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Balls & Strikes

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*Note: Online registrations may be charged credit card processing and transaction fees. Please call for quote 888.427.9170 Option 3, Option 1 365_10_2011Aug ” September 2011

Letter from the President 5

Help Beat Cancer 8 USA Softball auction for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® runs Sept. 16-26

Sponsor Spotlight 9 Worth FPEX: Fastpitch Experts

Association Profile 14 Indiana Amateur Softball Association

GOLD! 16 Team North Florida wins 2011 ASA 18-Under GOLD National Championship

The Apple Falls Close to the Tree 18 Athleticism runs in the Fagan Family of Dunnellon, Fla.

Then I Became a Softball Dad 22 Fearing he would live through his daughters, Keith Graham is living with his daughters

Softball: Alive & Growing in Europe 24 Massachusetts ASA Commissioner Joe Alfonse helps spread the game globally

2011 Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit & Run 26 National Champions crowned during Major League Baseball (MLB) All Star weekend

Another Successful Junior Olympic Season in the Books Executive Director 28 A total of 1,653 teams participated in the 2011 JO National Championships Ron Radigonda What Makes a National Championship? 29 A Q&A Chattanooga ASA’s Junior Olympic Commissioner Kim Swafford Editors USA Softball Maintains Legacy with World Cup of Softball Win Jamie Blanchard 30 Women’s National Team defeats Japan to take home fifth straight title Holly Krivokapich USA Run-Rules Team Canada 25-3 in Border Battle III 31 USA Softball Men’s Slow Pitch National Team recaptures Border Battle crown Contributors News and Notes Joe Alfonse 34 Check out what’s going on with ASA and USA Softball

Dennis Anderson An "Official View Of Greece" Julie Bartel 38 Umpire Sean Silver travels to Athens for Special Olympics World Games

Andy Dooley Second Look Keith Graham 41 See if you can find six differences in these photos

Florida Sports Coaching Colors Information 43 A fixture in the green and gold, Mike White now wears Red, White and Blue Murray Johnson Member Spotlight LEJ Sports 46 Meet four athletes who Play ASA across the country Bill Plummer III Sean Silver

Design Old Hat Creative www.oldhatcreative.com

The Official Publication of The Amateur Softball Association / USA Softball Balls and Strikes Softball Magazine is published annually by the Amateur Softball Association 2801 N.E. 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, (405) 424-5266. Balls and Strikes Softball® is a federally registered trademark of the Amateur Softball Association of America © Amateur Softball Association 2011 Visit us on the Internet: www.asasoftball.com & www.usasoftball.com OWN THE SPLIT-SECOND YOU SPEND HOURS IN THE CAGE. YOU PRACTICE EVERYDAY. YOU TRAIN YEAR ‘ROUND. AND WHEN THE GAME IS ON THE LINE, YOU HAVE A SPLIT-SECOND TO MAKE ALL THAT TIME WORTH IT. WE OWN THAT SPLIT-SECOND.

EASTONSOFTBALL.COM GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT! Congratulations to all of the teams that can now call themselves Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America National Champions. We are proud to have such talented athletes participating in our organization at all levels. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Junior Olympic (JO) Championship that wrapped up earlier last month, from athletes to volunteers. A total of 1,653 JO teams participated in National Championship play with the highest attended tournament being the ASA/USA Softball Girls’ Class A 16-Under Fast Pitch in Chattanooga, Tenn., with 172 teams. While the numbers of our JO program are solid, I encourage everyone to think of how we can get more teams involved with ASA next year. While the JO portion of the season is complete, a number of our adult teams are still waiting for their chance to be called a “National Champion”. Good luck to all of the athletes competing and best wishes to all the other people who make these tournaments happen, like our tournament directors, scorekeepers and umpires. I recently had the opportunity to attend the World Cup of Softball VI and Border Battle III in Oklahoma City, where I watched our 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team and 2011 USA Softball Men’s Slow Pitch National Team compete for our country. While it was exciting to watch the Red, White and Blue claim victories on national television, it was most exciting to see the five other countries in the event. Australia, Canada and Japan have always been strong competitors but in Oklahoma City earlier this month, I witnessed the greatest teams from Czech Republic and Great Britain that I have ever seen. The growth in their programs is really inspiring, especially as we look toward our sport being included in the 2020 Olympic Games. Thank you to everyone who made the World Cup possible from the athletes to the N ational Office staff to the field crew, umpires and volunteers. It is an event that provides great exposure to the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and our National Team programs. A special thank you to the fans who traveled from across the world to watch the event in person. The crowds were great! The 80th Council Meeting is quickly approaching, Nov. 5-11 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in South Carolina. If you have not made your travel plans, please contact Journey House soon. Also don’t forget to bring your clubs for our annual golf tournament. More information on that can be found on page seven of this publication. As we begin to wrap up another great season, I want to thank all of you for your loyalty to ASA and for your dedication in playing, promoting, organizing and OWN THE SPLIT-SECOND supporting the sport of softball. Andy Dooley, President YOU SPEND HOURS IN THE CAGE. YOU PRACTICE EVERYDAY. Amateur Softball Association of America YOU TRAIN YEAR ‘ROUND. AND WHEN THE GAME IS ON THE LINE, YOU HAVE A SPLIT-SECOND TO MAKE ALL THAT TIME WORTH IT. WE OWN THAT SPLIT-SECOND.

Balls & Strikes Softball EASTONSOFTBALL.COM Magazine Check out the new TOURNAMENTS tab! swing with the legends golf series

Kickoff the 80th Amateur softball Association (AsA) of America national Council Meeting at Azalea sands golf Club 2100 HigHway 17 • NortH Myrtle BeacH, S.c. 29582

NoveMBer 4, 2011 $350 per-teaM $125 for aN iNDiviDual Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. $35 for DiNNer oNly Dinner and auction at 5:30 p.m. $100 to SpoNSor a Hole or a DiNNer taBle Each group will be paired with a Major League Baseball (MLB) Alumni player for the golf tournament, which is a benefit for ASA Special Programs, MLB Alumni and Special Olympics National Games. Non-golfers are welcome to join for the dinner and auction, which includes items signed by the MLB alumni players as well as current and former USA Softball athletes. Registration is due to Andy Dooley by October 16, 2011 7

TEAMS REGISTERED ($350 PER-TEAM) NAME OF GOLFER NO. 1

INDIVIDUALS REGISTERED ($125 PER-PERSON) ADDRESS

DINNER GUESTS ($35 PER-PERSON) CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER HOLES SPONSORED ($100 PER-HOLE) DOES GOLFER NEED TRANSPORTATION? £ YES £ NO TABLES SPONSORED ($100 PER-TABLE)

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ADDRESS RETURN COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM AND CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER CHECk MADE PAYABLE TO PIEDMONT ASA TO DOES GOLFER NEED TRANSPORTATION? £ YES £ NO PIEDMONT ASA ATTN: ANDY DOOLEY 7938 W. LYNCHBURG SALEM TURNPIkE NAME OF GOLFER NO. 3 THAxTON, VA 24174

ADDRESS Questions? Please contact Andy Dooley at

(540) 587-6844 or [email protected]. CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER

DOES GOLFER NEED TRANSPORTATION? £ YES £ NO Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine get gear. Help beat 8 CANCER. Over the past three years, ASA/USA Softball has donated $50,500 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central and Western Oklahoma affiliate through its pink ebay auctions. Help us this year increase that amount by bidding on jerseys and other items signed by the 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team. Pink uniforms were worn during the World Cup of Softball where the National Team clinched the program’s fifth World Cup title. eBay auction will run Fri., Sept. 16 at 10 a.m./CT through Mon., Sept. 26 at 10 a.m./CT! Log on and bid on some great items and help the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central and Western Oklahoma affiliate. authentic game-worn geaR! Balls & Strikes

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Balls & Strikes

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Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine Association Profile: INDIANA Amateur Softball Association

ASA Indiana Commissioner Mick Renneisen has been involved with the ASA as a slow pitch player since 1975 and in service roles since 1981. Among the highlights of his career with the local association, he served as a district commissioner from 1983-85, an executive board member from 1985-2010 and the executive board vice president from 2000-02. He was the tournament director for eight national tournaments in Indiana, all of which won the Jim Farrell Award of Excellence. Nationally, he serves on the ASA Board of Directors as the vice president for the northern territory. Renneisen has also served as the chairman of the long range planning committee since 2000 and is a current member of the testing and equipment standards committee as well as the allied members committee. From 1995- 2000, he was the chairman of the tournament organizing committee, which he also served on as co-chair from 1994-95. Renneisen took some time out of his busy schedule to give some insight into Indiana ASA.

14 B&S: “Indiana ASA’s website internet to search for informa- a website is to find an expert, www.indianaasasoftball.com tion about softball. That was the whether that’s someone within is a very extensive website. Do primary motivation for upgrading your organization or a consultant, you have one person assigned and updating our website pres- map out a plan for the various ele- to update or is it a group ef- ence. We also use the website as ments you want to include in your fort? What’s your advice for a central location for data storage website and phase those in as you someone who wants to provide for our volunteer commission- have the time and resources. The a great website?” ers. We have a staff portal where first phase of upgrading and com- we place information just for our bining our websites took nearly MR: “One of the most criti- association staff. What you see a year to implement. The next cal issues that Dave Nolan and I today is just phase I of the web- phase is likely to take much less discussed when he became the site upgrade. We plan on adding time now that we have created the Commissioner last year was creat- additional features in 2012 and basic structure of the site. Finally, ing a new and improved website beyond. Our next phase will in- you get what you pay for, so be presence. Prior to 2010, we had clude online registration options willing to spend a little money to 3 different websites (adult, youth for teams to register, enter tour- do the website right. It’s a criti- and umpires) with completely dif- naments and make payment. We cal communication and marketing ferent looks and navigation capac- also hope to add an online store tool as we look to the future of ities. These had evolved over the for merchandise soon. A website our associations. years as a result of interests in with all these features requires each of the respective programs of assistance from multiple people B&S: “As an organization what Indiana ASA. Thankfully, we had to keep the information relevant do you feel is Indiana ASA’s an “in-house” technology expert, and updated. We currently have biggest strength/weakness” our own Crystal Dombkowski, an administrator for each program Assistant JO Commissioner, who area, adults, youth, umpires and MR: “We have had strong leader- was instrumental in helping us Hall of Fame with a few additional ship from our past commissioners merge our three websites into one, general administrators who up- and executive Board. In addition, unified and re-branded website. date specific sections of the web- the involvement from our associa- We believe that more and more site. My advice to anyone think- tion staff and volunteers, over the of our customer base is using the ing about creating or upgrading course of our existence, has been

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine instrumental to our success. The organizations but also from other also need to adapt and respond dedication and commitment by activities that provide alterna- to the growing competition in these individuals has been out- tives for our potential custom- the market for a shrinking pool standing and will continue to be ers/players. I also see a declin- of softball players. We need to be critical to our future success. We ing interest in volunteerism that creative and use the expertise of also have a strong tournament may have an impact on associa- our 76 associations to build new program that provides opportuni- tion staff positions (local com- models to provide products that ties for all ages and skill levels to missioners) in the future. All of appeal to our customers. To do compete and advance to national these challenges, and others that that, we will need to listen to our tournaments. One other strength will arise, create a changing envi- players/customers to deliver the I would like to mention is that we ronment where being adaptable product that they want. We also have had a player classification and flexible in responding to new need to learn how to take advan- system, which is now online, that trends will be critical as we con- tage of current technology to at- has helped keep the competitive tinue to offer softball programs to tract younger players. Finally, we balance of our adult slow pitch our customers.” need to involve new, creative, and teams in place for many years. In somewhat younger people in our fact, I think the national player B&S: As chairman of the long associations so we can take devel- classification system was devel- range planning committee on op them into our future leaders. . oped using our system as a model. the Board, what is key for ASA to be successful in 5 years? I view challenges/weaknesses as opportunities. Indiana ASA is MR: My answer to this question challenged, like many of our as- would be similar to the challenges sociations, with changing societal I see for Indiana ASA. I think on trends that have affected partici- a national level we need to adapt pation in our sport. We are also to the changing societal trends Click here for the rest challenged by increased competi- that have caused a decrease in of the Q&A with Renneisen. 15 tion not only from other softball participation in our sport. We

Indiana ASA Commissioner Mick Renneisen received his 20 year Service Award in 2010.

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine GOLD! Team North Florida wins 2011 ASA 18-Under GOLD National Championship

eam North Florida of Dunnellon, base hit bunt followed by a Carosone Fla. claimed the 2011 ASA 18U single before Kelsey Carpenter earned TGOLD National Championship with a two RBI with a line drive hit through 2-1 “if necessary” victory over Newtown the left side. Rock of Holland, Pa., on Saturday July Newtown responded immediately 30 at the Sportsplex USA Santee location in the bottom half of the inning scor- in Santee, Calif. Forcing ing one run on a two- the ‘if” game with a 5-2 out rally led by a single victory in the champion- from Jessica Epler. 16 ship game, North Florida Julia Kuhn was issued finished the tournament a base on balls before with a 7-1 overall re- Julie Wambold drove a cord. Representing the double to the right cen- Southern Territory, they ter fences putting Epler North Florida had a chance to open up were led by Samantha across home. A strike out the game in the top of the fifth loading Fagan who hit .438 for ended the inning keeping the bases on a pair of singles and a fielding bracket play going 14-for-32. Pitcher N. Florida on top 2-1. error, but they left the runners stranded Carley Hoover went 43.1 innings in Newtown threatened with a tying run heading into bottom half of the inning. bracket play and recorded 41 strikeouts in the bottom of the second inning with Both teams were quiet through the sixth and a .65 ERA. runners at second and third with one inning before Newtown brought in pitcher Newtown Rock of Holland, Pa. fin- out. A long fly out to left field looked Greiner to relieve starter Susan Wysocki. ished the tournament at 6-2 represent- to be a sacrifice to tie the game, but the A double from Carpenter put a runner on ing Region 3. Leading the second place arm of N. Florida left fielder Alex Powers board with one out, but a rundown of both team was Lauren Gaskill who finished launched a great throw to catcher Shellie Carpenter and batter Robinson closed the the tournament batting .407 with three Robinson who tagged out runner Tiarra inning. N. Florida held strong in the sev- home runs. Sanabria to keep the lead. enth taking home its first ever National It was the third meeting of the two North Florida looked to increase their title with the 2-1 final score. teams who met earlier in the day in the lead in the third inning loading the bases From the circle, Hoover earned the winner’s bracket final before meeting back after two hits and a walk, but Newtown win tossing seven complete innings up in the championship. Newtown took kept the game in reach with a ground with one earned run and two strikeouts. game one 5-4 before N. Florida claimed out to close the inning. Leading all hitters was Fagan who was the final two to bring home the hardware. Newtown kept their swings alive in 3-for-4 with one run scored. the fourth with back-to-back hits from Championship "If" Wambold and Alden to start the inning. Necessary Game A fielders’ choice called safe at third Championship Game 1 The hits stayed alive for North Florida loaded the bases but a force out at home North Florida 5 - Newtown Rock 2 in game two as they opened the “if” game recorded the second out. A line out to The bats for the North Florida team jumping ahead 2-0 in the top of the first. Fagan then stopped the Newtown mo- claim alive just in time in the championship Out of the gate Fagan connected on a mentum keeping N. Florida on top 2-1. game as they scored five runs on six hits in Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine (Above) Members of Team North Florida and their coaching staff pose with their championship trophy. (Top Right) Moments after defeating Newton Rock Holland in the ASA 18U GOLD National Championships, Team North Florida celebrates on the field. (Bottom Right) Newton Rock's fierce play throughout the tournament couldn't overcome North Florida's hot bats in the final day of competition. 17 Photos courtesy of Dennis Anderson.

the bottom of the sixth to claim a 5-2 vic- With one out in the top of the third tory over Newtown Rock to force the “if” inning Gaskill sent a rocket to deep cen- necessary game. With only two hits in five terfield for a solo home run, her second innings, the offense lit up the scoreboard of the tournament. With a 2-0 lead, in the sixth claiming the 5-2 victory. In McGoldrick kept the hot hitting bats the circle, Carley Hoover earned the vic- of Newtown moving with her second tory in 2.1 innings of relief work allowing a single of the game with a lace down the walk and a hit. Starting Newtown pitcher right field line. Sam Greiner was saddled with the loss al- With two outs in the bottom of the lowing four earned runs and eight hits. third, shortstop Fagan reached scoring Newtown Rock jumped out early with position after a base hit bunt and sto- runners. Tied at 2-2, Kelsey Carpenter a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. A lead- len base. But Newtown remained solid put a single on the board and the go- off walk to Lauren Gaskill kicked started defensively silencing Fagan and keeping ahead run as Hartness crossed home things before a passed ball moved her Newtown on top 2-0. plate. The contagious hitting continued 60 feet into scoring position. A base The N. Florida offense came alive in as Crissy Rawls stepped up with another hit through the right side from Kylie the bottom of the sixth as they took the RBI single for an insurance run and a 4-2 McGoldrick then plated Gaskill for the lead 5-2. Fagan pushed through a chop- lead. North Florida still wasn’t done as go ahead position for Newtown. ping single through the left side to start Veronica Gajownik added on one more North Florida put its first runner in the rally. Carosone then sent a hard line RBI single for the inning and the even- scoring position in the bottom of the drive back at Greiner for a hit to put two tual 5-2 victory. second when Kelsey Carpenter earned a on with no outs. Stephanie Hartness base on balls later advancing to second then stepped into the box and roped on a passed ball. A ground out pushed an RBI single to right center for the For more information on the ASA, visit her to third threatening even more but first run plating Fagan. Carosone slid the Newtown defense held strong leav- into home as the Newtown defense was asasoftball.com ing N. Florida empty handed. caught off guard trying to chase down

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine THE APPLE FALLS CLOSE TO THE TREE by Holly Krivokapich ou could say Kasey, Sami, Haley, Introducing the PowerChalk/ASA video analysis system: Perform. Upload. Analyze. Improve. Cole, Jack, and Cameron Fagan haveY athleticism in their blood. Their father Kevin was a defensive end for the University of Miami and spent seven years on the San Francisco 49ers roster. Their mother Nancy was a track and field athlete at the U. Kevin now coaches Benefits ASA GOLD Team North Florida of which his three oldest daughters, Kasey, Sami Faster skill acquisition via visual learning and Haley, have all graced the roster with Sami and Haley winning the ASA Increased insights through slow motion 18U GOLD National Championship Title in 2011. Real time coach-player collaboration Kasey, Sami and Haley grew up (Left) North Florida head coach Kevin Fagan played seven years in the NFL playing travel ball together with Kevin for the San Francisco 49ers. Photo by Dennis Anderson. Collaboration from remote locations as their coach. Practice wasn’t over for (Right) Kasey Fagan played third base for Florida at the 2010 WCWS. the Fagans when the rest of the team Photo credit to Florida Sports Information. put away their bats and headed home. Analysis sessions replace rainouts Extra cuts were taken and pitches were but he worked hard to get better,” said said Kasey when asked about younger thrown as the four-some worked to- Kasey. “For us to have confidence we sister Sami. “My first year was defi- Constant learning with iPhone and Droid gether to better their game. Coming have to take more swings and work hard- nitely eye opening in that way. I had from the male dominated world of foot- er. Confidence comes from hard work.” always had my sisters and dad there to Improved positioning with Playbooks ball, Kevin realized early the difference Sami and Haley were members push me but I was away from that. I between the two sports and how to help of the 2011 ASA 18-Under GOLD had to learn to push myself and I have Improved motion through visual modeling Features his daughters excel. Championship team while Kasey earned done that now. I know I have to make 18 “Both sports require skill but I think a runner-up finish in 2010. While myself take extra swings or practice Reduced travel costs Web based (no software installation) the main difference is in the mental ap- Haley has verbally committed to South longer.” proach. Football is a sport of high effort Alabama, Kasey and Sami are back on The first son of the Fagan crew, Reduced injury via improved technique where you can outwork, out try and the same team as freshman Sami joins Cole, is 14 with Jack and Cameron Split screen video comparison out hustle the opponent. In softball it’s sophomore Kasey at the University close behind. Cameron, like her older Schedule flexibility through video sharing more of a mental game where you have of Florida this season. While both are sisters, began playing t-ball when she SlowMo, Pause, Reverse, Markup to be confident and focused,” said Kevin. ready to be back on the same team again was old enough and if the apple con- “I grew up playing football and baseball Kasey feels no pressure to lead her sister. tinues to fall close to the tree, look Second opinions through video Measure, track, highlight and they are so different in their game “She’s way ahead of me as far as for her in 10 years winning her own collaboration day mentality. In football you can grind being motivated and staying focused,” GOLD title. Record, save and share analysis it out but in softball you have to put the time in at practice so you are ready when 50% off introductory pricing for ASA members! PC / MacIntosh compatible it comes down to game time. You have to Players from North Florida pose with their 2011 ASA 18U GOLD National Championship trophies. Photo credit to Dennis Anderson. believe in yourself and be confident.” For a Free trial visit www.powerchalk.com/ASA The lessons certainly worked as iPhone, iPad and Droid helper apps the eldest Fagan, Kasey recently made an appearance with the University of Real-time screen sharing Florida at the NCAA Women’s’ College World Series as the starting third base- Umpire Playbook module man. While Kevin tried to instill in his daughters work ethic, hard work and Digital Playbooks using the gifts God gave you, the lesson of work ethic took a firm presence in his daughter’s lives. “The biggest thing I learned from my dad was definitely that confidence comes from work ethic. That’s the biggest thing I learned. When he played in the NFL, he wasn’t the biggest on the defensive line

Balls & Strikes Softball Register now at Magazine www.PowerChalk.com/ASA Introducing the PowerChalk/ASA video analysis system: Perform. Upload. Analyze. Improve. Benefits Faster skill acquisition via visual learning Increased insights through slow motion Real time coach-player collaboration Collaboration from remote locations Analysis sessions replace rainouts Constant learning with iPhone and Droid Improved positioning with Playbooks Improved motion through visual modeling Features Reduced travel costs Web based (no software installation) Reduced injury via improved technique Split screen video comparison Schedule flexibility through video sharing SlowMo, Pause, Reverse, Markup Second opinions through video Measure, track, highlight collaboration Record, save and share analysis 50% off introductory pricing for ASA members! PC / MacIntosh compatible For a Free trial visit www.powerchalk.com/ASA iPhone, iPad and Droid helper apps Real-time screen sharing Umpire Playbook module Digital Playbooks

Register now at www.PowerChalk.com/ASA Leading the way with ASA Individual Registration: Best Practices for Teams and Leagues

Why Individual Registration? As the National Governing Body for Softball, ASA/USA Softball is committed to the goal of providing accident and liability insurance to all participants in the Junior Olympic (youth) program. This is especially important as more and more American families do not have their own medical insurance.

To ensure that our JO players receive the insurance protection they need, ASA/USA Softball has been converting to Individual Registration (as opposed to team registration) for the JO Program. Individual Registration is also available to Adult leagues in certain areas.

How is the insurance plan for Individual Registration different from Team Insurance? There is no difference in the limits of coverage under the Individual Registration or Team Insurance plans. The program is still administered by Bollinger and underwritten by Markel Insurance Company.

What are the benefits to everyone from Individual Registration? o Players: All players are insured with a $5,000,000 limit of liability and $250,000 of Excess Accident Medical Insurance. The insurance coverage follows the player when they play on any ASA team. o Teams/Leagues: The team/league is insured as an entity if all team members Individually Register. If all teams in a league Individually Register, then liability coverage is extended to league officials. o ASA: Individual Registration helps the ASA achieve its goal to provide insurance to every player.

How to get started? Contact your local ASA Commissioner or JO Commissioner for details on how to Individually Register. To find the contact information for your Commissioner, go to the ASA/USA Softball web site at www.ASASoftball.com.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Individual Registration, please visit Bollinger’s ASA web site, www.BollingerASA.com and click on “Individual Registration.”

Important Note: In order to participate in ASA Junior Olympic/Youth Championship Play, all teams must be ASA Individually Registered or purchase through Bollinger the ASA Team Insurance Package Plan.

101 JFK Parkway, PO Box 390, Short Hills, NJ 07078 1-800-526-1379 www.BollingerASA.com

MORE Put A CHARGE Into Your Swing. Introducing the BOOMBAH ® Charge fastpitch bat. COLORS. It’s constructed with aerospace grade composite THEN I A Tulsa’s Keith Graham is materials which ensure that the power is BECAME a proud father of three transferred efficiently from your softball playing daughters hands into the ball. SOFTBALL DAD and Head Coach for the BY keith graham Tulsa Firebirds Photo by Dina Kwit used to have a regular life. (Actually, sit and talk for hours. We still do - to many of my friends say that sentence keep each other awake when we're head- shouldI say, "I used to have a life", peri- ed home in the wee hours of Monday od.) It doesn't really seem that long ago. morning. We used to wonder what the Approved for all sanctions Then I became a Softball Dad. kids would do when they grew up. Now Length/Weight: 32/22, 33/23, 34/24 I love how the bat feels My lawn used to be like a carpet. It was she wants to know what I'm going to do with each swing and hit. MORE green, mowed, trimmed, fertilized, and IF I ever grow up. watered. Any weeds that dared to show My summer casual wardrobe used to Caitlin Lever (Chicago Bandits #9) their leaves were pulled out by their be made up of color-coordinated polo roots. Now I have two big bare spots shirts, cool cottons in bright colors, and forty feet apart. I like the bare spots. I the occasional "aloha" shirt. Now I have like them because they are the only plac- a closet full of T-shirts in blue and red. Outfit The Team. STYLES. es that the weeds and crab grass aren't Those that don't have Firebirds on the threatening to take over. front have a cute saying on the back, like 22 My car used to draw admiring looks "If You Follow Me Long Enough, You'll BOOMBAH delivers the same quality and and comments. It was clean and waxed End Up at a Ball Field." or "Friends Don't craftsmanship that it provides to the and shined and Armor All'd. Now it only Let Friends Play Slowpitch!” Pros. Whether it’s a full dye jersey draws attention when it wins the "dirti- I used to glue myself to the sofa and est car in the parking lot" prize. watch the NCAA basketball tournament or a full uniform, you’ll find My friends and I used to spend and the Masters from opening Ceremony athletic wear, footwear and Monday mornings talking about five- through network sign off. Now, I catch iron shots, three-putts, and titanium the highlights on Sportscenter. equipment for the entire team. shafts. Now I bore them to death with I used to be one of the tops in my detailed play-by-play descriptions field. Thank goodness, I still am. (You We eliminate the middleman and sell direct, thereby passing

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©20 1 BOOMBAH.com or Call 815.941.1431 Today! A T HL E T I C U NI F O RM S - F OO T W EA R - G EAR & M O R E Story and Photos By Massachusetts ASA Commissioner Joe Alfonse. SOFTBALL:ALIVE & GROWING IN

ave EUROPEyou ever realized how much you liked something after you lost it?H Many Europeans still remain devastat- ed by the IOC's decision to eliminate softball from the 2012 and future Olympics. That's a feeling shared by many softball people all over the world and not just here in the U.S. Along with the rest of the softball world, the European Softball Federation (ESF) has hopes of restoring softball back to an Olympic sport. While most would admit that the chances of this occurring fall somewhere in the range of slim to none, the Europeans commend- ably are taking a very practical and upbeat approach to this dilemma. 24 In the days, months, and years prior to the IOC's vote to eliminate softball, the International Softball Federation (ISF) in their campaign to 'Back Softball' allegedly took little consideration of the impact that the European Olympic Committee Members could have made in those fate- ful votes leading up to dropping softball. It's almost as if the ISF forgot about how many votes the European members actually had. While I'm sure many people within the ISF would argue against what I'm saying, the sad result is that the proof Austria played France on Aug. 6 with the French pulling out a 9-4 win. is in the pudding by the number of votes cast not keeping softball. held their 2011 Women's Championship was broadcast live on Italian Sports TV. With this in mind, the ESF in the past in Ronchi De Legionari, Italy. Of the 34 The final day Saturday was equally ex- few years has taken dramatic steps to European member federations, over 24 citing with two 'final seeding' games sur- improve and publicize their softball sent in their applications with a record rounding the losers bracket final of Great programs all over Europe. They have total of 20 nations attending and compet- Britain vs. Italy. This afternoon game set re-energized their leadership and cre- ing. To continue with their plan of pro- the stage for the evening's championship ated numerous specialties within their moting softball, the ESF 'live streamed' and was viewed by almost as many as the Executive Council addressing not only all games at their main complex with evening before. Needless to say after Italy the basic governance of their Federation, the final eight elimination and seeding defeated Great Britain to win their way but also including marketing, sports in- games being broadcast using a produc- back to the Championship game, it was formation, and internet/television pro- tion crew, announcers, and instant re- highly anticipated as to the number of po- grams. The Europeans have gone 'hi tech' plays for the viewers enjoyment. In the tential viewers. With Italy once again play- when it comes to getting their Softball winners bracket final on Friday, Aug. 5, ing on primetime TV as well as the game Programs out to as many people as pos- between the Netherlands and host Italy, being live broadcast on Netherlands the sible in their 34 member Federations and almost 20,000 internet viewers watched ESF council members were ecstatic about more. This first week of August the ESF online while at the same time, the game their good fortune in getting as many Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine people as possible to watch their games. players is great. A perfect example of this This all ties in with why I'm so ex- For me, this was the second year in a is the Swedish team. This team had an av- cited with Europe's new found energy row I have had the privilege of attend- erage age of 19 and while they're young, and vigor in promoting our sport. This ing one of Europe's premier Women's they are talented. You'll hear more from year's top three teams; Netherlands, Softball Events. Last year it was the this team in the future I'm sure. The Italy, and Great Britain (in that or- "European Cup Championships" (which European 'big five'; Netherlands, Italy, der) now have secured the opportu- is their club league Championship) over Czech Republic, Great Britain, and Russia nity to play in next year's ISF World in Haarlem Netherlands, while this year were in tough competitions all week long. Championships in White Horse Canada I was able to watch and comment on the Young developing teams like France, Israel, with an invitation being sent out by the best all stars each country had to offer. Austria, and Germany competed extreme- ASA to 'warm up' by competing in the Now I'm not sure if invited is the correct ly well against each other and they all have World Cup VII being held in Oklahoma word to use, but after being asked to do nowhere to go but up. Secondly, experi- City just prior. The opportunity for the play-by-play commentary on last year's encing the great crowds generated by both world to see some of the best teams championships, the ESF asked me to do last year's and this year's tournaments was Europe has to offer online and hope- it again this year, not just two games, but inspiring. You really don't expect to see fully on world-wide television broadcast all eight broadcast games. Needless to up to 2000 people attend adult softball can do nothing but benefit our sport. say, I considered it an honor to do so and games anymore at home here and for the The Europeans have also pushed for where I had a chance last year to see some past two years I've witnessed it first-hand their own member countries to host exciting play by the club teams, this year in both Haarlem and Ronchi. It's great to the 2014 ISF World Championships watching the all star teams was incred- see that level of excitement from not only with Haarlem Netherlands mounting ible. I would be remiss not to mention the usual suspects of friends and family, a strong campaign in Ronchi to secure some help I received over the two days in but also the locals coming to see exciting votes at the upcoming ISF congress in guest commentary from Michael Schmidt games. I made a very large point of that Oklahoma City in October of this year. of Austria (and ESF marketing director), during my broadcasts. Finally, but by no It is the belief of many of the ESF mem- ISF Hall of Famer and current coach of means saying that there's nothing else bers that the opportunity to showcase 25 the French team Andre Prins, as well as to write about, is the players themselves. the World Championship in Europe and Peter van der Aart from the Netherlands These players are a joy to watch and to see being selected to do so prior to the IOC's

(Left) A Dutch batter during the Netherlands 2-0 win over Russia on Aug. 4. The Netherlands went on to take the title later in the week. (Right) Joe Alfonse with Andre Prins, an International Softball Federation (ISF) Hall of Famer who now coaches for France. who not only was a terrific partner, but how competitive and fiercely they play vote in 2013 to cut down their 'short took the time to tell the audience about their sport. These players took it very se- list' of potential 2020 Olympic sports is the Netherlands plan to host the 2014 riously in that they were playing for the crucial in maintaining any hope of be- World Championships. European Championship and they gave ing reinstituted as an Olympic sport. Commentating on the games was in- it their all in trying to win it. During With 34 member federations and most credible from many standpoints. First the week there were so many highlight of them countries with an IOC vote, off getting to see this level of competition reel catches and plays that I wish all the Europe has really stepped to the plate to was a pleasure and knowing that each year games were live broadcast instead of just develop and promote softball. Let's see Europe develops younger and stronger the final two days. if Europe's IOC voters take notice too. Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine 2011 Aquafina MLB PitCH, Hit & Run Girls National CHampions

he ASA would like to thank all local participants and adminis- Ttrators throughout the country who assisted in hosting local, sectional and Team Championships for the 2011 Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Program! In the second year of the National Division for the Girl’s competition, the ASA partnered to assist in planning and participation of events across all 50 states! The National Champions for both the girls’ and boys’ divisions were crowned Monday, July 11 at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ as part of Gatorade All- Star Workout Day. Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run is a grassroots program that initiated in 1996 to provide youth across North America 26 with an integrated competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball and softball skills. Free to boys and girls between the ages of 7-14, this year's Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run program had more than 600,000 participants in over 4,000 local competitions The program features local, sectional (Left) Participants are announced and team championship competitions, for National Finals competition in culminating at the National Finals. The Phoenix, Ariz. (Center) Richelyn top three male and female competitors Villanueva competes in the running portion of the competition. nationwide from each of the four divi- (Right) Jordan Schmucker brings sions (7-8 year olds; 9-10 year olds; 11- her best swing during the hitting 12 year olds; and 13-14 year olds) ad- competition. PHOTOS COURTESY vance to the National Finals. OF LEJ SPORTS.

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine 2011 Aquafina MLB PitCH, Hit & Run Girls National CHampions

(Left) Champion in 13-14 division Makenna Grewe talks to a reporter. (Center) All 12 Girls’ Division participants pose for a photo at Chase Field. (Right Participants cool off with some water supplied by sponsor Aquafina. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEJ SPORTS. 27

2011 AQUAFINA MLB PITCH, HIT & RUN Girls National Champions 7-8 Year Old Girls Age Division NAME HOMETOWN MLB TEAM Brianna Mendez Marina, CA Oakland Athletics

9-10 Year Old Girls Age Division NAME HOMETOWN MLB TEAM Kallie Anderson Navarre, FL Tampa Bay Rays

11-12 Year Old Girls Age Division NAME HOMETOWN MLB TEAM Sierra Huerta Fillmore, CA Los Angeles Dodgers

13-14 Year Old Girls Age Division NAME HOMETOWN MLB TEAM Makenna Grewe San Diego, CA San Diego Padres

If you are interested in hosting a 2012 local event in your area, please click on

this link at www.mlb.com/phr for updates and release of 2012 information!Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine Steve Gambone Over 25,000 athletes participated in Junior Olympic (JO) National Championship play during the 2011 season. Canton, Ohio. It was an incredible experience. We talked about making history Another Successful and knew that no Ohio team Junior Olympic had ever won this event. Season in the Books

The weekend of August 4-7 over 25 Junior “It was an incredible experience,” said Lasers Olympic (JO) teams were crowned National head coach Steve Gambone of Canton, Ohio. Champions in a weekend that marked the com- “We talked about making history and knew that pletion of JO play. Thousands of athletes, coach- no Ohio team had ever won this event. It was 28 es and umpires representing all 50 states trav- our goal from the beginning. Our team gelled eled to National Championship tournaments together at the right time including the players, United States looking to take home the title of coaches, and families and then we just did it. ASA National Champion. We stumbled along the way a little bit and re- A total of 1,653 JO teams participated in JO grouped and on championship Sunday we went National Championship play with the high- through everybody and now we are champions! I est attended tournament being the ASA/USA thought the facilities were great and considering Softball Girls' Class A 16-Under Fast Pitch in the conditions of heat, Freddie and his crew did Chattanooga, Tenn., with 172 teams. The Next a great job. Everyone treated us so well from the Level (Delamater) from Temecula, Calif., was photographers and people who tossed the coins crowned the champion with a record of 9-1. For to the tournament officials- overall a tremen- more on running on elite tournament, continue dous event.” to the next page! At the ASA/USA Softball Girls' Class A The Girls’ GOLD 18-Under Fast Pitch 12-Under Fast Pitch in Montgomery, Ala., National Championship took place July 25-30 Firecrackers-Brashear of Chino, Calif. Won the in San Diego, Calif., with Team North Florida National title of the 89-team bracket. Johnson (Dunnellon, Fla.) taking home the hardware of City, Tenn. Hosted the youngest group of the the capped 64-team field. Click here for a recap ASA/USA Softball Championships with 31 of the GOLD on page 14. Normal, Ill. Hosted the teams competing for the 10-Under crown. Team ASA/USA Softball Girls' Class A 18-Under Fast Watley of Santa Ana, Calif. Took home the crown Pitch National Championship, welcoming 104 with a 5-0 record. teams to the Midwest. Indy Crush 18U-Walker Other territory tournaments crowing champi- of Indianapolis, Ind., won the championship ons over the weekend were the Fast Pitch Girls’ with a perfect 7-0 overall record. Class A 14-Under Western with 100 teams; The ASA/USA Softball Girls' Class A 14-Under 14-Under A Northern 54 teams; 14-Under A Fast Pitch tournament was held in Midland, Texas Eastern 51 teams; 12-Under B Eastern 36 teams; where 103 teams traveled south with the Lasers 10-Under A Southern 18 teams; and the Girls’ GOLD from Canton, Ohio, claiming the top prize. Slow Pitch for all ages included 58 total teams.

Complete results and order of finish are still being received by the ASA National

Balls & Strikes Office. All results will be posted here when received from tournament directors.

SoftballMagazine What MAKes A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

If all goes as planned, one never sees what goes on in making an ASA National Championship successful. The host committee works tirelessly behind the scenes to provide a first-class operation. We caught up with Chattanooga ASA Junior Olympic Commissioner Kim Swafford whose staff recently hosted the largest Junior Olympic National Championship in 2011, the ASA/USA Softball Girls' Class A 16-Under Fast Pitch in Chattanooga, Tenn., with 172 teams.

B&S:“What are the top three key fac- in an organized fashion. We probably had had rides into the park on our bus golf tors to hosting such a large tournament?” the most diverse group of tournament carts. Our Parks and Rec Directors on directors ever assembled and they came our ASA staff made it easy to resolve any KS:“I think there are actually four key from both the private and public sector; field issue.” factors. 1) Communication with coaches, both male and female, age range from 19 2) Experienced and diverse tournament – 55 years old. We had four college stu- B&S: “Any fires you had to put out directors, 3) A cooperative host hotel and dents who had recently played in GOLD that attendees did not see?” CVB/Sports Committee 4) Good weather. Nationals and 16U Nationals. We had The first three you can control but if your directors who had coached in every age KS:“On Wednesday, we noticed a couple tournament is east of the Mississippi, group at ASA Nationals and we also had mistakes on the bracket which had to be having an entire week without rain is just local Parks and Recreation Directors. But adjusted but fortunately, the four games pure luck. However, if information needs the common thread among our staff was involved were not being played until to be disbursed regarding weather or time that everyone involved loved youth fast Friday so we caught it in plenty of time. changes, communication with coaches pitch softball and became vested in mak- My biggest heartburn came Wednesday and managers is key. We had one person ing the tournament a success.” morning when we got a call from our di- assigned to keep the website updated and rectors at the Summit Complex who said we had a mass texting system in place B&S: “Anything you and your team they did not have enough softballs de- through Google Docs which allowed me did to make ensure the tournament was spite the fact that we had counted and re- to send one email that generated a text a success and enjoyed by all parties?” counted numerous times. I immediately 29 message to 342 coaches, team mom’s and called our supplier who informed me that managers. We also had every coach in a KS: “We sat down and brainstormed it would cost $2600 to ship in more soft- mass email box through our Chattanooga ideas about aspects of past tournaments balls. We called all over town and came up ASA website. Trying to make phone calls that were performed effectively and ef- with about ten dozen softballs. However, to 172 teams would have been impos- ficiently and we incorporated those vari- later in the day, the directors at Summit sible and the mass texting and mass email ous ideas into our event. At Team Check found the missing softballs in the umpire system made constant communication In, we made sure every team got in and room. Apparently the case of softballs simple. Having people in place like a great out quickly with no long lines or standing was being used to prop open a door.” host hotel and CVB/Sports Committee out in the heat. We made the Manager's to assist with the logistics of umpire Lunch and Opening Ceremonies last no In closing, it was Chattanooga ASA's priv- rooms, Team Check In and the Managers more than 90 minutes so everyone had ilege to host the ASA/USA 16U National Meeting/Meal are also important. time for practice games. We did the pool Championships. We did our best to make draw in advance so all parents and col- ASA shine as we are cognizant of the fact B&S: “What advice would you give lege coaches could plan when to be in that there are those who covet ASA's po- to others hosting a tournament town. We did not have a three-hour draw sition as the National Governing Body of with over 150 teams?” for bracket play, our staff worked tire- Softball. Our event was unique in that it lessly all day in one room and allowed was done with a public/private partner- KS:“Organization is the most impor- each pool to draw as their pool games ship and a diverse group of tournament tant aspect of this process. From our first completed. All our tournament direc- directors. We were fortunate to have a sea- committee meeting over a year ago, I told tors and our ASA Rep and UIC's were soned and pleasant ASA Representative everyone involved that with a tournament visible and accessible to all the coaches, on hand to guide us and two outstand- this size, we had to be organized or at a parents and players. Despite some ex- ing UIC's who were helpful, flexible and very minimum, appear to be organized. I treme heat early in the week, we stayed visible throughout the tournament. The selected tournament directors who were outside. I told our directors that we can- umpires calling the tournament were out- experienced softball coaches, players and not hide in air conditioned offices and standing and professional. If I had it to managers. All had been to ASA National run a tournament of this size. We also do over again, there is very little I would Championships before and all had a touch had plenty of volunteers provided by our change....except maybe make the weather of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. People Parks and Rec Department who manned about 10 degrees cooler. with OCD want things done perfectly and information tents and made sure fans Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine usa softball maintains legacy with world cup of softball win

By holly krivokapich

he sixth World Cup of Softball wrapped up on July 25 with the Tsame result as the past four years, a USA victory but the road to this win was not as smooth as in past years. With nearly a complete change in the roster from 2010, many doubted the future success of the USA Softball Women’s National Team program. However just like the teams before them and no doubt the teams after them, the 2011 Women’s’ Since the 2006 World Cup of Softball, the USA Softball Women’s National Team has captured five National Team continued the legacy of straight titles. USA Softball giving the United States scoring five runs to take an 8-4 victory. other and started to gel as team. We their fifth World Cup of Softball Title. With a 10-0 (4 inning) win over Great had only played together for a week With only three returning members Britain to guarantee their spot in the before Canada so that was a good time with National Team experience, the 30 Championship game, the USA faced of coming together for us. I feel like we U.S. started out play with a 7-2 vic- Japan once again for the title game. The are finally a team and we can’t wait to tory over the Czech Republic to open U.S. struck with two runs in the first in- represent the United States at the Pan up the World Cup moving on to defeat ning to take a lead that would never be American Games.” Australia 5-2. In the pink out game given up. Japan threatened in the sev- In all good programs, there comes a against Canada, the USA came out flat enth scoring two runs but were unable time of change and transition and for suffering their first defeat on home to push two across with the USA winning the USA Softball Women’s National soil. As competitors, a loss is some- its fifth World Cup of Softball Title, 6-4. Team program 2011 was the year. And thing no team wants on their record no doubt the future is in good hands. but this could have been for the best as Also making great strides in the World the USA emerged from the post game Cup were the European teams. Great locker room a different team. Britain went 2-4 in this year’s event af- “I think we hit bottom at that time and ter going 0-6 in their first appearance had nowhere to go but up. We came out in 2006. The Czech Republic making We have learned unified and really worked together as its first appearance at the World Cup of to take every game a team. A loss is something you never Softball was 0-6 but showed great prom- want but I think we turned it into a good ise through the event. seriously. No matter learning experience,” said Valerie Arioto With the program’s eighth Pan who you are playing (Pleasanton, Calif.) who was phenome- American Championship Title on the nal under pressure during the World Cup line, Oct. 17-23, 2011, the National you have to treat them hitting 438 (7-for-16) with 10 of her 11 Team will be able to take what they like they are one of the RBI being accounted for with two outs learned from the growing pains of the on the board. summer into the International Games. best teams in They returned that evening to take on “We have learned to take every game the world. a Japan team who defeated them ear- seriously. No matter who you are play- lier in the month at the Canadian Open ing you have to treat them like they Fastpitch International Championship are one of the best teams in the world. Click here for photos galleries in Surrey, B.C. to take home the gold Every game is just as important as the from the World Cup of Softball! medal. The U.S. pounced on the Japanese next game,” said Arioto. “Over the For results, stats and recaps, National team in the top of the sixth past month we really got to know each click here!

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine USA run-rules Team Canada 25-3 in Border Battle III By Bill Plummer III

he tables were turned in this year’s Border Battle as the USA TSoftball Men’s National Slow Pitch Team took advantage early to register a 25-3 win in four innings over Team Canada in Border Battle III at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium before a crowd of about 500 Saturday. In last year’s Border Battle, Canada jumped out to a 11-0 lead in the first inning and the USA, while determined, never recovered, losing 30-29. Canada even held off a seventh inning rally by the USA. On Saturday, after Canada was retired in order in the top of the first, the USA exploded for 10 runs on 11 hits. Five of the hits were home runs and USA Head 31 Coach Steve Shortland was hoping to (Above) Team USA runs away with it all after an explosive not use that many homers early. With first inning. (Right) Pitcher Andy Purcell helps lead the team to a win from the circle. a homer limit of 10, Shortland obvi- ously wanted to keep the homers for registered 28 in an impressive performance. later in the game if they were needed Besides having trouble on offense, and with multiple runners on base. Canada struggled on defense, making Three of the five USA homers were solo four errors to one for the USA. The shots (Greg Connell (Moultrie, Ga.), USA’s Dennis Rulli (Moorpark, Calif.) Rusty Bumgardner (Gastonia, N.C.) played both ends of the game well, go- and Bryson Baker (Magalia, Calif.) with ing two-for-three with four RBI and- winning pitcher Andy Purcell (Naples, starring on defense at third with five of Fla.) hitting a three-run shot and Brett the 10 USA assists. Helmer (Cicero, N.Y.) a two-run blast. All of the USA starters had at ”It was fortunate they started slow least two hits with Brian Wegman against,” said Shortland. “We didn’t (Hamilton, Ohio), Baker, Bumgardner, want to use a lot of homers early but it Johnny McCraw (Wylie, S.C.) and Brian worked out for us.” Rainwater (Kathleen, Ga.) having three Team Canada, which had 10 play- hits apiece. Bumgardner had five RBI, happen again (The USA losing).” ers returning from last year, never got Canada Coach Jeff Seguin watched untracked against the USA and went with Purcell and Rulli having four each. Purcell delivered 54 pitches to 15 bat- as his team never got going against down in order the first two innings and the USA.”We knew it would take an didn’t score until the third inning. By ters in the game which took one hour as the USA now leads the series, 2-1. incredible effort to beat them,” said then,Canada trailed 15-0 before scoring Seguin.”We have had better days. We all its runs in the third. The USA, how- Besides starting fast this year, the USA “didn’t have a letdown” this year, are hoping to get another shot at them ever, answered with 10 runs on 10 hits next year.” in the bottom of the inning. according to USA Assistant Coach Team Canada hit only one homer while Raper. “Our defense was unbelievable “Click here for photos the USA smashed nine. Team Canada and we came in this game with a chip from the Border Battle III” collected only four hits while the USA on our shoulder. No way was it going to Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine Experience the Best in Life and Support the Game America Loves to Play!

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1Accounts must be open and in good standing (not past due) to earn and redeem points. 2Absence of pre-set spending limit does not mean unlimited spending. Individual transactions are evaluated based on factors such as Account history, credit record, payment resources, revolving resources and prior Cash Advances. 3 Low introductory rate does not apply to Cash Advances and is valid for the first six billing cycles. Details will be provided to Cardmembers.4 Some limitations may apply. Details will be provided to Cardmembers. U.S. Bank National Association ND is creditor and issuer of the Amateur Softball Association Visa Signature Card. © 2009 U.S. Bank worthsports.com facebook.com/worthfastpitch ©2011 Worth Sports, a subsidiary ot Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH) News and Notes

80th Annual ASA Council Meeting The 80th Annual Council Meeting is just around the corner and this year will see the ASA Council heads to Myrtle Beach, N.C., Nov. 4-12. During this week-long meeting, leaders from across the Nation gather to handle the business of ASA which includes region meetings, training sessions and the awarding of tournaments all in the effort to better ASA and grow the sport of softball. For the most up to date information regarding the meeting, log onto www.asasoftball.com

ASA assists at Softball Special Olympics Twenty-eight Special Olympics softball teams from 14 states and Canada traveled to Elgin and Mooseheart, Ill., Aug. 26-28, for the 2011 Special Olympics National Invitational Softball Championship, sponsored by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and Moose fraternal organization. Special Olympics Softball programs who participated included those from Alabama, 34 Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Canada.

In addition to providing the tournament’s umpires, ASA sent President Andy Dooley, administrator of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Bedford Lodge #1897 since 1988, among other leaders who assisted with the tournament management. Three-time USA Softball Men’s Slow Pitch National Team member Brian Wegman and other ASA slow pitch athletes also provided to a clinic to participants.

Meagan May Joins 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team Texas A&M junior catcher Meagan May has been added to the 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team roster and will compete at October’s Pan American Games. May (Spring, Texas) replaces Florida junior catcher Brittany Schutte (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who withdrew from the team in August for personal reasons.

"It feels amazing to be given a second chance with this program,” May said. “I am honored to be able to represent my country in an international event, especially one of this magnitude. I look forward to being able to play with the top athletes in the country for women's softball and I am excited for the competition that we will be facing. It will be an experience that I never forget."

Following an outstanding freshman season that saw her named to the 2010 All-Big 12 first team and 2010 Louisville Slugger/ NFCA Div. I All-America second team, May was selected for the 2010 USA Softball Women’s Futures National Team but did not compete due to injury. She attended the 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., in June.

“We are excited to have Meagan join the Women’s National Team for the Pan American Games,” Head Coach Ken Eriksen (Tampa, Fla.) said. “Having Meagan in the program in the past will help her quick transition into a productive player for us.” Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine USA Softball Represented by Great Spots Still 35 Group of Junior Men Athletes Available for Athletes attending the USA Softball Austin Tuttle (Payson, Utah) tossed the the USA Softball Junior Men’s Development Camp at the final two frames, allowing two runs on National Coaching U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula only one hit, walking three and strik- School presented Vista, Calif., split a July 28 double- ing out three. The tables were turned header with an Australian club team, in the second game as Aussie Sparks by Liberty Mutual winning 23-5 before losing 11-3. The topped the Red, White and Blue 11-3. This fall Liberty Mutual Insurance along two teams also split a July 26 double- As he did Tuesday, Joel Goodall stymied with ASA/USA Softball, Nor Cal ASA header, with the United States squad the American bats, allowing just one and Oakland ASA are hosting three winning 17-2 and losing 5-1. The games hit while fanning 15 and issuing three of the greatest coaching minds in fast are a part of preparations for the 2012 bases-on-balls. Michael Lewis (Amboy, pitch softball to give our ASA coaches International Softball Federation (ISF) Minn.) had the lone USA hit, a single in the opportunity to learn from the best. Junior Men’s World Championship in the first inning. Two-time Olympic Coach Mike Candrea, Parana, Argentina. Current National Team Head Coach Ken Jerlin Rutt (Bernville, Pa.) yielded three Eriksen and Current National Team The USA developmental athletes blasted runs and four hits, striking out two Assistant Coach Mike White will be in the Australia Sparks 23-5 in Game 1. and walking three over four innings. Livermore, Calif., during the weekend Leading the attack was Joel Melendez Melendez gave up three runs on a triple of Nov. 18-20. Topics will cover all fun- (El Paso, Texas), who hit triple and and home run in the fifth inning. Lewis damental aspects of the game as well as home run for a five RBI performance. gave up five runs in the last two frames responsible coaching and National Team Dylan Elmer (Machesney Park, Ill.) sin- on four hits, recording one strikeout and Coaching experience. The cost is $200 gled, doubled and knocked in three runs two free passes. per coach. Space is limited and deadline as the USA took advantage of wildness is Oct. 28 so be sure and download your by four Australia pitchers. Zach Lach application today by logging onto www. (Frankenmuth, Mich.) pitched the first usasoftball.com. three innings for the USA developmental group. He gave up three runs of two hits, with one walk and one strikeout.

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine Output On: November 18, 2010 4:50 PM Low-Resolution PDF - NOT FOR PRINT

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Same as Umpire Base Pants (description above) with fuller cut to Traditional hard cup designed to fit Ultrajoc #CPJ and CCP (above). #PG accommodate shin guards. Durable, Copolymer cup with soft rubber gasket. $6.50 #PPG Gray Men’s Plate pants - Waist size: 28-54 $47.00 #PPGW Gray Women’s Plate pants – Size 8-20 $47.00 uMpIRE SHORTS #PPB Navy Men’s Plate pants - Waist size: 28-54 $47.00 #TW Teamwork® ASA® approved. Navy Umpire short features Pro #PPBW Navy Women’s Plate pants – Size 8-20 $47.00 Weight 14 oz polyester fabric, relaxed roomy cut, western-style front pockets, dual welted inset rear pockets, metal zipper closure, Pro PANTS uMp pOLO W/aSa LETTERS (PowDeR BlUe) Gripper waitband and a 7” inseam. #130 ASA® approved Pro-Style Polo Shirt with ASA® embroidered on chest. Size: S 28-30, M 32-34, Shirt features Polyester Air mesh fabric, moisture absorbant finish, soil release fabric, 3 button placket, extended length cut split-tail, colorfast. L 36-38, XL 40-42, $25.00 Size: S,M,L,XL $25.00 Size: XXL 44-46 $28.00 Size: XXL $27.00 Size: XXXL 48-50 $30.00 Size: XXXL $29.00 Optional Size: XXXXL $31.00 HEXpad uMpIRE SHORT Alterations / Hemming Size: XXXXXL (#130 polo shirt only) $35.00 Knee-length compression short with HexPads protecting upper and We can professionally hem your #135 Same as above W/O ASA letters inner thigh. Conforms to and stretches with your body for continuous pants for an additional $8.00. #138 Same as #135 with left chest pocket protection. hDc Moisture Management Technology for heat control, Please state inseam length when ordering. We will not be uMp pOLO W/aSa LETTERS (Navy) comfort and performance. Cup pouch for optional cup. Fabric 80% responsible for your measurement #140 ASA® approved Pro-Style Polo Shirt with ASA® embroidered on chest. Nylon/20% Spandex. #145 errors. Hemmed pants not Size: S 28-30, M 32-34, L 36-38, XL 40-42, XXL 44-46, XXXL 48-50 returnable. 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VIEWby Sean Silver OF GREECE

have been involved with Special Amsterdam, China, Canada, San a view of the ocean. We were there for Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) for Francisco and New York. Now I can add four days and then we left for Athens. I 27I years – as a Global Messenger, a Greece to that list! Like the seven New really enjoyed the ferry ride to Athens. softball official, a graduate of Athlete Jersey athletes competing in Athens, I Even though it was quite long, I did get University, a 2009 SONJ Hall of Fame left for Baltimore in late June where I to sleep a little in a bunk room onboard. inductee, a member of Athlete Congress was very happy to meet up with my four Finally, after the wonderful Opening for many years (chairperson for four of fellow ASA officials from the United Ceremonies, I did what I went to Greece those years), and an athlete competing States – Paul, Art, Ray & Betsy. We have to do – softball! The teams were really in bowling, unified golf, unified softball, all officiated together before, so we’re good and I enjoyed meeting athletes track & field, basketball, flag football, close friends. It was the fourth time I from all the different countries. The and floor hockey! roomed with my very good friend, Paul coaches and players were all very friend- I’m one of four softball officials from Drake, Umpire in Chief from Ohio. Paul ly. I was really excited when the United the United States who were selected to is my mentor. States took home the Gold! officiate at the World Games in Athens, After a great send-off in Baltimore, a I also loved the uniforms Special and I’m the only Special Olympics transatlantic flight on a big…BIG…air- Olympics gave me. I got to officiate Officials Program for Athletes (SOOPA) plane (which I had a window seat for!) behind the plate three different times, 38 American Softball Association (ASA) of- and a layover in Ireland, we finally ar- as well as officiate out in the field. I ficial in the world! rived in our host city in Greece – Isle was thrilled that Barbara Wallace, a I have traveled all over the world with of Rhodes. The water was beautiful SONJ Board member and gymnas- Special Olympics – I’ve been to Ireland, and I loved my hotel. I had a room with tics judge, came to watch me officiate.

Sean Silver, second from the right, stands with fellow International Softball Federation (ISF) umpires in Greece.

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine When he was not umpiring, Sean Silver had the chance to explore Greece.

39 Barbara texted photos of me officiating back home to my parents and fiancée, Jennifer. The people in Greece made me feel very welcome and I loved meeting new people from all over the world! I liked some of the food and I enjoyed trying new dishes. I got to see a lot of different places, and I really liked the three Greek islands I toured. I really missed my fiancée, Jennifer, but I did talk to and text her a lot – now I have a very big phone bill to pay! Jennifer was waiting at BWI Airport for the USA group to arrive back home, holding a big poster and balloons welcoming me and my friends back home. Thank you Special Olympics New Jersey for this wonderful opportunity to repre- Sean Silver poses sent the USA. I had the time of my life!!! before the start of a game in Athens, Greece.

Several other ASA umpires took part in the Special Olympics World Games. Special thanks to the following for giving their time to such a wonderful organization! Betsy Rosenberg I Ray Houck I Jim Ballengee I Art Dietrich I Paul Drake

Balls & Strikes

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Over 100 ASA National Championships are awarded each year. Here is a shot from the 2011 ASA Fast Pitch Men's PRINT 23-Under National Championship in North Mankato, Minn. ME! 6 CHANGES Keep Score!

6. Strip gone on runner's pants runner's on gone Strip 6.

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Click here for a complete list of events at the Mecca of Softball, log onto www.asasoftball.com. sleeve umoire's on stripe Extra 3. 2. Catcher's Mask Missing Mask Catcher's 2. 1. Man in stands hat stands in Man 1.

Balls & Strikes

SoftballMagazine CUSTOM BATTER’S HELMETS

Your Team. Your Color. Your Style.

Nobody does it Faster or Better.

schuttsports.com Coaching Colors By holly krivokapich

SA Softball Women’s National Team White became a U.S. citizen in 1994 that it came to fruition and White was Assistant Coach Mike White may and helped guide the USA to a Bronze named the Oregon assistant coach in Ucoach in Red, White and Blue or green and Medal in the 2000 ISF Men’s World 2003. He served as an assistant for two yellow but he will be seeing a lot of cardi- Championships when he went 2-0 with years and volunteer for one before leav- nal and white this year. White’s daughter a 0.89 ERA and 19 strikeouts. In 1999, ing to pursue other interests. However, CUSTOM Nyree, a member of the 2010-11 USA the U.S. won the Silver Medal at the Pan his heart and a change in the landscape Softball Junior Women’s National Team, American Games, and he was 3-2 with of his family lead him back to Oregon for is a freshman at Stanford University a 0.68 ERA and 35 strikeouts. He also the head coach position. while her father continues to lead Pac- played on two other Silver Medal Pan- “I had never really thought of being a BATTER’S 10 rival Oregon on the diamond. White, American Games teams in 1995 and coach. My family was young and coaching who is looking to make his fourth Pan 2003. He helped his teams claim two takes a lot of time. I didn’t want to take American Games appearance this year Gold Medals, two Silver Medals and one that time away from my family. I felt a and first as a coach, will face his daughter Bronze in his four trips with New Zealand lot of pressure to be there for my family HELMETS and pitching student when he transitions and two with the United States at the ISF so left for awhile. I coached high school, from Team USA back to college ball; find- World Tournament. The All-American club ball and did lessons. However, as ing himself in a situation he may not have earned five ASA National Titles and five they got older, we reevaluated and the op- seen coming, not unlike the path that has ISC World Club Championships, and was portunity came up to go back to Oregon. led White where he is today. the 2002 ASA Player of the Year. Coaching is my passion and what I want- A native of New Zealand, White Unlike a lot of collegiate coaches, ed to do and as a family we decided it was started playing fast pitch softball at age 8. White didn’t always know he wanted to a good time.” 43 Unlike in the U.S., New Zealand does not coach. In 2000, he was in his 13th year White and his wife Lisa have three Your Team. have baseball but fast pitch softball is the of owning and working at a Play It Again daughters of which two play softball sport of the country. White started out Sports in the Midwest. This was the while the other is accomplished in the playing short stop and eventually made same year the Olympic Softball Team equestrian world. White is thankful the his way to the pitching circle, a position was preparing for the Olympic Games matchup between Stanford and Oregon Your Color. that stuck. White was not the first of his on their tour. White was invited to only comes three times a year and even family to play softball, his parents and throw batting practice against the team though the season is months away has siblings played, but he was the first of his and that is where the coaching idea was already become accustomed to hearing family to attend college, which brought planted. It wasn’t until 3-4 years later “Fear the Tree” around his house. him to the U.S. Your Style. White made his first New Zealand National Team at the impressive age of 18. White played for New Zealand from 1983 to 1996. In 1995, he began his stint playing for the USA Softball Men’s Fast Pitch National Team where he wore the Nobody does it Red, White and Blue until 2007. “There have been several great moments which were all stepping stones Faster or Better. along the way. Making my first National Team was my first big accomplish- ment. As a team, winning the 1984 ISF [International Softball Federation] World Series for New Zealand was a huge highlight,” said White looking back on what he calls a “long career”. “Personally pitching a perfect game against Canada in the 1996 World Series for New Zealand was a schuttsports.com personal high for me.” Lisa, Kenzie, Nyree, Mike and Sidney White Balls & Strikes

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Join us on: facebook.com/MizunoFastPitchNorthAmerica Member Spotlight: Every year, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America has 1 million Junior Olympic (JO) athletes playing on more than 78,000 teams across the United States. Meet Kristen Adkins, Ariel Caña, Paige Sinicki and Ashley DeVaere, just four of the athletes who play girls’ fast pitch with ASA.

Kristen Adkins, 14 Powell, Ohio Lasers GOLD 14U 14-Under A P/1B PROUDEST MOMENT “Pitching my team to the 2011 ASA/USA Softball 14-Under National Championship in Midland, Texas. At nationals, I hit over .500 for average with three home runs. I also went 8-0 pitching for the week including four wins on Championship Sunday. I gave up only four earned runs in 46 innings for the tournament.” TOUGHEST OBSTACLE “Winning five consecutive games, with no breaks, in the 105 degree Texas heat to take the National Championship, the first ever for a team from Ohio.” GOAL NCAA Division I softball scholarship

Ariel Caña, 17 Converse, Texas San Antonio HITT 18-Under GOLD 3B/C FAVORITE THING “My teammates, who are my sisters. I am an only child. Softball has given me a chance to play with the same girls for many years. One of my teammates and I have been playing together for nine years. She is my little sister for life.” TOUGHEST OBSTACLE “The toughest obstacle I have had to overcome is staying positive and motivat- ing my team when some of my teammates get down on themselves and each other. I feel that being a positive leader is the best way to help my team succeed when we are down.” 46 GOALS “I would like to play softball in college and professionally. I would like to be a softball coach one day.”

Ashley DeVaere, 18 Mockingbird Canyon, Calif. Southern California Filly’s 18-Under GOLD 3B/SS FAVORITE THING “Softball just comes natural to me. I love the game. I have made so many friends through playing. With softball, dreams do come true. I always wanted to play collegiately, which I now have the opportunity to do (at Seattle University). I am my complete self in the zone during competition. But admittedly, hitting a homer is just about my favorite thing.” TOUGHEST OBSTACLE “I am a hearing impaired athlete and I use a cochlear implant (CI). Often it is mistaken that I have attitude, when it is really I just did not hear you at first. It is quickly remedied. I can get real into my game, sweaty and at times my CI will go out. Believe me I just keep on my game.” STANDOUT MOMENT “Meeting all the players from the Chinese Women’s National Team and playing against them in a doubleheader.”

Paige Sinicki, 8 Henderson, Nev. Henderson Girls Softball Association (HGSA) Yankees 10-Under B P/UT FAVORITE THING “I like learning how to throw to different parts of the strike zone, and striking girls out especially when they’re older and taller than me. I’m starting to learn how to throw a change up now, so that will be exciting too.” PROUDEST MOMENT “I was in a competition called Aquafina Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) the past two years. Last year and this year, I won the local and sectional competition. I also qualified for the Team Championship at PetCo Park in San Diego. Last year I came in second, but this year I won. It was very exciting to be announced before the game and appear on the Jumbo-tron. By winning I was eligible to compete at the All-Star Game. I didn’t get selected this time, but will be back next year to try again.” ROLE MODELS Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza

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