E. Ruth teams for 30 ing being the lead hitter in the cer, said: “The SSUSA Hall Softball USA International years. He currently plays on 1995 ASA Worlds." of Fame is about more than Hall of Fame here June 20, in the W.E. Ruth Realty 70 team. “In SSUSA, Joe won All ability and accomplishments the Player Category. Bill Ruth, team manager, Tournaments for the SSUSA on the field. Joe has accom- About 200 players and recited Franco’s many ac- World Championships in plished a great deal on the family members gathered for complishments with his club: 2001, 2002 and 2013. He field – and made use of his the ceremony that was held – “Beginning in 1991, Joe was picked up senior All World excellent abilities on both of- appropriately – on the softball First Team All American honors in USSSA in 2004 and fense and defense." field at the RAC in Lacey. in the ASA 40+ Worlds. In ASA in 2015, where he won “A Hall of Fame player Franco had played with and 1992, 1993 and 1994 Joe was the National Championships Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 9 Franco: Embodies What Is Best About the Sport Continued from Previous Page SSUSA Int'l Hall earns the honor on the field, but also gains the responsibil- of Fame Class of 2009 ity to promote the sport in a Bob Mitchell, CA - Special/Founder positive manner through his Jim Sherman, WA - Player Class of 2010 actions on and off the field." Billie Harris, AZ - Player Otis Rowland, CA - Director “We look for players who Class of 2011 embody the skills, accom- JB Barner, FL - Umpires John Chacon, CA - Player plishments and personality to Class of 2012 represent all of the best in our Jack Hudson, FL - Manager John Meeden, IL - Player sport. It gives me great plea- Class of 2013 Guy Grasso, NV - Player sure to welcome Joe Franco Terry Hennessy, CA - Director into that elite class of athletes Steve Simmons, MN - Director Class of 2014 – it is a well-deserved honor!” Jerry Jackson, IL - Director Mike Vetovich, WA - Player The remaining SSUSA Top Gun Softball Club, CA - Organization Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Class of 2015 Michael Boone, NJ - Player - Rick Seifman of Arizona, Bill Ruth, WA - Lifetime Achievement Director Category; Ken "Bog- Chuck Towne, TX - Manager Joe Franco (middle), with Bill Ruth (left), and Terry Hennessy Class of 2016 gie" Van Bogaert of Wiscon- Audie Hollis Jr., FL - Player Vegas in December. 3 - 6 at Boulder Station Hotel sin, Player Category; and Al Murray, FL - Manager The annual convention, and Casino. Clyde Phillips, CA - Player Hugh Brotherton of Florida, Don Stratton, FL - Director hosted in conjuction with In- The annual awards dinner Class of 2017 Manager Category - will be dependent Sports Association will be held on Dec. 6. Norm Blackwell, CA - Manager inducted during the SSUSA Daniel Minnick, CA - Player (ISA), will take place Dec. Class of 2018 National Convention in Las Bobby Davis, FL - Player Fran Dowell, CA - Director Diana Gano, AZ - Manager Life is a Banquet - Don't Starve to Death I drove 100 miles in a cated with it, he could im- At his services I learned cold rain to attend a funeral CARL’S CORNER merse himself in high joy, and that Cody Scott approached for an 18-year-old boy I had By Carl Gustafson then bloom before our eyes in everything in life the way he only met one time. ecstasy of exhilaration. played racquetball, he was and threw him out, a rare and We hadn’t even conversed I have hardened over the a cornucopia of joy, and it exciting power vanished into more than a few words. But in years and become desensitized reminded me of Auntie Mame the night air. the brief time I knew him he to many of the delights life saying, “Life is a banquet, and Three weeks earlier I had gave me a gift. It changed my still offers, playing softball most of us are content to eat refereed one of his racquetball outlook on life. among them. I guess that’s the crumbs under the table.” games at the state tournament. Apparently I wasn’t the how we get the appellations: Carl Gustafson is SSU- I was drawn to his perfor- only one he impacted because curmudgeon, crank, crab, SA's Southern California mance, first from his energy, the church was filled to capac- grouch, grump, grumbler, Director and member of the but later by the sheer verve ity, then the hallways, the griper, old salt, sourpuss, bel- SSUSA National Rules Com- and bliss that beamed from his aisles, the foyer and on out the lyacher, whiner, complainer mittee. face, and finally by the force doors. and old fuddy duddy. of life that radiated from his What can an 18-year- I watched Cody play the exuberant style. old teach anybody, let alone rest of his matches at the tour- From somewhere in the Heard in the Dugout seasoned veterans of life such nament and not only studied closed closets of my memory as senior softball players? He his state of being, I imbibed of "The secret of patience is I remembered what it was like was a little guy, wasn’t rich or it. Without any deliberation or doing something else in the to lose myself in the intoxicat- famous, never wrote a book, doubt, I walked away know- meanwhile." ing deliciousness of a state of lived in a small town. But ing that he had changed me The Sun Dial existence called — fun. when his car missed a turn profoundly and permanently. Cody Scott’s life corus- 10 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Opinions & Letters Breaking Boundaries Countries, like families, ter part of the past 30 years, feel a much stronger bond to Senior Softball USA (admit- each other than to outsiders. tedly not one of the major That’s entirely normal spectator sports in America) and understandable; after all, has been traveling to coun- survival in past ages depended tries around the world playing on those bonds. friendship games and devel- So why is International oping relationships with folks friendship so important? who love the sport throughout The more we understand the world. and empathize with people That includes countries in other countries, the less like Cuba and China. In likely will be unnecessary every country – even those wars. Simple dialogue can cut who were initially wary of us through the rancor cause by Americans – we have found misunderstandings. that the common love of the How on earth does sports sport breaks down barriers fit into these hefty issues? very quickly and leads to International sports, like friendship and understanding. the Olympics, are designed This is perhaps a small for just this purpose. And part of international relation- Moon Landing, July 20, 1969 sports, even on a small scale, ships, but we believe it yields “Next time we’re bringing our bat bags.” can yield far-reaching results. wonderful dividends. Sue Ballenger Consider that for the bet- Letter to the Editor Addresses Player Safety I played in the SSUSA mandate the use of safety nets screens are used in several of with the required and rec- Spring National Champion- I see used in other tourna- the leagues in the 300 cities ommended equipment (face ships tournament that was ments? I rarely see the net we sanction, and are allowed masks, chest protectors and conducted in Polk County, effect the game, and I feel it is in the recreational tourna- shin guards) without signifi- Fla., March 22-24. I'm tak- not a question of "if" a pitcher ments we sanction. The reason cantly changing the game by ing the time to send you this gets seriously hurt...but when. is that in these leagues and using a screen. email, because I feel player recreation tournaments there While this issue comes safety...specifically for pitch- Sincerely, can be a tremendous variation up regularly at our annual ers is not being addressed. John Lambert in the ages of players and their National Rules Committee I saw two pitchers hurt Globe Trailers (FL) 55 AAA skill levels. meeting, we do not foresee in Polk County because they National Qualifying tour- changes unless we see an could not react quick enough Mr. Lambert, naments are a different story. increase in serious injuries to avoid injury. One pitcher First, and most important, Teams are broken into five- -- which we (thank goodness) suffered a broken rib, and the thanks for playing SSUSA. year age groups and many have not seen to this point. other a foot injury. I also have We are sorry about the injuries of those groups are further The incidents you site are for- seen countless other close suffered by the pitchers in the broken into four skill levels. tunately unusual in the sport calls with balls being hit near Spring Nationals. This was The comparative ages and -- in which there is always a pitchers’ heads. unusual. skill levels means that most risk of injury given the nature Why would you not As you mention, pitching pitchers are able to compete of the sport. Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 11 12 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Ratings Measure Isn't Perfect, But It's Fair We occasionally receive Our suggestion to teams of different age divisions are letters or phone calls from Covering the unhappy with their rating is matched, one of the teams teams that threaten not to play Bases to play at the higher level. If will ask not to play the game, in tournaments if their rating By Terry Hennessy the team cannot compete and while the other team wants to is not changed. a division first, not if they are the margins are 5 runs or more play. We explain that if a team We have a strict policy too weak (or they feel they against it, we will certainly does not play it forfeits out of of not changing a rating once are too weak) to compete in a reconsider the ratings. the tournament and forfeits a team threatens not to play. higher division. Mixed Bracket Headache any prizes. The reason is based on history And we never re-rate a Senior Softball has a Why? of the sport. team that threatens to pull out plethora of age/skill divisions Teams are promised a Throughout the 1990s and of a tournament or not play with the goal of providing fair minimum number of games early 2000s in younger-age SSUSA. If we did, teams competition in each division. and if one team elects not softball, teams routinely were would soon make it a habit of It works remarkably well, to play, the other team loses re-rated when they threatened telling us in which division especially in the larger tourna- the chance to play one of the not to play in a tournament. they thought they should play. ments. promised games. In addi- The result is that younger The history of the sport shows However, in medium and tion, the team that plays fewer aged group slowpitch softball that has a devastating effect. small Qualifiers the tourna- games going into finals has lost more than 17 million We decide ratings based ment scheduler usually must created an advantage because players during that time. on performance and while mix divisions because there its players are fresher than The reason? there may be weaker teams are 36 potential age/skill divi- teams that have competed Teams were allowed to in one tournament, we have sions so it is unusual to have in the scheduled number of play in divisions they domi- found over the past 25 years “pure” divisions. games. nated because tournament di- that teams averaging winning This is another case where It really boils down to rectors were afraid to enforce or losing by 5 or more runs is we use the Ratings Index to sportsmanship, which is based ratings. a very good indicator. match teams of different age on fair play for all teams. In Senior Softball, we It is not perfect, but it is groups for the fairest possible Terry Hennessy is Senior base our decisions on whether the fairest measurement we divisions of play. Softball USA’s chief executive a team is too strong to play in have. Sometimes, when teams officer. 40s Extend to Military/First Responders By Tim McElroy and the game itself. out of the gate suggests that where at least eight players on SSUSA National Director Our game is about rela- the First Responder Nationals your team must be current, or The Senior Softball-USA tionships and creating a bond (Oct 25-27) in Florida will be former members of the police, logo is often accompanied by with people who are in a simi- a hit too. fire, military or other ap- our “more than just a game” lar place in their lives. Those Here is some information proved agencies. In all cases, tagline. At first glance, you bonds and level of fellowship about the First Responder players must be 40 years of may not give it a second has much to do with SSUSA’s Nationals: age on, or before Dec. 31, thought, but that tagline repre- effort to bring First Respond- October 25-27 2019. sents everything that SSUSA ers into the fold. CenturyLink Park (Spring Dates of Play: October hopes to offer the players. We are attending some of Training home of the Minne- 26-27, 2019 The tournaments offer the larger police, fire and mili- sota Twins) will serve as the Entry Fee: $450 per team. players the opportunity to play tary events across the country host facility. The weekend Standard registration the game in a manner that to introduce ourselves to these will feature a four-game guar- closes on Oct. 1. they did years or even decades men and women. antee format, skills competi- Late registration: Taken ago. The parks are well main- We’re also hosting a few tions and social activities so on a space available basis tained and the tournament First Responder tournaments that players and fans can relax until Oct. 10. staff is knowledgeable, ap- that will be played using and enjoy one another. For additional informa- proachable and friendly. The senior rules. Our first event Eligibility rules are sim- tion, contact Tim McElroy tournaments are spirited and was held near Washington ple: We’ll offer two divisions PotomacSports1@gmail. competitive while also played D.C. and drew 16 teams from of play including a 40+ Open com with respect for the opponent around the area. Success right and 40+ First Responder, Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 13 14 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition SSUSA Launches Softball in China Factories Softball News Report National Senior Softball Hall exceptional experience. They In a classic meeting of of Fame in 2010, as well as arrived and were taken to their East and West, the game of the Florida Senior Sports hotel and later invited for softball is embarking on a Association Legends Hall of dinner. journey of potentially epic Fame in 2014 and the Indiana Hosting the dinner, as proportions. ASA Hall of Fame. well as the clinic for their China, with a popula- Additionally, Imlay employees, was Shangdong tion of more than 1.4 billion created the Steven Imlay Orient Hongye Chemicals Co. people, is beginning to show Slow-Pitch Softball Hitting Ltd. an interest in the sport we love Academy to help other players “In China, the company and while they have a ways to improve their hitting, which is a very important part of go, they’re catching on fast. made him the ideal ambas- the Chinese way of life,” For the past three years, sador to help bring slow pitch explained Imlay. “They offer SSUSA / China has been softball to China. jobs and housing, as well as a working with schools to in- “Of course, I was ex- family atmosphere. Zhaoli and Imlay provides instruction in a troduce teeball and slowpitch cited and honored for such Bruce were able to work with classroom setting. softball at the very young- a great opportunity, he said. Shangdong Orient Hongye getting to know the manage- est levels. Now, some huge “We met with Senior Softball Chemicals and get the com- ment team from the company, China industrial parks are Chief Executive Officer Terry mitment to offer slow-pitch I realized that they were very showing intense interest in in- Hennessy and after several troducing the sport as a way to conversations, we were able give thousands of workers an to lock down a plan, which outside activity and to build called for me to fly to China teamwork. the first of May.” China has decided to tap “It is a very challeng- some of the expertise that ing undertaking,” said Imlay, Senior Softball USA has at its in introducing slow-pitch fingertips. softball to China industries, In an effort to jumpstart considering that it is not a big their fledgling sport in facto- sport, although the Chinese ries, China sent Zhaoli and do have national baseball and Bruce Chin, the representa- softball teams, which both tives of Senior Softball USA qualified in the 2008 Olym- / China, to the Tournament pics as the host nation. of Champions in Florida in After meeting in Beijing, February. Imlay, Zhaoli, and Bruce Clinic attendees begin to hit off the tee. During their stay in the headed out the next day for United States, they invited Weifang, a city located in the softball for their employees.” excited about the development Steve Imlay to come to China Shandong province by train, “After an awesome dinner of softball,” said Imlay. “They to help introduce and train which Imlay states was an with almost 30 entrees and were having a large event to softball for a startup group. celebrate the new fields and Imlay is one of the most the startup and the beginning decorated power hitters in of the implementation of their slow-pitch softball, winning employees with Slow Pitch more than 35 national cham- Softball. They invited other pionships and over 38 world companies, as well as govern- championships, as well as ment officials and other local earning numerous All-Ameri- members of the community.” can and most valuable player The clinic began the next awards. day, as the donated field was Due to his accolades, set up for softball with fenc- Imlay was inducted into the Members of the slow pitch softball clinic in China. Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 15 China Shows Growth Continued from Previous Page other instructors were on hand ing and bleachers. “The field to help aid Imlay. wasn’t in perfect condition, “There was a coach (Na but with a little work it will be Zhang) of the local team who a very impressive field,” said had a strong background with Imlay. “We were able to work softball and was very knowl- the morning with the play- edgeable,” said Imlay. “We ers, with Bruce acting as my also had a high school coach interpreter. Zhaoli made sure (Daixin Yan) who had pitched everything was running well.” professionally in a baseball “The language barrier league. He was extremely wasn’t as bad as I thought,” well organized and helped said Imlay, who was able to run the players through our communicate with the clinic process of teaching slow pitch Clinic attendees learning the basics of hitting. attendees on a one-to-one softball. We also had the head basis, similar to his clinics in umpire of the Women’s China the United States. fast pitch softball associa- “I felt very accom- tion (Jianxiang Yang), who plished,” said Imlay on the brought a very strong level of success of the first clinic knowledge and authority to in China. “Once the play- our group.” ers committed, they worked “We decided the best way very hard. They were good to approach the implementa- athletes, and I was amazed at tion of the clinic was to divide how quickly they adjusted.” into groups. I took the group By the end of the clinic, for their first hitting experi- a short two to three-inning ence, while the other instruc- game was set up. Of the 30 tors were able to work on members in the clinic, 29 defense and defensive posi- were able to hit the ball very tions.” well, according to Imlay. Although the city of Players began the clinic hit- Weifang is in a rural area, the ting off of a tee, before then population is listed at over 9 facing live pitching. million, as of the 2010 census. Clinic attendees play a simulated game. Imlay credits the success With an overall population at of the clinic to the overall 1.4 billion, Imlay feels that team effort. Along with Zhaoli there is a great potential to and Bruce, who have put in a grow the game of slow pitch tremendous amount of work softball throughout China. to lay the foundation, three

Clinic attendees learning defensive positioning. Clinic attendees learning the basics of hitting. 16 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Lifetime Player Suspension Handed Down Softball News Report death threat in the parking lot after the “Mr. James Little Jr., you should SACRAMENTO – A Senior Soft- game. have thought about the game you loved ball USA Appeals Board has ruled that a Police were called, and a report was before you verbally abused and made a player who threatened the life of an um- filed, but the umpire declined to press death threat to the umpire. Therefore, it pire at the Southwest Championships in charges. is my recommendation that Mr. James Las Vegas in April should be suspended After SSUSA received the reports, Little Jr. be suspended for LIFE from for life. Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive Senior Softball.” The Board ruled that James Little Jr., officer, sent out an indefinite suspension “Having read the Directors statement who was playing on the JU Entertain- notice to Little. and Mr. Little Jr. request for a second ment 55 Major team when the incident Under SSUSA policy, Little had 30 chance, I have concluded (1) that Mr. occurred, could appeal the Lifetime Sus- days to appeal the suspension. Little needs to attend an "ANGER" Man- pension in seven years after completing Little’s appeal was sent to three agement class.” anger-management classes. independent national directors who were In addition, the Appeals Board The Board also unanimously recom- not present during the tournament for a unanimously recommended suspension mended that the umpire in the dispute ruling. of the umpire for the season. should be suspended for the remainder of The Appeals Board, which remains “If these threats were as described, the season for not pressing charges in the anonymous to protect the objectivity of this was not only an "attack" on this case. the process, made these comments in its umpire, but all of us associated with According to reports from the tourna- ruling: SSUSA. One heat of the moment swing ment director and others on the opposing “The fact that he threatened the of the bat could have resulted in dev- team, the incident began after Little was umpire with physical harm has no place astating consequences to the recipient. called out for stepping out of the batter’s in our organization. If he lost his cool (The umpire) did a great disservice to box for a second time. Little was ejected because of what he felt was an incorrect our organization by not fully setting an after he erupted verbally at high volume stepping out of the box call, what would example of Mr. Little, for the benefit of and with unacceptable language at the his reaction be if there was a close play all persons involved in our sport. umpire. on the bases or field of play that he didn't “Violence should not be tolerated in At this point, according to all three agree with? We have a fine line with our any form, and if the persons perpetrat- accounts of the incident, Little pointed bats being a "weapon" on the field, by the ing it are not properly dealt with by the his bat at the umpire and made a death striking of a ball...we surely don't need victim, it will only escalate the next time threat, saying he would carry out the them used as an actual weapon.” something occurs.” SLiAcademy Hitting Clinic to Benefit Amundson The SLiAcademy hiting interest, more clinics will memory. your individual lessons, clinic in Medford, OR on July be held) will be donated to It requires knowledge drills and practice you can 24 will serve as a benefit for Tommy to help cover the and hard work to become an reference at home. Tommy Amundson. extensive medical bills and improved softball hitter. Register today on SLi- Amundson, an SSUSA equipment that are not paid • Instruction and drills on Academy.com and get more member since 2006, who most for by his insurance. overall swing mechanics. information on academy dates recently played with Tim- SLiAcademy will provide • Hitting instructor analy- and places. berworks/Adidas 65 Major a one-day class on under- sis of your swing using a Upcoming dates in July/ Plus, was a timber faller for standing your swing, improv- Batting Tee with a video August: • July 9 - Perris/Menifee, CA 45 years. He was helping cut ing your swing, and utilizing recording of your swing, • July 11 - Orange County, CA firewood when a branch fell tools to be the best slow pitch drills and instruction from • July 16 - Lacey, WA and knocked him out, causing softball hitter you can be. Hitting Pros. • July 18 - Seattle, WA • July 22 - Portland, OR him to fall to the ground from Softball Hitting Clinic • Data and analysis of your • *July 24 - Medford, OR a 6’ platform. Among other Details bat speed (before and *Tommy Amundson Benefit • July 26 - Sacramento, CA injuries, he broke his neck and Classes include much after hitting the ball), time • August 6 - San Jose, CA back and is now a complete more than just practice. We to the ball, hand speed, • August 8 - Sacramento, CA T4 paraplegic. include mental and physical swing path, and exit • August 13 - Simi Valley, CA Proceeds from the Med- information to improve your speed. Special Discount for Military ford, OR clinics (with enough approach as well as muscle • An electronic portfolio of and First Responders. Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 17 Senior Soft ball USA presents 19th WINTER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

NOV. 5 -10, 2019 Fort Myers | Cape Coral | Naples

Plan your trip for the 19th Winter National PLUS, take advantage of these Championships in beautiful Southwest early registration incentives Florida this November! Your team will have • The fi rst 30 teams to register for the Winter a chance to play among 100+ teams in Nationals receive a free Combat bat* one of the premier tournaments East of • The fi rst 50 teams to book accommodations the Mississippi River. You won’t to miss out through Lee County Sports Housing on this opportunity to kick-off a new season receive either a complimentary coach with this TOC Qualifying Tournament, while cooler bag or duffl e bag and are visiting the beaches, sun and palm trees of automatically entered in the coach drawing Florida’s southern Gulf Coast! for a vacation stay certifi cate

REGISTER TODAY! Book accommodations at Team Entry Fee: $575 LeeCountySportsHousing.org/event/1353 SeniorSoftball.com/?event=1389 and start planning your team vacation today! (916) 326-5303 [email protected]

*Bats will be distributed at the mangers’ meeting in Fort Myers in November. Entry fee and roster are required for completed registration. All registrations and payments must be received by 10/15/19. 4% surcharge if paying by credit card. Entry fees are non-refundable after 10/15/19. Full refunds are given to teams withdrawing before the 10/15/19. 18 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition You Make the Call: What Is the Base Path? You hear it at least once UNTIL the defense attempts -- after making each turn. The at nearly every tournament. A Umpire's Corner to tag him. At that point, the base path can migrate during player, manager or fan hollers By Donna McGuire runner’s base path is estab- a pickle. at the umpire: “He’s out of the wild, allowing the runner to lished as a direct line from his Now, back to our game baseline, Blue!” return safely. The defense current position to the base he examples cited earlier in this Sometimes, such an protests that the runner left the wants to reach. He may not column. In each case, the “out” call is as routine as base path. stray more than three feet on runner should be ruled safe players addressing the um- 3. A batter hits a sharp either side of this line to avoid because he/she never left the pire as “Blue,” even though grounder toward the first base- a tag. If he does, he is out. base path while being played Senior Softball-USA umpire man. At contact, the runner Considered how this af- upon. uniforms are gray and red, not standing on first base takes fects a rundown or what some Now you know why blue. three quick steps toward the call a pickle. Each time the knowledgeable umpires Yet in many cases, pitcher – not toward second baserunner reverses direction, ignore uneducated managers, the runner has done nothing base. So when the fielder he makes a new base bath. fans and players who mis- worthy of an out -- despite scoops up the ball and tries to With each turn, he might drift takenly yell, “He’s out of the persistent protests from an swipe tag the runner, the run- deeper toward the outfield. baseline, Blue!” often-miffed defense that ner is too far away. The runner After three or four turns, he thinks the runner has left the races straight to second while might be six feet or more from Donna McGuire is base path. the fielder hollers, “He’s out his original base path. That SSUSA’s Central Region If you want to test your of the base line.” is legal. The umpire should Umpire-in-Chief and Chair rules knowledge in this area, What calls should the not call him out as long as he of the SSUSA National Rules mull these actual game situa- umpire make? stays in his base path – his Committee. tions and decide which, if any, Our rule book defines direct line to the next base should result in an out. the base path as “an imagi- 1. As a baserunner nary line that is three feet on churns toward third, a wide either side of a direct line throw pulls the third baseman between the bases.” Techni- KEEP YOUR off the bag. He grabs the ball cally, though, that is the “base with his bare hand and tags line,” not a “base path.” If a the runner with his empty runner were limited to follow- EYE ON THE BALL glove. Despite no call from ing this line only, he couldn’t ® the umpire, the runner thinks swerve outside that lane to he has been tagged out, walks WITH VSP round a base on an arc, which past third base without touch- happens all the time. And he ing it and stops near the fence. couldn’t serve more than three A teammate yells for the feet or to avoid a fielder trying runner to get on the base. The to field a batted ball, another We’ve partnered with VSP Vision Care to provide runner darts safely back to members access to affordable, comprehensive move considered legal. coverage through an Individual Vision Plan. third. The defense argues that That’s why many soft- the runner left the base path • Low out-of-pocket costs on eye exams, glasses, ball and baseball rule books and contacts when he walked to the fence. differentiate between “base • Personalized care from a VSP network doctor 2. With a runner on first line” and “base path.” base with one out, a batter hits As the Major League • Plans start as low as $17 a month a high pop up that is caught Baseball rulebook and the by the shortstop. Thinking USA Softball rulebook both vspdirect.com/softball/welcome this is the third out, the runner explain, the “base path” is the leaves first base before the direct line between a runner ball is caught and cuts across being played upon and the the infield toward her team’s base he is attempting to reach. third-base dugout. She is near As such, a runner cre- ©2018 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. the pitcher when the shortstop VSP is a registered trademark, and VSP Individual Vision ates his own base path and Plans is a trademark of Vision Service Plan. throws to first. The throw is can wander all over the place Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 19

True or False: Does Running Hurt Knees? By Stan Reents, PharmD thritis in Fifty-Plus runners evidence (i.e., X-ray) of • Regular exercise Senior Softball News Con- and non-runners. Knee damage to the joint. In an can help with weight loss. tributor X-rays were performed evaluation of the effective- Weight loss, in turn, takes Is running (ie., dis- six times on all subjects ness of both aerobic and some stress off of the tance running) bad for your between 1984 and 2002. resistance exercise for knee weight-bearing joints (hips, knees? Runners were less likely to osteoarthritis, knee pain knees). This is a common ques- develop osteoarthritis: and mobility improved in • Exercise reduces joint tion. Surprisingly, a lot of NON-RUNNERS the exercise group, even pain and maintains joint athletes, trainers, and even WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS though there was no im- flexibility. health care professionals • 1984: none provement in X-ray scores. • Exercise maintains leg don’t know the answer. • 2002: 32% In summary, reasonable muscle strength. Some believe that DISTANCE RUN- amounts of running do not • Exercise is beneficial people who run regularly NERS WITH OSTEOAR- increase the risk of osteoar- for bone density. are setting themselves up THRITIS thritis unless you have poor To find the best-fitting for knee problems in their • 1984: 7% running style (form), or running shoes for your foot later years of life. • 2002: 20% poorly fit running shoes. anatomy, use RoadRunner However, the research Researchers at Boston Both can affect proper Sports’ Shoe Dog service: suggests that this isn't so. University conducted a alignment of the knee. https://www.roadrunners- The risk of knee os- larger study. They evaluat- If you have substantial ports.com/rrs/product/shoe- teoarthritis is definitely ed 1,279 older adults (with pain in a joint that has sus- dog.jsp increased in people who no osteoarthritis at the be- tained an injury, or, if you are obese or who have had ginning of the study). They have severe rheumatoid ar- Stan Reents, PharmD, a knee injury. And some found that walking, jog- thritis, then, running could is a health care profession- evidence shows that osteo- ging, or high activity levels produce more pain. al and health/fitness coach. arthritis is higher in ballet over a period of nearly nine In this case, forms of He created the web site dancers, soccer players and years was not associated exercise that do not involve www.AthleteInMe.com®, weightlifters. with any increased risk of weight-bearing (aquatic a resource on the health What about running? developing osteoarthritis in exercise) are better choices. benefits of exercise. In 1979, medical fac- the knee joint. Other than those sce- He is also the author ulty at Stanford University One important detail narios, running can actually of the sports medicine text formed a running/fitness needs to be kept in mind improve knee health. “Sport and Exercise Phar- organization called Fifty- when evaluating research For example, the menis- macology.” Plus. One of the goals of on osteoarthritis: there is a cus (the cartilage cushion Fifty-Plus was to study the weak relationship between inside the knee) becomes effects of exercise in older knee pain and detectable stronger. adults. knee damage. And the benefits of ex- In 1984, they began an In both men and ercise in general outweigh ongoing evaluation of the women, knee pain com- any negative effects on the incidence of knee osteoar- monly occurs without any knee: 20 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 21 Discussing the Modern Swing Hand Path By Art Eversole hand-path technique will help Senior Softball News eliminate chopping down on Contributor the pitch, or swinging up at it, A great number of today’s which both reduces the likeli- top-of-the-line hitting coaches hood of making squared-up in baseball and softball, agree contact. that hands are the primary I received much of my in- control mechanism in achiev- formation in putting this piece ing the ideal bat-path to the together from listening to Jim ball. Thome of MLB Tonight. A Emphasis on the hands prolific power hitter, Thome is what’s being stressed at hit 612 home runs — eighth- the major league level today most all time — along with by hitting coaches in both 2,328 hits, 1,699 runs batted leagues. It all begins with the in and a .276 batting average. hands, as they say. Hence, if He was a member of five All- your senior softball goal is to Star teams and won a Silver become the best possible hit- Slugger Award in 1996. of us who have not yet been dicular to the ground; bat- ter you can be, then a proper Here’s a URL link to introduced to this approach to head tipped slightly forward hand-path to the ball is going an instructional video that hitting, this is important. cocking the wrists. Note that to be crucial for you. illustrates the back-elbow’s So, how do we achieve your front shoulder should Coaches and hitting gurus role in the swing mechanics this proper hand path sce- be just slightly lower than are known for expounding at I’ve been discussing. It also nario? To begin, the bat barrel rear shoulder which produces hitting clubs, around batting discusses how the top hand should tip slightly towards more swing leverage. The cages, even on television is responsible for pulling the the pitcher at the start which hands will move in an inner baseball networks about how bat back to begin the early ac- sets and loads your wrists. orbit to the bat-barrel which is important a hitter’s legs, hips celeration in the swing: As the bat rotates around the in a parallel outer orbit (refer and shoulders are in hitting Rotational Swing Me- rear shoulder the lead-hand is again to the picture-diagram). the ball effectively. Yes, all chanics pulling hard on the bat-knob If you fail to take the bat those things are important. https://www.youtube. which creates the centripetal backwards as your first move However, I firmly believe that com/watch?v=98mVxe1lBKU forces needed to maximize with your hands and instead proper usage of your hands is bat-speed (refer to the picture- move your hands down the principal factor in becom- Happy hitting, diagram). directly to the pitch, you will ing not just a good hitter, but a The top-hand pulls the bat not get on plane early. This great hitter. Art Eversole backwards toward the catcher down to the ball action usu- How does the ideal hand at the start. The lead-arm/ ally manifests itself in reduce path make you a better hitter? Art Eversole, of Washing- bottom-hand then begins to bat-speed along with a short First off, it moves the bat- ton, has played on Major and pull hard on the bat-knob thus window to make contact. head on to the hitting plane Major Plus teams with W.E. whipping the bat around the Moving the hands directly early in the swing, which Ruth Realty. torso and into the ball, creat- to the ball often results in a increases your prospects for He is the NW Senior ing a large force that mashes chopping action at the ball, making better contact. Con- Softball Webmaster/Softball the ball at contact. The above cutting it weakly resulting in centrating on your hands is Communications/Hitting Club constitutes what is considered popup flares to the infield and considered by many major Admin/NW Leagues internet to be the elements of the mod- outfield. league hitters to be the most coordinator. ern swing. To recap, taking the prop- important aspect in striking a Eversole can be reached Make sure to place your er hand-path to the ball puts baseball with authority. via email at rtmyboy01@ hands nearly even with the the bat into the hitting zone I’m now introducing those gmail.com. back shoulder and directly early creating more bat-speed, same hitting concepts to se- over your rear foot. The back while staying on plane longer nior softball. I understand that elbow is up about armpit to in matching up to the incom- many of you have known this shoulder height and perpen- ing pitch angle. The proper for some time, but for those 22 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition RENO: Thunderstruck Wins Largest Division Continued from Page 1 Suits/Republic Realty/CDZ rubber match. Apparel, before winning four In the eight-team Wom- straight games in the elimina- en’s 40 AAA Division, TABU tion side of the bracket. The (CA) ran the table unscathed, team would eventually be going 2-0 in seeding to lock eliminated by TEAM F1RST. up the No. 1 seed, and then In the Men’s 60 Major 4-0 in bracket play to cap off Plus Division, MTC/Dudley the perfect weekend, includ- (CA) swept Summy’s (CA) in ing a 15-4 win over Country a best two-out-of-three game Club Villa (CA) in the cham- series by scores of 26-22 and pionship game. 23-22, respectively. Country Club Villa fell to Enviro-Vac Marauder (WA) - Men's 65 Major Plus Champions In game two, MTC/Dud- TABU earlier in the bracket, In another four-team to eventually earn the No. 3 ley trailed 22-20 heading into 14-2, to drop down into the division, the Women’s 60/65 seed, before running off five the bottom of the open and elimination side of the brack- Division, AZ Castawaz 60 straight wins in the bracket, scored the three runs it needed et. Facing elimination, County finished off the weekend with including a 16-11 win over to complete the comeback Club Villa regrouped with a perfect 6-0 overall record, TEAM F1RST (CA) in the win. three straight wins to reach going 3-0 in seeding play to championship game. Early in the championship the championship game en earn the top seed and 3-0 in After falling to Cheap game, MTC/Dudley plated route to their runner-up finish. bracket play, including a 19-9 Suits/Republic Realty/CDZ seven runs in the third and Old Nasty Curves (CA) win over California Spirit 65 Apparel (CA) 23-17 to drop fourth innings to fuel a com- finished in third place. in the championship game. down into the elimination side manding 19-10 lead; however, In the Women’s 50 Major California Rockers 65 of the bracket, TEAM F1RST Summy’s scored four runs in Division, Magic Stuff (MA) finished in third place. rallied with three straight wins the fifth, sixth and seventh in- made the most out of its In the five-team Men’s to play its way into the cham- nings, respectively, to eventu- 2,800-mile trip from the Bay 40 Major Plus Division, pionship game. ally take a slim 22-20 lead. State to the Silver State, by GTS (ID) rolled through the Cheap Suits/Republic In the seven team Men’s sweeping B.O.O.B.S (CA) division, going 2-0 in seed- Realty/CDZ Apparel finished 60 Major Division, California in the best two-out-of-three ing to take the top spot in the in third place to round out Energy cruised to a 40-16 win game series. Magic Stuff bracket, before going 3-0 in the top three finishers, while in the championship game cruised to the game one win, bracket play, including a 30- Team Imua/Elite Sports (HI) over top seed Last Call (NV). 21-5, before earning the 14 win over CB Softball (CA) finished in fourth place. California Energy’s offense championship via a forfeit win in the championship game. Notable mention goes was on full display in the final in game two. After going 0-2 in seeding to Bartz Builders/No Ex- game, as the team scored the In the four-team Women’s play and falling in their first cuses (CA) and East Bay maximum five runs in each 50/55 AAA Division, OnFire/ bracket game against Kraze 40s/Kinders (CA), who both inning, before plating 10 runs Afoa Insurance 50 (CA) went (CA) 34-33, CB Softball finished tied for sixth place. in the top of the open. 3-0 in seeding to secure the rebounded with three straight Both teams were among the Last Call dropped their top seed, before rattling off wins in the elimination side of eight teams to go 2-0 in seed- first two games in the three- three straight wins in bracket the bracket to reach the cham- ing play. game guarantee bracket, fall- play, including a thrilling pionship game. Bartz Builders/No Ex- ing to Goodman Racing (WA) walk-off 20-19 win over Team Prestige/Elite Sports cuses won five straight games 28-27 and Bulldogs (OR) 33- Battleaxe 55 (OR) in the Orange County Prestige (CA) in the elimination side of the 27. Facing elimination the rest championship game. finished in third place. bracket following its opening of the way, Last Call bounced Trailing 19-12 heading In the massive 25-team game loss to Torgi Trucking back with three straight wins into the bottom of the open, Men’s 40 Gold Division, the (WA), 26-14. The team would to reach the championship OnFire/Afoa Insurance plated largest division of the tour- eventually be eliminated by game. the eight runs it needed to nament, Thunderstruck 40’s Team Imua/Elite Sports. Second Wind Resurrected complete the comeback vic- (CA) escaped without a loss. East Bay 40s/Kinders also (WA) finished in third place. tory. The team began with a dropped its opening bracket In another seven-team NW Boomers 50 (OR) 2-0 record in seeding play game 23-19 against Cheap finished in third place. Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 23 RENO: Three "IF" Games Played in the 65's

Lincoln Hills Coyotes (CA) - Men's 65 AAA Champions East-West Aircraft Sales (ID) - Men's 65 AA Champions Continued from Previous Page top of the open to cruise to a In the ten-team Men’s 65 The 17-team Men’s 65 division, the Men’s 60 AAA 36-15 win. Major Division, Incrediwear AAA Division, the largest Division, Northern Exposure/ In game two, trailing (CA) registered a perfect 4-0 division of the second session, Alaska Kings came out of the 26-18 heading into the open record in bracket play, includ- would come down to the “if” elimination side of the bracket inning, Enviro-Vac plated nine ing a 19-16 win over Scrap game. Lincoln Hills Coyotes to double-dip Baker Boyz runs to take a one-run lead, Iron High Octane (CO) in the (CA) came back to defeat top (CA) by scores of 17-16 and 27-26. Enviro-Vac held off championship game. seed Game Time Sports (ID), 21-14, respectively. Timberworks/Adidas in the Incrediwear began its 13-7, after dropping the cham- Baker Boyz won its first bottom of the open, holding run in the bracket in dramatic pionship game, 28-25. four games of the bracket, the potent offense scoreless, to fashion, scoring a pair of Game Time Sports fell to including a 19-14 win over escape with the win and force walk-off wins. The team first Scrap Iron 5280 (CO), 16-12, Alaska Kings to reach the the decisive “if” game. knocked off Nor Cal Reds to drop down in to the elimi- championship game. Game three would see a (CA) 12-11, scoring three runs nation side of the bracket. Senior Bend Elks (OR) mirror image of the previous in the bottom of the open. Beginning championship finished in third place. game, as Enviro-Vac headed Incrediwear then edged out Thursday in the elimination The Men’s 60 AA Divi- into the open inning, trail- Oregon Crabs 10-9, scoring bracket, Game Time Sports sion featured a best two-out- ing 23-17. The team would the lone run it needed in the began the gauntlet, winning of-three game series between again score the runs it needed, bottom of the open. four straight games, including Fresno Mayhem (CA) and getting seven runs across the Scrap Iron High Octane its win in the championship East West Aircraft Sales - Two plate to take a one-run advan- bounced back from an 0-2 game, before running out of (ID). tage, 24-23. showing in seeding play, to gas in the “if” game. East West Aircraft Sales Holding the hammer for post a 5-2 record in the brack- Scrap Iron 5280 finished - Two swept the series by the second straight game, et, including three straight in third place. scores of 19-14 and 19-8, Timberworks/Adidas would wins in the elimination side In the Men’s 65 AA Divi- respectively. once again get shut out, as of the bracket on Thursday en sion, East-West Aircraft Sales Following a break in play Enviro-Vac completed the route to their runner-up finish. (ID) and Out of Storage (CA) for Memorial Day, the tour- comeback win to take the Sin City Stars finished in played a best two-out-of-three nament continued with the division. third place. game series. second session, as the Men’s Out of Storage struck the 65 through 85 age divisions first blow, taking game one, took the field, May 28-30. 21-17. East-West Aircraft Starting off with the Sales evened the series with a Men’s 65 Major Plus Divi- 19-16 win in game two, forc- sion, Enviro-Vac Marauder ing the winner-take-all game (WA) and Timberworks/ three. Adidas (CA) played a thrilling In the rubber-match, East- best two-out-of-three game West Aircraft Sales held on series that went the distance. for the thrilling 25-24 win to In the opening game of take the division. the series, Timberworks/Adi- In the Men’s 70 Major das pounded out 23 runs in the Incrediwear (CA) - Men's 65 Major Champions Continued on Next Page 24 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition RENO: Bad Seed 50's Score Three Walk-Offs (CA), and Triple Play (CA). Redwood City Gold Rush In the end, Valley Fog 80 (CA), 6-1, and Git-R-Done avenged its 21-20 loss against 80 (CA), 5-2, finished second Triple Play in the champion- and third, respectively. ship game, with a 15-8 win in The tournament con- the “if” game. cluded with the third session, California Oaks finished as the Men’s 50 and 55 age in third place. divisions took the field May Omen (CA) swept Thar- 31-June 2. aldson’s (NV) in a best two- Beginning with the Omen (CA) - Men's 70Major Plus Champions out-of-three game series to 16-team Men’s 50 Platinum win the Men’s 75 Major Plus Continued from Previous Page championship game. Division, Bad Seed (CA), the Plus Division, Omen (CA) San Antonio Silver Division. lone Major Plus team in the swept Enviro-Vac Marauders Streaks made a valiant run Top seed State Roofing field, avoided the dreaded (BC, Canada) by scores of through the elimination side Systems (CA) took the four- double-dip, avenging its 28- 19-9 and 17-8, respectively. of the bracket with four wins, team Men’s 75 Major Divi- 22 loss in the championship The 11-team Men’s 70 en route to their third-place sion, edging out Sidewinders game against BR & Company Major Division saw R&R finish. (AZ), 15-14, in a thrilling (CA), with a 14-8 win in the (CA) escape the elimination The 10-team Men’s 70 championship game to com- “if” game. side of the bracket with a AAA Division also featured plete an undefeated week. Bad Seed had lady luck 19-18 walk-off win over San an “if” game, as top seed General Equipment (OR) on its side to start bracket Antonio Silver Steaks (TX) in Please Don’t Bug Me (CA) finished in third place. play, as the team won four the third place game to punch defeated Last Call (NV), In the four-team Men’s straight one-run games, in- their ticket to the champion- 20-15, in the winner-take-all 75/80 Gold Division, San cluding three walk-off victo- ship game. final. Francisco Seals 80 (CA), Ma- ries, to reach the champion- Trailing 18-13 heading to Last Call defeated Please jor, and Triple Play 75 (CA), ship game. the bottom of the open, R&R Don’t Bug Me in walk-off AAA, won the championship In their first bracket game, plated six runs to complete the fashion, 14-13, in the cham- for their respective age divi- Bad Seed scored three runs come-from-behind victory. pionship game to force the sions. in the bottom of the open to Building off its mo- decisive final. Trailing 13-10 The Zone 75 (UT) fin- defeat Hara’s/LLR (OR), 21- mentum, R&R continued heading into the bottom of the ished in third place. 20. In their next game, Bad their strong play in both the open, Last Call scored four The eight-team Men’s Seed trailed Thunderstruck championship and “if” game, runs in the bottom of the open 80/85 Gold Division played a (AZ), 27-17 after six innings, double-dipping Tri-State Dia- to complete the come-back full seven-game round robin forcing the flip-flop rule. Bad mondbacks (NM) by scores of victory. with best record determining Seed scored 11 runs to take 18-13 and 22-13, respectively. Lincoln Hills Coyotes the champion. the 28-27 lead, and then shut Tri-State Diamondbacks (CA) finished in third place. Via its perfect 7-0 record, out Thunderstruck in their half defeated R&R earlier in the The three-team Men’s 70 Scrap Iron Gray Berets 80 of the inning, to escape with (CO) took home the top spot. bracket, 22-13, earlier in the AA Division was made up of Continued on Next Page bracket to advance to the California Oaks, Valley Fog

R&R (CA) - Men's 70 Major Champions Please Don't Bug Me (CA) - Men's 70 AAA Champions Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 25 RENO: Joe's Sports Bar Goes 6-0 on Sunday Continued from Previous Page respectively, in the champion- foot, going 0-2 in seeding the victory. ship and “if” game. play. The team then split their The dramatics continued Six Five O’s finished in first two bracket games to for Bad Seed, as the team third place. drop down into the elimina- rallied with two runs in the The six-team Men’s 55 tion side of the bracket, before bottom of the open against Major Plus Division also saw running off five straight wins Smash It Sports Northwest a team run through the entire en route to their eventual third (WA) for the 24-23 win; and elimination side of the bracket place finish. then again, this time with a to win the championship, as The five-team Men’s 55 six-run bottom of the open San Antonio Softball Club AAA Division saw Scrap against BR & Company to (TX) went 5-0 on Champion- Iron/Colorado Home Fitness win 21-20, advancing to the ship Sunday. go perfect on the weekend, championship game. Entering bracket play as earning the top seed via its 2-0 With their win, Bad Seed the No. 2 seed, San Anto- record in seeding play, before earns its TOC berth for the 50 nio Softball Club fell to JU James Crane (right) of Six going 3-0 in bracket play, Five O's (CA) pictured with his Major Plus Division. As the Ent (CA), 38-23, to fall into including a 32-14 win over father, John, a longtime player highest finishing 50 Major the elimination side of the Michael’s Automotive Group and manger for California team, BR & Company also bracket. The team bounced (WA) in the championship Olden Bears. John managed his son last season with receives a berth. back with a 29-23 win over game. Bringin the Pain. Top seed JayCo/ISP (ID) CornerStone (OR) to close out Horn Softball (CA) fin- finished in third place. Saturday’s games. ished in third place. Honorable mention goes On Sunday, San Anto- to Battle Born Nevada, as the nio Softball Club eliminated team won five straight games L.A.F (CA), 37-20, Corner- in the elimination side of the Stone, 31-30, and JU Ent, bracket, en route to their even- 33-30, to punch its ticket to tual fourth place finish. the championship game. No. 2 seed Joe’s Sports San Antonio Softball Bar (OR) made the ultimate Club continued its solid run, gauntlet run in the 11-team double-dipping Nor Cal War- Men’s 50 AAA Division, as riors (CA) 26-15 and 32-31, the team won an incredible in the championship and “if” six games in a row on Cham- game, respectively. pionship Sunday, culminating In the “if” game, with the with a double-dip of top seed game knotted at 31 heading Calhoun/Michael’s Toyota into the bottom of the open, (WA). San Antonio Softball Club got Bad Seed (CA) - Men's 55 Major Champions After going 2-0 in seed- the one run it needed to com- ing play, Joe’s Sports Bar was plete the walk-off victory. upset in its first bracket game, JU Ent finished in third falling to Turn Two (CA), 18- place. 15. The team rebounded with In the 13-team Men’s 55 an 18-8 win over VC/Miken Major Division, Bad Seed (WA) to advance to Sunday. (CA) recorded a perfect Entering Sunday needing weekend, going 2-0 in seed- to win out, Joe’s Sports Bar ing play to lock up the No. 2 did just that, knocking off Mi seed, before running off four Gente (CA), 19-15, Turn Two, straight wins in bracket play, 14-9, 805’s PE Class (CA), including a 28-13 win over 15-10, Six Five O’s (CA), Arizona Old School. 22-16, and Calhoun/Michael’s 55 OH MY (CA) began Toyota, 18-9 and 21-18, the tournament on the wrong Scrap Iron/Colorado Home Fitness - Men's 55 AAA Champions 26 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Reno All-Tournament Team Announced Women’s 40 Major Smith, James Oxley, Leroy Michael Griffith, Jeff Leaton. R&R (CA): Richard Mar- Smack That (CA): Trina Dozal. kota, Dave Miller, Raymond Valencia, Janelle Ito-Orille, Men’s 65 Major Plus Ornelaz, Art Langlois, Roger Maricela Soto, Raquel Tiangs- Men’s 40 Major Enviro-Vac Marauder Waite. ing. Thunderstruck (CA): (WA): Rick Parker, Murray Tri-State Diamondbacks Brian Williford, Chad Kend- Williams, Joe Read, Randal (NM): Danny Shewcraft, Ra- Women’s 40 AAA all, Jason Carlson, Anthony Faulkner, Thomas Brown. nison Kennedy, Ed Sullivan, Country Club Villa Garay, Chuck Henninger. Timothy Loeffler. (CA): Desiree Marquez, TEAM F1RST (CA): Men’s 65 Major San Antonio Sil- Cynthia Garza, Trinae Pauley, Brian Garcia, Alex Rubio, Incrediwear (CA): David ver Streaks (TX): Larry Kathy Butler. Michael Smith, John Morris. Donnan, Darryl Watson, Schepers, Robert Saenz, Chris Old Nasty Curves (CA): Cheap Suits/Republic Michael Kalas, Frank Catom- Schneider. Mary Knudsen, Kristin Bowl- Realty/CDZ Apparel (CA): erisios, Gary Holmes. ing, Michelle Dials. Mark Valencia, David Maria- Scrap Iron High Octane Men’s 70 AAA no, Jeff Larson. (CO): James Gowdy, Robert Please Don’t Bug Me Women’s 50 Major Knowles, Nicholas Longo, (CA): John Shintaku, John Magic Stuff (MA): Dawn Men’s 60 Major Plus Carl Markey. Holliday, Joseph Owens, Da- DeMerchant, Lorey Biesheu- MTC/Dudley (CA): Vern Sin City Stars (NV): Bob vid Lavorico, Michael Rupley. vel, Geralyn Riley, Karen Ramie, Gary Robertson, Thad Baimbridge, Felix Mendiola, Last Call (NV): Rod Hunger, Christina Dutcher. Reece, Michael Slavenski, Dale Palmer. Mathisen, Gary Landaburu, Wayne Doty. Mark Olsen, Robert DeLong. Women’s 50/55 AAA Summy’s (CA): George Men’s 65 AAA OnFire/Afoa Insurance Robinson, Scott Camery, Mi- Lincoln Hills Coyotes Men’s 70 AA 50 (CA): Vicky Duveneck, chael Toomey, Mike Lorden. (CA): Henry Mutz, Jerome Valley Fog (CA): Bucky Corrie Brock, Tina Doxtater, Maynard, Tom Young, John Harless, Clarence Taylor, Kent Kathy Warman, Bekki Garcia. Men’s 60 Major Clawson, Patrick Sabia. Grant, Glen Jenkins, Allen Team Battleaxe 55 (OR): California Energy: Bob- Game Time Sports (ID): Neri. Jill Mason, Pam Irby, Jane by Ellison, Bradford Drennan, Rick Carringer, Gary Deboi, Triple Play (CA): Robert Emkes, Cathie Groves. Brad Spruitenburg, Stanton Clifford Lewis, George Van Bugarin, John Thompson, NW Boomers (OR): Nichols, Richard Reisinger. Horn. Anthony Trebaol, Charlie Elisa Hogue, Loretta Cool, Second Wind Resur- Scrap Iron 5280 (CO): Amasalian. Cathy Goodfellow. rected (WA): Stephen Scott, Curt Dicke, Michael Roemer, California Oaks: Richard Tim Nord, Bob Hubbard. George Wise. Anderson, Louis Mahinay, Women’s 60/65 Ron Greeno. California Spirit 65: Men’s 60 AAA Men’s 65 AA Cathy Moon, Cindy Lutz, Northern Exposure/ Out of Storage (CA): Men’s 75 Major Plus Terry Sheldon, Darlene Har- Alaska Kings: George Lad- Steven Rosellini, Randy Omen (CA): Tony Mi- rity, Linda Keehan. enburg, Dave Zuker, Michael Cobb, Eric Du Temple, randa, Arnold Bray, Tommy California Rockers Lohmann, Everett Boster, Manuel Franco. French, William Nevis, 65: Kathleeen Miles, Carol Michael Story. Tommy Avery. Wheeler, Mary Cooper. Baker Boyz (CA): Rusty Men’s 70 Major Plus Tharaldson’s (NV): Williams, Marty Wilcox, Omen (CA): Michael James Peacock, Steve Strom- Men’s 40 Major Plus Dave Daugherty, Kevin Wal- Baldonado, Wayne Ross, Pe- men, Steve Haslam, Dan GTS (ID): Pat Paschal, ter. ter Houghton, Ed Carey, Bob Milakovich. Chris Hoshaw, Beau Hamil- Senior Bend Elks (OR): Cummings. ton, Russell Buffington, Eric Rick Baker, Donald (Butch) Enviro-Vac Maraud- Men’s 75 Major Becker. Maciel, John Konyn. ers (BC, Canada): Arthur State Roofing Systems CB Softball (CA): Steve Baebler, Darrell Zbeetnoff, (CA): Ed Lowe, Steve Gell- Allen, Craig Carroll, Jeff Men’s 60 AA George Anas, Trevors Bjur- erman, John Melvin, Les Twigg, Steve Savage. East-West Aircraft Sales man. Kincanon, Rich Simonson. Prestige/Elite Sports Or- - Two (ID): James Jones, Nick Sidewinders (AZ): Rich- ange County (CA): Dameon Dawson, Chuck Leachman, Men’s 70 Major Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 27 Reno All-Tournament Team Continued Continued from Previous Page Dennis Craig, Wesley Horen, Sutherland. hiser, Jeff Yeargin. ard Collins, Jerry Bianchi, Dennis Logie. Six Five O’s (CA): Mar- Arizona Old School: Da- Harold Dickinson, Michael Git-R-Done 80 (CA): Jeff tin Camacho, Victor Gallant, vid Vandehay, Gino Fiasche, Lavis. Hilgaertner, Robert Rose, Wil- James Crane. Marcel Spaulding, Bradley liam Meyer. Bain. Men’s 75/80 Gold Men’s 55 Major Plus 55 OH MY (CA): Mark San Francisco Seals 80 Men’s 50 Platinum San Antonio Softball Carmichael, George Gonzales, (CA): John Venture, Gene BR & Company (CA): Club (TX): Nick Pantell, Dan Bandy. Hanson, Reynold Garcia, Brad Gravitt, Tom LeRossign- Tommy Clark, R. David Ronnie Guest, William Gu- ol, Charlie Moffatt, Frederick Feather, Mike Garibay, Bobby Men’s 55 AAA zules. Oakes. Gilbert. Scrap Iron/Colorado Triple Play 75 (CA): Isa- JayCo/ISP (ID): Deon Nor Cal Warriors (CA): Home Fitness: Greg Rusch, ias Garcia, Robert Nicklason, Price, Gary Adams, Dan Bret Silveira, Greg Goodell, Tom Sutak, Ken Lindow, Ross Bill Svoboda, Carlos Hernan- Romero. Robert Gibbs, Tommy Carras- Guillen, Chip Hunnings. dez, Clifford Vierra. co. Michael’s Automotive Men’s 50 AAA JU Ent (CA): Steven Group (WA): Kennet Denck- Men’s 80/85 Gold Joe’s Sports Bar (OR): Payne, Robbie Ramirez, Glen er, Gary Goodin, Greg Torell, Scrap Iron Gray Berets Carl Wilson, Steve Strong, Shipley. Michael Means. 80 (CO): Don Pierson, Tom Jeff Hodge, Kevin Snyder, Horn Softball (CA): Joel Imming, Larry Bradsby, John Dave Calandrino. Men’s 55 Major Hawk, Richard Cruz, Vinny Wunderli, Kent Loutensock. Calhoun/Michael’s Toy- Bad Seed (CA): Marty Jolliff. Redwood City Gold ota (WA): Randy Ebbesen, Daniels, Joe Cuneo, Richard Rush 80 (CA): Bill Beshore, Scott Pfeiffer, Jim Moe, Dan Monteiro, Jeffrey Loutzen-

Celebrate Your Success with Quality Rings Congratulations to all of the winning teams, as well as the All-Tournament selections, from the 2019 Rock 'n Reno Challenge Cup. Be sure to commemorate your achievement with a specially designed ring from Jostens, maker of championship rings from MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL. Contact Cindy Johnson at Jostens by phone: 1-800-854-7464 ext. 56533 or email: cindy.johnson@ jostens.com. 28 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition 2019 Rock 'n Reno Action Shots

Reno Rodeo Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off ALL YEAR. NOTHING LESS. We’re not big on limitations in Reno Tahoe. Confining world-class events to a single season? Nah, don’t think so. We give over-the-top thrills the year-round treatment. If you’re just as relentless in the pursuit of a good time, consider our online event calendar required reading. Schedule your next escape – go to VisitRenoTahoe.com for a full calendar of events.

2020 ICONICS

May 9-10 Reno River Festival Aug 30-Sept 7 Burning Man

June 12-13 The Great Eldorado BBQ, Sept 2-7 Best In The West Nugget Brews and Blues Festival Rib Cook-Off

June 18-27 Reno Rodeo Sept 11-13 The Great Reno Balloon Race July 1-31 Artown Sept 16-20 National Championship July/Aug Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Air Races Festival Sept 23-27 Street Vibrations July Barracuda Championship – Fall Rally PGA TOUR Golf Tournament Oct 10-11 The Eldorado Great Aug 4-9 Hot August Nights Italian Festival

Full list of events available online.

National Championship Air Races Burning Man Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 29

Reno Rodeo Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off ALL YEAR. NOTHING LESS. We’re not big on limitations in Reno Tahoe. Confining world-class events to a single season? Nah, don’t think so. We give over-the-top thrills the year-round treatment. If you’re just as relentless in the pursuit of a good time, consider our online event calendar required reading. Schedule your next escape – go to VisitRenoTahoe.com for a full calendar of events.

2020 ICONICS

May 9-10 Reno River Festival Aug 30-Sept 7 Burning Man

June 12-13 The Great Eldorado BBQ, Sept 2-7 Best In The West Nugget Brews and Blues Festival Rib Cook-Off

June 18-27 Reno Rodeo Sept 11-13 The Great Reno Balloon Race July 1-31 Artown Sept 16-20 National Championship July/Aug Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Air Races Festival Sept 23-27 Street Vibrations July Barracuda Championship – Fall Rally PGA TOUR Golf Tournament Oct 10-11 The Eldorado Great Aug 4-9 Hot August Nights Italian Festival

Full list of events available online.

National Championship Air Races Burning Man 30 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Raleigh Serves as First Time Host of ACC RALEIGH, N.C. - Forty- the jersey retirement follow- completed a perfect week, go- two teams competed in the ing the HOF inductions." ing 3-0 in seeding, and 2-0 in 2019 Atlantic Coast Cham- The Cobras dominated bracket play, including a 22- pionships, which was played game one 17-4, before the 11 win over Northern Virginia here in the Tar Heel State for NJ Hitmen came back with Force 70 in the championship the first time in May follow- a 14-12 win in game two to game. N.C. Motion finished in ing 11 straight years (2008 - even the series. In the rubber third place. 2018) in Loudoun County, Va. match, Carolina Cobras took In the four-team Men’s The tournament began in 2007 the final game with ease, 23- 65/70/75 Silver Division, top in Maryland. Thomas Stankus with Pam 12, to defend their home turf. seed Syracuse Cyclones 70 The ACC kicked off Lenhart (wife of Dave Lenhart). The Men’s 65/70 Plati- (NY) came out of the elimina- with 11 teams in the Men’s 60) and the Eastern National num Division also had a best tion side of the bracket to dou- 65 through 75 age divisions, Championships (Code Elec- two-of-three series to deter- ble-dip Bostonian 70 (MA), playing May 14-16 at Mill- tric/Oaks Cobras 65). mine the champion, as North- by scores of 25-15 and 12-8, brook Exchange Park. "Dave Lenhart was very ern Virginia Force 65 took on in the championship and “if” Beginning with the Men’s involved in the Raleigh soft- Venom 70 (FL). Venom swept game, respectively. 65 Major Plus Division, Caro- ball community," said Thomas the series, winning games one Bostonian defeated lina Cobras (NC) and New Stankus, manager for Carolina and two by scores of 24-4 and Syracuse Cyclones, 22-19, to Jersey Hitmen played a best Cobras. "He played for quite 11-10, respectively. advance to the championship two-out-of-three game series. a few years with the Carolina During the first day of Cobras, before falling off a play, two Cobras were hon- ladder and sustaining a serious ored as Stephen Pierson head injury. While working and Gary Ellison were both to recover from the injuries officially inducted into the he was not able to play at the National Senior Softball Hall Major/Major+ level with the of Fame (NSSHOF). Cobras, so he began play- ing for one of our local AA teams (NC Motion), while he worked to get his health back. He suddenly passed away last year from a brain aneurism. Venom 70 (FL) - Men's 65/70 Platinum Champions Since this was a local tourna- ment, I called Fran Dowell In the three-team Men’s game. (SSUSA Excutive Director) 65/70 Gold Division, top Carolina Blue Sky’s (NC) and asked permission to hold seed Spring-Ford AA 65 (PA) finished in third place. The tournament continued with 31 teams in the Men’s From L to R: Gary Ellison and 40 through 60 age divisions Stephen Pierson. playing May 17-19. All three The Cobras also honored complexes, Carolina Pines one of their own with a jersey Park and Millbrook Exchange retirement for Dave Lenhart, Park in Raleigh, and Par- who passed away in May of rish Womble Park in Holly 2018 at the age of 66. Springs, were in use during Lenhart began playing the second session. SSUSA tournaments in 2009 Beginning with the four- with the Carolina Cobras 55 team Men’s 40 Major Divi- team. sion, Color By Design (MD) He last played in 2016, defeated top seed LB/Spirits playing in the Raleigh Nation- West/SMC (MD) 23-15 in Carolina Cobras (NC) - Men's 65 Major Plus Champions al (Royals Contracting Cobras Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 31 ACC: 13 Teams Earn TOC Berths in Raleigh Continued from Previous Page the championship game, to cap off a perfect 3-0 record in bracket play. Extreme (MD) finished in third place. LB/Spirits West/SMC was upset in its first bracket game 13-12 by Extreme, be- fore bouncing back with two straight wins in the elimina- tion side of the bracket to reach the championship game. In the three-team Men’s Bond 124/RDD (CT) - Men's 50 AAA Champions Auto (MI) and Omega IT Services, LLC (MD) played 40 AAA Division, Y’all Next the final game, 23-10, over play. The team saved its best a best two-out-of-three game (MD) avenged its 17-13 loss Carolina Legends (NC). play for the bracket, going series in the Men’s 60 Major in the championship game After falling in their 3-1 en route to the division Plus Division. against Mission: Possible (PA) opening bracket game against victory. The series would go the with a 17-11 win in the “if” RVA Softball (VA), 15-13; Northeast Storm fell to distance, as Omega struck game. Live! Casino (MD) Carolina Legends rattled off Woodlawn Funeral Home first with a 25-10 win in the finished third. four straight wins, including (VA) 29-14 in its opening opening game, before Clean The five-team Men’s 50 a 22-14 win in the champion- bracket game to drop down Planet evened the series with Major Division also saw an ship game, before running out into the elimination side of the a 18-16 win in game two. In “if” game played, as Deluxe of steam in the “if” game. bracket. The team won three the rubber-match, Omega Bakery (NJ) bounced back RVA Softball finished in straight games to eventually needed its last at-bat with a with a 25-21 victory in the third place. force the “if” game, before five-run rally in the bottom of winner-take-all game against In the four-team Men’s running out of gas. the open, to complete the 24- RV Carey’s/Walkoff (MD), 55 Platinum Division, Caro- Woodlawn Funeral Home 23 walk-off thriller. after falling in the champion- lina A’s (NC) came back to finished in third place. In the four-team Men’s 60 ship game, 22-20. Covello win the “if” game, 24-8, over In the four-team Men’s AAA Division, Berkley Home Sanitation (CT) finished in Northeast Storm (NY) after 55/60 Gold Division, Mary- Remodeling (DE) avoided third place. land Classics 55 regrouped the dreaded double-dip, as following an 0-3 showing in the team downed Lewisville seeding play, with a perfect Masters (NC), 21-10, in the 3-0 record in bracket play, “if” game, after dropping the including a 22-13 win over championship game, 16-13. The Bank 60 (DE). The Bank Lewisville Masters had won dropped its opening bracket three straight games before game against Spare Parts 60 falling in the “if” game. (VA), 26-25, before winning Berkley Home Remod- back-to-back games in the eling defeated Lewisville elimination side of the bracket Masters, 17-16, in their to reach the championship opening bracket game. In the game. elimination bracket, Lewis- As the highest finish- ville Masters defeated both ing 60 Major team, The NoVa Storm (VA), 20-12, Deluxe Bakery (NJ) - Men's 50 Major Champions Bank earned a Tournament and top seed Crossfit/Great falling in the championship of Champions berth for their Clips (NC) 17-12 to reach the The “if” game trend game, 27-15. respective division. championship game. continued in the five-team Carolina A’s entered Spare Parts finished in Crossfit/Great Clips fin- Men’s 50 AAA Division, as bracket play as the last seed third place. ished in third place. Bond 124/RDD (CT) avoided after going 0-3 in round-robin Clean Planet/University being double-dipped, winning 32 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition ACC All-Tournament Team Announced Men's 65 Major Plus (NY): Joseph Vancho, George Ryan Hogan, Shawn Fillman, Hanby, Lenny Legar. Carolina Cobras (NC): VanDeusen, Alex Shue, Zbig Kevin Forrest, Jonathan Fink. Spare Parts 60 (VA): Gary Ellison, Ronald Sandy, Chrzescijanek, Richard Cole- Lloyd Wolfe, Douglas Morris, Danny Ballard, Danny Reams, sante. Men’s 50 Major Henry Schmitt. Kenny Hart. Bostonian 70 (MA): Da- Deluxe Bakery (NJ): vid Joseph, Michael Russillo, William Sampolski, Bill Men’s 60 Major Plus Men's 65/70 Platinum Teddy Wess, Robert Clifford. Wiley, Frank Funari, Rick Omega IT Services, LLC Venom 70 (FL): James Carolina Blue Sky's 75 Brown, Steven Pineiro. (MD): Charles Clarke, Ken- Davidson, David Clover, Ana- (NC): Herman Hydas, Larry RV Carey’s/Walkoff neth Sanders, Andres Medina, tol Mihailoff, Stewart Caster- Crane, Robert Kernitzki. (MD): Darrell Volney, An- Wade Ellegood, Antonio line, Michael Marcum. thony Traylor, Russ Ramsey, Foster. Men’s 40 Major Kenneth Mitchell. Clean Planet/University Men's 65/70 Gold Color By Design (MD): Auto (MI): Steven Calderon, Spring-Ford AA 65 Vernon Walton, Stephen Price, Men’s 50 AAA Floyd Ellis, Carl Underwood, (PA): John Stambaugh, Roger Derrick Clay, Anthony Devita, Bond 124/RDD (CT): Dave Erdmann. Sturtz, Thomas Schwaim, Nate Conroy. Richard Barklow, Steven Du- William Lowe, Vaughn Dubs. pont, Barry Lambert, Bobby Men’s 60 AAA N.C. Motion 65: Joel Men’s 40 AAA Santiago, David Scialo. Berkley Home Remodel- Wolf, Rick Royals, Lou Y’All Next (MD): Jerry Carolina Legends (NC): ing (DE): Don Harris, Wayne Rosen. Surber, Chris Stamps, Shawn James Pearson, Glenn Ross, Haller, Al Rinehimer, William Smith, Michael Collins, Jason Randy Glascock, Jay Shot- Stidham, Bill Geissinger. Men's 65/70/75 Silver Burghardt. well. Lewisville Masters (NC): Syracuse Cyclones 70 Mission: Possible (PA): Jimmy Johnson, Larry John- Men’s 55 Platinum son, Terry Spillman, Garry Northeast Storm 55 Armstrong. (NY): Jim Caterbone, Ronald Crossfit/Great Clips (NC): Hargrove, Thomas Mastrodo- Carl (Gary) Hayes, Rod Far- nato, David Lape. low, Bobby Holliman. Woodlawn Funeral Home (VA): Dale Reed, James Tunstall, Eric Boles. Be sure to contact Cindy Johnson at Jostens by phone: Men’s 55/60 Gold 1-800-854-7464 ext. 56533 or Maryland Classics 55: email: cindy.johnson@jostens. Bob Smith, Anthony Ma- com to commemorate your linowski, Timothy Mowery, all-tournament selection with Spring Ford AA 65 (PA) - Men's 65/70 Gold Champions Gary Lewis, Michael Laird. a customized ring. The Bank 60 (DE): Bob Pierce, James Cain, Irwin

Syracuse Cyclones 70 (NY) - Men's 65/70/75 Silver Champions Berkley Home Remodeling (DE) - Men's 60 AAA Champions Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 33 34 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Tidewater All-Tournament Team Named VIRGINIA BEACH, VA Charles Fischer. - The fifth annual Tidewater Classic, held here at Princess Men's 40-Masters Major Anne Athletic Complex, April PA Posse 40's: Douglas 3-7, hosted 43 teams across 11 Ruble, Jason Harrison, Greg divisions. Rush, Bo Foehrkolb. 12 teams went on to earn Hatch's Home Improve- TOC berths. ment (MD): Mike Eber, The full tournament recap Danny Insley, Kevin Thomas. appeared in an earlier edition of the SSUSA Newsletter. Men's 40-Masters AAA Below are the all-tourna- Y'All Next (MD): Jerry ment selections. First place Surber, Bernard Stennett, teams receive five selec- Shawn Smith, Michael Col- tions, second place earns four lins, Chris Stamps. selections, and third place is Mission: Possible (PA): awarded three selections. Robert Marcks, Chadrick Martin, Jeff Uter. Men’s 65/70 Gold Long Island Jaguars 65 Men's 50-Platinum Men's 55/60-Platinum Men's 60-AAA Red (NY): Thomas Frierson, RV Carey's/Walkoff Woodlawn Funeral Crossfit/Great Clips Jon Glazer, James Kiernan, (MD): Anthony Traylor, John Home 55 (VA): Dan Martini, (NC): Richard Cooper, Bubba Pete Lawrence, William Fox. Martin, Eddie Sarecky, Darrell Bobby Hutton, Eric Boles. Holliman, Johnny Dixon, Talaga Construction 65 Volney, Paul Black. Gary Hayes, Willie Medlin. (CT): Kenneth Bavier, Rich- Team Dudley/East Coast Men's 55/60-Gold NoVA Storm (VA): Mike ard Bettley, Stan Bocek, Allen (MD): Ray Prevatt, Scott New England Merchants Aevermann, Dennis Hnarakis, Souza. Finch, Bobby Baxter. 55 (MA): Steven Dupont, Tommy Thompson, Stuart Roger Wegman, John Neves, Blankenship. Men’s 65/70/75 Silver Men's 50-AAA Mike Mulcahy, George Com- Syracuse Cyclones 70 Carolina Legends (NC): erford. Men's 55/60-AA (NY): J. Wayne Marble, Jay Shotwell, Glen Ross, The Bank 60 (DE): The Starboard/OTS 60 James Ranucci, Ralph Bondi, Mike Ripberger, Troy Bowl- James Cain, Irwin Hanby, (DE): Chuck Corrigan, Mark Joseph Vancho, George Van- ing. Richard Snodgrass, John Potter, Robert La Duca, John Deusen. Finance of America Hickman. Smart, Joe Oswald. Long Island Jaguars 75 (NJ): Martin Marks, Charles Promotion 60 (NJ): Don Syracuse Cyclones 60 (NY): Charles Valenti, James Collins, Michael Burla. Myers, William McNamara, (NY): Peter Johnson, Don Martin, Reinhard Griesmer, David Szwec. Huelsman, Alan Shaffer, Richard Iuele. Southwest All-Tournament Team Named LAS VEGAS - Sin City the TOC. Men’s 65 Platinum (AZ): Mike Ronk, Kevin continued to be the mecca for The full tournament recap Arizona Ancient: Wil- Gregory, Bob Hull, Robert Senior Softball, as the eighth appeared in the last edition of liam Campbell, Walt Kado, Hamilton, Mike Cahill. annual LVSSA/SSUSA South- the SSUSA Newsletter. Duane Hopkins, Ludwig Warriors (HI): Mike west Championships, held Below are the all-tourna- Nordahl, Ken Sheffield. Brown, Bob Durington, Tony here April 23-28, eclipsed the ment selections. First place Top Gun Elite (CA): Fernandes, Paul Merino. 200-team plateau for the third teams receive five selec- Scott Wolters, Steve Grass- consecutive year, with 220 tions, second place earns four baugh, Nolan Spencer. Men’s 65 AA teams in 2019. selections, and third place is Las Vegas Desert Heat 26 teams finished the awarded three selections. Men’s 65 AAA (NV): Duane Meth, Den- Sidewinders Desert tournament earning a berth to Continued on Next Page Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 35 Southwest All-Tourney Team Continued Continued from Previous Page Moffat, Thomas Grubb. Women’s 40 Major nis Montoro, Gregory Luna, Las Vegas 75 Coyotes TKP (CA): Elena Song, Steve Boyle, Phil Clymer. (NV): Jeff Wagner, Ignazio Gina Oliver, Kimberly Roter, Classics (UT): Craig Rinato, Ed Schimmels, Leland Krsti Whitcomb, Leigh Camp- Aramaki, Lee Hutson, Evert Owens. bell. Lawton, Kevin Hansen. Hui Ohana Warriors 75 911 Softball Club (CA): (HI): Guy Ruiz, Albert Apo Women’s 40/50 AAA Richard Roman, Jim Landis, and Terence Kimura. Custom Truck 40 (NV): Thomas Salinas. Chris Evans, Darcie Yakubik, Men’s 75 Major Plus Terrie Taylor, Shalli Williams, Men’s 70 Major Plus Omen (CA): Tom Bussey, Tami Habig. Omen (CA): Chris Richard Schmidt, Michael Pro Moves 40 (CA): Tina Dayak, Wayne Ross, David Hoffberg, Gary Tryhorn, Ron- Hamelau, Valerie Ramirez, Briones, John Denham, Ell- ald McElyea. Lisa Maxey. Men’s 50 Major win Jobe, James Stapleton. California Connection: L.A.F. (CA): Donnie R&R (CA): Michael Francis Jerry Handfield, Jerry Women’s 50 Major Hudson, Matt Dobyns, Kevin Young, Roger Waite, Dave Herling, George Gutierrez, Old School (CA): Deena Bourgeois, Scotty Loendorf, Miller, Jose Sotelo. Maxwell Litt. Dobbins, Patty Felker, Trina Dean Childers. Mangerino, Mitzi Aguilera, 4 The Fallen (AZ): Mark Men’s 70 Major Men’s 75 Major Denna Mulverhill. Ozolins, William Clark, Mick- Ryan’s Way (NV): Rob- Sidewinders (AZ): Jerry Stix With Impact (CA): ey Cadwell, Ramon Barela. ert Napolitano, Steven Fran- Bianchi, Richard Collins, Mi- Angie Linder, Diamond Stadium (CA): Matthew com, James Bichsel, Russell chael Lavis, Kenneth Krzem- Lucas, Cinthia Becks, Monica Campbell, Tony Samero, Phil Gwynne, Michael Kimberlain. inski, Curtis Arthur. Rubio. Saenz. Sidewinders (AZ): Mike Findlay Automotive Arizona Dream Team: Staudt, RJ Ashley, Jerry Scorpions (AZ): Steve Rust- Dawn McGarth, Carol Ra- Men’s 50 AAA Sepich, Doug Tucker. man, John Robinson, Tony kich, Sonya Fultz. Advil Knights (CA): Ken Game On (CA): Eric Jensen, Bob Brown. Knox, Robert Carreon, Corey Hoff, James Langley, Frank Men’s 40 Major Plus Baker. Coppa. Men’s 80 Platinum Fattboyz Dudley/Elite Top Gun Gold (CA): (CA): Bryan Wright, Billy Men’s 55 Major Plus Men’s 70 AAA Robert McCormick, Jack Zapata, Jeff Hairell, Jason Sommerville Softball Sacramento Islanders Scott, John Bellavia, Gary Palumbo, Donnie Smith. (CA): John Heller, Michael (CA): Dan Sumpter, Monte Adams, Carroll Shook, Gene SBOB/Athalonz/Voodoo Reed, Brian Hausner, Jimmy Watson, Jesse Vasquez, Bill Adams. (AZ): Jimmy De La Riva, Ed- Ferguson. Davenport, Robert Milano. San Francisco Seals die Chatham, Lupe Elizalde. Doughboys (NV): Dale (CA): Reynold Ray Garcia, Men’s 55 Major Alcorn, Ed Wade, Mike Ronnie Guest, John Ventura, Men’s 40 Gold Team Rawlings (CA): Falkowitz, George LaCombe. Gene Hanson. Cali Gold (CA): Bran- Ron Rudolph, Robert Ames, Warriors (HI): John Jay din Fuller-Shanoff, Jeremy Jim Roach, Scott Spalding. Hirota, Curtis Miller, Clifford Men’s 80/85 Gold Brewer, Jonathan Amey, Woodlyn. Git-R-Done 80 (CA): Rich Bialoblocki, E. Homer Men’s 50/55 Silver Division David Boone, Bob Hildeman, Holbrook. Thunderstruck 55 (AZ): Men’s 70/75 Silver Robert Fontaine, Michael FunHavers (AZ): Miguel Sean Smith, Jeff Marine, Franklin Loan Center Walter, William Meyer. Velazquez, Carl Blank, Greg Mark Kuechler, William 70 (CA): Benjamin Plascenc- Scrap Iron Gray Berets Soto, Dominic Griego Armijo. ia, Rodney Thomas, Thomas 80 (CO): Paul Durbin, Ken Scrap Iron - Colo- Moore, John Floyd, Dave Nakauchi, Jim McVeigh, Men’s 50 Major Plus rado Home Fitness 55: Mike Emanuelson. Richard Williams. J.K. Inc./Easton (CA): Gurnee, Ken Lindow, Rick Arizona Outlaws 75: Arizona Prospectors 85: Dennis Rulli, Bart Hakeman, Stillwell. Francis Doering, Duke Ga- Dennis Craig, Thomas Davis, Johnny Bailey, Ernie Gutier- routte, Lenny Mykland, Blake Richard Payseno. rez, Brian Brown. Continued on Next Page 36 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Southwest All-Tourney Team Continued Continued from Previous Page Men’s 60 Major Senior Bend Elks (OR): Darryl Ogawa, Roy Robinson, Men’s 60 Major Plus R & R Rookies (CA): Michael Kalas, Dan Thomp- Michael Gazarek. Summy’s (CA): Jon Michael Leighty, Rick Vogel, son, Donnie Friday, Ronald Los Vatos Viejos (AZ): Kramer, Paul Salow, Matt Jamie Lagos, Freddy Macias, Landers. R. Dean Burrow, Fred DeLe- Fahring, Scott Camery, Kevin Doug Hamlet. Weakend Warriors on, Charles Valencia, Manuel O’Reilly. (CA): Andy Bullington, Dave Hurtado. Texas Crush Sixties: Men’s 60 AAA Baydala, Kent Skidmore. Mike Jimenez, Martin Rodri- Sin City Raiders (NV): guez, Murray Williams, Mark David Pasos, Roger Ogden, Men’s 60 AA Henson. James De Groot, Doug Erlen- Family (NV): Greg busch, Robert Castiglione. Solomon, Jeff Rosenblatt, Spring Nat'l All-Tourney Team Announced POLK COUNTY, Fla. errez, Cynthia Phillips. Looper, John Lambert. - The 2019 Spring National Levin/Ameriprise 60 Championships were held Men’s 50 Major (FL): Rich Pedigree, Jeff here March 22-24. Deluxe Bakery (NJ): Frey, Doug Pyser, Jennis Sills. A total of 34 teams com- William Wiley, Rick Brown, peted across 12 divisions. Joe Jackson, Walt Lauer, Mi- Men’s 60 AAA 14 teams would go on to chael Kalinowski. RedHawk Nation (FL): secure their berths to the 2020 Randall Burford, Alan Chat- Tournament of Champions. Men’s 50 AAA man, David Dennison, Stuart The full tournament recap Sandlot Softball (FL): Hicks, Eric Warren. appeared in the Spring 2019 Chris Marker, Javier Diaz, Ted Todd Insurance Edition of Senior Softball James Sloan, Mike Grover, (FL): George Kulhanek, News. Bryan Simes. James Yeakle, Dan Fischer, Below are the all-tourna- Daytona Beach Boyz Tom Turton, David Boatman. ment selections. First place (FL): Joe King, Mark Boat- Don Bobish, Terry McIllrath, teams receive five selec- ner, Mike Kelley. Men’s 65/70 Platinum Phil Farmer. tions, second place earns four Venom 70s (FL): Den- Florida Southern Force selections, and third place is Men’s 55 Major Plus nis Schroeder, David Clover, 70 (FL): Gary Bowers, Floyd awarded three selections. RBC Wealth Manage- Richard Lee Edwards, Stewart Williams, Mark Solomon, ment (FL): Tony Bassett, Jose Casterline, Tols Mihailoff. Stephen Pearson. Women’s 40/50 Major Armas, Richard Clark, John Slug-A-Bug 65 (FL): Florida Girls 50: Eliza- Livingston, Hugh Planitz. Terry Vervynck, David Jolly, Men’s 75/80 AAA beth Zervos, Diana Williams, Rickie Harder, David White. Syracuse Cyclones (NY): Brenda Johnson-Hogan, Me- Men’s 55 Major Team Florida 65s: Wil- Joseph Broun, Daniel Dillon, lina Franklin, Tera Guzman. Ameriprise FL. Leg- liam Mark Thomas, Jack Ron VanDenburgh, Howard Kryptonite 40 (FL): ends: Danny Van Camp Jr., Lambert, Eddie Carrington. Bernard, Gary Contri. Karen Hunger, Theresa Wal- Mish Mash, Steven Brand, Bucs and Bulls 80 (FL): burger, April Blake, Carolyn Randy Charmin, Scotty Men’s 65 AAA John Ormsby, Dallas Moore, Deeb. Bowden. Florida Mustangs: Lon- Jim Sumner, Frank Congleton, TM Force 40 (FL): Kel- Jersey Mikes (FL): Ernie nie Netzel, Kerry Charlet, Al- Bill Withrow. lie Berning, Paula Roberts, Colo’n Jr., Scott Dalton, Rick len Dean Ayscue, Bill Slinker, Gayle Borgen. Barrett, Timothy Fincher. David McGraw. Be sure to contact Cindy Johnson at Jostens by phone: Women’s 40/50 AAA Men’s 55/60 Gold Men’s 70/75 Gold 1-800-854-7464 ext. 56533 or BAGS 50 (FL): Marisela Globe Trailers 55 (FL): Lane Construction 70 email: cindy.johnson@jostens. Gutierrez, Marivel Gutierrez, Robby Fowle, Chris Lee, (FL): Gerald Lee Jones, Da- com to commemorate your Lynne Hancock, Kirtley Guti- Timothy Bohlmann, Glenn vid Whitney, Paul Giambalvo, all-tournament selection with a customized ring. Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 37 Spring World All-Tourney Team Named MESQUITE, Nev. & Robert Lipeles, Andy Van chi. BULLHEAD CITY / KING- Derpoel. Scrap Iron Beams (CO): MAN, Ariz. - The Spring Tom Imming, James Contre- World Championships blos- Men’s 70 Major Plus ras, John Moore. somed to 130 teams this year, Omen (CA): Wayne up from 113 in 2018, with Ross, Ellwin Jobe, Michael Men’s 75 AAA teams playing in Mesquite, Baldonado, Chris Dayak, Ro- Arizona Outlaws: Duke Bullhead City and Kingman. land Chell, David Briones. Garoutte, Ben Ledohowski, The full tournament recap R&R (CA): Steven Wil- Lenny Mykland, Will Roma- appeared in the Spring 2019 son, Richard Markota, Ste- no, Michael Sullivan. Edition of Senior Softball phen Adams, Robert Pardo. Git-R-Done (CA): Den- News. nis Phistry, Don Sternberger, Below are the all-tourna- Men’s 70 Major Norman Hall, Dewayne Mer- ment selections. First place Ryan’s Way (NV): Rob ritt. Men’s 40 Major teams receive five selec- Taylor, Larry Giese, Michael Asylum Ballers (CA): tions, second place earns four Kimberlain, Robert Napoli- Men’s 80 Major Kevin Charpentier, John selections, and third place is tano, Ralph Wolf. Top Gun Gold (CA): Gilmore, Keith Williams. awarded three selections. Tri-State Diamondbacks Robert McCormick, Carroll (NM): John Battaglia, Ted Shook, John Chacon, John Men’s 50/55 Platinum Men’s 65 Major Roluffs, Timothy Loeffler, Bellavia, Vincent Duarte. Thunderstruck 50 (AZ): Top Gun Elite (CA): Ranison Kennedy. Emerald 80 (WA): Peter Paul Figueroa, Randy Pon- Mark Purdy, James Palecek, Sidewinders (AZ): R.J. Allan Brown, James Hann, gratz, David Tibbetts, James Tom Lewis, Danny Nunnelee, Ashley, Rick Kaylor, Frank Fred Vanouck. Roberts, Thomas Trieber. Robert Raasch. Mower. CornerStone 55 (OR): Scrap Iron High Octane Men’s 80 AAA Gary Springer, Jeff Black, (CO): Robert Knowles, David Men’s 70 AAA Scrap Iron Gray Be- Ken Block, Jeff Asay. Maestas, David Adams, Terry Git-R-Done (CA): Bob rets (CO): David Cox, Don JayCo/ISP 50 (ID): Jason Roberts. Heggie, Joe Hansell, Rob Pierson, John Wunderli, Kent Obenshain, Eric Mihkelson, St. George Gold (UT): Hellman, Ernest Regalado, Loutensock, Larry Bradsby. Gary Adams. Michael Rees, Tim Eicher, Fred Yunt. Git-R-Done (CA): Bob Dale McLaughlin. Scrap Iron Diamonds Merkle, Robert Fontaine, Mi- Men’s 50 AAA (CO): Philip Stacy Michaels, chael Walter, Jeff Hilgaertner. Sin City Warriors (NV): Men’s 65 AAA Larry Denzler, Cliff DeKnik- Magic Stuff (UT): Alan Scott Rumbold, Paul Pi- Sidewinders Desert ker, Michael Anderson. Taylor, Gary Porter, J. Doyle scitelli, Rudy Medrano, Mark (AZ): Larry Adams, Arnie So Cal Warriors (CA): Neuenswander Buchanan. Kvarnberg, Mike Ronk, Ste- Raymond Tyndall, Mike Elite/Scrap Iron (CO): ven Ward, John Miller. Drennan, Larry Ekema. Women’s 40/50 AAA Richard Lundy, Hank Twilt, No Guts, No Glory (CA): Custom Truck 40 (NV): Bill Lomelino Alan Jackson, Randy Van Es- Men’s 70 AA Angie Gruenenfelder, Terrie sen, Jon Forbes, Norman Coe. Top Gun Olde Dawgs Taylor, Kelly Field, Christina Men’s 55 Major Cut Loose (CA): Thomas (CA): Steve Baranick, Randy Jenkins, Angie Kitchen. Scrap Iron/Rocky Day, Steve Stafford, Rudy Martinez, Nicho Hinojosa, Dames Got Game 40 Mountain Thunder (CO): Valdez. Gary Nieman, (AZ): Andrea Fritts, Cindy Chris McTigue, Bruce Los- Johnson, Heather Lange, Me- troh, Brad Edginton, Steven Men’s 65 AA Men’s 75 Major lissa Cooper. Antonczyk, Thomas Edwards. Las Vegas Desert Heat Tharaldson’s (NV): Arizona Legends: Steve (NV): John (Jack) Taylor, Steve Haslam, Steve Strom- Men’s 40 Major Plus Rutledge, Scott Porter, Alejan- Duane Meth, Phil Clymer, men, Dan Milakovich, Arthur Pony Tail Express (CA): dro Carrasco, Rocky Phillips. Bob Stonemetz, Gregory Bird, James Peacock. Victor Villa, Fernando Mer- Arizona Old School: Jeff Luna. Sidewinders (AZ): Mel- cado, Robert Mercado, Will Armbruster, David Vandehey, 911 Softball Club (CA): vin Bentley, Michael Lavis, Taveras, Aaron Caro. Marcel Spaulding Eloy Chavez, Thomas Salinas, Richard Collins, Jerry Bian- Continued on Next Page 38 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Spring World All-Tourney Team Continued Continued on Next Page Lucero, Andrew Virdell, Dan- Sin City Raiders (NV): Men’s 60 Major Plus iel Beltran, Mike Gonzales. Andy Moscow, Joseph Tang, Men’s 55 AAA Summy’s (CA): Scott Jim Whipple. Scrap Iron-Colorado Camery, Kevin O’Reilly, Paul Men’s 60 AAA Home Fitness (CO): Ken Salow, Matt Fahring, Greg Weakened Warriors Men’s 60 AA Lindow, Michael Gurnee, Tim Brandt. (CA): Mark Aumann, Craig Los Vatos Viejos (AZ): McIlvain, Chip Hunnings, West Coast Water/Elite Peirson, Kent Skidmore, Andy Jesse Rick Aponte, Frank John Corlett. (NV): Dave Barretto, David Bullington, Glenn Stevenson. Bargas, Antonio Cabrales, Jeff Los Vatos Viejos (AZ): Cherry, Gary Gosz. Scrap Iron Xplosion Kay, Charles Valencia. Benny Mesa Perez, Mark (CO): Dave Schultz, Gregg Family (NV): Roy Robin- Martinez, Fermin Fierro, Men’s 60 Major Pearson, Kevin Flynn, Ed son, Michael Gazarek, David Steve Garcia. Outlaws (NM): Bobby Dilley. Pasos. Qualified Teams for Original TOC With the halfway point ships • Southern Championships of the 2019 season here, • Tidewater Classic • ISA Senior World Series over 175 teams have already • LVSSA/SSUSA South- • Western National Cham- secured their spots in the west Championships pionships Original Tournament of • Texas State Champion- • Eastern National Champi- Champions, which will take ships onships place February 5 - 9, 2020 in • Atlantic Coast Champion- • Northern Championships Polk County, FL. ships • Rocky Mountain Champi- Nine TOC qualifiers have • Rock 'n Reno Challenege onships already been completed. Cup • LVSSA/SSUSA World Teams began qualify- The reaming 12 TOC Masters Championships ing for the 2020 TOC this qualifiers include: Don't miss out on your past November 2018, with • Southern California State chance to qualify for the the Winter National Cham- Championships Original Tournament of pionships and Winter World • SSUSA/CAN-Sirs Champions. There simply is Original TOC, please CLICK Championships. Northern California State no other tournament in the HERE. The other seven TOC Championships sport that comes close what qualifiers included: • Northeast Championships the TOC offers: • Spring National Champi- • Jim Sherman Memorial • Free quality custom rings onships Northwest Championships from Josten's (makers of • Spring World Champion- • Midwest Championships MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL championship rings) for winners • Bats for MVPs • Gift bags for every man- ager • Gala sit-down banquet for 1,500 players and their families • Hitting clinics • Skills contests • All-Star Game • TOC All-Stars vs. Lou- isville Slugger Warriors Dennis Cassidy is presented with a bat during the TOC Exhibition Game Banquet for winning the For a complete list of precision hitting contest in his The annual TOC Banquet is always a fan favorite. qualified teams thus far for the age division. Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 39 40 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Texas State All-Tourney Team Announced DALLAS, Tex. - The Hanz, Jeffrey John Huser, Texas State Championships Sergio Quintanilla, Steven were held here at Kiest Park, Glorioso, Peter Garcia. April 30 - May 5. Buc’s (TX): Danny 54 teams attended the Gorden, David Stokes, Rick TOC qualifier in the Lone Star Steward, David Reay. State, as Big D once again Relentless (TX): Bruce played host to the tournament. Hart, Rafael Flores, Roberto Dallas hosted the tourna- Rivera. ment from 2008-2012, before Houston (2013-2015), Austin Men’s 60 Major IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE NEW (2016), and El Paso (2017-18) Houston Fire (TX): Joe all had their turns. Johnson, Bob Schulz, Tony 15 teams would go on to Washington, Milt Brownfield, earn TOC berths. Glenn Scattergood. The full tournament 70s (TX): Mickey Saucedo, Men’s 55 Major recap appeared in the last edi- Donald Reay, Ernie Carreon, Rock N Legends 9 (TX): Men’s 60 Silver tion of the SSUSA Newsletter. Robert Nava. Nicky Blair, Eddie Garretson, Texas Legends: George Below are the all-tourna- Jerry Stotts, Chuck Yaeger, Gutierrez, Wade Moran, Jerry ment selections. First place Men’s 80 Gold Kurt Dorf. House, Joe Ylda, Ray Berry. BAT SERIES FOR 2018 teams receive five selec- Antiques of Kansas Texas Heat: Don Presley, Westrock (AR): Stan tions, second place earns four City (KS): Ken Stock, Frank Wayne Fruge, Larry Belk, Baker, Mike Jacobs, Ramsey selections, and third place is Mar, Donald Applebaugh, Ed Thomas Vorie. Harris, Randy Silvia. awarded three selections. Phelps. El Paso Old School Men’s 65 Gold San Antonio 80s (TX): Men’s 55 AAA (TX): Leonso Barraza, David Team Texas San Anto- Daniel Florez, Luis Torres, 55 GZ (TX): Russell Castillo, Domingo Gonzalez. nio: Tyrone McClellan, Julian Norm Allen Tamez, Randy Fulton, Juan Ramirez, Larry Mandel. Men’s 40/50 Platinum Escobar Body Shop 50 Men’s 70 Gold (TX): Rodney Fail, Kenny San Antonio Silver Seymour, Tom Clark, Luciano Streaks (TX): Domingo Castaneda, Carl Randle. Garcia, Rockey Crews, Larry Lopez, Thomas Suda, Larry Men’s 50 Major Schepers. Mixed Breed (TX): Tony San Antonio Legends Williams, Glenn Clemons, (TX): Joe Flores, Jonathan Eric Young, Robert Delasbour. Brown, Earlie Satterwhite, Ronald Henderson, Charles Men’s 50 AAA Hammock. Texas Elite: Rickey Grey Sox (TX): Darryl Hodges, Michael Cortez, Schroeder, Daniel Washing- Larry Belk, Keith Kutach. LITE FRAME TECHNOLOGY (LiFT) ALLOWS EVERY PLAYER, ESPECIALLY PLAYERS WHO WANT TO SWING DUDLEY’S ton, Louie Martinez. FIRST EVER 25 oz. 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VISIT THE DUDLEY TENT AT THE SSUSA WORLD TOURNAMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW LIGHTNING LEGEND LiFT BATS 42 Senior Softball News Spring 2019 Edition Time for a Mid-Year Financial Review By Jack Sirard family to know exactly you likely are following a on your investments, then Senior Softball News where you stand. That’s more conservative invest- it’s on you to make any As we approach the the first thing you really ment strategy as you get changes. midway point in 2019, I need to do. Open up your older. But if you are relying think it’s the perfect time financial statements and see If you have 50 percent on a financial adviser, now to take a good long look at how you’ve fared this year. or more of your assets in is the perfect time to make your finances. There’s really not much fixed-income investments, an appointment with him or By now, most inves- you can do about what’s it’s highly unlikely that you her to go over your invest- tors have long forgotten happened in the past six are beating the Dow and ment strategies. Far too about those idyllic financial months, but you can cer- S&P so far this year. And often financial advisers are resolutions that they made tainly take steps to make that’s a good thing. You extremely busy at year- when the year began back changes going forward if need investment protection end, so making a mid-year in January. You remember needed. as you get older. visit should be beneficial those, right? You were go- If you’re pretty much What you need to focus for both of you. Make up ing to put more money into on track with the overall on is the money that you a list of questions or con- your 401(k) each pay peri- market averages…or even have invested in equities, cerns you have about your od, be more proactive with ahead…that’s great. That’s be it individual stocks or account(s) so that you don’t your brokerage accounts just where you want to be. mutual funds. How is that waste your time or theirs. and generally increase the And even if you’re trailing money doing compared If your life circumstances size of your portfolio. somewhat, that’s not neces- with the market? If you’re have changed at all, you Well now as we are sarily bad news because making all the decisions need to let them know. about to head into the sec- In addition, you might ond half of 2019, the key want to schedule a meeting question you have to ask with your insurance team yourself, of course, is how to go over any changes in has your portfolio done your policies. compared with the overall The point I’m making stock market. is that too many people The most talked about wait too long to size up market indexes are the Dow their financial conditions. Jones Industrial Average or Mid-year is here and if you the Standard & Poor’s 500 discover that you absolutely index and both have posted need to make changes for some solid gains this year 2019, then you have six to date. The Dow is up 10 months or so to put them percent since Jan. 1 and the into effect. S&P has jumped up a very As a final note of cau- smart 16 percent. tion, don’t make changes One problem that many just to be making changes. investors have is that they Know what course of ac- don’t know how they’ve tion you want to take to get done. Either they don’t take you to your desired goal the time to monitor their and go for it. performance or they’re Jack Sirard is a retired too scared to find out the nationally syndicated finan- results. cial columnist and a senior So you owe it to your- writer/editor for SSUSA. self and no doubt your Spring 2019 Edition Senior Softball News 43 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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