SPRING 2016 EDITION Volume 29 • Number 1

Seniorwww.seniorsoftball.com SoftballMORE THAN JUST A GAMENEWSAMERICA’S LARGEST CIRCULATED SENIOR SOFTBALL PUBLICATION Senior Softball News Goes Digital ACRAMENTO – The of the newspaper. players and managers, posting Senior Softball News, which oldest and largest “This change reflects the it for free download on our has a circulation of 30,000, is senior softball news- reality of our times: The great website, and making it avail- sent to all registered players paper, Senior Softball majority of our players and able for those who would like and managers, sponsors and SNews, begins publishing on- managers get their informa- to purchase a paper copy.” officials in the 70-plus cities line in this edition. There will tion via the internet,” said The first edition of Senior in which Senior Softball-USA be a limited print run for those Terry Hennessy, editor of Softball News was published (SSUSA) holds tournaments. players without access to the Senior Softball News. “We in 1987 and it became the SSUSA launched an elec- internet, or those who would will be sending an email with dominant source of news in tronic Newsletter last year that like to purchase a paper copy a link to the newspaper to the sport by the mid-1990s. comes out every three weeks, Please See Page 10

INSIDE: TOC: The Champion of

Tournaments ROCK 'N RENO CHALLENGE CUP TOC Honors Winners Page 23 ISA/SSUSA of Top Championships SOUTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIPS By Ross McCulligan Page 26 Softball News Report NORTHERN POLK COUNTY, FLA. – Winners CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS of the 20 major SSUSA Championships Page 9 of 2015 flocked here in February 2016 to ATLANTIC COAST compete in the crown jewel of the sport: CHAMPIONSHIPS Please See Page 14 Page 27 SOUTHWEST Photo by Jack Eberhard CHAMPIONSHIPS Southwest Sets Record Page 10 Tips to Break In Your Glove Place a ball in the pocket TIDEWATER CLASSIC Bake It, Shake It, Run It Over? of the glove Page 13 and tie with SPRING By Anthony Ramos in motor oil, spraying, shoe laces to NATIONALS Softball Staff Writer Break your help form the Page 13 steaming, misting, bak- glove in as pocket while it While different ing in an oven, running naturally as rests. SPRING WORLDS experts have their own over it with your car or possible. St. George Hosts Seniors Page 12 pet methods for break- sticking it in the micro- ing in new gloves, they wave. Oil thoroughly, Masters Play in working it in Palm Springs ALL agree: Do not For whatever rea- to the leather. Page 12 abuse the leather! son, players often be- Get out ISA WINTER The “Do Not List” lieve breaking in gloves there and NATIONALS play with it. Page 7 includes soaking gloves Please See Page 7 COMING AUGUST 2016

LLBSP2 - Balanced 13” Barrel

LLESP2 - End Loaded 13” Barrel

LLESP122 - End Loaded 12” Barrel

LIGHTNING LEGEND 2.0 SENIOR BATS FEATURE GRIP SPIN TECHNOLOGY An Innovative advancement engineered into your bat barrel that allows the barrel surface to “grip” the ball on a cut-swing and increase its spin revolutions. This can cause it to rise higher, stay in the air longer and result in longer distance hits. If you are looking for maximum distance, then “Grip It and Spin It”!

Trademark owned by Russell Brands, LLC. or its a liates. © 2016 Russell Brands, LLC. Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 3 NewsBriefing COMING AUGUST 2016 CARL’S CORNER Don Stratton's Lasting Legacy By Carl Gustafson An Appreciation Baseball, coached the Bartow by Terry Hennessy Mighty Mites football team, From Charlie Brown BARTOW, FLA – Don spent 12 years helping direct to Cathy's Clown Stratton, 68, chief executive the Bartow recreation advi- I hear players spout out officer of the Independent sory board, and was the radio grand exclamations that ap- Sports Association died of a voice of Bartow High football parently should be universally heart attack here, in his home and basketball games for more accepted as gospel truth: town, on March 24. than 20 years. “This game is supposed to Don Stratton’s life filled In a 2007 interview with be fun!” the town he loved and the The Ledger newspaper, Don LLBSP2 - Balanced 13” Barrel “Tournament ball is the sport to which he dedicated explained why he thought test of a man’s character.” much of his life. He was a Don Stratton sports were so important to “Fun is had in direct pro- key partner in establishing the young: “The best times in portion to winning.” major events with Senior where Don played baseball a person’s life is when they “Winning doesn’t matter, Softball-USA and was an avid and football, he went to are young and playing sports. it’s how you play the game.” ambassador of the sport inter- Vietnam, where he served his They just don’t realize it “Winning isn’t everything, nationally. country in the Air Force, and until it is over. I think now a it’s the only thing.” The details of his accom- then returned to Bartow and person pushes a kid too much LLESP2 - End Loaded 13” Barrel “We should stop whining plishments both for his town dove back into sports. to concentrate on one sport. I and just be glad to be alive and his sport are extensive Don was the coach and/ think kids should do it all.” and playing this great game at indeed. or president of Bartow Youth But Don’s intelligence, in- our age.” After graduating from Football for 17 years, coached And on it goes. So who Bartow High School in 1966, high school basketball, Dixie Continued on Page 5 is right? The proclamations and platitudes are all over the LLESP122 - End Loaded 12” Barrel philosophical map. Don't Forget About Dividends Truth be known, we all By Jack Sirard flying internet stock, boring Consider, for example, its play this game for different In such turbulent times in can add a lot of stability to your wide array of consumer prod- reasons and needs. We also the stock market with fluctua- portfolio, particularly if you’re ucts: Most people could quickly have different expectations tion of hundreds of points on at or near retirement age. identify Tide soap and Crest LIGHTNING LEGEND 2.0 SENIOR BATS FEATURE for what the game of softball any given day, the big numbers For example, take a com- toothpaste as well as Gillette should bring to our lives. By can be downright confusing. pany like Procter & Gamble Co. and Pampers, but there’s also GRIP SPIN TECHNOLOGY understanding this, we can That’s why I like to con- For the record, it’s a such well-known brand names remove an enormous amount centrate on the much smaller company that I don’t have any as Bounty, Braun, Charmin, An Innovative advancement engineered into your bat of vexation, frustration, and numbers and in this case I money currently invested in, Downey, Head and Shoulders, barrel that allows the barrel surface to “grip” the ball on a irritation toward our fellow mean the dividends that corpo- but one that I think has both a Luvs, Old Spice, Oral B, Tam- cut-swing and increase its spin revolutions. This can cause players. rations pay. To me dividends solid long-term track record and pax and Vicks just to name a it to rise higher, stay in the air longer and result in longer You see the guy who ar- usually tell a compelling story a viable future. What’s more few. With more than 65 brands, rives all frowning and scowl- about a company’s financial it’s a great company to show the company is well positioned distance hits. If you are looking for maximum distance, ing, playing the game like health and its long-term out- investors the value of dividend to sell products worldwide for then “Grip It and Spin It”! he is fighting Somali pirates look. investing. decades to come. holding his wife captive. He And while company’s When you take a close look The company has a pretty might be just proving some- paying dividends can be put in at Procter & Gamble, there’s straight forward approach to thing to himself, maybe that the boring side of the ledger in something to love for almost business. It sees a big potential comparison to the latest high- everyone in the United States. Continued on Page 5 Continued on Page 6

Trademark owned by Russell Brands, LLC. or its a liates. © 2016 Russell Brands, LLC. 4 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Benefits of Bat Compression Testing By Art Eversole In our senior softball game, we don’t require onsite bat testing at tournaments as is the case of many USSSA and ASA tourneys. Our senior bats are tested and certified by an independent third party using a scientific method that is not to ex- ceed a 1.21 BPF. When a bat is approved through this testing process only then will the bat be stamped with the official SSUSA certification logo. Why then would seniors even be interested in bat barrel compression test- ing? Compression testing of senior bats can tell you a lot about the current perfor- mance and life expectancy of your favorite stick. Our hitting club in the Seattle area (SEATAC Hitting) has access to a bat compression tester on a frequent basis for our membership. Bat tester operation detailed below. Typically only a team’s sponsor, a Kreugs. He is a member of the powerful ence rod. league, or a hitting club with a high mem- Doerflinger/Demarini 50’s Major-Plus ball- Next place the cylindrical dowel under bership will spend the money to make the o club from Olympia, Wash. Kreuger has the handle of the bat to make it so the pricey purchase for a tester. We use a G4 the experience and knowhow to test our bat is level with the machine for more SSL tester that came with a sticker price of bats safely and accurately. Note that there accurate testing. $850 for the unit. is a USSSA tester model and also an ASA By rotating the instrument dial apply a The intended purpose of a bat tester is o model; we use the USSSA version. preload that brings the indicator dial so to establish how much a bat barrel com- From Kreugs’ experience in the test- it’s calibrated @ zero. presses for the game of softball or baseball. ing of senior bats has shown that a senior Make sure the cam lever is in the full There is a direct relationship between the o bat still in the wrapper typically start out down/vertical position. It’s neces- bat barrel compression readings to the bat’s between 230lbs to 250lbs compression on sary to test the bat in at least two or performance. The lower the compression average (USSSA and ASA bats are well more barrel locations to see if the bat reading the better the bat will perform or over the 300lbs marker in the wrapper). is breaking in evenly. As we all know the more the bat barrel with trampoline As more swings are placed on a senior it’s paramount to rotate the bat when creating greater ball exit speed. bat the compression readings go down taking bp to insure an even break in Understand that USSSA and ASA have slowly and until they reach approximately around the circumference of the bat compression standards that disallow bats the 175lbs value and is then considered to barrel. for use in tournaments and league play if be game ready. Senior bat readings that Lastly, compress the barrel by pulling they exceed their established standards. I o test near the 150lbs mark are considered to the cam lever to the up/horizontal posi- believe that for USSSA bat testing they be at the end of their useful life and could tion until the lever locks in place and can’t go below the 220lbs minimum; as for crack with the next contact. read the dial (see pics). ASA it might be at 250lbs. Bats that test out at extremely low Knowing your bat’s current trampoline/ Organization and association standards values like 115lbs-120lbs are kaput. With compression reading will help you to know can vary from year to year. We seniors these low readings you may find either a when to let a teammate take a few swings are fortunate to be able to use bats with visible break on the exterior shell or that an or not with your prized possession. “I’m compression readings lower than those of internal layer has been compromised, mak- sorry Bob, but my bat just tested out at its USSSA and ASA thereby adding a bit more ing the bat useless. maximum performance reading and is go- energy to our hits. ing into my bat bag as game only use.” The bat compression tester is com- Bat tester operation: Here’s the link to the G4 SSL bat tester pletely portable and does not require First insert your bat head through the o machines: http://www.barrelcompression. power. Our onsite expert in SEATAC is 2.5” diameter hole in the frame until com/purchase.html. Brett Kreuger or as his teammates call him the end of the barrel touches the refer- Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 5 Stratton: Led ISA for a Decade; A Legend in Florida Continued from Page 3 me, shrugged, smiled and we novation and love of the game decided the trip was on. pushed him far from beyond Domestically, he was an the borders of his beloved integral part of the planning town. process for the SSUSA Tour- In his more almost 30 nament of Champions—which years with ISA, Don moved has evolved into the jewel of from area director, to Florida the sport – as well as the SSU- state director, to national SA Winter Nationals – one of director and in 2007 was the largest senior tournaments named chief executive officer east of the Mississippi River in 2007. ISA, one of the “Big -- and several other major Four” all-age group softball SSUSA tournaments. associations, sanctions more Don Stratton, 2nd from left, first row, managed a US team in Ireland. Don Stratton had the in- than 25,000 teams throughout novation and energy needed to America. Internationally, Don from U.S. team players so we constantly improve, the com- “Don Stratton was one of represented ISA on SSUSA could get the equipment to the passion needed to lead and the most unique, innovative, International Softball Tours players who badly needed it enough humor to make you energetic and caring individu- to Cuba, Mexico, Ireland and in Cuba. smile and shake your head. als that I have ever met,” said England. Don shared these Don was also adventur- Don said it simply in Bill Ruth, ISA president. adventures with his wife of 46 ous. On another trip into Mex- his 2007 interview with The “Whenever a problem years, Mary. ico from Brownsville, Texas, Ledger: “I enjoy the people in arose, whether it be in busi- Don managed interna- we were told we had to rent sports.” ness, softball or personal, Don tional teams, helped collect a Mexican bus for the U.S. The thousands of people provided and implemented the equipment for softball clubs team members and their wives in sports who have been solution! Don always ‘had in those countries, and acted because banditos were hijack- touched by Don Stratton will your back’. He was truly one as an ambassador not only for ing American buses. The miss him greatly. of a kind and we all will miss the sport, but for his country. organizer thought we might Terry Hennessy is SSU- him greatly,” said Ruth. On the trip to Cuba, the cancel the trip. Don looked at SA’s chief executive officer. “Key Lime pie, Cherry charter airline would only take Pocket and deep fried dill cash to pay for all of the extra Carl: Softball's Many Faces pickles, gator strips -- Florida equipment Senior Softball Continued from Page 3 established athletes and just will never be the same.” was bringing to distribute to he didn’t deserve to ride the need the exhilaration. Guys Stratton’s innovative Cuban teams. The charge was bench back in high school can be henpecked and needing thinking and drive was recog- almost $1,000. Fortunately football where, if justice had validation as a man. Others nized by ISA in 2001, when Don was carrying cash pro- been done, he’d have attracted might be in such a boring rut he became the first director ceeds from one of his recent a wife that the Somali’s didn’t that Wal-Mart is the highlight elected into the ISA Hall of tournaments and collected want to give back. of their week, so softball is Fame. the rest of the U.S. dollars A guy shows up smiling liberating. A few might have and shaking hands, asking been bullied as kids, others about the best eating estab- might have been the bullies, lishments and remembering some are just undoubtedly full how many grandkids you of bull. have. Could be that softball is Each of us sees the game his fellowship, like a church, through his own unique prism or maybe in his retirement and you can bet that we are he no longer feels needed, or all feeling different emotions maybe he never got over the and fulfillments. For senior birthday party he had in grade softball to be collectively en- school where nobody came. joyed, it would behoove us to Don Stratton enjoyed his family; here with his grandson and wife Mary Some players may be appreciate the individuality. 6 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Dividends: Look for Long History Senior Continued from Page 3 over the last two years and the dividend yield. Softball in life’s little moments such as recent dividend increase was So where do you begin to News brushing teeth, washing hair, the smallest on record. look? 2701 K St., Suite 101A showering, shaving, caring for But someone on Wall Street One good starting place to Sacramento, CA 95816 the baby, cleaning the house must like the stock as it’s trad- find companies that have steadi- (916) 326-5303 and doing the dishes and laun- ing near its high water mark ly increased their dividends (916) 326-5304 FAX dry. for the year and its cost cutting over the years is dividend.com www.seniorsoftball.com In other words, it makes is expected to increase future which maintains a listing of something that each and every profits. what it terms dividend aristo- Publisher Investors also need to know crats. There you’ll see a list of one of us needs every day and W.E. Ruth that just because a company many other companies that have with such a vast brand portfolio, Editor the company certainly enjoys a offers what appears to be a increased their dividends over competitive advantage and pric- generous dividend, you can’t al- the last 25 years or more. Some Terry Hennessy ing power over rivals. ways depend on it. For instance, of them are well known names Managing Editor company WXYZ might have But let’s talk about its abil- such as 3M and Coca-Cola as Giovanni Crotti ity to return money to its share- just reported some near fatal well as others such as American holders, who no doubt are some news and its stock took a hella- States Water and Dover Corp. Contributing Writers of its most loyal consumers. cious beating of 40 or 50 points With a little study, I’m sure Jack Eberhard, Pete Da- When it comes to dividend or more. The smart money you will find a few stocks there vignon, Dave Dowell, Art income, Procter & Gamble is would indicate that a sharp that could help you supplement Everole, Carl Gustafson, almost as predictable as sun- dividend cut – or omission - is your retirement income. Stephanie Hopkins, Ross just around the corner. rises and sunsets. Jack Sirard is a retired na- McCulligan, George More- As a result, you have to do tionally syndicated investment The stock (ticker symbol no, Tiffany Peck, Anthony PG) sells for a smidge more your homework. You just can’t columnist and senior writer for buy stocks based solely on the Senior Softball USA. Ramos, Susan Ruth, Jack than $80 a share and pays a Sirard dividend of $2.68 a share each year or (67 cents a share each Internet Director quarter) giving it a yield of 3.29 Scott Flodin percent. What’s more, the company Art Director has increased its dividend each Sue Ballenger year for the past 59 consecutive Marketing Manager years, making it one of the very Fran Dowell few to do so. That means that Nothing in this publication shall be despite the many recessions and deemed to constitute in any fashion whatsoever an endorsement by Senior market slumps, this company Softball USA, LLC. (SSUSA), of has continued to not only return any information in this publication. capital to its shareholders, but SSUSA, LLC., disclaims any and all liability with respect to any use of, to give more and more back or reliance on, such information. No year after year. information in this publication shall be construed in any manner whatsoever With all that going for the as a recommendation of any industry company, don’t think that there standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted by, or binding is no risk involved. In fact, like on, any person or entity. Nor shall any stock there is always risk. information contained in this publica- tion be deemed to constitute in any And it’s worth noting that in re- fashion whatsoever an endorsement cent years, PG has seen its sales by SSUSA, LLC., of any product or growth slow due to such things service advertised herein. The material set forth in this publication is provided as foreign currency transac- on an informational basis only. SSUSA, tions and the fact that it has Inc., is not engaged in the practice of any profession, including but not lim- significantly reduced its brands ited to law, medicine and accounting, by assets sales. In addition, and nothing in this publication should be relied upon in lieu of appropriate profits have declined somewhat competent professional advice. Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 7 Glove: Experts Say Break it in Naturally Continued from Page 1 what is correct or not and most of them baking or cooking in a microwave are follows the old axiom “spare the rod, ruin are not the proper way to break in a definitely part of the‘DON’T category,” the child.” Only, in this case, it’s “beat glove,” said Chip Sivak, Director of concluded Sivak. the glove until it's in shape.” Sales and Marketing for Nokona, one of Glove guru Shigeaki Aso, the mas- Of course, this is all done with love. the premier glove manufactures in the ter glove designer for Wilson Sport- The joy of every ball player can be United States. ing Goods, the official glove of Major seen in the satisfaction of breaking in that Sivak recommends breaking in your League Baseball, has broken in gloves brand new glove. All players have their glove as naturally as possible. Such tech- for numerous MLB stars such as C.J. own specific ways to break in their glove niques as oiling the glove, thoroughly Wilson, Brandon Philips, David Wright, that they likely learned from a family working it in, and getting out there and and Hanley Ramirez. A short YouTube member or teammate, and like with all playing with it. When done, placing a video, Glove Guru Aso: How to Break things in life, there are the correct ways ball in the pocket of the glove and tying In a Baseball Glove, demonstrates Aso’s and the incorrect ways to accomplish a with shoe laces to help form a pocket techniques in the glove break-in process. task. while in rest is recommended. “Spray- Aso’s process includes pouring a cup “There are many suggested ways to ing, steaming, misting, soaking in water, of hot water (between 150-160 degrees) break in a glove and it’s hard to know letting sit in direct sunlight for hours, on the glove to soften the leather, using a mallet to pound the glove in order to develop breaking points to help create a ISA Kicks off Season pocket, as well as stretching and squeez- ing the glove. There are a number of You- Tube videos available online that show With Winter Nationals Aso breaking in gloves that can be very Softball News Report 1 Sports/Miken (Men’s 50 Platinum), helpful in your glove break-in journey. POLK COUNTY, FLA. - Twenty Public Enemy (Men’s 50/55 Gold), Fran Fleet, who runs a glove repair teams competed across Team Florida (Men’s shop in Cotati CA, has seen it all when seven divisions in the 65 Major-Plus), AAG it comes to glove break-ins that have gone wrong. From gloves that have 2016 ISA Winter National Mustangs (Men’s been soaked in motor oil, which makes on March 12-13 at the 60/65 Gold), Florida the leather pliable, heavy and floppy, Southwest Softball Com- Mustangs (Men’s to gloves that have been covered with plex to start off the first 65AAA), Venom linseed oil, which causes the leather to Tournament of Champi- (Men’s 70 Major-Plus) become brittle and crack. “I’ve re-laced ons (TOC) qualifier of and Chadwell Supply many gloves in my shop that have had 2016. (Men’s 70/75AAA). bacon-crisp laces as a result of being Teams who qualified For complete divi- oiled and put in the oven,” says Fleet on for the TOC were Team sion wrap-ups, please CLICK HERE. her website. “This is how food is cooked, not how to treat leather designed and ISA Winter National All Tourney Players Named manufactured to function as a tool.” “Some players think that pummeling 2016 ISA Winter Nationals All Tourna- Herbie Lester, Ron Salyer; MCC Insurance a new glove is the way to a quick break,” ment Players: 65’s – Ezzard Bryant, Ron Champagne, Bob continued Fleet. “Yes, it is. It is basically Men’s 50 Platinum: Team 1 Sports/ Darrah, Steve Lambert Miken – JC Bautista, Donnie Burke, Junior Men’s 65 Platinum: Beef O’Brady’s the same as using the glove for many Guiterrez, Ned Johnston, Bob O’Brien; Blast Southern Trace – Terry Hovseth, John Re- games, only much rougher. I believe the – Jack Butler, Robert Elling, John Heffelfin- bardo, Tasso Rumeliotis, Darrel Smith; Red glove will be better served, and will serve ger, John Miles Heat – Rich Murray, Roy Oke, Puis Specht Men’s 50/55 Gold: Public Enemy – Men’s 70 Major-Plus: Venon 70’s – better, if this extra abuse is avoided. If Scott Bowden, Mark Burnside, Gary De- Mike Markum, Vince Melograno, Terry you just catch balls to form the glove, meyer, Lorenzo Taylor, Tony White; CKM O’Donnell, Larry Sample, Clyde Smith; TB you are training the glove and getting Wealth Management – Roger Bard, Dale Financial – Roy Hern, Ralph Hollis, Carter Franklin, Nick Gennaro, Curt Glassman Honkonen, Linwood Manning your timing down at the same time. Bet- Men’s 60AAA: AAG Mustangs – Dean Men’s 70/75AAA: Chadwell Supply – ter for you. Better for the glove.” Ayscue, Radley Pcholinski, Ron Pepin, Dave David Burget, Bob Darrah, Sam Ferguson, With all of the crazy schemes out Shipley, Dave Thompson Paul Gawel, Robert Williams; Buffalo Wild there to break in a glove, nothing seems Men’s 65AAA: Florida Mustangs – Wings – Rick Krooss, Wayne Mundy, Jim Don Bobish, Bill Gaffney, Tommy Hamilton, Scala, Don Schroeder to beat a good old fashioned game of catch. 8

8 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Opinions &Letters Entering the Digital Age For hundreds of years, news has been circulated on paper. Then, in the early part of the last century, it began coming over radio waves and in the middle of the last century, over the airwaves of television. Still, through the age of radio and the age of televi- sion, newspapers were the king of news, with massive cir- culations throughout America – and the rest of the world. Then along came the internet, hand-held personal de- vices and e-mail – and there was a fundamental informa- tion revolution. Over the past decade, people of all ages have come to rely on the internet for their communication. SSUSA was a pioneer in internet communication. Se- nior Softball USA launched its website two decades ago, in 1995, and it has evolved into one of our most important communication tools. Last year, we launched the elec- tronic Senior Softball Newsletter, which comes out every three weeks and allows us to cover tournaments, obituar- Sue Ballenger ies, and breaking news within the sport in a much more as short wrap-ups of tournaments and lists of All Tourna- timely fashion. ment players. Senior Softball News will come out in the And now as we undertake a new era, Senior Softball Spring, Fall and Winter. USA will be shifting to an all-electronic presentation. Or We will also be printing a limited edition on paper for at least that’s how most of you will receive your in-depth those who wish to read the news on paper and SSUSA news that only Senior Softball USA can provide. will continue publishing a paper edition of the Annual That does not mean that Senior Softball News, the Tournament Guide and mail it to players and managers. largest and oldest senior softball newspaper, will cease to The bottom line is that we feel this change will give exist – we feel the newspaper has an important place in our players, managers, sponsors and supporters informa- the sport. tion in a way that will be easy to receive and easy to read. Senior Softball News will continue to publish popular columns, editorials, stories on trends in the sports, as well Terry Hennessy - Editor Advances in Cancer Detection with Dogs Specialized training dogs provide a low-cost method do not sniff an actual person are now taking center stage CAN-Sirs of screening for cancer. The but samples such as breath, in the battle to win the war CORNER success of her program would plasma, urine and saliva. on cancer. This bright new By Pete Davignon be a major addition to the di- Dina has been working technique of training dogs to agnostic approach to detecting with major universities and detect cancer at its earliest ing dogs in medical scent cancer. Training and testing cancer centers to develop the stages has been a passion for detection, missing persons’ of her dogs has resulted in a first medical protocol for the Dina Zaphiris, founder and detection as well as in search- 98 percent positive identifica- selection, training, and han- chief executive officer of In- ing for bombs and narcotics. tion of cancer cells in clini- dling of medical scent dogs. Situ Foundation. She has been A dog’s sense of smell cal trials. It takes six to eight Currently, only a certified training dogs for 23 years. is 100,000 times more acute months to train and certify a doctor can use the protocol She has specialized train- than humans and they can cancer detection dog. Dogs and provisions have not been Continued on next page Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 9 CAN-Sirs: Dogs Detect Other Diseases Too CAN-Sirs/SSUSA Continued from Page 8 developed for clinical cancer detection Combine in NorCal by dogs. At present, her dogs can detect Softball News Report breast cancer, prostate cancer and rectal SACRAMENTO / ELK GROVE / cancer. Training is underway to detect LINCOLN – The second annual North- other cancers. She is in the process of ern California State Championships held training dogs to detect other diseases and medical conditions that can be detected May 10-15 was once again a success by smell. Her successes have drawn the with 55 teams competing across 15 divi- attention and inquiries of the worldwide sions. This year’s tournament was held in medical community. conjunction with CAN-Sirs and $50 from Zaphiris has her training facilities in each team's entry fee went towards the Chico, Calif. InSitu has an informative organization that is dedicated to promot- website that everyone should take the ing cancer awareness and prevention for time to go to for interesting and educa- senior softball players. Through their tional details on the types of dogs used, $50 entry fee, teams donated $2,750 to the methods of training, and the future of CAN-Sirs. canine cancer detection. Machine (60 Major), Viejitos (60AAA), You can find out more about the The teams that claimed a TOC invita- Omen 65 (65 Major-Plus), Old Dawgs 65 cancer detecting dogs, and consider mak- tion by winning their respective division (65 Major), California Wrecking Crew ing a donation to her cancer detection were Dudley/Prestige (40 Major-Plus), (65/70 Gold), Game On (70 Silver), State program by contacting: Dina Zaphiris SofaKing Softball/Elite (40 Major), JU Roofing Systems (75 Major) and Sacra- InSitu Foundation P.O. Box 3040 Chico, Aftershock (50/55 Major-Plus), Nor Cal mento Gold 80’s (75/80 Gold). CA 95927 Email: info@dogsdetectcan- Warriors (50 Major), Sacramento Flash For complete division wrap-ups, cer.org (50AAA), California Energy (55/60 please CLICK HERE. I was fortunate to have met Dina at a Platinum), Rebellion (55AAA), TRI-C- cancer support group at the Enloe Cancer Center in Chico. In our constant search for ways to promote cancer awareness CAN-Sirs/SSUSA Northern California and prevention, we hope to work with Dina promoting her work. She is work- Championships All Tourney Players Named ing with her husband to fulfill a dream by training dogs for all types of detection in 2016 SSUSA/CAN-Sirs NorCal Jimmy Willock the medical field. Championships All Tournament Players: Men’s 65 Major-Plus: Omen: Mike Bal- Dina is available for speaking en- Men’s 50/55 Major-Plus: MTC 55: Dan donado, Brian Rooney, Jim Stapleton, Billy Arevelos, Scott Becker, Dwayne Brekke, Ron Steele, Alvin Tats; Old A’s: David Briones, gagements. Her talks are professional, Webb; Bob Rohatch, Tom Stone interesting, and easy to understand. If Men’s 50 Major: Nor Cal Warriors: Men’s 65 Major: Old Dawgs 65: Scott you have an organization that would like Ken Block, Robert Gibbs, Tom Langenhorst, Dillon, Rich Edwards, Henry Hoyes, Jerry to have her visit, contact her at her email. Anthony Maze, Brad White; Twelve Gauge: Williams, Jim Willock; Nor-Cal Stixx 65: We senior softball players are now Doug Dalton, Craig Nourie, Robert Overholt Eddie Calip, Steven Etchieson, Mike So Men’s 50AAA: Sacramento Flash: Troy Men’s 65/70 Gold: California Wrecking back on the field. During this past year, Baker Jr., Bill Hinegardner, Nick Martin, Crew: Garry Dovenberg, Tony Garcia, Hal several senior softball players have died Curtis Rodgers, Tony Silva Johnson, Rich Jovel, Ron Martella; Sac- and more have been diagnosed with Men’s 55AAA: Rebellion: Bill Conwell, ramento Islanders 65: Lou Chavez, Jerry cancer. When having to deal with cancer, Darrell Heim, Harold Holmes, George Lamb, Enfield, Craig Nakahara, Ed Stoessel comradery is important and will help Jim Liston; Senior Bend Elks: Mike Koepf, Men’s 70 Silver: Game On: Billy with recovery. CAN-Sirs wishes to thank Ray O’Rear, Neil Schafer, Greg Shaddix Boswell, Ron Carlock, Ken Conklin, Win Men’s 55/60 Platinum: California En- Downing, Willie Williams; Triple Play – Ed all our supporters for their kindness and ergy: Anthony Hinojosa, Jack Lemons, Stan- Alston, Tim Ryan, Mike Rupley financial assistance to our program. ton Nichols, Russ Reisinger, Tony Rocha; Men’s 75 Major: State Roofing System: This year Senior Softball USA and Old Dawgs: Rick Cady, Chris Dayak, Steve Arnie Bray, John Dryer, Gary Handsher, Noel CAN-Sirs have joined together to hold Grimm Lanctot, Ed Lowe; California Oaks: Bob the CAL Cup tournament and the CAN- Men’s 60 Major: TRI-C-Machine: Gary Fink, Rick Knee, Wayne Philpot, Matt Rocha Holmes, Emilio LeBato, Jose Moreno, Roger Men’s 80 Gold: Sacramento Gold: Sirs benefit tournament as one event on Sanders, Scott Wilson Dave Fairchild, Don Fields, Ray Newman, May 10-15 in Sacramento and Elk Grove. Men’s 60AAA: Viejitos: Dan Bailey, Ron Smith, Roland Stiarwalt; Redwood City (See story on this page.) John Castro, Roderick Faulk, Carmel Mejia, Chiefs: Dennis Craig, Don Holt, Sid May- Pete Davignon, Founder, President Lamont Thompson; Not Youngins: Ron torena, Vern Schlotthauer CAN-Sirs, Inc. CAN-Sirs.org Cromwell, Dennis Garrett, Dale Miller, 10 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition SSUSA News: Record 194 for LVSSA/SSUSA The Digital Age Southwest Championships Continued from Page 1 Softball News Report (Men’s 60AAA), Los Vatos providing timely coverage of LAS VEGAS - The 2016 Viejos (Men’s 60AA), Timber- tournaments, obituaries and LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest works Construction (Men’s 65 breaking news. Championships, which was Major-Plus), MN Masters/An- Senior Softball News will held April 19-24, blew up this cell (Men’s 65 Major), Over the continue to publish popular season drawing a record 194 Edge (Men’s 65AAA), Makua columns, editorials, stories on teams. Ali’I (Men’s 65AA). trends in the sports, as well as Congratulations to the Omen (Men’s 70 Major- short wrap-ups of tournaments teams that claimed a TOC invi- Plus), Top Gun Swat (Men’s 70 and lists of All Tournament tation by winning their respec- ball (Men’s 50 Major-Plus), Major), Hooikaika Kinipopo players. tive division in the 3rd largest Pacific Coast Alliance (Men’s (Men’s 70AAA), Git-R-Done Senior Softball News will SSUSA tournament of the year. 50AAA), L.A.F. 50/DeMarini (Men’s 70AA), San Francisco come out in the Spring, Fall (Men’s 50/55 Platinum), KSS The winners were TKP/ Seals (Men’s 75 Major-Plus), and Winter. (Men’s 50/55AA), Santisi Hunters (Women’s 40 Ma- and Kokopelli Eye Institute SSUSA will continue Brothers (Men’s 55AAA), AZ jor), SoCal Toxic (Women’s Scorpions (Men’s 75/80 Gold). publishing a paper edition of 40AAA), 50 N’ Over (Wom- Legends (Men’s 55 Major), For complete division the Annual Tournament Guide en’s 40AA/50) Dudley/Pres- Summy’s Nighthawks (Men’s wrap-ups, please CLICK and mail it to players and tige (Men’s 40 Major-Plus), 60 Major-Plus). HERE. managers. Dickies/Elite/Dudley (Men’s 40 West Coast All Stars Major), Sommerville Soft- (Men’s 60 Major), Rocco’s LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Championships All Tourney Players Named 2016 LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest – Joe Baranski, Rich Moores, – Art Burrola, Richard Ornelas, Mike Hoffberg, Gene Smith; Th- Championships All Tournament Steve Sims, Donnie Sorensen; Jaime Trevino; Scrap Iron 60’s araldson’s - Paul Callaghan, Bob Players: Kamikaze – Doug Champagne, Rockies – Kelly Hallman, John Gregorich, Jim Hoenninger Women’s 40 Major: TKP Mike Grimm, Jose Sobalvarro Parisi, Charlie Powell, Jay Yoa- Men’s 70 Major: Top Gun - Michele Alexander, Cindy Cole- Men’s 55 Major: AZ Leg- kum Swat: Jerry Avila, Jerry Herling, man, Kelli Handy, Gina Oliver, ends – Jeff Brian, Jim Dickie, Men’s 65 Major-Plus: Tim- Mike Ingalis, Mel Makos, Denny Elena Song; Kiss Our Stix – Patti Rick Kooyenga, Scott Porter, berworks Construction: Hank McCoy; Tri-State Diamond- Albrecht, Linda Ikami, Aretha Til- Steve Rutledge Alonzo, Tom Amundson, John backs – Roger Assink, Ron Case, ley Men’s 55AAA: Stantisi Cochran, Steve Owens, Doak Ken Ikleman Women’s 40AAA: Smack Brothers – Jimmy Conner, Gene Whitley; Omen – Steve Callan, Men’s 70AAA: Scrap Iron That – Stefanie Acton, Monica Ethier, Jim Hernandez, Mike Brian Rooney, Conway Waddy, 70 Reds – Joe Burton, Doug Barajas, Taryn Martinez, Jonnie Ross, Alan Sloan; LVSSA 55 Dan Walsworth Kinney, Larry Neal, Bob Parella; Reeves Hitmen – Steve Camera, Randy Men’s 65 Major: Nor-Cal Masters Marauders – Craig Women’s 40AA/50: Arizona Cranford, Bill Kephart, Wayne Stixx – Ed Calip, Ron May, Phil Barraclough, John Conacher, Al- Dream Team – Angie Ayala, Roewer Montez, Mike So; SoCal Gusto lan Didrikson Jacqui Halyard, Jean Jones, Daisy Men’s 60 Major-Plus: – Tom Aguilar, Dave Lacey, Lary Men’s 70AA: El Paso Nine- Soto Summy’s Nighthawks – Matt Row Elevens – Jaime Arras, Tommy Men’s 40 Major: Team Dick- Fahring, Joe Hensley, Jon Kramer, Men’s 65AAA: Over the Loyd, Bobby Nava, Donnie Reay ies/Elite/Dudley - Brian Wheat- Ken Vaught Edge – Nick Basta, Danny Men’s 75 Major-Plus: San fill, Brian Hunt, Terry Boyd, John Men’s 60 Major: Ambush – Coterel, Dan Nava, Rod Schemp, Francisco Seals – Bob Banchero, Spear, Jaime Pinon; Reno Elite Dan Bourget, Bill Griffin, Bruce Bob Templeton; OC Mustangs Bobby Davis, Herb Epple, Bob Silver Bucks – Blake Gundmund- McClain, Kenny Sheffield; MN – Don Cuzick, Paul Dahlgren, Al Hannah, Terry Nafziger; Top Gun son, Brent Husted, Dallas Kester, Masters/White – Eddie Huebsch, Gingerelli, John Miller; KC Kids 75 Classics – Dave Duarte, Bob Marc Vestbie Dave Mattson, Garry Morris, – Dennis Clauder, Bill Radford, McCormick, Larry Thompson Men’s 50 Major-Plus: Som- Rod Prather; Demolition – Tony Randy Rowe Men’s 75 Major: California merville Softball – Keith Benja- Baltazar, George Robinson, Men’s 65AA: Makua Connection – Gary Adams, Gary min, Dwayne Curry, Scott Logan, Wayne Wilcox Ali’I – William Andrade, Tony Evans, Jim George, George Law- Ron Parnell, Paul Salow; Corner- Men’s 60AAA: Rocco’s 60’s Fernandes, Glenn Morihara, son, Max Litt; Scrap Iron Beams stone: Jeff Black, Al Larsen, Gary – Larry Denzler, Angel Lopez, Mike Sinnott, Paul Torres; Duke – Dave Boone, Bob Lennon, Don Springer Richard Mares, Mike Perez, Joe City Dynamite – Rich Doney, McGill, Carroll Shook Men’s 50/55 Platinum: Simental; Bucky’s Casino – Don Ray Johnson, Joe Romero, Ken Men’s 75AAA: Kokopelli L.A.F. 50/DeMarini – Chip Gilbert, Harold Hancock, Bill Summers; Desert Heat – James Scorpions – John Bellavia, Mel- Brakeville, Matt Dobyns, Mike Hirschberg; CJ & S Express: Brown, Mike Falkawitz, George vin Bentley, Ken Ponzio, Larry O’Donnell, John Patterson, George MacFadyen, Mike Manna, LaCombe Richey John Siegla; Top Gun Wayne Zucker Pat Ramsey, Dunston Simpson Men’s 70 Major-Plus: Omen Silver 75’s – Ed Balinger, Gary Men’s 50AAA: Pacific Coast Men’s 60AA: Los Vatos Vie- 70’s – Randy Bobby, Ed Carey, Bottenfield, Dan Emer Alliance – Doug Cherry, Greg jos – Frank Barjas, Rudy Franco, Gerald Ford, Otis Menasco, Billy Men’s 75/80+ Gold: Hui Fortin, Kenny Levey, Wes Reyn- Billy Ong, Manuel Ramirez, Jess Wilson; Scrap Iron 70 Legacy Ohana – Danny Ayala, Dennis olds, Lawson Williams; Xtreme Silva; New Mexico Warriors – Jim Brown, James Contreras, Holland, Terry Kimura, Guy Ruiz NOT ALL BATS ARE CREATED EQUAL

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6.9.2016 Senior Softball Ad.indd 1 6/9/2016 12:13:41 PM 12 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition 15 Win TOC Bids At 50+ Spring Worlds Softball News Report 55-AAA), Last Call 60 (Men's 60-Plati- ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The 2016 num), Scrap Iron High Octane (Men's Spring World Championships were held 60-AAA), Scrap Iron Freedom (Men's from March 29 - April 3 at The Canyon’s 60-AA), Arizona Ancient (Men's 65-Ma- Complex and The Fields at Little Valley. jor), Over The Edge (Men's 65-AAA), In total, 85 teams participated with 15 Scrap Iron 70 Red (Men's 65/70-Silver), earning the coveted TOC invitation. Scrap Iron 70 Legacy (Men's 70-Major The teams the claimed a TOC invita- Plus), Top Gun Swat (Men's 70-Major), tion by winning their respective division California Oaks (Men’s 70-AA) and Fair- were Arizona Old School (Men's 50-Ma- way Ford 80 (Men's 75/80-Gold). jor), Mc U Sports (Men's 50-AAA), For complete division wrap-ups, KSS (Men’s 50-AA), L.A.F. (Men's please CLICK HERE. 55-Platinum), Hard Tens/Oxnard (Men's

50+ Spring Worlds All Tourney Players Named Inaugural 40's

2016 50+ Spring Worlds All Tournament Men’s 65 Major – AZ Ancient – Bill Spring Worlds Players: Campbell, Duane Hopkins, Don Joesten, Men’s 50 Major: Arizona Old School – Chuck Lee, Walt Kado; R&R 65’s – Wes Rich Lawson, Randy Mason, Mark McClain, Baker, Tad Ludes, Dick Markota, Mike Quig- a Big Success Randy Pongratz, John Tackitt; Phoenix Bull- ley; Scrap Iron Phiten – Mike Edwards, dawgz – Terry Newhart, Randy Tompkins, Ken Hiatt, Jerry Malberg Rob Tucker Men’s 65AAA: Over the Edge – Nick Men’s 50AAA: Never Say Never/Big Basta, Paul Pennington, Gary Scarlet, Jerry Al’s Trucking – Ted Hayward, Kirk Taylor, Smith, Charles Sterling; Fountain Valley Henry Tovar; Pacific Coast Alliance – Bill Outlaws – Rob Albert, Rick Ridenour, Jack Heriford, Greg Metcalf, Brandon Mitchell White, Jim Ziemer; Sidewinders – Jerry Men’s 50AA: KSS – Armando Caban, Bianchi, Bob Hamilton, Orie McDonald Mark Esquibel, Roy Heisner, Alex Lara, Bob Men’s 65/70 Silver: Scrap Iron 70 Reds Posey; Horn Softball – Cary Cube, William – Warren Bailey, Bob Bennett, Doug Kinney, Dodge, Robert O’Mara, Steve Sissenstein; Marlan Roper, Bob Sims; Last Call – Bob Men’s 55 Platinum: L.A.F. 55 – DeLong, Skip Parker, Barry Sustin, Willie Ron Barnhart, Chip Brakeville, Michael Williams O’Donnell, Joe Quintero, Alan Shelley; So Men’s 70 Major-Plus: Scrap Iron 70 Cal 55 – Tony Baltazar, Jeff Iannone, Eric Legacy – Greg Broeckelman, Rick Buckland, Softball News Report Prevost, Frank Riese; Grants Posse II – Jeff Dale McLaughlin, Gene Smith, Stan Suichta; CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIF. - The Hutchison, Greg Rojas, Glenn Stevenson Omen – Randy Bobby, Bob Cummings, Rich inaugural 40’s Spring World Champion- Men’s 55AAA: Hard Tens/Oxnard Schmidt, Dave Sells ships, a TOC qualifier, was held at Big Men’s 70 Major: Top Gun Swat – Rookies – Rudy Jazo, Michael Leighty, League Dreams, March 19-20, with 19 George Martinez, Andrew Mendoza, Car- Jerry Avila, Melvyn Makos, Dennis McCoy, los Zaragoza; Braves – Daryl Hunt, Marlin Herman Vaught, Irving Waldo; Tri-State teams (17 from California) competing in Gunn, Ron Larrieu, Matt Palmer Diamondbacks – Ron Case, Gary Hanson, two divisions (Major Plus and Major). Men’s 60 Major-Plus: Top Gun Elite 60 JW Perry, Les Poland The Men’s 40 Masters Major Plus – Joel Hawk, Paul Lederman, Scott Wolters Men’s 70AAA: Sons of Pitches – Carl division featured five teams, while the Craft, Bob Jackson, Chris Mills Men’s 60AAA: Scrap Iron High Men’s 40 Masters Gold division con- Octane – Dave Adams, Terry Liverant, Gary Men’s 70AA: California Oaks – Rich Nation, Randy Pearson, Don Whitlow; Scrap Anderson, Drew Asher, Dave Avery, Glen sisted of 14 teams. EliteSportsUSA.Net/ Iron Legends: Dale Daugherty, Ed Dilley, Cole, Everett Richardson; Git-R-Done 70 – Dudley earned a TOC bid winning the Bob Lienart, Andy Shapiro; Jaxx – Gene Claude Labarre, Ed Nilsen, Donnie Stern- Major-Plus division while Nicon Truck- Boyle, Larry Larson, Mike Marshall berger, Michael Welch ing impressed all weekend winning the Men’s 75/80 Gold: Magic Stuff – Kelly Men’s 60AA: Scrap Iron Freedom – Major division. Curt Dicke, Gary Foster, Larry Haden, Mike Dutton, Phil Feicok, Ken Fiala, Glen Hovey; Roemer, Mike Weston; Scrap Iron Rock- Fairway Ford – RJ Jerrels, Al Kumm, Ed For complete division wrap-ups, ies 60’s – Pete Ayotte, Eddie Buonaiuto, Jay Rahn, Jack Scott, Roger Williams; Light- please CLICK HERE. Yoakum; Los Vatos Viejos – Dean Burrows, house – Les Blum, David Drummond, Hal Tony Cabrales, Manny Hurtado White All Tournament Players on Next Page Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 13 Spring Nationals Draw 28 Teams Softball News Report Plus), Florida Automated Shade (Men’s POLK COUNTY, FLA. - The Spring 50 Major), Team Impact (Men’s 55/60 National Championships were held at the Platinum), GAP Sports (Men’s 55/60/65 Auburndale Sports Complex on April 8-10 Gold), Slug-A-Bug (Men’s 60/65AAA), with 28 teams competing across nine divi- Venom (Men’s 70 Major-Plus), Southeast sions. Left-Overs (Men’s 70 Platinum), Syracuse The winners of TOC berths include: Cyclones (Men’s 70AAA) and Center for Southside/Blue Mountain (Men’s 50 Major- Sight 85 (Men’s 75/85 Gold). For complete division wrap-ups, Spring Nationals All please CLICK HERE. Tourney Players Named 2016 Spring Nationals All Tournament Players: Men’s 50 Major-Plus: Florida Automat- 30 Teams Flock to ed Team 1 Sports/Miken – Donnie Burke, Ned Johnson, John Livingston, Alan Tanner; Men’s 50 Major: Florida Automated Tidewater Classic Shade – Mike Brock, James Butler, Laz Softball News Report grabbed by Team Elite/ Morales, Joe Varacchi Jr., Larry Veahman; VIRGINIA BEACH, Miken (Men’s 40/50 Public Enemy – Ken Blacketer, Robert Bright, Steve Kalbaugh, John Loftus; Miami VA. - Teams from around Gold), Team 757 (Men’s Power – Lewis Craig, Robeno Minaya, the Mid-Atlantic and 50AAA), Woodlawn Gregory Neal Northeast regions compet- Funeral Home (Men’s 55 Men’s 55/60 Platinum: Team Impact – John Hefflefinger, John Miles, Manny ed at the 2016 Tidewater Major), Building Innova- Queipo, Jennis Sills, Leonard Simmons; Classic, a TOC Qualifier, tion (Men’s 55 Major), Hollis Appraisals – Mike Monnier, Randy held at the Princess Anne Longshoremen (Men’s Parker, Lawrence Reedus; Men’s 55/60/65 Gold: GAP Sports – Athletic Complex. The 55/60AA), Northern Keith Buss, Donny Keshock, Scott McNich- 65-age group kicked off Virginia Force (60AA), ols, Mark Miller, Brad Weber; Ballbusters the tournament playing Promotion Softball (60 – Doug Brooks, Dave Horton, Steve Palacios, Hector Ramos; Team Florida – John Lam- April 12-14, while the Platinum) and Long bert, Al LePage, Tony Vodola 40’s through the 60’s-age group played Island Jaguars Red (Men’s 65AAA). Men’s 60/65AAA: Cardiac Kids – April 15-17. For complete division wrap-ups, Marion Brister, Stan McLellan, Tom Oltmann Men’s 70 Major-Plus: Venom – Tom In total eight TOC invitations were please CLICK HERE. Dabbs, Mike Marcum, Vince Melograno, Larry Sample, Clyde Smith; Men’s 70AAA: CC Medical Services Tidewater Classic All Tourney Players Named – Dave Clark, Bob D’Angelo, Jay Rae, Jerry Salata; 2016 Tidewater Classic All Tournament Harford County LV – Steven Jameson, Men’s 75 Platinum: Bucs and Bulls Players: Anthony Malinowski, Tim Mowery, Larry 75’s – Frank Congleton, John Ormsby, Bob Men’s 40/50 Gold: Team Elite – Danny Smith; PACS/Preffered Maintenance – Skidmore, Jim Sumner Gregory, Barry Lynn, Richard Olsen, Charlie Mike Carroll, Kenny Dowden, Emanuel Jack- Men’s 75/80 Gold: Center for Sight – Searight, Robert Smith; Superior 40s/Po- son Hugh Brotherton, Don Gsell, Richard Pavlak, tomac Sports – AJ King, Allan Largent, Paul Men’s 55/60AA: Syracuse Cyclones – Howard Schoen, Jim Thomas Mittermeier, Walt Pryor Jack Baxter, Tom Mirande, Jim Ranucci Men’s 50AAA: Team 757 – Bruce Men’s 60 Platinum: Promotion – Al Be- Damet, Maurice Dawson, George Shelby, tau, Tom Funk, Dave Giannell, Tom Stranie- John Tate, Leon White; Straight Gas – Je- ro, Fred Sweeney; Hannington’s 60 – Joseph 40's Spring Worlds All rome Bracey, Ronald Davis, James Gibson Frongello, David Hawkins, Kevin Lipsett, Tourney Players Named Men’s 55 Major: Woodlawn Funeral Tom Tashea; Carolina Cobras – Danny Bal- Home – Gus Eddins, Greg Panza, Jeff Robin- lard, Don Clatterbough, Randy Thomas Continued from Page 12 son, Eddie Sanchez, Mike Watson; The Bank Men’s 60AAA: Long Island Jaguars 2016 40’s Spring Worlds All Tournament – Rick Cornanchini, Greg Donophan, Gary 60’s – TJ Frierson, Jim McDowell, Don Players: Lewis, Joe Lucas, Bob Pierce; Omega – Ear- Thompson, Charlie Valenti Men’s 40 Major Plus: EliteSportsUSA. nold Ingram, Tony Marlow, Prestone Phillips Men’s 65AAA: Long Island Jaguars net/Dudley – Keith Benjamin, Jeff Hairell, Men’s 55AAA: Building Innova- Red – John Celantano, Doug Delle Cave, Kelly Hoekstra, Jason Holmes; Nor Cal tion Group – Rich Ezell, Bob Foley, Steve John Glazer, Joe Goonan, James O’Gara; Stars – Corey Nicewonger, Derek Wilson Holmes, Rick Redmond, Jeff Shondelmyer; Hamel Builders – Lou Lussi, Jasper Pender- grass, Don Williamson 14 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 15 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA

Continued from Page 1 Zhaoli and Bruce Chen happily greet the original Tournament of the crowd at the TOC banquet Champions (TOC). in the Lakeland “The event itself tran- Center. scends any other softball tournament anywhere – and truly honors the winners of Photos by Jack Eberhard 2015 in a very special way,” said Terry Hennessy, Senior Softball-USA chief execu- tive officer. Consider just the extras: • The 1,500-person ban- quet at the Lakeland Center. • A free Josten’s top- competition against the best teams in the country in each The TOC American All Stars, blue caps, defeated the National All Stars, red caps, in the popular face-off on Wednesday evening, kickiong off TOC quality ring for each player festivities. The American All Stars were slated to play the Wounded Warriors Amputee Sioftball Team, but the event was rained-out. of the winning team in the division,” he said. 30 divisions competing. The TOC drew the win- China Softball Ambassador Lauds • A bat for the MVP in ners from National, World each of the 30 divisions. and Regional SSUSA cham- Seniors Playing in the TOC • Polo shirt for each of pionships and most divisions By Zhaoli Chen unforgettable experience. the 1,000-plus players. Please See Page 16 POLK COUNTY, FLA. – Com- The tournament’s organizers • Free skills contests ing to the United States to witness offered a wide variety of interest- with bats, gloves and shoes first-hand what Senior Softball ing games and awards. There were as prizes. has to offer, I was immediately both group competition programs • A free hitting clinic with some of the best hitters enthralled by everything from the and some technical and skill in the country. beautiful Florida lakes, the clear contests programs. Although the • An epic All Star Game. blue sky, the Kennedy Space Center players are stars of championship • A game against the and Walt Disney World. teams, they still listened intently Wounded Warriors Amputee But what was especially exciting to the coaches and trainers. Their Softball team. to me was to see those slowpitch learning spirits almost made me “And that doesn’t even The gem of the Tournament of Champions is the sit-down banquet at the beautiful Lakeland Center for 1,500 players and their families. softball players with white and gray forget that they were senior players include the main event – hairs but young faces running in as I thought of them as just like the green baseball fields – a lovely the pupils in the classrooms. 2016 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPION MVP’S sight indeed. The powerful homerun hitting, Each TOC Division MVP received a TOC Miken 14. Larry Sample: Southern State Services (FL) 65-Major I came here in early February the perfect positioning pitching, Ultra II bat. 15. Dave Sellars: TB Financial Services 70-Major Plus to attend the Senior Softball USA and all the skillful performances of 16. Matt Matson: Florida Mustangs 65-AAA 17. Juan Alicea-Sanchez: AMR South 70’s 70-Major Tournament of Champions, an the players received overwhelming 1. Curtis Wilson: Suncoast Dudley 40 (FL) 40-Major 18. Butch Schultheis: Long Island Jaguars White (NY) 65-AA event that attracts championship- applause from the audience. I was 2. Reynaldo Gutierrez Jr: Team 1 Sports (FL) 50-Major Plus 19. David Joseph: Bostonian 70 (MA) 70-AAA winning teams from across the also impressed by those who were 3. Brett Kreuger: Doerflinger Softball (WA) 50-Major 20. TBA: Columbus Silver Sticks (IN) MEN’S 70-AA 4. Randy Tompkins: Phoenix Bulldawgz (AZ) 50-AAA United States. chasing the exciting moments of 21. Jake Dieter: New York Statesmen 75 75-Major 5. Gary Hatmaker: The Grey Geese (FL) 50-AA I had the luck to join part of the the sports with their cameras as 22. Bob Hostetler: Peachtree Restaurant (PA) 75-AAA 6. Rich Meltz: Hollis Appraisals (FL) 60-Major Plus 23. Dave Bush: Florida Investment Properties 80 80-Major program of the TOC and I had a well as the volunteers who con- 7. Mark Frastak: High Street Bucs 55 (MD) 55-Major 24. Don Gsell: Center for Sight 85 (FL) 85-Major very happy and enjoyable time. tributed their services to the TOC. 8. Brian Buhl: LVSSA 55 Hitmen (NV) 55-AAA 25. George Stark: Gray Sox 80 (MI) 80-AAA Terry Hennessy, chief executive Everyone found their interests and 9. Dave Miller: Scrap Iron Coyotes 55 (CO) 55-AA 26. Sara Payne: Kryptonite (FL) Women’s 40-Masters Major 10. George Roberts: Kinnco Services (IN) 60-Major officer of Senior Softball USA, joy in the sport. 27. Beth Robinson: Chill 40 Below (VA) Women’s 40-AAA 11. David Reed: Team Florida 65-Major Plus invited me to join the National All- In particular, the Wounded 28. Shirley Simmons Snell: Dreamgirlz 50 (VA) Women’s 50+ 12. Ray Glynn: Minnesota Masters/Ancell 60-AAA Division Star team. This was a first for me Warriors team found their great 13. Don Gilbert: Bucky’s Casino (AZ) 60-AA LVSSA Hitmen captured the 55AAA Division championships by defeat- and I felt honored and had a truly ing Olympian Athletics of Pennsylvania 15-11 in the "IF" game. Please See Page 22 16 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: POLK COUNTY Suncoast, Doerflinger, Continued from Page 16 Grey Geese Win Titles Continued from Page 14 were geographically diverse and rep- resented by the top teams – making for exciting games and excellent softball. The 40/50 Platinum Division consist- ed of three 40 Major teams: Homer Lov- ers, Suncoast Dudley and MidAtlantic Elite, while Team 1 Sports/Miken repre- sented the lone 50 Major Plus team. Top seed, Homer Lovers, defeated MidAt- lantic 40s 15-14 to open the bracket. Team 1 Sports dispatched Suncoast to the elimination bracket in a high scoring af- fair, 34-27. Suncoast went on to squeak by MidAtlantic 25-24 and Team 1, 32-19, to claw their way into the championship game. The championships provided one of the best games of the tournament with Photo by Jack Eberhard Suncoast forcing an ‘IF’, winning 35-34 against Homer Lovers. Suncoast’s bats Carolina Five-0, running, faced off against Team, 050 in the seeding stayed hot in the ‘IF’ as they were able to rounds of the 50AAA division. The Phoenix Bulldawgz won the title. double dip Homer Lovers 25-10 to win ing Motor City, Arizona Old School and Foxes representing the 55s. Scrap Iron the division. Carolina Five-O. The Phoenix Bulldawgz Coyotes won a barn burner in the open- Four teams also comprised the 50 were sent to the elimination bracket in ing game of the bracket against top seed- Major division, Doerflinger, El Paso the second round losing 18-14 to Caro- ed Grey Geese, 20-18. The Coyotes then Spurs, Good Times and Suncoast Dudley lina Five-O. After a gritty win against dispatched the Silver Foxes with relative 50. After some impressive play in the Maryland Cougars, 17-12, the Bulldawgz ease 21-12 to gain their way into the seeding round, Doerflinger continued ran into a fatigued and injured Carolina championships round. The Grey Geese their excellent play right on into the Five-O team who was forced to concede fought their way through the elimination bracket. As the No. 1 seed, they over- victory to the Bulldawgz, placing them in bracket to once again square off with came a test against El Paso Spurs 24-19 the championship. Fresh off the forfeit Scrap Iron in the championship. Because in the first round. Their gloves then also from Carolina, the Bulldawgz rallied to Scrap Iron was the lone 55 team and caught fire as Doerflinger dispatched a 17-10 victory over GAP Sports in the Grey Geese the lone 50 team left stand- Suncoast and Good Times with terrific championship. In the ‘IF’ the Bulldawgz ing, the teams agreed on a winner-take- defense 21-7 and 22-7 to win the division were once again the better squad as they all championship, voiding any potential championship. shut the door on GAP Sports 19-14 for ‘IF’ game that could take place. The The 50 AAA division was geographi- the championship. agreement worked in the Grey Geese’s cally diverse, hosting seven teams from A mixed division comprised the favor after they defeated the Coyotes 24- six different states from Arizona to Mary- 50/55 AA bracket with Manifest and 19 to win the bracket outright. land. Fifth-seeded GAP Sports went on Grey Geese representing the 50s age Seven different teams represented quite a run through the bracket, defeat- group and Scrap Iron Coyotes and Silver Please See Page 17 Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 17 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: POLK COUNTY Las Vegas, Hollis, Bucs, Bucky's Victorious Continued from Page 16 ship. Seven teams competed seven different states in the in the 60 AA division. Scrap 55 AAA division, spanning Iron Freedom handled Stage- the country from California to coach Saloon 19-4 to send Pennsylvania. Olympian Ath- the top seed into the elimina- letics grabbed a bye as the top tion bracket. Bucky’s Casino seed in the bracket to square battled their way through the off with Integrity Builders in bracket to face Scrap Iron the second round. Olympian with a chance to reach the grabbed the early bracket championship round. Bucky’s victory with a combination won a competitive ball game of timely hitting and defense, 16-11 to advance to the title 17-9 over Integrity. LVSSA game. However, Scrap Iron Hitmen dumped Olympian held strong in the elimination into the elimination bracket, bracket by defeating Stage- Photo by Jack Eberhard defeating them 20-19 to edge coach 17-15. The rematch Southern States Services of Florida, above, defeated their way into the champion- with Bucky’s Casino was a San Antonio Silver Streaks in the 65/70 division. ship game. Olympian Athlet- futile effort, as Scrap Iron ics was once again matched up set the table for a matchup Plus champion. seemed to have run out of against Integrity Builders in with Hollis in the champion- The second largest gas. Bucky’s handled them the elimination bracket. Integ- ship. However, there would bracket of the tournament with ease, cruising to a 18-4 rity was not able to overcome be no game as the teams was the 60 AAA division championship victory. Olympian and once again they decided to call it a tourna- with eight teams. Minnesota TB Financial Group fell 23-13. Olympian defeated ment and take the title in each Masters/Ancell proved the represented the lone 70 Major LVSSA 15-10 in the champi- of their respective divisions, adage ‘it’s not how you start, Plus team as they took on five onships to force an ‘IF.’ How- Hollis capturing the 60 Major it’s how you finish.’ After other 65 Major teams in the ever, LVSSA Hitmen bounced Plus championship and High dropping their first game of mixed division. As the one back to a 15-11 victory to win Street Bucs securing the divi- the tournament 16-7 to T.A.G, and two seeds respectively, the division championship. sion for the 55 Majors. the Masters regrouped and San Antonio Silver Streaks Seven teams competed As 60 Major teams, KC finished strong. As the fourth and Southern State Services in the mixed 55/60 Platinum Renegades and Kinnco Ser- seed in the bracket, they made both grabbed byes to begin division. As the sixth seed, vices took on Team Florida, short work of the top seed, bracket play. The Silver Hollis Appraisals made an 65 Major Plus in the 60/65 Northern Virginia Force, Streaks then cruised past TB impressive run to the champi- Platinum division. Third- 22-7 in the second round. Financial 19-9 while Southern onship by scoring no less than seeded KC Renegades took The Masters continued their State Services squeaked by 21 runs in three consecutive on No. 2 seed Team Florida in dominant play with a 17-5 the Marauders 20-19. South- victories, highlighted by their the first round of the bracket victory over Bomb Squad to ern State then slugged their narrow margined victory over with the Renegades getting claim the stake in the cham- way past the Silver Streaks No. 1 seed Tasty Pizza. After a one-run victory, 24-23. pionship. No. 3 seed Slug- 25-15 for their spot in the losing in the first round to However, the bracket would A-Bug provided the Masters championship game. Fourth Hollis 24-15, High Street Bucs belong to Kinnco Services with their first true test of the seed Windsor Chiefs crushed ran through the elimination as they dispatched KC Ren- tournament in the champion- the San Antonio Silver Streaks bracket with ease, defeating egades 23-11 and 23-14 to ship game. A thrilling and 30-6 in the elimination brack- their opponents by an average win the championship. Team well fought game by both et to square off with Southern of seven runs in three straight Florida bowed out of the teams ended with the Minne- State in the finals. A high wins. Their dominance of the tournament after their one-run sota Masters claiming a 21-20 scoring championship game elimination bracket once again defeat, exiting as the 65 Major victory for the champion- Please See Page 18 18 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: POLK COUNTY Jaguars, Mustangs, Bostonians, FIP on Top and ProHelath Care all had Continued from Page 17 their eyes set on obtaining ensued with Southern State the 80 Major division cham- Continued from Page 18 Services claiming the division pionship. As the third seed, with a 30-20 win. Minnesota Legends outlasted Four teams from Cali- ProHealth Care 12-11 in the fornia, Indiana, New York first round only to fall to No. and Texas made their way to 1 seed Florida Investments Florida for a chance at the 13-5. MN Legends once 65 AA division. In the first again defeated ProHelath Care round, the No. 1 seeded Long by a slightly larger margin, Island Jaguars defeated Dam- 12-8, to face off with Florida aged Goods, 15-6 while three Investments once again in the seed Indiana Legends upset championship. Florida Invest- the Dallas Spurs 13-7. The ment Properties (FIP) played Jaguars then went on to cruise a flawless game in the final by the Legends 17-9 to make to defeat Minnesota Legends their way into the champi- 17-11 and win the 80 Major Photo by Jack Eberhard onship game. The Indiana division. Minnesota Lumberjacks, above, lost to Bostonian 70s Legends stormed back against Center For Sight, 85 in the 70/75 Gold Division 14-9. the Dallas Spurs in an offen- Major took on BackOffice sive slugfest 32-27 to claw their spot in the champion- with Bostonian. Another Associates and Gray Sox, their way out of the elimina- ship game. U.S. Jobs fought close ball game ensued but the 80 AAA in the 80/85 Gold tion bracket. However, the their way out of the elimina- Lumberjacks failed to get over division. Center For Sight Long Island Jaguars were able tion bracket with a convinc- the hump as Bostonian took defeated BackOffice 12-7 in to continue their dominance ing victory over MCC 16-5. the division 14-9. the opening round but then to win the division over the The championship matchup Another four-team divi- fell to the one seed Gray Sox Legends 25-17. between the Florida Mustangs sion comprised the 70/75 Sil- 17-6. BackOffice and Center The largest division of the and U.S. Jobs was a defensive ver bracket. Columbus Silver For Sight battled back and tournament took place in the battle with the local team, Sticks and Indianapolis Clas- forth in an elimination game 65/70 Gold division with nine Mustangs taking the crown sics, 70 AA, battled with Hill Sunday morning and Center teams vying for their shot at 17-12. Contracting and Peach Tree For Sight emerged victori- the TOC championship. Top The 70/75 Gold division Restaurant, 75 AAA. Both 70 ous 14-13. Another excellent seed AMR South, a 70 Major pitted two 70 AAA teams, AA teams emerged victori- championship game followed Plus, made a surprisingly Bostonian and Minnesota ous in the first round of the between Gray Sox and Center quick exit from the tourna- Lumberjacks, against two 75 bracket to square off in a barn For Sight. Center For Sight ment with a bracket loss 11-8 Major teams, Bucs and Bulls burner in the second round, continued their excellence by to Spice Properties, 65 AAA. and New York Statesmen. with the Silver Sticks edging defeating the Gray Sox 21-20 AMR then removed them- Bostonian took early control out Indianapolis Classics 25- consequently winning the selves from the elimination of the bracket with an 18-6 24. Peach Tree forfeited their division. The Gray Sox were bracket with a forfeit to Sac- victory over Bucs and Bulls. elimination game to the Indy also crowned 80AAA cham- ramento Islanders, 65 AAA. Bostonian fought their way Classics, as they had wrapped pions. The second-seeded Florida through a scrappy Lumber- up the 75 AAA championship. In the Women’s 40 Gold Mustangs strung together an jacks team in the second Columbus pulled away late division, Kryptonite Majo, impressive run against Doc round 15-8. The Lumberjacks from the Indy Classics with a went head to head with Chill Martens/Ropes Course, U.S. were rewarded with a forfeit 29-16 victory to win the divi- 40 Below, AAA, for the TOC Jobs/Direct Employers and by the New York Statesmen in sion. division title. In the open- MCC Insurance by an aver- the elimination round, setting Florida Investment Prop- age of 8 runs a game, to gain up a championship rematch erties, Minnesota Legends Please See Page 19 Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 19 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: POLK COUNTY Kryptonite and Dreamgirlz Win Continued from Page 18 Dream Team and Dreamgirlz, ing bracket game, Kryptonite hailing from Virginia. Ari- hung tough to secure a 20-17, zona Dream Team battled till victory. With both teams the end but Dreamgirlz proved worn down, Kryptonite won themselves dominant with another tight ballgame 17-13 consecutive wins of 16-9 and to win the division. Chill 17-11 for the division champi- 40 Below was awarded the onship. Women’s 40 AAA division The TOC is sponsored by title. Polk County Sports Market- The Women’s 50 divi- ing, Miken Sports, Josten’s Photo by Jack Eberhard sion was also a best-of-three and SSUSA. In Women's 40 division, Kryptonite, above, defeated matchup between Arizona Chill 40, 17-13.

: 2016 TOC All Tourney Players Named Men’s 40/50 Platinum: SoCal 55 – Ray Robles, Tony York Men’s 75 Major: New York Team 1 Sports/Miken – Tony Baltazar Men’s 65 Major: Southern Statesmen 75 – Fred Cronin, Bassett, Don Burke, Edward Men’s 55AAA: LVSSA State Services – Pete Carrier, Jake Dieter, Jim Nugent, Dick Starcher 55 Hitmen – Brian Buhl, Gary Jim Kahn, Don Lesher, Bill Ochampaugh, Jack Westbrook; Men’s 50 Major: Doerfling- Gosz, Ed Harman, Mike Stater, Magley, Larry Sample, Mike Bucs & Bulls 75 – Frank er – James Buchanan, Kenny Bill Udart; Olympian Athletics Walsh; San Antonio Silver Congleton, Doug McLellan, Don Jackson, Todd Deck, Emory Lun- – Pat Daley, Doug Hartzok, Mike Streaks – Dennis Abernethy, Mel Schroeder sford, Paul Mercado; Suncoast Keenan, Shaun Young; Integ- Colwell, Chris Schneider Men’s 75AAA: Peachtree Dudley – Timothy Bohlmann, rity Builders – Rod Chambers, Men’s 65AAA: Florida Restaurant – Art Barnes, Mar- Reggi Brown, Ernie Colon Jr.; El Chuck Grubb, Richard Wyllie Mustangs – Chuck Duff, Gary vin Kravitz, Bob Hostetler, Joel Paso Spurs – Fernando Briseno, Men’s 55AA: Silver Foxes DeFalco, Don Held, Eric John- Medvidovich, Tom Sieworek Fabian Sanchez – Paul Grillot, Billy Oblaczynski, son, Don Witmer; US Jobs/Di- Men’s 80 Major: Florida Men’s 50AAA: Phoenix Daniel Woodcum rect Employers – Jerry England, Investment Properties – Dave Bulldawgz – Randy Tompkins, Men’s 60/65 Platinum: Chuck Loeser, Curt Pribble, Tom Bush, Bob Johnson, Larry Cory Fitzlaff, Kenny Vaught, Kinnco Services – Tim Barker, Sornson; MCC Insurance – Bob McCurdy, Joe Sykes, Roger Paul Hendricks, Manny Ramirez, Bill Koleszar, Billy Osborn, Darrah, Steve Lambert, John Thresher, Bill Yeager; Jimmy’s Charley Marshall; GAP Sports George Roberts, Terry Lee, John Hayes MN. Legends 80 – Dave Belbin, – William Cressman, Jeff Farr, Van Wagner; KC Renegades – Men’s 65AA: Indiana Leg- Bob D’Amadio, Stan Droogsma, Mark Miller, Bob Morse; Caro- Robert Radford, David Cook, ends/Columbus – John Gunn, Norris Kruse lina Five-0 –Bruce Holmes, Jeff Terry Cloutier, Charlie Daniels Dan Londeree, Jerry Pardue, Men’s 80/85 Gold: Center Lester, Drew Pearson Men’s 60AAA – Minnesota Steve Taylor; Damaged Goods – for Sight 85 – Everett Arnold, Men’s 50AA: The Grey Masters/Ancell – Gary Bennett, Bill Neri, Tim Ryan, Fred Pratt Don Gsell, Ralph Martz, Richard Geese – Stan Adams, Robbie Bruce Boyer, Ray Glynn, Wayne Men’s 70AAA: Bostonian Pavlak, Robert Rogers, Howard Fowle, Glen Looper, Stu Rapella, Peterson, Fritz Wegscheider; MP 70 – Bob Clifford, Tom Hall, Schoen; Gray Sox 80 – Norm Johnny Vaughn; Manifest 50’s – Components – Jack Griffin, Cal Dave Joseph, Ray LePage, Mike Ellis, Jud Gebben, Joe Reynolds, David Juarez, Nacho Liebas Lounds, Greg, Maddelein Russillo; MN Lumberjacks 70 Will Venema, Herschel Wells; Men’s 55/60 Platinum: Men’s 60AA – Bucky’s Ca- – Rich Hanson, Mick Leibfried, BackOffice Associates 80 –Nate Hollis Appraisals 60 - Ed Car- sino – Don Gilbert, Bill Hirsch- Walt Petersen, Rich Root Koppel, Jim Parmelee, Vince Van rington, Horace Jefferson, Pat berg, Doug Royse, Duane Stein- Men’s 70AA: Columbus Norman McLellan, Rich Meltz, Dave brink, Bob Ziegler; Scrap Iron Silver Sticks – Joe Andrew, Ron Women’s 40 Masters: Kryp- Motta; Freedom – Mike Boulier, Gary Cochran, Don Cohron, Doug tonite – Michelle Carroll, Caro- Tasty Pizza/J and H Wall/ Foster, Mick Roemer, George King, Jack Scott; Indianapolis lyn Deeb, Karen Hunger, Sara Showcase 55 – Don Hoffman, Wise; Stagecoach Saloon – Rich Classics – Ron Huser, Butch Payne, Mirian Shields, Theresa Dan Krtnick, Steve Swanson; Marquez, Steve Tucker, Dennis Perry, Ken Keeler, Ken Bonham Walburger 20 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Trips to Taiwan, Germany-Austria SSUSA Players to Compete in Pacific Rim, Bavarian and Vienna Championships Softball News Report from other countries, sample Senior Softball USA is the cultural highlights of the happy to announce two inter- countries and make friends national trips – to opposite with players from throughout sides of the planet. America on the International The first will be Oct. 17- SSUSA teams. 25, 2016, to compete in the The Pacific Rim Champi- Fourth Pacific Rim Cham- onships, played in Las Vegas pionships in Taiwan and the during the World Masters second will be June 22-July 4, Championships last year, will 2017, to Germany and Austria be in Changhua City, Taiwan to play in the Bavarian Cham- this year. Teams from China, pionships in Munich and the Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Vienna Classic. South Korea and America will All SSUSA registered compete. players, previous International “The Pacific Rim games Tours players and their fami- are played with the soft Joy- lies are invited. Senior Soft- ful ball and are designed to ball USA has brought players promote the sport through Neuschwanstein Castle (known as the Fairytale to more than 30 countries over friendship throughout the Castle) is one of the stops in Germany. the past three decades. Pacific Rim,” said Terry Hen- Sun Moon Lake, most meals, tour continues through the The International Tours nessy, SSUSA chief executive practice for the tournament, “Sound of Music” country are designed to give players officer. a special banquet with play- to the fabulous Melk Abbey, and their families an op- The tour includes sight- ers from other countries and built in 1089, and finally to portunity to play softball in seeing in exotic Taipei, the two-day competition in one of the most beautiful cit- exotic locations, meet players Taiwan’s largest city, a visit to Changhua City. ies in Europe: Vienna.” The SSUSA is celebrating 30 Softball on the tour Taiwan years of International Tours includes a two-day tourna- team cel- in 2017, with a special tour ment in Munich, the Bavar- ebrates to Germany and Austria that ian Championships, and a during includes two tournaments. second two-day tournament an inter- “This tour through Ba- in Vienna, which will include national varia in Southern Germany a special music presentation. teams and the gems of Austria – Both tournaments will provide banquet Innsbruck, Salzburg and get-togethers with the Ger- in 2009. Vienna – will create memo- man and Austrian teams, and They are ries that will last a lifetime,” a chance to get to make new hosting said Hennessy. “It will wind friends. the 2016 through picturesque Bavar- For more information, on Pacific ian towns, into the famous both tours, please call Ross Rim Fairytale Castle, through the McCulligan at 916-326-5303, Champi- Alps and its beautiful alpine or e-mail ross@seniorsoftball. onships. pastures into Innsbruck, then com. Itineraries are available to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. The on www.seniorsoftball.com. Play in Exotic Taiwan for America in the 4th Annual Pacific Rim Championships!!!!! Senior Softball-USA presents Pacific Rim / Taiwan Tour Oct. 17- 25, 2016 4th Annual Pacific Rim Championships

Join us for the 4th Annual Pacific Rim Championships against teams from Japan, China and Taiwan!

The Taiwan Softball Association has invited Senior Softball USA to par- ticipate in the 4th Annual Pacific Rim Championships in Taiwan on Oct. 22-23. Teams from Taiwan, Japan and China are expected to compete. This inclusive 8-day Tour includes most meals, tour entries, hotels, bus The US Teams will depart for the transportation, tournament costs, friendship games on Oct. 17 and translators, tour guides and uni- return Oct. 25. Any SSUSA regis- forms. tered player is eligible to participate in this chance to plan internation- Go to https://seniorsoftball.com/ ally, meet players, and experience multimedia/sign_up_packet,_ the beauty of Taiwan. new_players_-_taiwan.pdf Tours, including the games in Las for full itinerary and cost. All players who have participated Vegas last year, will receive a $100 in previous SSUSA International discount on the price.

Experience Germany and Austria in 2017 with Senior Softball USA! Save the dates for a trip of a lifetime from June 22 to July 4, 2017 to Germany and Austria. Play in tournaments in Munich and Vienna….and see beautiful Bavaria, Mad Ludwig’s storybook castle, Innsbruck, Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, Melk Abbey, Salzburg and Vienna! Complete itinerary and cost will be coming out this month (June).

For information on either tour please contact Ross McCulligan at [email protected], or call 916-326-5303 for more information. 22 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition A Real Dessert to Die For - Almost By Audie Hollis one, but all 25 of the candies in a matter My best friend Ed Rose is a high- of minutes. energy driven individual who has been Moments later his head began spin- playing senior softball for 19 years. He’s ning and he tried to lumber out of his achieved numerous notable accomplish- chair, but he completely lost control, and ments. He is in the National Senior Soft- fell flat on his face as his mind began to ball Hall of Fame, he has written five race. books, and he owns several businesses, Was he having a heart attack? Should but he is best known as a man who loves he have listened to the doctors? to eat dessert. In his mind it was obvious that he was Recently Ed attended his military having a heart attack as he couldn’t control high school’s 50th class reunion and had a his body and he felt his heart was racing great time seeing his old buds and reliving while the room continued spinning faster some good times. After dinner was served and faster. Ed yelled out to his house- he commented on his severe sweet tooth keeper for help and to get his wife, but and how much he loved dessert. unfortunately his wife was out shopping. One of his classmates from Colorado He desperately requested his housekeeper took note of this and eagerly offered, “I’m A lively Ed Rose to call 911 as he prepared to draw his last going to send you some dessert that I think breath lying on the living room floor. will knock your socks off!” He eagerly sat down in his chair to In a matter of minutes Ed could hear Weeks later, a truck driver delivered a watch TV and proceeded to delve into the the sirens of the approaching rescue unit large, tightly wrapped package for Ed on dessert. My buddy is noted for not just and the voices of three rescue personnel a Thursday afternoon. He noticed it was eating dessert like a normal human being as he lay on the floor with his eyes closed from his Colorado classmate and immedi- but attacking it like a starving stray dog. and his mind spinning. ately opened the package to find a delec- He gave no regard to what the doctors told The lead tech said, “I think the old table assortment of candies. him about losing weight, and Ed ate not codger had a heart attack.” One of the other techs immediate retorted, “I don’t think so that’s my old coach and he’s as tough as nails!” Chen: Softball Transcending Borders The third tech took his blood pressure and said, “Guys, his blood pressure and Continued from Page 15 Taiwan, Japan _ and with it they heart rate are perfect! I don’t think he’s had a hard attack or stroke. Look at his brought the independent and healthy confidences, won high respects, gave pupils and bloodshot eyes, I think he’s on strength, power, and a positive message life of American culture to our part of a drug trip!” to all. the world. Sure enough, the Colorado candies I had also noticed the colorful and In my opinion, I believe that the were laced with very potent THC, which stylish uniforms, which are varied and United States, not only has built top is a derivative of marijuana, and the serv- graceful, carrying geographic culture, class sciences, but also the most shinny ings he ate were enough to kill a horse. reflecting the players enjoyment of the and healthy life styles for all Ameri- The paramedics hung around until he was stabilized and his wife returned. sport and the fashion. cans. For the next day my buddy was still I noticed that Terry Hennessy Thank you Mr. Hennessy and thanks lot to SSUSA. I’ll bring the high as a kite as he basically slept all walked to every playing field to talk day and could hardly walk without fall- with the players and always received a beauty of the slowpitch softball sport ing down. Recalling the events to me Ed warm welcome and hugs. He has cre- spirits to the people of China. said, “It was the first time I took a trip and ated a great family of players and fans, never left home! filled with love. Zhaoli Chen is Executive Director Audie Hollis is manager/player of Beginning in 2013, SSUSA brought of the Pacific Rim Association, and a Hollis Appraisals 60 Major-Plus team slowpitch softball to Asia, to China, charter member from China. and has been voted into the SSUSA Inter- national Hall of Fame. Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 23 Reno Rocks With 200 Teams Oldest Senior Qualifier Turns 29 RENO / SPARKS / CARSON CITY, Nev. – The 29th annual Rock ‘n Reno Challenge Cup, the second largest SSUSA Tournament of the year, as well as the largest and oldest senior qualifier, was held across four parks (Golden Eagle Regional Park, Reno Softball Complex at Rancho San Rafael, Shadow Mountain Softball Complex and Centennial Park Softball Complex in Carson City) over nine days with 200 teams in attendance. Session one of the tournament (May 27-29) featured the Men’s 40’s and 60’s divisions, as well as all of the Women’s divisions. Session two (May 31- June 2) followed with the A Horn player is tagged out by Hawaii 808. Horn won the 50/55 AA division. Men’s 65’s, 70’s, 75’s and 80’s divisions; while the tournament concluded with Photos by Jack Eberhard the third and final session (June 3-5) with the Men’s 50’s and 55’s divisions. In total, 32 teams (listed below) secured an invitation to the original Tournament of Champions (TOC) in February, 2017. Dudley/Prestige (CA) - MEN’S 40-MASTERS MAJOR PLUS, Layer Cake Wines/Dudley/Elite Sports USA (CA) - MEN’S 40-MASTERS MAJOR, Sommerville Softball (CA) - MEN’S 50-MAJOR PLUS, Reno City Councilman NorCal Warriors (CA) - David Bobzien throws out MEN’S 50-MAJOR, Mc U the first pitch of Reno's Dean Perkins, center, is congratulated by the team he Second Session. Please See Page 24 founded, (Redwood City Chiefs), who won the 80AAA. 24 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition A Record number of women's teams com- peted in Reno, with divisions ranging from 40 to 70 years old.

Photo by Jack Eberhard Reno: Touching Memorial for Raula Turnier Continued from Page 23 70-AA, San Francisco Seals Sports (ID) - MEN’S 50- 75 (CA) - MEN’S 75-MAJOR AAA, Horn Softball 50 (CA) PLUS, State Roofing Systems - MEN’S 50/55-AA, Summy’s (CA) - MEN’S 75-MAJOR, 55 (CA) - MEN’S 55-MAJOR Lincoln Hills Coyotes (CA) - PLUS, D&K Tradition MEN’S 75-AAA, Fairway Ford (NV) - MEN’S 55-MAJOR, (CA) - MEN’S 80-MAJOR, Sidewinders 55’s (AZ) - MEN’S Redwood City Chiefs (CA) - 55-AAA, Old Dawgs 60 (CA) - MEN’S 80-AAA, Old School MEN’S 60-MAJOR PLUS, Last 40’s (CA) - WOMEN’S Call (NV) - MEN’S 60-MAJOR, 40-MASTERS MAJOR, Smack Bulldogs 60’s (OR) - MEN’S That (CA) - WOMEN’S 60-AAA, Makua Alii (HI) - 40-MASTERS AAA, Arizona MEN’S 60-AA, Timberworks Dream Team - WOMEN’S Construction (CA) - MEN’S 50+ DIVISION, Ladies Choice 65-MAJOR PLUS, Animals (CA) 55 (CA) - WOMEN’S 55+ MEN’S 65-MAJOR, Sims 65 DIVISION, California Spirit 60 (WA) - MEN’S 65-AAA, Texas - WOMEN’S 60+ DIVISION, Ye Lone Stars - MEN’S 65-AA, Olde Bats (NV) - WOMEN’S Scrap Iron 70 Legacy (CO) 65/70+ DIVISION - MEN’S 70-MAJOR PLUS, For complete division Camille Lopez led the memorial for her sister, long- Tharaldson’s (NV) - MEN’S wrap-ups, please CLICK time softball player Raula Turnier, at Shadow Moun- 70-MAJOR, The Zone 70’s HERE. tain for a packed stand of women's teams. Lopez (UT) - MEN’S 70-AAA, Solano danced a traditional hula and sent balloons loose in a Senior Enforcers (CA) - MEN’S touching ceremony. Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 25 Reno All Tourney Players Selected 2016 SSUSA Rock ‘n Reno All Tournament Players: Men’s 40 Major-Plus: GTS: Brian Fong, Chris Hoshaw, Trevor Jones, Brendt Newbill; Men’s 50 Major: Nor Cal Warriors: Al Becker, Bob Gate- house, John Gibbs, Gary Hoff- man, Paul Supat, Paul Wise Men’s 50/55AA: 808 Ha- waii: Mike Baker, Cam Kah- anamoku, Paul Muenster, Brian Viola Men’s 55AAA: Sidewind- ers: Larry Beamer, Ken Johnson, Kerry Krueger, King Ott, Tom Petrizzio; Colorado Home Fit- ness: Steve Antonczyk, Lance Brewer, Dan Silvey, Jeff Tyler Men’s 55 Major: Change the Mascot: Wayne Doty, Don Owens, Glen Shipley Men’s 60 Major-Plus: Old Dawgs: Chris Dayak, Steve Grimm, Steve Hillman, Dan Kibbe, Artie Tressler; Goodman Racing: Steve Humphries, Lynn Hover, George Stormo Men’s 60 Major: No Dice: Jerry Amato, Len Meinecke, Bruce Sanchez Men’s 60AAA: Bulldogs: Tim Barrier, Jeff Johnson, Russ Peters, Bill Taylor, Robert Webb; Second Wind Softball: Mike Aries, Keith Keesee, Steve Leal, Bill McCommack; Scrap Iron High Octane: Nick Longo, Jim Portz, Michael Whitlow Men’s 60AA: Makua Ali’i: Bob Durington, Al Gaea, Paul Kim, Glenn Morihara, Charlie Peterson; Out of Storage: Mi- chael Duggan, Orvin Heidinger, Robert Standley, David Wolfe Men’s 65 Major-Plus: Tim- berworks Construction: Jeff Hacker, Steve Hillman, George Robinson, Doak Whitley Men’s 65 Major: San Anto- nio Silver Streaks: Mel Colwell, Mingo Garcia, Richard Kielholz, Julian Tamez; Men’s 65AAA: Sims 65: Ken Albert, Jeff Chin, Joe Col- lins, Joe Dorage, Glen Gubbe Men’s 65AA: Texas Lon- estars: Bobby Canamar, Bob Divo, Joe Flores, Larry Regallo, Continued on Page 27 26 Senior Softball News Spring 2016 Edition Jim Davis Left His Mark on Senior Softball Softball News Report way Patrol. Much of the action Jim also was a sponsor and Jim Davis, a longtime sup- during those days was rich player of NCI Softball Club for porter of Senior Softball-USA, fodder for the hugely successful 10 years. died at age 85 on March 24. television show “CHIPS.” “Jim was a great man Davis’ life is an American After a few years, Jim left known for his charity work,” classic, filled with adventure, the Highway Patrol seeking a said John Crawford, who tragedy and heroics. Born in a job with better pay – and found played and managed on the NCI tiny rural east Tennessee town it in the insurance industry. teams. in the depths of the Depression, Over the ensuing decades he “For anyone that has Jim’s mother died of tubercu- helped found and built National stepped on the ball field in lousis when he was just 7 years Certified Insurance, one of the Southern California, the name old. He, along with his two Jim Davis major insurance brokers in Jim Davis and NCI resonated brothers and sister, was sent to in the port of Pusan, while it California. through all of the dugouts,” live with his grandmother while was being besieged by North Later, when Mitchell said Kevin Evans of Top Gun his father continued to work to Korean forces. Jim served as a founded SSUSA, Davis stepped Softball on the SSUSA message support them. Sherman tank crewman in every in to help with the insurance board. “He was a fierce compet- When he was 17, Jim and major battle of the war, includ- coverage for the sport. itor and did not accept second his best friend, Jackie Swope, ing the Pusan Perimeter, the “Jim has been a force in the place. I enjoyed competing decided to enlist in the Marines Naktong Bulge, Inchon, Seoul, sport and in our lives at Senior against his teams as he recruited because they wanted to see and the Chosin Reservoir. He Softball-USA for many years,” some of the finest softball talent the world outside their small returned home with medals, and said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA in the regions. Jim will always town—and they liked the dap- with the devastating news that chief executive officer, “and, be remembered for raising per dress uniforms. They got his best friend – who he had not most important, he was a good senior softball to new heights in their parents’ signatures, but seen since they enlisted – had friend.” SoCal.” were sent to different training been killed in battle. facilities. Jim left east Tennessee for Jim ended up in Guam Los Angeles, where he met and and a year and a half later the became fast friends with the fu- Korean War broke out. Jim was ture founder of Senior Softball assigned to the 1st Provisional USA, Bob Mitchell while both Marine brigade and arrived worked for the California High- Co-Sanctioned ISA/SSUSA Southeast Championships A Winner in Gallatin Softball News Report SSUSA, four TOC bids were GALLATIN, Tenn. – handed out to well deserving Fifteen teams ranging from teams. The winners included Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, Old Style/ASP Nation (50/55 Tennessee, Wisconsin, Michi- Gold), DT Express (55/60 gan, Indiana and Ohio met at Gold), Cincinnati 60’s Triple Creek Park for the 2016 (60AAA) and Doc Martens/ ISA/SSUSA Southeast Cham- Ropes Courses (60/65 Silver). pionships during the weekend For complete division of June 3-5. wrap-ups, please CLICK In this combined tour- HERE. nament between ISA and Spring 2016 Edition Senior Softball News 27 Atlantic Coast 2016 Atlantic Coast Championships All Tourney Players Championships Named Draws Record 84 Teams 2016 Atlantic Coast Championships All Tournament Players: Softball News Report Atlantic Coast. The winning teams were Men’s 40/50 Platinum: Team USA: LOUNDOUN COUNTY, VA – The Motown Magic Bachelors (Women’s 40), Mike Allegretti, Mike Dill, Ernie Donaldson, 10th annual Atlantic Team USA (40/50 Charles Smith, Jay Tapman Coast Champion- Platinum), Elm- Men’s 40/50 Gold: Elmwood Sports ships drew a record 84 wood Sports Center Center: David Anderson, John Kilcoyne, teams here May 10-15, (40/50 Gold), Humberto Montalban, Bob Sobolisky, George making it one of the Roadhouse Blues Troupe; BH Maintenance: Kenny Akers, largest qualifiers east of (50AAA), Jackson John Brown, Jeff Cesenaro, Kelly Woolf; the Mississippi River. Merchants (50/55 Men’s 50AAA: Roadhouse Blues: Gene Philip A. Bolen Memo- Silver), Omega Belanger, Mark Iorio, Rich Kaminski, Clair rial Park and Potomack IT Services (55 Kibler, Jeff Rowe; Central Penn Cave- Lakes Sportsplex Platinum), Spring man Softball: Bryan Kratzer, Scott Linn, Luke Melhorn; Team 757: Maurice Dawson, played host to the ACC. Ford (60 Silver), JG Adrian Dixon, Barry Gray, George Shelby There were a Drywall (60 Major), Men’s 50/55 Silver: Jackson Mer- number of teams from High Street Bucs chants: Jerry Cox, Robert Johnson, Chris outside the Atlantic (65 Platinum), Ath- Rankin, Doug Reska, Jeff Toburen region, with states such letic Outlet/Travato (65AAA), Bostonian Men’s 55 Platinum: Florida Automated as Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, 70’s (70AAA), Pittsburgh Gold (75 Gold). Shade 55: Jeff Farney, Kurt Musial, Jimmy Ohio and Florida being well represented For complete division wrap-ups, Nelson. Joe Varacchi Jr.; Scrap Iron Rocky along with the usual suspects from Virginia, please CLICK HERE. Mountain Thunder: Jack Donnelly, Chris Maryland and the Northeast. McTigue, Michael Mouton Twelve TOC Bids were earned at the Men’s 60 Major: JG Drywall: Ricky Catalogna, James Daley, Jim Jones, John Moore, Mike Wingard; Promotion Softball: Reno All Tourney Players Continued Bill Linnehan, Mike Menzer, Dave Szwec Continued from Page 25 Men’s 80 Major: Fairway Ford: John Men’s 60 Silver: Spring Ford: Bob Chacon, Frank Perdue, Ed Rahn, Jack Scott, DiCarlo, Benn Miller, Tom Schwalm, Joe Joe Trevino; Sacramento Buds: Pat Mor- Sacramento Gold Roger Williams; : Ray Syracuse Cyclones rison, Frank Newcross, Bob Nishimoto, Tosh Everingham, Dave Fairchild, Ray Newman Sharp, Bob Woody; : Ohara Men’s 80AAA: Redwood City Cheifs: John Dziura, Gary Lasko, Jim Ranucci Men’s 70 Major-Plus: Scrap Iron 70 Darrow Baker, Dennis Craig, Ron Lapham, Men’s 65 Platinum: High Street Bucs: Legacy: Rick Buckland, Don Carpenter, Bob Vern Schlotthauer, Mike Solis Jesse Bare, Larry Householder, Bill Macuch, Huff, Bob Ross, Stan Suichta; W.E. Ruth Re- Women’s 40 Major: Kiss Our Stix: Patti Bill Redman, Frank Scotto; HermTech: alty: Ralph Knudsen, Lee Trope, Fred White Affriseo, Cynthia Dominguez, Aretha Tilley, Men’s 70AAA: Silver Sox: Jon Arem, Cory Twigg; Dave Hawkins, Jeff Hitt, Frank O’Neill, Tom Dave Meyers, Larry Wagenbach Women’s 40AAA: Smack That: Monica Tashea; Hamel Builders/Superior Senior Men’s 70AA: Solano Senior Enforcers: Barajas, Andrea Ennis, Janelle Ito-Orille, Softball: Danny Ballard, Phil Biedronski, Richard Bourcier, Wille Elder, Hershell Ham- Trina Valencia, Shira Warren; TABU: Leah John Davide ilton, Ron Harris, Ed Palacio; Magic Stuff: Bartell, Carina Hernandez, Kelly Valentin Men’s 65AAA: Syracuse Cyclones: Bob Scott Cragun, Phil Feiock, Doyle Neuenswan- Women’s 50: Arizona Dream Team: Di- der xie Dalton, Kim Moore, Teresa Provost, Chris Darnell, Paul Ibert, Steve Johnson Men’s 75 Major-Plus: San Francisco Shelly, Linda Witt; Spokane SPARX: Laurie Men’s 70AAA: Bostonian 70’s: Ed Seals: Lynn Anglin, Herb Epple, LeRoy Gal- Lund, Pam McLeod, Renate Schumaker Finnegan, Dave Joseph, Ray LePage, Tom lardo, Argie Haddock, Mike Leither; PDR Women’s 60: California Spirit 60: Cathy Nicholson, Mike Russillo, Ted Wess; Ed Fastsigns: John Fournier, Tom Imming, Marv Chavez, Darlene Harrity, Linda Mohrfield, Hamels: Herb Ballard, Lou Lussi, Gary Rueck, Jan Wolcott Cathy Moon, Nancy Ruiz; Castawaz: Rose Men’s 75 Major: State Roofing Systems: Boll, Betsy Borda, Donna Williams Krause, Geno Pinkney John Dyer, Bob Eddy, Rey Garcia, Gil Jess, Women’s 65/70: Ye Olde Bats: Dottie Men’s 75 Gold: Pittsburgh Gold: Ray Dennie Logie Johnson, Lani Neer, Joyce Patterson, Sharon Grove, Walter Hunter, Jack Leone, Ed Mor- Men’s 75AAA: Lincoln Hills Coyotes: Rich, Barb Ruzic; Saints Express: Sue Cary, rison, Ray Worrell; Bailey Talent Cavaliers: George Bungarz, Virgil Dahl, Bob Hunter, Patti McCoy, Patty Settie, Cheryl Shepard; Joe Johnson, John Medford, Bruce Remick Larry Manley, Jim Mikaelsen; Slammers: Las Vegas Neons 65: Jeanne Dieteren, Sha- Kent Draayer, Larry King, Bill Weaver ron Hessler, Margaret Sievers