FALL 2018 EDITION Volume 31 • Number 3

www.seniorsoftball.comSenior Softball MORE THAN JUST A GAME NEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships WMC Surpasses 600 Teams for Second Year in a Row Softball News Report AS VEGAS – The largest senior softball tour- nament in the world – the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA)/Senior Softball- Photo by Jack Eberhard USA (SSUSA) World Masters Championships Stix With Impact (CA), Women's 50, Will Look to Repeat in 2018 L- returns to Sin City in 2018 for the seventh straight year. Number of teams 2012 446 teams Please See Page 20 2013 480 teams that have played in 2014 506 teams the LVSSA/SSUSA 2015 546 teams World Masters 2016 564 teams Championships 2017 612 teams 2018 624 teams

n PAGE 21: U.S. NATIONAL GAMES n PAGE 20: CALENDAR OF EVENTS Ms. Senior USA Celebrates New Legs Propel Vets Women Over 60 to Active Sports Life Softball News Report TRENDS heir stories are Softball News Report meant to inspire he idea, with senior women – deep roots of Tand they range from a hope and deter- World War II veteran to a Tmination, emerged from pickleball champion to an the smoke and carnage iTunes singer. of the battlefields of The Senior Pageants war-torn Iraq and Af- Group (Ms. Senior USA ghanistan. and Ms. Senior Universe) Photo by Jack Eberhard And it was beauti- honors and celebrates the Photo Courtesy of David Ms. Senior USA crowned Ms. Senior Florida fully simple: David Van Van Sleet lives and accomplish- (2017-2018) and Founding Ms. Senior Florida Sleet wanted to give Carlo Adame of the (2017-2018) during the annual banquet at the ments of women over 60. combat veterans who Louisville Slugger 2018 Tournament of Champions last February in Warriors. Please See Page 6 Polk County, Fla. Please See Page 4

Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 3 Senior Softball News Index 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 From the Cover: Sponsor Index: Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 326-5303 OFFICE Prosthetics BSN Sports - Official Supplier of (916) 326-5304 FAX Continued on...... Pg. 4 SSUSA...... Pg. 2 www.seniorsoftball.com Ms. Senior USA Adidas - Official Shoe of SSUSA Publisher Continued on...... Pg. 6 ...... Pg. 29 W.E. Ruth 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Cham- Elite Sports USA - Official Editor pionships Preview Uniform of SSUSA...... Pg. 34 Terry Hennessy Continued on Center Spread...... Pgs. 20-21

Managing Editor Anthony Ramos Tournament Bat News Index: Sponsors: Contributing Writers Pete Davignon, Dave Dowell, Jack Opinions & Letters Editorial...... Pg. 8 Eberhard, Art Eversole, Carl Gus- Pg. 7 tafson, Stephanie Hopkins, Ross Covering the Bases...... Pg. 9 McCulligan, George Moreno, Tiffany Exclusive Bat Sponsor of: Tidewater Classic, Southern California State Championships, SSUSA/CAN-Sirs Northern Peck, Stan Reents, Jack Sirard 2018 Northern Champs...... Pg. 10 California State Championships, Midwest Championships, Northern Championships. Internet Director 2018 Rocky Mountain Champs...... Pg. 11 Scott Flodin Fitness Column...... Pg. 14 Pg. 17 Exclusive Bat Sponsor of: LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Art Director Hitting Column...... Pg. 16 Championships, Atlantic Coast Sue Ballenger Championships, Western National Carl's Corner...... Pg. 26 Championships, Winter World Championships. Marketing Manager Umpire's Corner...... Pg. 33 Fran Dowell Breaking Up the Double Play

Nothing in this publication shall be deemed Finance Column...... Pg. 35 to constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by Senior Softball USA, LLC. Pgs. 23 / 30 (SSUSA), of any information in this publication. CAN-Sirs Corner...... Pg. 37 Exclusive Bat Sponsors of: Spring National Championships, SSUSA, LLC., disclaims any and all liability Jim Sherman Memorial Northwest Championships, Southern with respect to any use of, or reliance on, such Championships. information. No information in this publication shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as a recommendation of any industry standard, or Pg. 36 All-Tourney Teams: Exclusive Bat Sponsor of: Spring as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted World Championships, Rock by, or binding on, any person or entity. Nor So Cal Champs...... Pg. 6 'N Reno Challenge Cup, Rocky shall information contained in this publication Nor Cal Champs...... Pg. 8 Mountain Championships, Win- be deemed to constitute in any fashion what- Southern Champs...... Pg. 9 ter National Championships. soever an endorsement by SSUSA, LLC., of any product or service advertised herein. The Northern Champs...... Pg. 13 material set forth in this publication is provided Rocky Mountain Champs...... Pg. 13 on an informational basis only. SSUSA, Inc., is Eastern National Champs...... Pg. 18 not engaged in the practice of any profession, Western National Champs...... Pg. 18 including but not limited to law, medicine and Northeast Champs...... Pg. 27 accounting, and nothing in this publication Midwest Champs...... Pg. 27 Pgs. 40 / 41 should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate Exclusive Bat Sponsors of: Texas State Championships, North- competent professional advice. Northwest Champs...... Pg. 28 east Championships, ISA Senior World Series, Eastern National ISA Senior World Series...... Pg. 28 Championships, Tournament of Champions 4 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Prosthetics: New Models Next Best Thing to Real Leg Continued from Page 1 tive roles, before retiring in tours in Iraq, but suffered an lost limbs the opportunity to 2011. In 1996, Van Sleet was amputation of his right lower play ball again. selected and honored as the leg in a non-combat injury Since 2011, when Van VA Prosthetic Chief of the while still in the service. Sleet launched the Wounded Year. At the height of both the “The increased rear curve Warrior Amputee Softball Iraq (Operation Iraqi Free- produces more dynamic Team, more than 50 combat dom) and Afghanistan (Opera- movement of the spring when veterans who lost limbs have tion Enduring Freedom) Wars, running or doing high impact competed – some at a high Van Sleet served as the VA sports,” said Davidson in level. Prosthetics Manager of New describing the prosthetic (see As the creator and England and then Southwest. picture below). “It looks wild, founder of the Wounded War- In 2013, the Military but walks extremely well and rior Amputee Softball Team Order of the Purple Heart is amazing for baseball! He (WWAST), Van Sleet served presented Van Sleet with its (Carlo) prefers to not use it in as the team’s head coach, highest award, the George a shoe, so I installed mountain Carlo Adame sporting his latest general manager and chief Washington Medallion of bike tire for tread, and showed prosthetic from Greg Davidson executive officer from 2011 to Merit Award for his work him how to re-tread it so he I have the running/sprinting 2015. developing the program. can keep the tread in good ability of the running leg, He later served as the In 2011, Van Sleet was shape. He plans to use it for but it's also very comfortable general manager of the Louis- awarded the VA’s highest everyday activity and softball/ to walk in, which is huge if ville Slugger Warriors Softball award, the prestigious Olin baseball.” you're an athletic person into Tournament Team from 2016- E. Teague Award that recog- intense sports.” 17, and most recently in 2018, nizes an employee with the Davidson takes great Van Sleet was named general VA whose achievements have pride in doing his own fab- manager of the Louisville been extraordinarily beneficial rication work, which he says Slugger Warriors Amputee to the rehabilitation of war- is rare in the industry, but a Baseball Team. injured veterans. tremendous advantage to his “I possessed the four As more and more ampu- patients. pieces to the puzzle,” said Van tees join teams and compete, “I have pioneered and Sleet, regarding the creation advancing technology is help- developed a new prosthetic of the amputee team. “US ing them play at higher and foot concept that represents Army Veteran; prosthetic edu- higher levels. a significant advancement in cation; employed by the De- Among the 50 ampu- prosthetic technology,” said partment of Veterans Affairs tee veterans and active duty Davidson. “It is an effort to (VA); and played, coached personnel that have played maximize the carbon spring and managed softball teams for Van Sleet is Carlo Adame, length in prosthetic design, U.S. Army Sergeant First Carlo Adame's latest prosthetic for over 40 years." built by Greg Davidson resulting in an extremely en- "I saw the amputees Class (Ret.). ergetic, lightweight, dynamic coming back from Iraq and Adame, a second baseman “The performance of the feel when walking. I shared Afghanistan and the idea was on the LS Warriors, has been a newest design is amazing!” my findings with the Ossur formulated. I have introduced benefactor of the technologi- said Adame. “With this model, company, which lead to the over 50 amputee veterans and cal advancements in prosthet- my agility is better than ever. creation of a product called active duty personnel to the ics. Adame, a right side BKA It’s the next best thing to a the Cheetah Xplore. I have game of softball.” (Below Knee Amputation), real leg. Right now, I’m just had astonishing success with Van Sleet, an Army recently received a new pros- seriously wowed by how awe- this extraordinary concept, veteran who served in the thetic built by Greg Davidson, some this prosthetic is. With and have seen it change lives Vietnam era, worked in the Certified Prosthetist Orthotist this leg, I can pivot better than and improve function for so Department of Veterans (CPO) and founder of David- ever.” many amputees. With this de- Affairs (VA) in the field of son Prosthetics. “It is ridiculous how sign, you will be able to walk Prosthetics for 30 years in Adame, now retired from comfortable and effortless it is easier, faster, further, work the military and a service- in my ability to stop fast and both clinical and administra- Continued on Next Page connected veteran, served four then take off in a full sprint. Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 5 Prosthetics: Wounded Warriors Given a Second Chance Continued from Previous Page from Iraq and Afghanistan with amputations my initial harder, and enjoy high-impact goal was just to introduce sports including running.” and teach them the game of “I have developed new softball,” said Van Sleet. ways to implement flex- “That idea turned into the ible materials and strategic Wounded Warrior Amputee cushioning in all types of Softball Team that I created. prosthetic sockets,” contin- After five years with the ued Davidson. “This greatly WWAST, I stepped down and improves socket comfort, was asked to create a more and has allowed me to re- competitive softball team that solve chronic fitting problems played softball tournaments." with many of my amputees. "There were amputee Once I get a perfect fit in a players who strived to play at hard test socket, building the a more competitive and higher Louisville Slugger Warriors pitcher looks to strike the mat in an finished carbon fiber socket exhibition game against the 2018 TOC All-Stars. level playing tournaments. with the flexible, cushioned These players grew up playing inner socket greatly enhances baseball, so the next challenge the comfort and function of was for them to play com- my amputees, and allows me petitive baseball with 90 foot to easily perform shape and bases, nine innings and three- volume adjustments as needed hour game time limits." in the future.” "It has been remarkable With the increased to see how these amputee number of wounded sol- ballplayers have exceeded diers returning home from their rehabilitation goals and war, along with competitive are playing at a very competi- sporting events such as the tive level. Never did I expect Paralympics, the need for top any of this to materialize and performing prosthetics is in gain the amount of attention high demand. it has, but the real winners in “When I was with the De- all of this are the players who partment of Veterans Affairs Player on the Louisville Slugger Warriors running around the were given another chance at and saw the type of injured bases in an exhibition game against the 2018 TOC All-Stars. being ballplayers and athletes military personnel returning again.”

Louisville Slugger Warriors fielder attempts to throw out a runner Carlo Adame bats during the Louisville Slugger Warriors during an exhibition game against the 2018 TOC All-Stars. exhibition game against the 2018 TOC All-Stars. 6 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Ms. Senior USA: More Than Just Queens Continued from Page 1 home from England on D- “We provide a platform Day. After the military, I went for these women to tell their back to school on the G.I. Bill stories,” said Kathleen “Kat” and became a high school Ray, founder and chair of speech and drama teacher for Senior Pageants Group. 30 years.” These women and daugh- Then there is Marilyn ters of “The Greatest Genera- O’Connell, 90, 2018 Ms. Su- tion” have quite a story to tell, per Senior (75+) First Runner- such as Gladys Hughes, 96, a Up, who won Gold at the 2017 Honorary Ms. Super Se- 2014 USA Pickleball Associa- nior USA, who served during tion (USAPA) Nationals VI World War II. Tournament in the Women’s “I enlisted in the service Doubles 80+ Division. in 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska, Donna McGuffie, 2017 in the Coast Guard SPAR,” Ms. Senior USA and Ms. Kat Ray, founder and chair of Senior Pageants Group performs Senior Universe, has an album the National Anthem during the Opening Ceremonies of Session said Hughes in a 2012 inter- Four of the 2017 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships. view with The Cut. “I was on iTunes; while Dr. Ida White, a 2018 finalist from the only in for 14 months when 2016, as senior queens have ships, Winter World Cham- U.S. Virgin Islands, had her the war ended. They dropped performed the national anthem pionships, and the annual home destroyed by Hurricane the atom bomb the day after I at numerous SSUSA events, banquet at the Tournament of Irma. got married. My husband had such as the opening ceremo- Champions. SSUSA teamed up with enough points that he didn’t nies of the LVSSA/SSUSA Senior Pageants Group in have to go to Japan. He came World Masters Champion- SoCal All-Tourney Teams Announced The Southern California Lori Jarrells. Moore, Vic Goodell, Eric State Championships had a Men’s 40 Gold Jacobsen. / Horn Softball 50 new host in 2018, as the City Wicked Sports/PT Express (CA) – Luis Valdez, Dan- of Lancaster and the Big 8 (CA) – Willie Galaz, William iel Sullivan, Mark Vilums, Softball Complex hosted 38 Taveras, Eric Ramirez, Robert Robert Reistad. / Lights Out teams, June 22 – 24. Marcado, David Lope. 55 (CA) – Mike Berg, Leslie A total of nine teams Men’s 50/55 Platinum Strodes, Michael Piccinonno. would go on to secure a berth Stadium 50 (CA) – Donald Men’s 60 Major to the Tournament of Cham- Aragon, Andrew Lineberger, Sin City (NV) – Richard Lee pions (TOC), held annually Steve Stout, Danny Gutierrez, Bass, Jr., Young C. (Rick) in February in Polk County, Joseph (Ed) Lujan. / L.A.F. Nelson, Brian Graham, Gary Florida. 50 (CA) – Donnie Hudson, Gosz. / Wongs (CA) – Raul The largest division was Wayne Zucker, John Patter- Ravago, Jack Doty, Joseph the 11-team Men’s 40 Gold Green, Carolyn Norman, son, Glen Zeigler. / So Cal 55 Aranda. Division, which was won by Tamaru Francis. (CA) – Dave Barretto, Fer- Men’s 60 Silver Wicked Sports/PT Express Women’s 40/50 Gold nando Hill, Jeff Iannone. Kamikaze Silver (CA) – Mike (CA). Old School 50 (CA) – Debbie Men’s 55 Major Seems, George Martinez, Jose To read the full recap that Baye, Tani Duke, Jana Sissen- Hard Tens/Oxnard Rookies Hernandez, Mario Borroel, appeared in the Newsletter, stein, Alma Guzman, Deena (CA) – Steven Johnson, Doug Pablo Garcia, Jr. please CLICK HERE. Dobbins. / Vegas Vintage 40 Hamlet, Michael Leighty, (NV) – Chris Evans, Tami Jamie Lagos, Andy Mendoza. Managers, if your all- Women’s 40 Major Habig, Elizabeth Kitlinger, Men’s 50/55 AAA tournament selections are TKP 40’s (CA) – Kimberly Melinda Pagel, Nancy Grove Kamikaze 55 (CA) – Virgil missing, please email them to Roter, Elena Song, Lillie Kemp. / Pro Moves 40 (CA) Angel, James Gillete, Steve [email protected] – Jennifer Cheng, Rosa Salas, Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 7 8 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Opinions & Letters 85's Great Example For All Players Players, managers and be…for the simple joy of it. fans of Senior Softball will Now mind you, every single have an opportunity to see one of these senior players some of the finest players in wants to win, but that’s not their sport at the upcoming their only goal in taking the Senior Softball World Cham- field. pionships in Las Vegas. They genuinely love the For the fifth year, SSUSA game, their teammates and, will be hosting a divisional yes, even their opponents. championship for those 85 They find happiness in simply and older on Sept. 24-27. playing the sport – and they Will they be seeing boom- set an example for all of us ing home runs or a spirited playing at any age and time. race from first to third base? And if we’re lucky Or a diving catch deep in the enough, in the not too distant outfield grass? future, these elder statesmen Probably not. But what of softball will be setting a Sue Ballenger they will see is the game of new example with a 90-year- softball played as it should old division! NorCal All-Tourney Teams Announced Senior Softball-USA and Forbing, Kelly Gollan, Gina Omar Randle, David Gonza- Hank Hoyer. CAN-Sirs once again teamed Araujo. les, Darryl Watson, Gerome Men’s 70 AA up for the Fourth Annual Men’s 50/55 Platinum Gibson, DeMontro Davis. Direct Sales Flooring (CA) Northern California State KM Sportz 50 (CA) – Ed Men’s 60 Silver – Dan DeClercq, Raymond Championships. Odasz, Chris Cockrum, Allen Scrap Iron Xplosion (CO) – (Tony) Gorgone, Mur- A total of 60 teams Guy, Ron Alvarado, Tracy Danny Silvey, Gary Peterson, ray Herriman, Dave Hoge, competed in Sacramento Kuykendall. / Nor Cal War- John Bellatti, Barry Jark, Bob Muegge. / Triple Play (Sacramento Softball Com- riors 55 (CA) – Brad White, Gregg Pearson. / Senior Bend (CA) – James Grubb, Lanny plex) and Lincoln (Foskett Ron Graves, Paul Supat, Ly- Elks (OR) – Dan Thompson, Witt, Larry Sargent, Steve Regional Park), June 26 – July man Rose. / MTC 60’s/Dudley Butch Maciel, Pete Folger. Schwartz. / Valley Fog (CA) – 1. Eleven teams would go on (CA) – Gary Robertson, Bill Men’s 65/70 Gold Steve Foster, Hershell Hamil- to capture their bids towards Moranville, Rennie Owyang. Omen 70 (CA) – Bob Cum- ton, Glen Jenkins. the Tournament of Champions Men’s 50/55 Gold mings, Ellwin Jobe, David Men’s 80 AAA (TOC) in Florida this Febru- Stanislaus Sluggers 50 (CA) Sells, Jerry Scanlan, Bill Sacramento Gold (CA) – Ray ary. – Ray Oliver, Mark Zurilgen, Steele. / No Dice/Bay Photo Newman, Charlie Partin, Sam CLICK HERE to read the Donald Stogdell, Earl Boles, Lab 65 (CA) – Jack Wabinga, Sekikawa, Dale Stykel. full recap that appeared in the Mike Radcliffe. / Sacramento Jerry Amato, Kevin Buchan- Newsletter. Flash 50 (CA) – Tony Silva, an, Lew Jones, Carl White. Managers, if your all- Keith Brenner, William Ter- Men’s 70/75 Gold tournament selections are Women’s 40/50 AAA rell, Jr. Sacramento Islanders 70 missing, please email them to Old Nasty Curves 40 (CA) Men’s 55/60 Gold (CA) – Michael Berlant, Bill [email protected] – Melinda Rovetti, Glenda Tri-C/Incrediwear 55 (CA) – Davenport, Jerry Enfield, Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 9 Checks and Balances Certify Appeals Board Senior Softball-USA rulebook penalties (Rule 15.1 peals Board decision. The Ap- established an appeals process (6): Covering peals Board was established for suspensions almost two 1. The player was the Bases as a check on the executive decades ago to protect play- suspended for 10 years from By Terry Hennessy power of the CEO. I make ers, managers and teams. the time he would have been the initial rulings, but appeals Before that process was legally eligible to play (a total 2. The manager’s go to a board of three neutral instituted, any suspension 12-year suspension). suspension was upheld by a National Directors. Their issued by the main office was 2. The manager was 2-1 vote because the board decision is final.” final. Fortunately in Senior suspended for the balance of believed he was responsible I’ve had the privilege of Softball, we have very few the 2018 season and the entire for making clear the team was being CEO of Senior Softball incidents that result in suspen- 2019 season. playing exhibition. The dis- USA for almost two decades. sions. In fact, we normally The player and manager senting vote was for a reduc- With that privilege comes the only have one or two a year. were each given 30 days to tion in the manager’s suspen- responsibility to act in the best There was a suspension appeal the suspensions – and sion for just the current season interests of the sport. To me, this year that illustrated just both appealed. because of potential confusion that means making sure there why this process is necessary. I appointed a three-mem- in his discussions with the are real checks and balances. This spring a team entered ber Appeals Board made up of director. However, the other While we never claim a tournament as an exhibi- three National Directors who two Appeal Board members to be perfect, fairness is our tion team because it planned were not involved in the inci- agreed with the full suspen- continuing goal. After all, the on using an under-age player. dent to ensure a fair hearing. sion. strength of any sports organi- Later, the team played as a After reviewing the docu- Not long after the manag- zation is its ability to provide regular qualifying team (not ments from the director, the er and player were notified, I an even playing field for those exhibition) after a discussion manager and the player, they received an email from one of who love the game. between the manager and the ruled: the team’s players requesting Terry Hennessy is the director. 1. The player’s suspen- I overrule the Appeal’s Board chief executive officer of Se- It was determined that the sion was unanimously lifted decision regarding the manag- nior Softball USA and can be underage player did indeed because the board believed er’s suspension. He said that I reached at terryh@seniorsoft- play in a couple of games with he had acted in good faith in was the CEO and could easily ball.com. the team. playing because the manager override the decision. The issue came to me for told him the team was playing This was my answer: an initial ruling. I applied the exhibition. “I will not overrule an Ap- Southern All-Tourney Teams Announced For the first time in its history, the Feik, Luke Melhorn. / Globe Trailers Southern Championships were held (FL) – John Hern, Glenn Looper, Ken- in North Carolina at Parrish Womble dal Shaw. Park, Aug. 17-19. The tournament pre- viously had an 11-year run in Birming- Men’s 55 Major ham, Ala. Woodlawn Funeral Home (VA) – Mi- Twelve teams competed across four chael Watson, Derek Cooper, Kenneth divisions. Beckett, James Burns, James Roberts. CLICK HERE to read the full tournament recap that appeared in the Men’s 60 AAA Newsletter. Lewisville Masters (NC) – Jerry Law- son, Jimmy Johnson, Larry Johnson, Men’s 50 Gold Terry Spillman, Steve Leitner. Carolina Five-0 (NC) – Richard Kirk, James Pearson, Jeff Lester, Gregory Managers, if your all-tournament Watkins, Anthony Holmes. / Big selections are missing, please email Bottom Brewery/Evolve Salon (PA) – them to [email protected] Dana Howard, Stephen Firestone, Brad 10 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition 51 Teams Battle in Northern Championships LANSING, Mich. – The ball Club won the eight-team an overall record of 7-1. Ohio 12th annual Northern Cham- Men’s 50 AAA Division, Elite ended up in third place. pionships was held here in going undefeated for the DC Connection (MI) won mid-August for a 10th straight weekend, going 2-0 in seeding the five-team Men’s 55 AAA year. East Lansing Softball play and 4-0 in bracket play, Division, going 3-0 in bracket Complex and Lake Alliance including a 19-12 win over play, including a 17-4 win Softball Complex hosted Fly Time (MI) in the champi- over Jackson Merchants (MI) 51 teams from around the onship game. Fly Time posted in the championship game. Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, a 3-2 record in the bracket, Top seed Windsor Can Am Illinois, Indiana, and Wis- including an upset 17-9 Chiefs (Ontario, Canada) fin- consin), as well as New York win over top seed Crawford ished in third place, rebound- (one team) and Canada (five Contracting (MI). Both of Fly ing from a loss in their first teams). Time’s loses came against game in the bracket against Starting with the five- undefeated. The team from Lansing Legends. Lakeshore Jackson Merchants 24-23 with team Men’s 65 Silver Divi- North of the Border went Contracting (Ontario, Canada) a pair of wins in the elimina- sion, MP Components/Bomb 2-0 in seeding to lock up the finished in third place after tion side of the bracket. Squad (MI) posted a perfect No. 1 seed, before going 3-0 scoring a pair of wins in Central Illinois Chiefs 3-0 record in bracket play, in- in bracket play, including a the elimination side of the won the four-team Men’s 60 cluding a thrilling 20-19 walk- 21-20 nail-biter over Chicago bracket. Major Division, going 3-0 in off win over top seed Ohio Strikers in the championship Gray Ghost (IL) swept bracket play, including a 20-9 Silverados in the champion- game. Chicago Gray Sox fin- All-In Softball (IL) in a best win over Milwaukee Mer- ship game. MP Components/ ished in third place following two-out-of-three game series chants in the championship Bomb Squad also edged out a pair of wins in the elimina- by scores of 19-9 and 16-15, game. Top seed JP Motormen Ohio Silverados 21-20 earlier tion side of the bracket. to win the Men’s 50 AA Divi- (MI) finished in third place. in the bracket to knock the Moving onto the eight- sion. Minutemen/Pepco/SFS team down into the elimina- team Men’s 50 Major Divi- Doug and Don’s Auto (OH), the last seed in the five- tion side of the bracket. Ohio sion, No. 1 seed PDC (MI) ran Care (MI) ran the gauntlet in team Men’s 60 AAA Division, Silverados scored seven runs the table, going 2-0 in seed- the six-team Men’s 55 Major made a Cinderella run through in the top of the open before ing play, before rattling off Division, winning six straight the bracket, going 4-0, includ- falling short. Blue Chips (IL) four straight wins in bracket games in the elimination side ing a 31-19 win over Chicago finished in third place after play, including a 25-15 win of the bracket, including 20- Prime in the championship winning a pair of games in the over Homer Lovers (Ontario, 17 and 17-15 wins over top game. Top seed Playmakers elimination bracket. Canada) in the championship seed NTG/TMS Michigan in (WI) finished in third place Another five-team divi- game. WC Thunder (IL) fin- the championship and “if” after winning a pair of games sion, the Men’s 70 Gold Divi- ished in third place after going game, respectively. Doug in the elimination side of the sion, saw top seed Windsor 2-1 in the elimination bracket. and Don’s Auto fell to Ohio bracket. Chiefs (Ontario, Canada) go Lansing Legends Soft- Elite/Creative Stucco/Louis- Just One More/McMahon- ville Slugger, Coyne-Vitantonio (OH) won 29-26, earlier the three-team Men’s 60 AA in the bracket, Division, going 3-0 in bracket to knock the play, including a 17-6 win team down in over top seed Durham Silver to the elimina- Stix (Ontario, Canada) in the tion bracket. championship game. Shannon Doug and Don’s Fence/CPOA (OH) finished in Auto Care got third place. its money’s worth, play- CLICK HERE for com- ing in eight of plete game-by-game scores. the 13 bracket games that were played, posting Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 11 58 Teams Compete in Rocky Mtn. Champs AURORA, Colo. – The Manifest upset Team Panthers, all-Colorado championship Sixth annual Rocky Mountain 19-10, earlier in the bracket. game. After dropping their Championships was held here, Scrap Iron Mile High 55 (CO) first two games in the three- Aug. 24-26, with 58 teams finished in third place. game guarantee bracket, Scrap competing in the Centennial Scrap Iron/Rocky Moun- Iron Heavy Metal rattled off State. tain Thunder 55 (CO) took the five straight wins to reach Starting with the Men’s three-team Men’s 55 Major the championship game. Las 50 Platinum Division, Thun- Division, avenging their 16-15 Vegas Stars (NV) finished in derstruck (AZ) downed Crush loss against top seed Never third place. 50’s (CA) in a best two-out- Say Never/Big Al’s Truck- Top seed Texas Legends of-three game series. Thun- ing (UT) in the championship 60’s double-dipped Classics derstruck would strike first, game, with a 27-14 victory 60s (UT) in the four-team taking game one 25-15, while in the “if” game. Nebraska Men’s 60/65 AA Division. In Crush evened the series with Silver Bullets finished in third the championship game, Texas won three straight games in a 14-11 win in game two. place. Legends cruised to a 17-8 win the elimination side of the Thunderstruck captured the Arizona Scorpions 55’s to force the “if” game, while bracket en route to a fourth- rubber match with a convinc- edged out Scrap Iron-Colora- in the “if” game, Texas Leg- place finish. ing 30-18 victory. do Home Fitness (CO), 19-18, ends completed the comeback The Men’s 70 Major and In the 12-team Men’s 50 in the championship game of with a 20-18 victory. Classics AAA Divisions each featured AAA Division, top seed Elite/ the five-team Men’s 55 AAA defeated Texas Legends, 24- a best two-out-of-three game Scrap Iron (CO) took full Division. Scrap Iron-Colo- 11, to reach the championship series. advantage of its home field rado Home Fitness won four game. Austin Wizards (TX) Minnesota P5/Ancell advantage. The team went straight games in the elimi- finished in third place. swept Scrap Iron/3n2 (CO) 2-0 in seeding play, and 4-0 nation side of the bracket to Bouncing back from an by scores of 25-15 and 33-26, in bracket play, including a reach the championship game. 0-2 showing in seeding play, respectively, to win the 70 30-19 win over Alliance/Scrap Mountain Men (UT), the last Dallas Spurs (TX), the No. Major Division. Iron (CO) in the all-Colorado seed in the bracket, finished in 10 seed in the 10-team Men’s The Men’s 70 AAA Divi- championship game, to com- third place. 65 AAA Division, went 5-0 sion went all three games, as plete a perfect weekend. After Top Gun Elite (CA) in bracket play, including Scrap Iron 70 Red (CO) took losing their first game in the posted a 3-0 record in bracket a thrilling 14-13 win over the opening game, 22-18, bracket, Alliance/Scrap Iron play in the five-team Men’s 60 Hooks (TX) in the all-Texas over PDC Yankees 70s (CO), ran the length of the elimina- Major Division, including a championship game. Dal- while PDC Yankees evened tion side of the bracket with 23-17 win over top seed Pope las Spurs won three one-run the series with a 14-8 win in six straight wins, including a Transport (WI) in the cham- games in their run to the game two. The third and final forfeit win, en route to their pionship game. Arizona Old championship. Scrap Iron Still game was won by Scrap Iron runner-up finish. KC Vin- School finished in third place. Kickin (CO) finished in third 70 Red, 19-15. tage (MO) got off to a hot In the 10-team Men’s place. Scrap Iron 5280 (CO) start winning three straight 60/65 Gold bracket games, before drop- Division, Scrap ping back-to-back games en Iron Xplosion route to a third-place finish. (CO) completed Nebraska 50’s made a valiant an unbeaten run through the elimination weekend, going side of the bracket with three 2-0 in seeding straight wins, en route to their play to earn the fourth-place finish. No. 2 seed, and The three-team Men’s 4-0 in bracket 50/55 AA Division saw top play, including seed Team Panthers (UT) a 20-16 win double-dip Manifest 50’s over Scrap Iron (TX) 14-12 (championship Heavy Metal game) and 21-20 (“if” game). (CO), in an 12 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 13 Northerns All-Tourney Teams Announced The All-Tournament selections from Nate Sowell, Kenneth Ingram. Prime (IL) – Mark Walsh, John Abens, the 2018 Northern Championships are Men’s 55 Major Gary Smith, Scott Eaton. listed below. Doug and Don’s Auto Care (MI) – Kirby Men’s 60 AA First place teams earn five selections, Herschberger, Randy Burgett, Tod Moor- Shannon Fence/CPOA (OH) – Mark Vid- second place earns four selections and head, Mark Wilson, Edward Lehnertz. / mar, Jack Harmon, John Sankal. third place earns three selections. NTG/TMS Michigan – Rick Berridge, Men’s 65 Silver Dan Wolfram, Jeff Moon, Dale Witczak. MP Components/Bomb Squad (MI) – Men’s 50 Major / Ohio Elite/Creative Stucco/Louisville Mike Sankey, Jerry De Jongh, Dave Homer Lovers (ON, C) – Paul Quaresma, Slugger – Michael Negray, Mark Horn, Bartlett, Richard Hildebrand, Dennis Tom Schneider, James Macciocchi, Brad Kelly Ratcliff. Ladd. / Blue Chips (IL) – Charles Tarjan, Geil. Men’s 55 AAA Dean Porzel, Dan Kairis. Men’s 50 AAA Windsor Can Am Chiefs (ON, C) – Men’s 70 Gold Lansing Legends Softball Club (MI) Wayne Blais, Richard Goyeau, Kirby Windsor Chiefs (ON, C) – Gary Shaw, – Mike Marshall, Dave Vanderwest, Parent. Billy Wilson, Ernie Holden, John Jeffrey Hohlbein, Patrick Sipkovsky, Men’s 60 Major McLaughlin, Ken St. Armour. / Chicago Ernest Alvarez. / Lakeshore Contracting Milwaukee Merchants (WI) – Donald Strikers (IL) – Rawland Freeman, Chuck (ON, C) – Kevin Whitty, Dan Van Horn, Laine, James Norton, Brent Puhle, Mark Flucas, Larry Hall, Mike McLennand. / Wayne Hall. Stasiewicz. / JP Motormen (MI) – Floyd Chicago Gray Sox (IL) – Rich Douglas, Men’s 50 AA Ellis, Mike Morin, Chris St. Charles. Jerry Santerelli, Wayne Markett. Gray Ghost (IL) – Theron Roberts, Men’s 60 AAA Eugene Laird, Kevin Walker, Charles Minutemen/Pepco/SFS (OH) – Terry Val- Managers, if your all-tournament Ocacio, Archie Aaron. / All-In Softball entine, Paul Synek, Ron Seuffert, Dave selections are missing, please email them (IL) – Richard Bowlds, Keith Pekau, Reifschneider, Manny Patton. / Chicago to [email protected] RMC All-Tournament Teams Announced The All-Tournament selections from usser, James McCaffery, Scott Allington. Classics 60 (UT) – Gary Birtcher, Evert the 2018 Rocky Mountain Champion- Men’s 55 AAA Lawton, Dolin Robbs, Doug Brooks. ships are listed below. Arizona Scorpions – Frank Pierce, Larry Men’s 65 AAA First place teams earn five selections, Beaman, David Higgins, Nick Missos, Hooks (TX) – Mike Johnson, Marty second place earns four selections and Edwin Soto. / Scrap Iron-Colorado Home Cavazos, Joe Ramon, Reggie Perez. / third place earns three selections. Fitness – Chip Hunnings, Mike Gurnee, Scrap Iron Still Kickin (CO) – Raymond Lance Brewer, John Corlett. / Mountain Upp, Andy Shapiro, Michael Arisman. Men’s 50 AAA Men (UT) – Jaime Miranda, Jimmy Men’s 70 AAA Elite/Scrap Iron (CO) – Hank Twilt, Scott Webb, Roger Larsen. Scrap Iron 70 Red (CO) – Wayne Fields, Cameron, Mike Donohoue, Tim Healy, Men’s 60 Major Larry Ouret, Doug Kinney, Ralph Thies, Randy Strandberg. / Alliance/Scrap Iron Top Gun Elite (CA) – Richard Pratt, Edward Ponda. / PDC Yankees (CO) – (CO) – Kevin Graham, Jeff Cox, Robert Scott Wolters, Mark Purdy, Jim Palecek, Will Romano, Bill Shaffer, Ron Brooks, Maranto, Mike Wilmer. Joel Hawk. / Pope Transport (WI) – Ralph Oberhelman. Men’s 50/55 AA Lance Riddell, Rich Olson, Andy Weber- Team Panthers 50 (UT) – Tony Owen, pal, Mike Brown. / Arizona Old School – Managers, if your all-tournament Don Sandoval, Troy Chapman, Darrell Ross Borland, Paul Cooley, Steve Gove. selections are missing, please email them Roberts, Louis Melendez. / Scrap Iron Men’s 60/65 Gold to [email protected] Mile High 55 (CO) – Jeff Wood, Doug Scrap Iron Xplosion (CO) – Arlis Bader, Klimas, Dennis Ballesteros. Michael Richardson, Don Difiore, Ed Men’s 55 Major Dilley, John Bellatti. / Scrap Iron Heavy Heard in the Dugout Scrap Iron/Rocky Mountain Thunder Metal (CO) – Bruce Brothis, Alan Fejes, "One thing most alumni won't stand (CO) – Chris McTigue, Steve Anton- Ed Buonaiuto, John Kirar. / Las Ve- for is a college football team that czyk, Thomas Edwards, Dave Fortier, gas Stars (NV) – Joe Napolitano, Dale plays like a bunch of amateurs." - G. Mark Haupt. / Never Say Never/Big Al's Palmer, Mike Marshall. Norman Collie Trucking (UT) - James Hansen, Sam He- Men’s 60/65 AA 14 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition

Drink 16 Ounces of Fluid for Each Pound Lost By Stan Reents after the period of heavy sweating, taking Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax) over Senior Softball News Contributor into account how much you drank during plain water. And, don’t worry about con- In June, a University of Maryland that time. This procedure is explained in suming too much sodium from drinking football player died after developing heat detail in my article “Fluids and Electro- sports drinks. Most brands contain way stroke during a rigorous practice. His lytes During Exercise” (http://www.ath- less sodium than foods you commonly body temp was 106 degrees. leteinme.com/ArticleView.aspx?id=256) eat. Because of this, and the fact that and on the USA Track & Field web site Do You Need Carbohydrates, Too? there continues to be confusion regarding (http://www.usatf.org/groups/Coaches/ Strenuous effort can deplete gly- sports drinks, I’ll attempt to clarify some library/2007/hydration/index.asp). cogen stores. If it lasts longer than 60 details about these popular beverages. Sports dietitian Nancy Clark offers minutes, you should consider consuming But first, some basics. this simpler rule-of-thumb: weigh your- some carbohydrates. Thus, here is an- How Much Should Athletes Drink? self, naked, before and after a one-hour other benefit that sports drinks have over Obviously, this is the key question. workout. For each pound lost, you need plain water. The simple sugars (glucose, Unfortunately, a precise answer can’t be 16 ounces of fluid. Divide that amount fructose, sucrose) that are the basis of al- provided, because it really depends on by 4 and consume that amount every 15 most all sports drinks are precisely what perspiration rate. minutes during future exercise sessions. exercising muscles need. This is your Everyone has heard the recommen- What About Electrolytes? best source of quick energy. dation to drink eight glasses of water a There are a variety of minerals in Simple sugars are rapidly absorbed day, but it’s unclear how this originated. your body that fall under the title electro- from the GI tract into the bloodstream. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine finally lytes. To keep this discussion short, I’ll And mixtures of these sugars are more provided some concrete guidelines: men focus only on sodium. efficient than using only a single one. should consume 3.7 liters (almost 4 Years ago, marathon runners were For example, a sports drink that contains quarts) per day and women should con- encouraged to drink as much as you 3 percent glucose and 3 percent fructose sume 2.7 liters (almost 3 quarts) per day. can. Subsequently, some runners devel- is absorbed more rapidly than a 6 percent Fruits and melons contain a lot of water, oped hyponatremia (too little sodium in solution of just one of those two sugars. so 20 percent of your total daily amount the bloodstream) by drinking too much Those are some basics. In my next can come from foods. water. This is a potentially serious condi- column, I’ll highlight the differences But, those are just general guidelines tion. between sports drinks and energy drinks, for daily intake. They don’t apply to Today, it is recommended that and explain if sports drinks actually im- athletes. In some settings, athletes can sodium (salt) should also be consumed prove performance. have enormous sweat losses. For ex- when replacing sweat losses. This issue Stan Reents, PharmD, is a health ample, sweat rates of more than 2 quarts can quickly become a medical topic. If care professional and health/fitness per hour have been measured in football you have high blood pressure and/or are coach. He created the web site www. players and tennis players. taking a diuretic, you should discuss this AthleteInMe.com®, a resource on the The best way to determine how much with your physician. health benefits of exercise. He is also to drink (to replace sweat losses) is to But, in general, consuming some- the author of the sports medicine text follow a somewhat complicated pro- thing salty during and after a period of “Sport and Exercise Pharmacology.” cedure developed by Douglas Casa. It heavy sweating is a good idea. So this involves weighing yourself before and is one advantage of sports drinks (eg., Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 15 16 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Softball COR/Compression Discussion By Art Eversole greater height off the pavement. Remem- Senior Softball News Contributor ber, the higher the ball COR value is As SSUSA rolled out their new pro- results in less barrel compression. prietary senior softball in 2018, I thought The balls that perform the best are this would be an opportune time to the COR=44 or COR=47 coupled with a discuss two important characteristics of a high compression value of 400lbs or 450 softball: COR and compression. poungs. It’s hard to find softballs today First off, the making of a softball vs. that are 525lbs compression or higher as a baseball are disparate in their manufac- they are found to be too hot for our senior IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE NEW turing processes. Softballs have a cir- bats. The market has dried up for these cumference of 12 inches and a diameter high exit-speed balls with the notable ex- of 3.8 inches, and weigh about 7 ounces. ception of the Long-Haul Bombers Home Unlike baseballs, softballs have an inner Run derby competitions or local home polyurethane ball-core (e.g. a synthetic run derbies, where distance is the goal. polymer) with a cover stitched and glued COR table ball elasticity values: to the core. The cover is sometimes COR 52=very bouncy or springy leather or more commonly a composite COR 47=medium bouncy material. COR 44=low to medium bouncy BAT SERIES FOR 2018 On the other hand, an official Major COR 40=much less bouncy League baseball consists of a cushioned Compression hardness values: cork center, wrapped tightly in several COMP 275=extremely soft limited flight windings of wool and polyester/cotton COMP 325=soft limited flight yarn, and then covered by stitched cow- COMP 375=top of the scale of limited hide. A baseball is 9.25 inches in circum- flight ference and 2.95 inches in diameter, and COMP 400=semi-hard found in the ISA weighs 5.25 ounces. ROCKs Ball compression rating describes the COMP 450=very hard, too lively for stiffness or hardness of the ball, while senior bats Coefficient of Restitution or COR, de- COMP 525 and up=way too hard and are scribes the “bounciness” of the ball. bat breakers The COR value (i.e. Coefficient of The table values shown above are not Restitution) is how much is given back intended to be an exhaustive collection of after the impact with a solid wall during possibilities. testing. This value indicates how much A 52COR/275 pounds compression energy is left over after the ball strikes ball by definition is a sock! to go dead. Our new SSUSA STOTE the immovable object and then bouncing We’ve all experienced ball compres- contains a vapor-barrier-lock, which pro- back at a speed lesser than its incoming sion diminishing with increasing humid- vides for better performance in warmer speed. COR measures the percentage of ity and temperature during tournaments. weather conditions. speed retained after bouncing off a solid As we have come to learn the hard way, We now know that ball compression immovable object, for testing purposes the outside temperature and the climate/ rating describes the stiffness or hardness it’s typically a cement or brick wall. elevation effect the ball’s performance. of the ball, and is the most important fac- A softball with a high COR value, Cooler temps keep the balls harder and tor for senior bat performance. The Coef- LITE FRAME TECHNOLOGY (LiFT) ALLOWS EVERY PLAYER, ESPECIALLY PLAYERS WHO WANT TO SWING DUDLEY’S has an affinity to bounce off any hard higher elevations with less air friction ficient of Restitution or COR, describes FIRST EVER 25 oz. SENIOR SOFTBALL BATS, MAXIMUM BAT SPEED AT IMPACT. IT’S SIMPLE SOFTBALL PHYSICS: surface it comes in contact with, like a fly farther. Warmer temps will make the a ball’s bounciness. I do believe that the solid wall or a softball bat. Consequently, ball soft and mushier and performance is SSUSA STOTE 44Cor/375lbs compres- a very high COR rating will not com- degraded. sion ball, makes for a perfect marriage LiFT + GRIP SPIN TECHNOLOGY = BOMBS! press the bat barrel as much, which in However, balls marked having a with our senior bats, allowing for ex- turn will not maximize ball-exit-speed vapor-block inside, allow the balls to cellent performance as well as safety and distance. be less sensitive to temperature change. considerations (see above photos). If you were to bounce a .44 COR ball As a result performance is not degraded Happy Hitting, on the street and a .52 COR ball simul- nearly as much when playing those hot Art Eversole taneously, the .52 COR would reach a afternoon games, where other balls seem [email protected] VISIT THE DUDLEY TENT AT THE SSUSA WORLD TOURNAMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW LIGHTNING LEGEND LiFT BATS Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 17

IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE NEW

BAT SERIES FOR 2018

LITE FRAME TECHNOLOGY (LiFT) ALLOWS EVERY PLAYER, ESPECIALLY PLAYERS WHO WANT TO SWING DUDLEY’S FIRST EVER 25 oz. SENIOR SOFTBALL BATS, MAXIMUM BAT SPEED AT IMPACT. IT’S SIMPLE SOFTBALL PHYSICS: LiFT + GRIP SPIN TECHNOLOGY = BOMBS!

VISIT THE DUDLEY TENT AT THE SSUSA WORLD TOURNAMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW LIGHTNING LEGEND LiFT BATS 18 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Eastern All-Tourney Teams Announced For the first time in tour- Live! Casino (MD) – Dave Richard Clark, Harold Smith. Davidson, Dennis Schroeder, nament history, the Eastern Potts, Barry Holland, AJ / Hollis Appraisals 60 (FL) – Clyde Smith, Gary Nicolay, National Championships King, Brian Fuller, Travis George Roberts, Cecil White- Mike Marcum. / Team Florida was held in the Peach State Furr. / Red Eye/RHSK Soft- head, Richard Meltz, Larry 65 – Mike Gainer, Mike Mon- at Freedom Park in Valdosta, ball (MD) – Kevin Forrest, Toglia. / Florida Stingers nier, John Scruggs. GA. Previous hosts included David Estep, Shawn Buckler, – Doug Schram, Peter Bassig- North Carolina, Illinois, Troy McCumbee. nani, Louis Reyes, Jr. Managers, if your all- Michigan and New York. Men’s 50 Platinum Men’s 55 AAA tournament selections are 36 teams competed in the Lighthouse Lookouts/Athletic Vecter Scorpions (FL) – Tom missing, please email them to tournament, July 31 – August Shop (GA) – Jeff Gordon, Lowther, Alvin Berkhall, [email protected] 5, while 15 teams earned a Darien Renfroe, Mike Wood, Chuck Torgler, Brian Nor- spot in the TOC and 20 teams Charlie Brown. mandin. earning a spot in the U.S. Men’s 50/55 Gold Men’s 55/60 AA National Game, held during Team 757 50 (VA) – Adrian Ted Todd Insurance 60 (FL) the World Masters Champion- Dixon, George Shelby, Fabian – George Kulhanek, Mark ships. Green, Tony Robinson, Dar- Lauer, Steve Brennan, John To read the complete ryl Robinson. / Volusia Top Truitt, Wayne Maahs. recap that appeared in the Gun 50 (FL) – Scott Venable, Men’s 60 Gold Newsletter, please CLICK Jeff Farney, Kevin Schwoch, Tasty Pizza (MN) – Duane HERE. Joseph Speroni. / GAP Sports Johnson, Tom Kubalak, Scott 55 (FL) – Pete Leto, Steven Kevitt, Mark Peterson. / Women’s 40/50 Platinum King, Donald Keshock. Ameriprise Pompano Crush Kryptonite 40 (FL) – Carolyn Men’s 55/60 Major Plus (FL) – Luis Puentes, Mark Deeb, Colleen Smith, Veroni- RBC Wealth Management Stone, Steven Kambouris. ca Shaw. 55 (FL) – Craig Knowles, Men’s 65/70 Platinum Men’s 40 AAA Roger Bard, John Livingston, Venom 70 (FL) – James Western All-Tourney Teams Announced The 2018 Western Nation- Relics – Leslie Varoz, Virginia Northwest Softball/Worth al Championships was held in Benard, Kathy Christiansen, (WA) – Daryl Peterson, Doug Sacramento and Placer coun- Nicole Wilkinson. Bond, Mance Berry, Dane ties, July 31-Aug. 5, with a Women’s 50 AAA Idler, Greg Pellegrini. tournament record 130 teams OnFire/Afoa Insurance (CA) Men’s 50 Major competing to become the best – Laura Afoa, Kimberly Still- CPD/Ancell (MN) – Roy of the best in the West. man, Rebecca Garcia, Betty Gruel, Jon Gregersen, Darin 29 teams earned a spot Jo Mercer, Tina Doxtater. / Holman, Lou Petersen, Chris in the U.S. National Game, NW Lady Warriors/Miken Peterson. / L.A.F (CA) – Joe held during the World Masters (WA) – Susan Veach, Carrie Robertson, Donnie Hudson, Championships, while 23 of Davis, Sue Stokman, Victoria John Patterson. those teams earned a spot in Shade. Men’s 50 AAA the TOC. Men’s 40 Major Plus Pacific Coast Alliance (CA) CLICK HERE to read the GTS (ID) – Joey Smith, Jason – Richard Barretto, Doug full recap that appeared in the Graves, Tim Pemberton, Ryan Cherry, Wes Reynolds, Larry Ortega, Wayne Doty, Ricardo Newsletter. Barabe. Jacinto, Mike Stroup. Moctezuma. Men’s 40 Gold Men’s 55 Major Plus Men’s 55 Major Women’s 40 Gold MTC 40s (CA) – Rickey Sommerville Softball (CA) – D&K Tradition (CA) – Mi- CCS Fireballerz (CA) – Staci Garza, Elbert Certeza, Carlos Greg Bovero, Jimmy Fergu- chael Feldman, Ron Bryan, Mosher, Isabel Highman, Arvizu, Bill Moranville, Brian son, Robert Robinson, John Tom Kohler, Pat Imbriale, Corena Morelos, Brenda Ash- Willford. Heller, Dan Arevalos. / JU John Failla. ford, Amanda Summers. / UT- Men’s 50 Major Plus Ent/Major Plus (CA) – Rick Continued on Next Page Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 19 Western All-Tourney Teams Continued Continued from Previous Page Rebels (CA) – Paul Smit, Men’s 70 AAA Equipment (OR) – Clauis Men’s 55 Silver Steve Grimm, Barry Oliver, Sacramento Islanders (CA) Nickleberry, Mike Alley, Fresno Heat (CA) – Lane Dan Kibbe. – Bruce Allen, Ed Stoessel, Frank Laky. Boespflug, Manny Marcial, Men’s 65/70 Platinum Henry Hoyer, Bob Smith, Jon Men’s 75 Major Walt Strickland, Ed Gracia. / No Dice/Bay Photo Lab 65 Ellison. State Roofing Systems (CA) – Rogues (OR) – Mike Lerma, (CA) – Otis Green, Alex Men’s 70 AA Charlie Sherrill, Ray Garcia, Jimmy Rose. Luna. Kevin Buchanan, Mark Triple Play (CA) – Larry Bob Eddy, Edwin Lowe, John Men’s 60 Major Plus Greene, George Lamb. Sargent, John Thompson, Sebring. / Scrap Iron Beams Summy’s (CA) – Greg Brandt, Men’s 65 AAA James Hill, Ralph Putnam, (CO) – Jack Lantz, Jerry Feld- Kim Smylie, Matt Fahring, Sidewinders Desert (AZ) – John Noel. / Valley Fog (CA) man, Tom Imming. Mike O’Donnell, Paul Ortiz. Bob Hull, John Miller, Ron – Glen Jenkins, Les Kimbley, Men’s 75/80 AAA / Old Dawgs (CA) – Charlie Scrivner, Arnie Kvarnberg, William Hamilton, Fred Pratt. Sacramento Gold 80 (CA) – Pennes, Roger Underwood, Bob Schmidt. Men’s 75 Major Plus Ray Newman, Roland Stiar- Steve Hillman, Bradford Men’s 70 Major Omen (CA) – Richard De- walt, Cloicec Wade, Clifford Drennan. Nor-Cal Stixx (CA) – Dan Marco, William Nevis, Albert Vierra, Dan Tajbi. Men’s 60 Silver Burbank, Bud Castro, George Oxley, Joseph Cors, Gary Senior Bend Elks (OR) – Dan Garcia, Steve Etchieson, Rich Tryhorn. / San Francisco Seals Managers, if your all- Smith, Ray O’Rear, Mark Fry, Ponce. / Game On (CA) – (CA) – Michael Leitner, Wil- tournament selections are Mike Koepf, Ron Landers. Rod Baker, Eric Hoff, Donny liam Wilson, Lynn Anglin, missing, please email them to Men’s 65 Major Plus Brazell, Don Heyfron. Argie Haddock. / General [email protected]

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©2018 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. VSP is a registered trademark, and VSP Individual Vision Plans is a trademark of Vision Service Plan. 20 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 21 2018 WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 2018 U.S. National Championship Games Record 624 Teams Set to Compete Western National Champion vs. Eastern National Champion Continued From Page 1 The Eastern National Championships (Valdosta, GA) and the Western National Champi- Last year, a record 612 teams from 39 states, three onships (Sacramento, CA) took place simultaneously, July 31 - August 5. Division winners took the first step towards the Triple Grand Slam. Canadian provinces and Guam (seven teams) competed The winners of the Eastern Nationals will play the winners of the Western Nationals in the in Senior Softball’s largest tournament ever. Over 11,000 one-game, winner-take-all, U.S. National Championship Game, during seeding play in the players competed, playing in an incredible 2,003 games 2018 World Masters Championships in Las Vegas. These games are the second leg of the over the 13-day tournament, across 10 sports complexes coveted Triple Grand Slam, as teams winning the U.S. National Game and their division in the and 39 fields. World Masters, along with their victory in the Eastern/Western National, complete the feat. This year, World Masters Championships (WMC) Additionally, teams winning the U.S. National Game are seeded first in their bracket for the World Masters, while the teams losing the U.S. National Game are placed second in officials are once again estimating more than 600 teams their bracket (only in divisions of five or more teams). will flock to this gambling mecca – including a team This year, there are 16 U.S. National Games tentatively scheduled to take place. from Germany and the first International Co-Ed Divi- sion. AGE DIVISION WESTERN CHAMPION EASTERN CHAMPION Due to this high demand, the WMC was expanded to WOMEN 15 days, as the tournament added an extra day to the first session (Men’s 55 and 60), as well the fourth and final 40 Major Wikkd (CA) Kryptonite (FL) MEN session (Men’s 50). Photos by Jack Eberhard The Men’s 55 and 60 age divisions will play Thurs- National Anthem performance during the Opening Ceremony of Session Two at the 2017 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters. 40 Major Plus Prestige/Elite Sports OC (CA) Suncoast Adidas 40s (FL) day-Sunday, Sept. 20 - 23, while the Men’s 65 through Major MTC 40’s (CA) S2S/.40 Cal (FL) 85 age divisions continue Monday-Thursday, Sept. 24 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters AAA Mach One 40’s (WA) Live! Casino (MD) - 27. the Men’s 40 and Women’s 40 and 50 age divisions Championships 2018 Calendar of Events 50 Major Plus Northwest Softball/Worth (WA) Suncoast Adidas 50s (FL) play Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28 - 30; and the Men’s 50 age Major CPD/Ancell 50s (MN) Lighthouse Lookouts/Athletic Shop (AL) division concludes the tournament Thursday-Sunday, Wednesday, Sept. 19: AAA Pacific CoastAlliance (CA) Team 757 (VA) 5 - 7 pm at the Boulder Station Oct. 4 - 7. 55 Major Plus Sommerville Softball (CA) RBC Wealth Management (FL) Casino and Hotel (Railhead The 600-plus teams in the WMC translate to more AAA Michael’s Automotive Group (OR) Ameriprise Florida Legends Room): Manager’s Registration than 18,000 people, who will infuse more than $27 mil- AA Spin Tees (WA) Longshoremen 55 (VA) lion into the local economy. Managers for the Men’s 55 and 60 Major Plus Summy’s (CA) Hollis Appraisals 60 (FL) “It is our pleasure to welcome the more than 600 60 Divisions register and receive Major Sin City (NV) Tasty Pizza (MN) teams that will make the trip to Las Vegas to compete in their programs and schedules the Senior Softball World Masters Championships,” said anytime between 5pm and 7pm at AAA Senior Bend Elks (OR) Georgia Alabama Seniors/GAS Softball Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. “We the Headquarters Hotel: Boulder 65 Major Plus Timberworks/Adidas (CA) Team Florida Station Casino and Hotel. Several Player from Dreamgirlz (VA) flashes Major No Dice/Bay Photo Lab (CA) Carolina Cobras (NC) hope that all of the participants and fans have a great some leather, as the team completed the vendors will be at registration and Triple Grand Slam in 2017. 70 Major Plus Omen 70 (CA) Venom 70 (FL) Please See Page 22 the meeting displaying new softball gear and products. The following teams do not have an opponent for the U.S. National Game in their respective division 7 pm at the Boulder Station Ca- and are automatically U.S. National Champions. sino and Hotel (Railhead Room): *CCS Fireballerz (CA) - Women’s 40 AAA Manager’s Meeting Dreamgirlz 50 (VA) - Women’s 50 Major Plus *Old School (CA) - Women’s 50 Major Managers for the Men’s 55 and *OnFire/Afoa Insurance (CA) - Women’s 50 AAA 60 Divisions meet at the Boulder *D&K Tradition (CA) - Men’s 55 Major Station Casino and Hotel. Manag- Pastimers (WA) - Men’s 60 AA ers will meet the directors of fields, *Sidewinders Desert (AZ) - Men’s 65 AAA *Nor-Cal Stixx (CA) - Men’s 70 Major review changes in schedules, hear *Sacramento Islanders (CA) - Men’s 70 AAA details of awards, special events of *Triple Play (CA) - Men’s 70 AA the tournament and will be eligible *Omen (CA) - Men’s 75 Major Plus *State Roofing Systems (CA) - Men’s 75 Major to win prizes during drawings. USA Player from Oregon Crabs swings Triple Play (CA) - Men’s 75 AAA more than just a game... away, as the team would go on to win *Sacramento Gold (CA) - Men’s 80 AAA Bud Light Guam looks to turn two en route to their historic the Men's 65 AAA Division at the 2017 *These teams are still eligible for the Triple Grand Slam 2017 WMC victory in the Men's 40 AAA Division. Please See Page 24 World Masters Championships. (Won their division in the Western/Eastern National Championships) 22 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition 2018 WMC: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA WMC: No Dice Earns Sporstmanship Award Continued From Page 20 Major team from California. experience at the ballparks “This award (Steve and enjoy everything that Las Simmons Sportsmanship) Vegas has to offer.” transcends the game itself,” Las Vegas Events, the said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA Title Sponsor of the 2018 chief executive officer. “It World Masters Champion- stands for all that is good in ships, has been instrumental the sport: passionate competi- in providing the necessary tion played with good humor support to create the largest and good fellowship - that is senior softball tournament in the formula for good sports- the world. manship. The beauty of good The WMC will feature sportsmanship is that it incites several U.S. National Cham- a love of the game for all who pionship Games and a chance witness it.” for teams in 36 divisions to Teams qualified for the win the largest senior tourna- WMC by playing in one of the ment ever. nearly 90 SSUSA qualifiers No Dice/Bay Photo Lab (CA), the 2018 Steve Simmons Memorial In addition, the top award and regional championships Team Sportsmanship Award Winner. given by SSUSA annually, held throughout the country the Steve Simmons Memorial during the season. supplying many of the field in the tournament throughout Team Sportsmanship Award, The tournament is a directors and helping secure North Las Vegas, Henderson will be presented to No Dice/ joint venture, administered and maintain the 10 softball and Clark County. Bay Photo Lab, a Men’s 65 by SSUSA, with LVSSA facilities and 36 fields used Five 85-Year Old Teams International Co-Ed Set to Play at the WMC Division Debuts at WMC The elder statesmen of Division in the WMC last For the first time in Co-Ed division to compete in the game of Senior Softball year. SSUSA history, the LVSSA/ the World Masters Champion- will be on full display at the Entering bracket play as SSUSA World Masters Cham- ships. 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World the top seed, Center For Sight pionships will host an interna- Along with the German Masters Championships, as dropped its opening game tional co-ed division. team, there will be three co-ed five 85-year old teams will be against Jimmy’s Legends 85’s The inaugural division teams from Las Vegas com- in action. (MN), 11-9. will be played during the third peting as well. This will be the fifth year The team then ran off four session, Sept. 28-30, with A co-ed team shall have a that SSUSA will host an 85- straight wins to capture the a team from Germany, the minimum of four women on age division. title, defeating AZ Prospectors Bavarian Royals, scheduled to the field at a time. The Men’s 85 Division in (19-16) and Southwest Stars compete. International male players 2018 will feature the Arizona (19-6), before double-dipping Several members of the must be 40 years of age, while Prospectors 85, Center For Jimmy’s Legends, 15-13 and Bavarian Royals competed international female players Sight (FL), Legends 85’s/ 19-6, in the championship and against US senior teams dur- must be 21 years of age. ProHealth (MN), Scrap Iron “if” game, respectively. ing the 2017 SSUSA Bavarian All men and women on Hawaiians (CO), and South- Center for Sight previous- Championships in Munich. American and Canadian co-ed west Stars 85’s (TX). ly won the division in 2014. Ron Marier, manager of teams competing in the divi- Center For Sight, the Jimmy’s Legends won the Royals, began organizing sion must be 40 years of age. reigning champion, will look the division in back-to-back the team after the 2017 tour- CLICK HERE for com- to defend its title, as the team seasons, 2015 and 2016. nament and helped establish plete rules. won the four-team Men’s 85 the Co-Ed rules for the first Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 23 24 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition 2018 WMC: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Whacko’s Makes Fourth WMC Appearance Formed in 2015 by Pat 50 AA Division, before mov- Kuehn, Whacko’s, an all ing up to the Men’s 50 AAA deaf team, will be making its Division for the 2016 WMC. fourth straight appearance in The team posted a 4-3 record the LVSSA/SSUSA World in 2016, going 1-1 in seeding Masters Championships in play, and 3-2 in bracket play. 2018. In 2017, the team went “I played with Min- 2-3, going 1-1 in seeding play, nesota Lumberjack 50’s my before going 1-2 in bracket first two years (2013 and play. 2014),” said Kuehn. “I always Vance Rewolinski, coach respected the Lumberjacks of the Whacko’s, has recruited team because they treated me several players through the Whacko's team photo from the 2017 LVSSA/SSUSA World damn well. However, I often National Softball Association Masters Championships became lonesome during of the Deaf (NSAD) National practice and games, and other Deaf Softball Tournament. Similar to Kuehn, Gevar- Whacko’s plays just one team social functions. I talked Communication, which ter was no stranger to main- tournament a year, the WMC, with SSUSA Chief Execu- can be taken for granted on a stream SSUSA teams, playing but Kuehn wishes they could tive Officer, Terry Hennessy, mainstream full hearing team, with Nor Cal Stars, a Men’s play more. “I am so grate- if I could establish deaf team is vital in any team sport. 40 team, from 2009 – 2013. ful,” said Kuehn. “It is not from around the nation, which “With the Whacko's He returned to the diamond in easy to get more sponsors I found only 10 deaf players.” team, there is no barrier as 2017 with Whacko’s. “I would for our team. We always pay Due to the team being we all communicate in ASL have continued with Nor Cal our own pockets. We always made up of deaf players from (American Sign Language) Stars if it wasn't for my Brain respect WMC, committees, across the United States, the with our hands and facial Cancer issue,” said Gevarter. umpires, players, and fans. regional restrictions of border- expressions,” said Saul Gevar- “I lost partial mobility in my I picked Coach Vance Re- ing states that are in place ter, the current team manager left hand. Communication wolinski and Manager Saul have been voided to help aid of Whacko’s. “It is our first was an issue for me, but I’m Gevarter and Sponsor Matt the team in creating a roster. language. Win or lose, we all fortunate that my teammates Cotton. They are doing a good The team was given a tri- enjoy getting together to play, helped me out. I had a suc- job for taking care of us. Go al run as an exhibition team in and at the same time, share cessful run with Nor Cal Whacko’s!!!!” the 2015 WMC in the Men’s stories from the old days.” Stars.” WMC Calendar of Events Continued Continued From Page 20 nies Divisions. Awards will be Hotel: Boulder Station Casino Thursday, Sept. 20: Friday, Sept. 21: presented on the field after and Hotel. Several vendors 8 am at all fields:The Games 8 am at all fields:Games each of the Championship will be at the registration and Begin Continue Games. Winners receive rings. meeting displaying new soft- Seeding games for the World Saturday, Sept. 22: Sunday, Sept. 23: ball gear. Championships begin at all 8 am at all fields: Games 5 - 7 pm at the Boulder 7 pm at the Boulder Station fields. Players check-in be- Continue Station Casino and Hotel Casino and Hotel (Railhead fore the first game and receive Elimination games played at (Railhead Room): Manager’s Room): Manager’s Meeting wristbands. Bracket games all fields throughout the day. Registration Managers for the Men’s 65, will be played in some divi- Sunday, Sept. 23: Managers for the Men’s 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85 Divisions sions. U.S. National Games 8 am at all fields:Awards 70, 75, 80 and 85 Divisions meet at the Boulder Station are scheduled to be played. Presented receive their programs and Casino and Hotel. Manag- 12:30 pm at Big League Today is the culmination of schedules anytime between 5 ers will meet the directors Dreams: Opening Ceremo- play for the Men’s 55 and 60 and 7 pm at the Headquarters Continued On Next Page Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 25 2018 WMC: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA WMC Calendar of Events Continued Continued From Previous Page first game, receive wrist- of fields, review changes in bands. U.S. National Games schedules, hear details of are scheduled to be played awards, special events of in Men’s 40 Division and all the tournament and will be Women’s Divisions. Inaugural eligible to win prizes during International Co-Ed Division drawings. begins play. Monday, Sept. 24: Noon at Big League Dreams: 8 am at all fields: The Opening Ceremonies Games Begin National Anthem with Nellis Seeding games for the World Air Force Base Color Guard Championships begin at all presenting the colors. fields. Players check-in be- Saturday, Sept. 29 fore the first game and receive 8 am at all fields:Games wristbands. Bracket games Continue will be played in some divi- Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman addresses the crowd during Seeding games played at all Opening Ceremonies of the 2017 World Masters. sions. U.S. National Games fields throughout the day. are scheduled to be played in play for the 65, 70, 75, 80 and displaying new softball gear. Sunday, Sept. 30 Men’s 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85 85 Men’s Divisions. Awards 7 pm at the Boulder Station 8 am at all fields:Games Divisions. will be presented in ceremo- Casino and Hotel (Railhead Conclude & Awards Presented Noon at Big League Dreams: nies on the field after each of Room): Manager’s Meeting Today is the culmination of Opening Ceremonies the Championship Games. Managers for the Men’s 40 play for the 40 Men’s Division National Anthem with Nellis Winners receive rings. Division and all Women’s and all Women’s Divisions. Air Force Base Color Guard Thursday, Sept. 27 Divisions meet at the Boulder Awards will be presented in presenting the colors. 5 - 7 pm at the Boulder Station Casino and Hotel. ceremonies on the field after Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Station Casino and Hotel Managers will meet the direc- each of the Championship Wednesday, Sept. 26: (Railhead Room): Manager’s tors of fields, review changes Games. Winners receive rings. 8 am at all fields:Games Registration in schedules, hear details Wednesday, Oct. 3 Continue Managers for the Men’s 40 of awards, special events of 5 - 7 pm at the Boulder Seeding (Tuesday) and Division & all Women’s the tournament and will be Station Casino and Hotel Bracket (Wednesday) games Divisions register and receive eligible to win prizes during (Railhead Room): Manager’s played at all fields throughout their programs and schedules drawings. Registration the day. anytime between 5 pm and 7 Friday, Sept. 28 Managers for the Men’s 50 Thursday, Sept. 27: pm at the Headquarters Boul- 8 am at all fields:The Games Division register and receive 8 am at all fields:Games der Station Casino and Hotel. Begin their programs and schedules Conclude & Awards Presented Several vendors will be at Games begin at all fields. anytime between 5pm and 7 Today is the culmination of the Registration and Meeting Players register before the Continued on Next Page

Seven teams from Guam were awarded the Steve Simmons Memorial Team Sportsmanship Award during the Opening Ceremonies at the 2017 World Masters. 26 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition 2018 WMC: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA WMC Calendar of Events Continued Continued From Previous Page eligible to win prizes during Continue pm at the Headquarters Hotel: drawings. Elimination games played at Boulder Station Casino and Thursday, Oct. 4 all fields throughout the day. Hotel. Several vendors will 8 am at all fields: The Saturday, Oct. 6: be at the Registration and Games Begin 8 am at all fields: Games Meeting displaying new soft- Seeding games for the World Continue ball gear and products. Championships begin at all Sunday, Oct. 7: 7 pm at the Boulder Station fields. Players check-in be- 8 am at all fields:Games Casino and Hotel (Railhead fore the first game and receive Conclude & Awards Presented Room): Manager’s Meeting wristbands. Bracket games Today is the culmination of Managers for the Men’s 50 will be played in some divi- play for the Men’s 50 Divi- Division meet at the Boulder sions. U.S. National Games sion. Awards will be present- Station Casino and Hotel. are scheduled to be played in ed in ceremonies on the field Managers will meet the direc- the Men’s 50 Division. after each of the Champion- tors of fields, review changes Noon at Big League Dreams: ship Games. Winners receive in schedules, hear details Opening Ceremonies Rings. of awards, special events of Friday, Oct. 5: Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard the tournament and will be 8 am at all fields:Games "It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over"—Yogi Berra When a guy tells me it By the end of the game going to let him slack off, so doesn’t really matter who CARL’S the outfield played him on the as he approached third the wins or loses, I look sideways infield like they going to trap cheers had turned to red-faced under my eyelids like a graz- CORNER a rabbit in a dragnet. screams and an occasional ing moose getting sneaked up By Carl Gustafson The way I figure it, God threat. on. I suspect that under his ever the gentle, smiling, couldn’t resist reaching down Ten feet past third the new T-shirt lurks Attila the Hun phrase is uttered, bull tails rise and flicking the ball off his guy just dropped to the earth tattooed over his ventricles. in a great collective salute and bat, then bouncing it off a in a Gooney-bird landing. I have a test: About the a symphony of ploppings is gopher hole through the only Bob Smith, his manager, third inning I’ll tell him that I heard throughout the cosmos. possible gap to roll teasingly rushed out and yelled at ev- have the score one run better In 2001 when I was a into right field. eryone to back off and allow for my team than I know it “young guy” in senior ball, Delighted, the man took him some air. really is. If I persist on that tac that is to say if your grandkids off running and was out of He motioned for me to his forehead vein will crawl aren’t in high school yet, or breath within 50 feet. The ball help pick him up and I joined down from under his cap and your wife’s toes aren’t side- kept on going and his team- Bob on the other side and we start playing African drum bent from a lifetime of high mates cheered him on as the dragged the man along what rhythms. heels — you qualify as a score was tied in the bottom suspiciously looked to me like Not sure when it became young guy; I was in a sandlot of the last inning, two outs. the third base path to home. diplomatically correct to pre- league game at a grade school By second base great The ball had come in by tend like you don’t care who field that gophers had sieged pools of sweat soiled the now and the infielder who wins as long as we are healthy and conquered, so of course Hawaiian shirt and the poor held it was still in obedience and having fun. none of us were supposed to man’s tongue was a bobbing to Bob’s drill sergeant glower. Most of us grew up when care about who won or lost. piece of dead meat that two The newbie was probably Vince Lombardi was scream- Among the players that hours previously had been listening for the ambulance ing a curse on your mother if day was a new guy so out of happily telling the dude’s wife siren when he heard Bob’s you gave an inch or left the shape that he played in a Ha- how he was going out to get gentle, caring, voice say, field still breathing. waiian shirt, couldn’t hit the healthy and have fun. “Now just step on home plate But whenever and wher- ball past the pitcher. Nobody on his team was there, atta’ boy.” Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 27 Northeast All-Tourney Teams Announced The 2018 Northeast Caterbone, Ron- Martello, Brad Hanson. Championships was held in ald Hargrove, Pete Men’s 70 Major Syracuse, NY for a seventh Madafferi. CC Medical Services (NY) – straight year. Men’s 50 AAA George Bundt, Dave Clark, 52 teams participated in Big Bottom Brew- Joe Gibney, Butch Jensen, the tournament, playing at ery/Evolve Salon Steve Beccalori. Hopkins Road Park and San- (PA) – Dana How- Men’s 70 AAA taro Park Fields, July 6 – 11. ard, Robert Szajnuk, Bostonian 70s (MA) – Mike 13 teams went on to Bryan Kratzer, Tom Perroncino, Edward Gray, clinch their spot in the Tour- Gess, Brad Feik. / Dave Joseph, Ray LePage, nament of Champions (TOC) Finance of Amer- Ted Wess. in February in Florida. ica (NJ) – Scott Men’s 75 AAA To read the recaps that Mugele, Daniel Monkey Joe’s Big Nut Co. appeared in the Newsletter, Righetti, Rodney 75 (NJ) – Ray Dye, Frank please click HERE (Session 1) Monteleone, Nelson Gordon, Gerald Pickett, Her- and HERE (Session 2). Santiago. Kibler, Edward Leyshon, Mi- minio Cruz, Frank Taverno. Men’s 55 Major chael Miller, Peter Lynch. / Bailey Talent Cavaliers 75 Men’s 40 Major Buell Fuel (NY) – Bob Cha- Men’s 60 AAA (VA) – Paul Math, Leroy Al- MVP (PA) – Robert Marcks, jkowski, Bill Rowell, Stephen Cape Cod Mariners (MA) – len, Danny Wandling, Robert Ryan Hogan, Brian Stump Nedlik, Victor Quinton, Frank Joe Guiducci, Dave Pina, Ron Taylor. Men’s 50/55 Platinum Tibke. / TNT Sports Club Kenyon, Ron Scarborough. Trinity Rizzo’s 50 (NY) – (PA) – Mark McGahen, Rick Men’s 65 AAA Managers, if your all- Chris Parsons, Craig Cham- Barlow, Roger Kummerer, Syracuse Cyclones (NY) tournament selections are berlain, Jeff Drain, Steve David Ormanoski. – Robert Darnell, Joseph missing, please email them to Horton, Raymond Tramonto. Men’s 55 AAA Versace, Chris Bell, Larry [email protected] / Domino's/Bob Johnson Lynch Construction (PA) Clock. / Spring-Ford AA 65 55 (NY) – Dave Lape, Jim – Richard Kaminski, Clair (PA) – John Stambaugh, John Midwest All-Tourney Teams Announced The 2018 Midwest Cham- Florida this February. Pope Transport (WI) – Ste- vid McKie, Jim Reese, John pionships was at Rogers Re- CLICK HERE to read the ven Thelen, Lance Riddell, Blecher, Terence Scholze, gional Sports Park for a third full recap that appeared in the Michael Baehman. John Thompson. / R&D Le- straight year, with 45 teams Newsletter. Men’s 60 AAA verage (MO) – Bill Connell, competing July 10 – 15. Carriage Homes (AR) – Jim- Phillip Jacobs, Bruce Connell, Twelve teams punched Men’s 50 Major my Pennington, Mike Jacobs, Phillip Yelton. their ticket to the Tourna- KC Classics (MO) – Sid Steve Ballard, Randy Harris, Men’s 70 Major ment of Champions (TOC) in Adamson, Rick Miller, Tim Alan Moffitt. Boyd Metals (AR) – Randy Hubert, Dave VanBecelaere. Men’s 60 AA Fithian, Emerson Brubaker, Men’s 50 AAA R&K Drywall (OK) – Mike Dick Anish. Chitown Assault/Titan/T2Au- Killgore, George Basore, Rob- Men’s 70 AAA to/DynaMac (IL) – Ronald ert McCord, Joe Broussard. Midwest Express (IA) – Trodler, Larry Mueller, Jeff Men’s 65 Major Duane Carolus, Leo Hensley, Kerman, Rick Reed, Dave Handeland Flooring (WI) – Paul Jackson, Ed Tworek. Amaro. Brad Mueller, Lance Riddell, Men’s 55 Major Paul Cox, Terry Hovseth, Managers, if your all- KC Classics (MO) – David Mike Baehman. / KC Kids tournament selections are Haggart, Kenny Houston, Ron (KS) – Dave Cook, Randy missing, please email them to Lipps, Craig Childress, Brent Schuler, Dan Potter. [email protected] Pate. Men’s 65 AA Men’s 60 Major Robson Ranch Texans – Da- 28 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Northwest All-Tourney Teams Announced The 2018 Jim Sherman Marc Stock, Steve Humphries, Men’s 70/75 Platinum Memorial/Northwest Cham- Kevin Davis. / Scrap Iron Codgers/BCT 70 (ID) – Mike pionships was held at Wallace High Octane (CO) – James Ford, Larry Hoffman, Ken Marine Park Softball Com- Gowdy, Robert Knowles, Rhodes, Wayne Schmidkofer, plex in Salem, OR for a third Rick Stillwell. Dean Wickizer. / General straight year, with 43 teams in Men’s 60 Silver Equipment 75 (OR) – Mike action, July 10 – 15. Senior Bend Elks (OR) – Ray- Alley, Clauis Nickleberry, Jay 14 teams reserved their mond O’Rear, Ronald Land- Brack, Marv Rueck. spots in the Original Tourna- ers, Michael Koepf, Mark Fry. Men’s 70/80 Gold ment of Champions (TOC) in Men’s 65 Major Suburban Auto Group 70 Florida this February. Enviro-Vac Marauder (BC, C) (OR) – Ron Teninty, Joseph To read the full recap that – Donald Freund, Rick Parker, Savage, Wendell Neumeyer, appeared in the Newsletter, Ralph Tipton, Peter Sheen, Leslie Gipe, Ralph Davis. / please CLICK HERE. Doerflinger (WA) – Kevin James Groh. Fairway Ford 80 (CA) – An- Juma, Daren De Boer, Jim Men’s 65 AAA thony lavarone, Dave Duarte, Men’s 50 AAA Perry, Scott Hartsoch, John ARO Glass Clubbers (WA) – Jim Douglas, RJ Jerrels. Westcoast Athletics (WA) Fetters. Mike Ryan, Wayne Ross, Bob – David Jones, Dan Clouse, Men’s 55 AAA Nesbitt, Steve Bailey, John Managers, if your all- Jimmy Parks, Chris Squires, Rogues (OR) – Jeff Edwards, Delia. / Scrap Iron 5280 (CO) tournament selections are Dominic Dunn. / Vancou- Carl Wilson, Mike Winn, Rick – Wayne Bradley, Curt Dicke, missing, please email them to ver Connection (WA) – Lee Baker. Randy Huls, Hal Meyer. / [email protected] Phares, Ramiro Leos, Drew Men’s 60 Major Stagecoach Saloon (OR) – Muntzel. Goodman Racing (WA) – Dennis York, Herb Everett, Men’s 55 Major Mickey Fowler, Rick Parker, Oakley Garnett. ISA All-Tourney Teams Announced Fifty teams competed in wright, James Davis, James the 2018 ISA Senior World Johnson. / Resolve (TN) Series in Columbus, IN, July – Dave Munroe, Brad McK- 27-29. enzie, Terry Tatum. / Team Nine teams earned a berth Illinois – Mark McMahon, to the 2018 TOC. Dave Cowan. CLICK HERE to read the Men’s 55 Major full recap that appeared in the Doug and Dons Auto Care Newsletter. (MI) – Dale Mayo, Tod Moorhead, Kirby Hersch- Men’s 50 Major berger, Bruce Streelman, Dudley Lightning (MO) – Ed Lehnertz. / NTG/TMS Mike Moore, Tomo Tojo, Troy Michigan – Daniel Wolfram, Summerfield, Mike Garner, Rick Berridge, Joseph Gould. Jeff Henning. / Gem City / Derby City (KY) – Keith Softball (OH) – Andy Simp- Young, Anthony Ferrell. son, Steve Martin, Tab Lewis. Men’s 60 Major / Bad Boyz (IN) – Gary Windy City Softball (IL) – Gatchell, Steve Roeder. James Phad, Tom Cahill, Matt Men’s 50 AAA Thompson, Dave Koelper, 50 Degrees (MO) – Ronald Bob Tortorici. / Motown Stars Dumas, Joe Jones, Steve Cart- Continued On Page 30 Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 29 30 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 31 ISA All-Tourney Teams Continued Continued From Page 28 Hedge, Lynn Montgomery, Tim Mc- (MI) – McKensley Crumpton, John Van Nealy, Rick Caswell. / Blue Chips (IL) – Wagner, Ken Stuemke. / Louisville OG’s Rob Jesk, Don Griffin, Bruce Van Auken. (KY) – Henry Wheeler, Tim Logsdon. Men’s 70 AAA Men’s 60 AAA Avengers (MO) – Gary Bowers, Richard Chicago Panthers (IL) – Gary Collins, El- Long, Jim Jenkins, Tim Bokaz, John mer Piper, Kent Karr, Gary Poliska, Tim DeArmond. / Chicago Strikers (IL) – Cannon. / Cincinnati 60s (OH) – Roberto Larry Hall, Jack Fitzer, Mike McLen- Rodriguez, Mike Viox, Jeff Seibert. nand. / Columbus Silver Sticks (IN) – Men’s 65 Major Bob Pedigo, Ray Dye. Bartlett, Richard Hildebrand, Rob Reed. Handeland Flooring (WI) – Terry Hovs- Managers, if your all-tournament Men’s 65 AA eth, Bert Hempler, Carl Budnik, Kenny selections are missing, please email them Indy Fog (IN) – George Meek, Rick Gilpin, Ron Bruce. / Hendricks Sports to [email protected] Management (TX) – Thomas Brown, Joe Reed, Julian Tamez. Men’s 65 AAA MP Components/Bomb Squad (MI) – Roger White, Dennis Ladd, David Qualified TOC Teams With just one Tournament of Cham- pions qualifier remaining in the 2018 season, more than 230 teams have earned their golden ticket to the 2019 Original Tournament of Champions by winning one of the 20 TOC qualifiers that have been played. CLICK HERE to view the list of teams that have qualified so far this season. Be sure to contact the SSUSA office if your team is not listed. The upcoming 2018 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships will be your last opportunity to punch your ticket to the 2019 Original Tournament of Champions. Photo credit: Marcello Rostagni 32 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition

Hot August Nights SAVE THE DATE. SEIZE THE DAY. Wait for tomorrow? No chance. Stake your claim today with any one of Reno Tahoe’s world- class events. Burn rubber, take flight, swing away, and be sure to come hungry, because there’s always plenty to go around. Time to feed your ambition. Schedule your next escape – visit our website for a full calendar of events.

MAY 11-12 Reno River Festival JUNE 14-15 The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival JUNE 20-29 100th Annual Reno Rodeo JULY 1-31 Artown JULY/AUG Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival JULY Barracuda Championship – PGA TOUR Golf Tournament AUG 6-11 Hot August Nights AUG 25-SEPT 2 Burning Man AUG 28-SEPT 2 Best In The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off SEPT 6-8 The Great Reno Balloon Race SEPT 11-15 National Championship Air Races SEPT 25-29 Street Vibrations Fall Rally OCT 12-13 The Eldorado Great Italian Festival

2019 ICONICS Full list of events available online. Photo credit: Marcello Rostagni Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 33 Breaking Up Double Play Not Praise Worthy Every once in a while at a Umpire's Corner toward the scoring line, a wild pionships in Rogers, Ark. The SSUSA tournament, a player By Donna McGuire throw pulls the catcher into first baseman moved three or will yell to a teammate who the runner’s path. Can the run- four steps to his right to field just slid into a fielder at sec- every effort to avoid colliding ner slide to avoid hitting the a slow grounder then sprinted ond base: “Way to break up with opposing players while catcher and still be safe? toward the base in what was the double play.” running the bases or sliding or The answers: Yes. Yes. going to be a very close play. That’s not proper praise. diving.” The rule also states: Yes. He stepped on the white Instead, it’s encouraging a “If in the umpire’s judgment In situation 1, the fielder base – but continued over the dangerous and prohibited act. the runner fails to avoid a col- still must touch the white orange base with the runner And I don’t mean the act of lision with a defensive player portion of the base to record only a step away. The colli- Hot August Nights sliding. involved in the play, the ball the out. The runner, therefore, sion sent both players sprawl- Clean slides are welcome. will be declared dead and the should adjust to the white ing and knocked out the first But a runner intentionally col- runner called out.” portion to avoid a possible baseman, who had to be taken liding with a defender is not. The avoiding-collisions collision. by ambulance to a hospital. And it doesn’t matter whether onus falls on runners because Situation 2 involves That runner had no time the runner comes in to a base they almost always can see obstruction. A fielder cannot to change direction. It’s an SAVE THE DATE. sliding, standing or in some the play unfolding in front block a base unless he pos- example of why umpires must posture in-between. of them. Defenders often are sesses the ball or is about to judge each collision indepen- Runners must do all looking at the ball. receive it. The runner did the dently. SEIZE THE DAY. they can to avoid collisions Sure, defenders also right thing by braking. He is As far as the “Way to with defenders. That can’t have a responsibility. If not safe. break up the double play” Wait for tomorrow? No chance. Stake your claim today with any one of Reno Tahoe’s world- be stressed enough. Senior involved in a play, a defender Situation 3 outlines the example at the top of this class events. Burn rubber, take flight, swing away, and be sure to come hungry, because there’s Softball-USA has emphasized should move away from a only reason a runner legally column, please remember that always plenty to go around. Time to feed your ambition. its anti-collision rules, 8.6 and base or the baseline, to give can slide into the scoring line the old-school, second-base 8.7(4), for many years. Those the runner room. And if a or scoring plate: to avoid col- collision once considered Schedule your next escape – visit our website for a full calendar of events. rules prohibit actions by base runner reaches a base first, a liding with a fielder blocking part of the game in Major runners that put defensive defender running toward that his path. League Baseball has NO part MAY 11-12 Reno River Festival players at physical risk. base should swerve to avoid In each situation, a in SSUSA play. The umpire Yet some teams and play- colliding. defender’ actions set up a pos- can award a double play if, JUNE 14-15 The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival ers still don’t get it. Usually, though, a colli- sible collision. The runner has in his judgment, the collision This summer, a SSUSA sion avoidance warning alarm the best view of the situation negated one. JUNE 20-29 100th Annual Reno Rodeo umpire watched a 50 AAA should sound in the runner’s and should react, if there is Sliding into a defender JULY 1-31 Artown runner make a hard slide into mind, not the fielder’s. time. to break up a double play is and past second base. There Consider these situations: When there isn’t time, prohibited. JULY/AUG Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival was no contact with a defend- 1. As a batter-runner collisions become unavoid- Donna McGuire is er but because of the slide’s heads to first, a wild throw able “train wrecks.” SSUSA’s Central Region JULY Barracuda Championship – PGA TOUR Golf Tournament intensity, the umpire made a pulls the first baseman into One train wreck happened Umpire-in-Chief and Chair of AUG 6-11 Hot August Nights mental note to watch that run- foul territory. Should the in July at the Midwest Cham- the National Rules Committee. ner closely. batter-runner, who had been AUG 25-SEPT 2 Burning Man The next time on base, headed to the orange portion of the base, run instead to the JOIN THE SSUSA AUG 28-SEPT 2 Best In The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off the runner again slid hard into second. This time he elevated white portion? LEAGUE FAMILY! SEPT 6-8 The Great Reno Balloon Race both feet and smacked the de- 2. A fielder blocks third SSUSA provides promotion of leagues fender fielding the throw. The base while waiting on a ball on its website (www.seniorsoftball.com), SEPT 11-15 National Championship Air Races coming from the outfield. The which has provided players a way to identify umpire called the runner out. local leagues in their area. It has been a very SEPT 25-29 Street Vibrations Fall Rally The runner and his teammates runner stops a step short of successful partnership. objected. Some thought, the base to avoid leveling the SSUSA also provides the best deals on ap- OCT 12-13 The Eldorado Great Italian Festival incorrectly, that sliding made fielder with the ball still 20 to proved softballs with free delivery when order- contact legal. 25 feet away. Should the still- ing six dozen or more. This is a great program 2019 ICONICS Full list of events available online. The umpire was enforc- stationary runner be called that can work for all leagues. Please call our office at 916-326-5303 and ask for Kimberley or ing Rule 8.6, part of which safe when tagged? Fran for a quote. states: “A runner must make 3. As a runner sprints 34 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 35 US Citizens Hold $8.9 Trillion in Mortgage Debt By Jack Sirard nothing quite like walking 2. Pay a little more put some or all of that new- Apple Inc. received a lot out of work the last day on each month. This is a strategy found money toward paying of attention in the financial the job, with your 401(k) or that I have personally found off your mortgage. press when its market capital- similar account, your pension to be financially beneficial. No matter what you ization exceeded $1 trillion. and knowing that you are es- What I have done is to round decided to do, it’s best to let That marked the first time sentially debt free. up your payment to the next your lender know what you’re an American publicly traded That’s the strategy pre- $100 mark or so. For instance, trying to accomplish. They company hit the magical ferred by Shark Tank per- if your payment is $929 a may even have another idea or trillion-dollar marker. sonality Kevin O’Leary who month, pay $1,000 each two that will pay off for you. And while a handful of recently told CNBC that “if month and tell your lender to By paying off your others, most notably Amazon you want to find financial put that extra $71 toward your mortgage early, you will gain and Google, are knocking on freedom, you need to pay off principal. immense peace of mind – and the trillion-dollar door and all debt,” including your mort- 3. Make an extra mort- be able to focus much better will no doubt earn their fair gage. His plan for investors is gage payment each year. So on simply playing ball and share of headlines, another an aggressive one in having instead of 12 payments, make enjoying life. financial marker is now well all debt decks cleared by age a 13th. One way to do this above $1 trillion and no one 45, which I think would be a is to save 1/12 of a payment Jack Sirard is a retired seems to notice. challenge for most of us. every month, and then make nationally syndicated finan- The money in question is In fact, a study this year an extra payment after every cial columnist and Senior Edi- the reported $8.9 trillion of in the American Economic 12 months. tor for Senior Softball-USA. mortgage debt held by U.S. Association Papers and Pro- 4. Throw all found citizens, according to a report ceedings reported that more money at the mortgage. If you earlier this year from the than 70 percent of Americans get a bonus or a tax refund, Federal Reserve Bank of New between the ages of 56 and 61 York. were in debt, not a good sign No matter how you slice for their future. it, that’s a tremendous amount So what’s the best strat- of household debt and to no egy to getting your mortgage one’s surprise, it’s on the rise, paid off early enough to enjoy growing by nearly $140 bil- retirement? lion in the fourth quarter of According to the experts last year. at Bankrate.com there are four It seems to me that there easy ways to pay down your are essentially two schools of mortgage faster than what the thought on paying off your bank has planned: mortgage early, rather than 1. Refinance with a to let the bill paying run its shorter-term mortgage. Sim- course. ply go to your lender and see On one hand, if you don’t what the going rates are for a pay up early, you should have 10-, 15- or 20-year mortgage. more money available to You may be surprised to see invest and thus build a larger how financially efficient this retirement nest egg. And on can be. Shorter term mort- the other side of the coin, the gages usually have lower rates goal is to pay the mortgage off than 30-year loans. as quickly as possible so that in retirement, your home is Heard in the Dugout secure and debt free. "Whenever you are asked I certainly like the latter if you can do a job, tell 'em, strategy, particularly for those 'Certainly, I can!' Then get of Senior Softball age, those busy and find out how to do in their 50s and 60s. There’s it." - Theodore Roosevelt. 36 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 37 SSUSA Tour Heads to French and Italian Riviera Softball News Report cently, Elton John and Brigitte The 2019 Senior Softball Bardot. USA International Tour heads Now, Senior Softball USA to the French and Italian is offering senior softball Riviera, with tournaments in players and their families the Nice, France, and Genoa, Italy chance to experience this very next May. special strip of coast spanning First made famous as a France and Italy filled not playground for the aristocracy only with beauty, but rich his- in the 1900s by Queen Victo- tory – including Christopher ria, King Edward and a host Columbus worked a farm in of other royals, the French the area while he chronicled French Riviera and Italian Riviera continue to his voyages for posterity. scheduled for Portugal and ligan, SSUSA international charm visitors with its beau- “The trip includes sight- France, but it was not pos- director. “But they were not tiful landscapes, charming seeing, shopping, exploring – sible to arrange a flight for the able to accommodate our fishing villages and relaxed and, of course, playing ball,” group between Lisbon and large group.” way of life. said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s Nice. The tour was then ex- The beauty of the Riviera chief executive officer. “We “For the past several panded to both the French and has drawn renown artists, are working with Genoa weeks we have been negotiat- Italian Riviera on the same actors and writers, as well, softball officials on a two- ing with TAP Air Portugal, dates: May 2-14, 2019. including Picasso, Somerset day tournament in that scenic which provides the only direct More detailed informa- Maugham, Percy Bysshe town, as well as another tour- air service between Portugal tion will be available soon on Shelley, the Rothschilds, nament in Nice.” and Nice,” said Ross McCul- www.seniorsoftball.com. Princess Grace and, more re- The tour was originally Diet and Exercise Keys to Healthy Lifestyle CAN-Sirs would like to How much can a supple- participation from many local thank all the supporters and ment or vitamin do if it’s organizations and are in the teams that participated in the not part of a healthy diet and process of creating a commu- Senior Softball /CAN-Sirs exercise? nity cancer event. Northern California Senior We encourage you to keep Another ongoing fun- Softball tournament. exercise and diet a part of draiser that we held was It is our privilege to part- your life both during and off providing softballs to tourna- ner with SSUSA, and we hope season. There are excellent ments and teams. All profits to continue and improve on CAN-SIRS conditioning exercises and went to supporting CAN-Sirs future events. CORNER helpful hints on our website, mission. My thought today is By Pete Davignon can-sirs.org. We always welcome your something I’ve touched on in CAN-Sirs is a nonprofit continuing support. Send your When drug companies the past, but it bears repeating: corporation. Our mission is to contribution to: CAN-Sirs advertise their products, they Enjoy a healthy lifestyle make ourselves available to 2485 Notre Dame Blvd #370- list all the medicines and through diet and exercise. tell our stories of success in 180 Chico CA 95928 supplements you should avoid CAN-Sirs has always pro- surviving cancer. We con- Phone (530)-680-1614 when taking the drug. Also, moted this lifestyle. Recently centrate our efforts on senior Email: [email protected] they recommend not using it I have noticed that this advice softball players and their We may finally be win- if you have a certain sickness is everywhere. families to promote awareness ning the battle to turn what or maladies. Advice on preventing and prevention of cancer, sup- once was a deadly diagnosis The interesting part of all cancer, heart attacks, avoid- port organizations, and new into a disease that can be their advertising and promo- ing stroke, diabetes and many research. We do this mainly at controlled and cured. Immu- tion is that it always carries a other serious debilitating senior softball events. notherapies and gene-targeted tagline that says if used along or deadly diseases always We also have had our drugs are changing the course with a healthy lifestyle, diet includes maintaining a healthy own benefit tournament in of some cancers. and exercise. lifestyle, diet and exercise. Elk Grove, Calif. We have Senior Softball - USA International Tours presents: The French and Italian Riviera May 2 - 14, 2019

oin Senior Softball- From there we will travel USA’s majestic west, to spend the next six French and Italian nights in Nice. While in Riviera Tour. Our France, we will travel the tour will include southern coastline for day stops in the his- tours through Monte Carlo, toric towns of Genoa, San St. Tropez, and Cannes, Remo, Nice, Monte Carlo visiting the world-famous Jand Cannes. Experience the Grasse perfume factory. rich history and breathtak- Our USA teams will com- ing landscapes these south- pete in a one-day tourna- • For more information ern Europe territories offer, ment against French teams on the tour, please contact AND play softball! on May 11. Ross McCulligan at Ross@ We will spend our first seniorsoftball.com or call six nights in Genoa. While • A full tour itinerary will (916) 326-5303. there, we will relax along be released shortly. the beautiful coastline, explore the city's historic sights, and cruise along the Italian Riviera. In addition, our USA teams will compete against Ital- ian teams during a two-day tournament, May 4 - 5. Fall 2018 Edition Senior Softball News 39 40 Senior Softball News Fall 2018 Edition WORTH IS BACK Twenty Years of Domination. IN THE SSUSA GAME Proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA. THE WORTH WICKED 1-PIECE SSUSA BAT UTILIZES A PLAYER-PREFERRED XL ENDLOAD TO GENERATE HIGHER SWING SPEEDS.

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WWW.WORTHSPORT.COM WWW.MIKENSPORTS.COM WORTH IS BACK Twenty Years of Domination. IN THE SSUSA GAME Proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA. THE WORTH WICKED 1-PIECE SSUSA BAT UTILIZES A PLAYER-PREFERRED XL ENDLOAD TO GENERATE HIGHER SWING SPEEDS.

CF100 TECHNOLOGY: 100% CARBON FIBER BARREL PROVIDES A LIGHTER WEIGHT, MORE DURABLE BARREL FOR UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE.

XL LOADING: A 0.5OZ ENDLOAD FOR PLAYERS SEEKING A MODERATELY ENDLOADED BAT, OFFERING MORE MASS IN THE END OF THE BARREL FOR EXTRA WHIP AND SMOOTHER FINISHES ON SWINGS.

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