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$5
Winter 2014
Cat Osterman
Andrea Duran
Diamond Sports NPF Pitcher of the Year
NPF Cowles Cup MVP
Natasha Watley
All-NPF Outfielder
Madison Shipman
Miken Sports Rookie of the Year
Mizuno Sports Player of the Year
USSSA Pride
Sweeps the
National Pro Fastpitch
2014
Ringor Cup
Regular Season
and Cowles Cup
Champions
Breja’e Washington
Ringor Sports Diamond Spikes Award
Caitlin Lowe
All-NPF Outfielder
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(817) 944-7484 • stafford.connor@usssa.com
Chairman of the Board
and CEO of USSSA
CONTENTS
Year Yet
8 Best
for USSSA Pride
NPF Awards
12 2014
Banquet Honors
All American
40USSSA
Games 2014
Don DeDonatis
Publisher, USSSA Today
Stafford Connor
Inducts Ten
48USSSA
New Members into its
Hall of Fame
Season Performances
Managing Editor, USSSA Today
Greg Huchingson
Communications Director, USSSA
Tom O’Hara
16
Design / Printing
REEDESIGN
Lebco Graphics
Contributing Writers
Jacki Algire
Ian Auzenne
Mike Cornell
Jeff Foss
Van Galeon
Brett Helmer
Jami Lobpries
Maggie MacDonald
Dave Norton
Tom O’Hara
Craig Scriven
Kaylen Shimoda
Matt Trebuchon
Dennis Turner
Chelsea Wilson
Building a History of
Champions On and
Off the Field
to Make Six
20Pride
Stops on Fall Tour
58Slow-Pitch
Opportunities Expand
With USSSA /Global
Sports League
Partnership
to
62 Congratulations
the USSSA Basketball
National Points Race
Champions
22 USA Elite Select
26
USSSA.com – Ever
Evolving by USSSA
National HQ
30MLB Digital Academy
Equipment Logistics
Whole Enchilada
68The
Softball Invitational,
Pride of Southern New
Mexico
in Lee’s
77 Oktoberfest
Summit, MO. Attracts
62 Soccer Teams
throughout the
Midwest
Roy “Heavy Peanut” Dean
Photographers
Bill Diehm
Scott Duffy
Dina T. Kwit
Dave Norton
Pete Spatula
Julie Walton
USSSA Today is published quarterly. Publishing offices are
located at 6028 Rayburn Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133. One
year subscription is $25; two year is $40. Reproduction or
use of the contents in whole or in part without prior written
permission of the publisher is prohibited. USSSA Today
welcomes unsolicited articles or photographs, but must be
accompanied with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for
return of unsolicited material.
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Slugger
32 Louisville
Major Baseball
Championship 2014
DeMarini Elite
34 Wilson
World Series 2014
makes it two80Flynn
in-a-row; wins Junior
Mike’
Baker
82 Wegman,
Recognized for
National Youth
36 USSSA
Championships 2014
Outstanding Seasons
USSSA TODAY
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Best Year Yet
for USSSA Pride
By Jami Lobpries, Ph.D.
USSSA Marketing Consultant/University of Tampa Sport Management Professor
Photos for cover and following Pride articles by Bill Diehm, Dina T. Kwit, and Julie Walton
The 2014 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) season might be the
best year yet for the USSSA Florida Pride organization as
the team claimed their second consecutive Cowles Cup NPF
Championship as well as their third NPF regular season championship. The Pride became the first team since the Chicago
Bandits 2008 team to win both the regular season championship and NPF championship. This marks the Pride’s third Cowles
Cup Championship in their six year existence as well as their
third regular season championship.
After finishing the regular season with a record of 33-15, which
was two games ahead of the second-place Chicago Bandits, the
Pride swept through the NPF Championship series winning two
games against the fourth-seeded Pennsylvania Rebellion and
then two games against the Akron Racers in the Championship
final. It took extra innings in game one of the final for Cat
Osterman and the Pride to beat the Racers 1-0. Then, with a
seven-run sixth inning in game two, Danielle Lawrie and the
Pride beat the Racers 8-3 to claim the Cowles Cup. Osterman
was named the 2014 NPF Championship MVP for the second
consecutive year and third time in her career after going 2-0
and recording 20 strikeouts in 13 innings. Lawrie pitched the
final game victory after throwing six innings in relief in what
will be her final NPF game as she plans to retire after this
season. Veteran Kelly Kretschman led the way offensively in
the NPF Championship hitting .545 in four games with 4 RBIs.
Throughout the 2014 NPF season, Pride players were at their
best. Four players were awarded with the league’s top honors
including Player, Pitcher, and Rookie of the Year. Additionally,
the Pride placed four members on the All NPF Team. Olympians
Andrea Duran and Cat Osterman had arguably their best
seasons ever and were rewarded for their efforts with NPF
Player of the Year and NPF Pitcher of the Year respectively. Two
newcomers had standout rookie seasons as former University
of Tennessee standout Madison Shipman was the 2014 NPF
Rookie of the Year and former University of Texas standout
Breja’e Washington was awarded the Diamond Spikes Award
as the league’s top base stealer. Veterans Caitlin Lowe and
Natasha Watley were named to the All NPF Team as outfielders
joining teammates Duran (third base), Osterman (pitcher), and
Shipman (at-large).
Duran had a solid season both offensively and defensively.
Throughout the year, Duran’s batting average hovered around
.400 while her 27 walks and .478 on-base percentage were
tops in the NPF. Duran ranked in the top seven in seven offensive categories. The Olympian and former UCLA Bruin played
a solid third base for the Pride defense as she committed only
7 errors in 123 chances. Duran joins teammate Caitlin Lowe as
8 USSSA TODAY
Cat Osterman- 2014 Cowles Cup NPF Championship MVP
the only other Pride player to win Player of the Year honors.
“In a league like the NPF with so many great players it’s hard
to expect to win an award like Player of the Year, so I was very
shocked when my name was called. There were so many players
worthy of the award this year, including several of my teammates. I am very grateful for the award but now it’s time to
focus on the championship. That’s the prize I want,” said Duran
on winning Player of the Year.
During the 2014 regular season, Cat Osterman had arguably the
most dominant pitching performance in NPF history. The twotime Olympian was 16-0 on the season and led the NPF in wins
(16), ERA (0.56), and strikeouts (160). She only allowed eight
earned runs in the 100 innings she threw this season. This is
Osterman’s second consecutive Pitcher of the Year award and
third award overall, she shared the 2011 award with Monica
Abbott.
“I’m honored and thrilled to have had the season I had. I’d never
dreamt of throwing as well as I have this year. On top of that I
have some of the best defensive players behind me, especially
Madison and Dre [Duran]. Dre had an incredible year on both
sides. It’s fun to watch and be a part of,” said Osterman.
Caitlin Lowe all NPF OF.
Rookie Madison Shipman was named the 2014 Rookie of the
Year after a stellar first season with the Pride. Shipman added
to her storybook 2014 which includes being named the SEC
Player of the Year, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award Winner,
and the Honda Sports Award winner for softball. Shipman led
all rookies in RBIs, doubles, and on-base percentage. She also
ranked second amongst rookies in batting average, runs, stolen
bases, walks, and slugging percentage. Shipman joins teammate
Kristyn Sandberg as a previous Rookie of the Year award winner.
“I’m honored to win Rookie of the Year especially since there
were so many great rookies in the league this year. I’m looking
forward to the games this week and my future playing in the
NPF,” said Shipman after winning her award Tuesday night.
Breja’e Washington was named the Diamond Spikes Award
Winner, presented by Ringor, after leading the league with 17
stolen bases. The all-time stolen base leader at the University
of Texas swiped four more bases than the next highest player.
Washington joins teammates Caitlin Lowe (2013), Sharonda
McDonald (2012), and Natasha Watley (2011) as previous
winners.
Veteran Kelly Kretschman led the way offensively in the NPF Championship
hitting .545 with 4 RBIs.
Natasha Watley finished 2014 as the NPF batting average champion with her .403 average. After being named to the All NPF
Team as a shortstop the past three seasons, Watley’s shift to
the outfield this year definitely didn’t slow her down. Fellow
outfielder Caitlin Lowe was named to her third All NPF Team
after posting the fifth highest batting average in the NPF. The
steady center fielder did not commit an error in 2014.
Heading into the off-season, the Pride will return to action on a
Fall Tour throughout the month of November and then look to
defend their NPF Championship beginning May, 2015.
Additional notes include:
nTwo players have officially announced their retirement following the 2014 NPF season - Danielle Lawrie and Sharonda
McDonald.
n The Pride hold the first overall pick in the 2015 NPF draft.
10 USSSA TODAY
Danielle Lawrie ends her softball career on a high note by being the winning
pitcher in the championship game.
2014 NPF Awards Banquet
Honors Season Performances
National Pro Fastpitch kicked off the
2014 Championship Series week Tuesday
night to a sold out crowd for the annual
league Awards Banquet. The event is
designed to celebrate individual player
and team accomplishments of regular
season competition.
Following dinner along with comments
by Director of Operations of the City of
Hoover Alan Pate and NPF Commissioner,
Cheri Kempf, the awards kicked off with
the announcement of the 18-member
All-NPF Team, presented by Combat
Sports.
Due to a tie at the position of outfield
between Chicago’s Megan Wiggins
and rookie Emily Allard, the 2014 All
NPF squad expanded to 19. A group
12 USSSA TODAY
of veterans along with four rookies
peppered this year’s All NPF winners.
Rookies Emily Allard of the Chicago
Bandits won in the category of outfield,
while Akron’s Jill Barrett and Ashley
Thomas reeled in an At-Large award for
Utility and 2nd Base respectively. The
fourth rookie on the All NPF squad was
USSSA shortstop, Madison Shipman who
continued to impress the softball world
with her continued success at the next
level.
The 2014 Awards Banquet was highlighted by the coveted Player of the
Year Award presented by Mizuno,
which went to Andrea Duran of the
USSSA Pride. Duran, who played in every
game this season (48) finished with a
.362 batting average, collected 47 hits,
26 RBI’s, 7 doubles, one triple and two
homeruns. Along with that, Duran led
the league in OBP (.478) and walks (27)
and was 2nd in the league with 2out
RBI (18). She was top 10 on offense all
season long.
Cat Osterman garnered the Diamond
Sports Pitcher of the Year honors as she
led the league with 160 Ks over a league
leading .560 ERA. Osterman finished the
regular season undefeated at 16 – 0 and
threw a no-hitter on July 5, 2014.
The Rookie of the Year award,
presented by Miken, returned to USSSA
after a year hiatus as shortstop Madison
Shipman was named most outstanding
of all newcomers. Shipman played in 44
of 48 games this season hit .344 with
28 RBI’s and 5 homeruns. Shipman led the
league in doubles and anchored the USSSA
Pride middle infield with a .931 FDPT.
The Defensive Player of the Year, presented
by Wilson, went to Chicago’s shortstop,
Tammy Williams who was a human highlight real this season on defense. Diving
catches, double plays and a triple play on
August 13, 2014 were some of the most
outstanding defensive plays of the season
from the veteran out of the University of
Northwestern.
USSSA INSURANCE:
Offensive Player of the Year was presented
by Louisville Slugger and went to Nerissa
Myers of the Akron Racers. Myers who
lead the league in the production categories of RBI’s (43), 2 out RBI’s (19), and slugging % (.599), also landed in the top 4 in
the league in batting average (.365). Myers
collected 50 hits, 5 doubles, 9 homeruns, 6
stolen bases, and was on base all most half
of the time (.474).
The objective categories were presented
for most home runs and most stolen bases.
The Home Run Award Presented by Worth
went to the Chicago Bandit’s Brittany
Cervantes, who had 12 total round-trippers on the season. The Diamond Spike
Award presented by Ringor went to rookie,
Breja’e Washington of the USSSA Pride,
who nabbed 17 successful stolen bases on
21 attempts.
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LAWSUITS AGAINST PLAYERS, COACHES,
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Andrea Duran receives the coveted Player of the Year presented by Mizuno from Mizuno’s Larry Brushett.
Coaching Staff of the Year presented by
Schutt went to the staff of the Akron
Racers. The Racers coaching staff were a
unanimous selection and finished with
a regular season record of 24-24, which
were the most wins since 2010 when they
equaled that total.
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The fourth annual Jennie Finch Award went
to Akron’s Kelley Montalvo. The Jennie
Finch award is given to the player who best
exemplifies the character and qualities of
its famous namesake, and who is considered to positively impact the game both on
and off the field. Montalvo, a fan favorite,
was 3rd in the league in 2 out RBI’s (14),
had 53 putouts at 3B and was 2nd in the
league in assists (98).
The NPF Awards contenders are initially
nominated by the four affiliate teams.
Once nominations are compiled, a ballot is
formed and voted on by an owner representative from each team. Final voting for
the awards happens at the conclusion of
the regular season.
14 USSSA TODAY
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Rookie SS Madison Shipman continues to impress the softball world with her continued success on the
professional level.
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2014 All NPF Team
C
Kristen Butler
(CH)
1B
Brittany Cervantes
(CH)
2B
Lauren Lappin
(PA)
3B
Andrea Duran
(US)
SS
Tammy Williams
(CH)
OF
Caitlin Lowe
(US)
OF
Natasha Watley
(US)
OF
(Tie) Megan Wiggins (CB)
OF
(Tie) Emily Allard
(CB)
P
Cat Osterman
(US)
P
Monica Abbott
(CH)
P
Rachele Fico
(AK)
P
Michelle Gascoigne
(CH)
At Large Nerissa Myers
(AK)
At Large Madison Shipman
(US)
At Large Sara Pauly
(PA)
At Large Kelley Montalvo
(AK)
At Large Ashley Thomas
(AK)
At Large Jill Barrett
(AK)
Jennie Finch Award
Kelley Montalvo
(AK)
Sponsored by NPF and
presented by Crown Boulder
Diamond Spike
Award
(Most Stolen Bases)
Breja’e
Washington
(US)
Presented by Ringor
Madison
Shipman
(US)
Presented by Miken
Offensive Player of
the Year
Nerissa Myers
(AK)
Presented by Louisville
Slugger
Defensive Player of
the Year
Tammy Williams
(CH)
Presented by Wilson
Pitcher of the Year
Cat Osterman
(US)
Presented by Diamond
Player of the Year
Andrea Duran
(US)
Presented by Mizuno
Coaching Staff of
the Year
Akron Racers
Presented by Schutt
Regular Season
Champions
USSSA Pride
Ringor Cup presented by
NPF
Rookie of the
Year
Building a History of
Champions On and Off the Field
By Jami Lobpries
When USSSA CEO and Chairman of
the Board Don DeDonatis approached
the USSSA board about purchasing a
women’s professional softball team in
the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), he had
a vision that this team could be something special for both USSSA and the
fastpitch community. The board had the
same vision as they voted unanimously
to invest in a NPF team and the future
of USSSA fastpitch. Six years later the
USSSA Pride have won three regular
season championships, three Cowles Cup
Championships, and most importantly,
have inspired thousands of young girls
along the way. Six years later DeDonatis
is seeing this vision come to fruition.
“With softball being taken out of the
16 USSSA TODAY
Olympics, I saw there was an opportunity at the professional level to show
young fastpitch players that they still
had a place to play at the highest level.
We have been able to put some of
the game’s greatest players in front of
hundreds of USSSA fastpitch teams. As
an organization, the Pride has changed
the entire image of USSSA fastpitch and
we continue to grow and add teams
every year. The Pride players are not
only great players, they’re also incredible role models and a great representations of USSSA.”
NPF players have had the same vision
striving towards a stable professional
league where young girls can aspire
to play. In 2011, eight USA Olympians
12BFP CLASSIC
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Slow Pitch
made an impactful move for the sport
of softball when they decided to step
down from Team USA and focus their
efforts 100% on the NPF and the future
of professional softball. Six of those
players were members of the Pride
including Andrea Duran, Lauren Lappin,
Caitlin Lowe, Jessica Mendoza, Cat
Osterman, and Natasha Watley.
“Playing in the NPF is a different opportunity and a chance for us to try to make
something that can be a great product
and we are helping pave the way to
grow that,” said Osterman, a two-time
Olympic medalist. These players shared
the vision of DeDonatis and the USSSA
board in that the future of fastpitch
needed a professional league for young
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Champions on the Field
The Pride have a history of international and national success
amongst their accomplished list of players. Pride players have
won four Olympic gold medals and eight Olympic silver medals.
Current and former Pride Olympians include Monica Abbott,
Andrea Duran, Kelly Kretschman, Lauren Lappin, Caitlin Lowe,
Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley from
Team USA. Additionally, Danielle Lawrie and Jenn Salling
finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics for Team Canada. In 2013,
Japanese professional player Haruno Sakamoto helped the
Pride win the 2013 Cowles Cup Championship. Sakamoto is a
Japan Softball League teammate of Watley’s on Team Toyota
and has been a part of Team Japan since 2008.
In college, Pride players won a total of 15 NCAA National
Championships—Andrea Duran and Caitlin Lowe each won
two-which includes players from Arizona State University,
University of Arizona, University of Michigan, University
of Oklahoma, University of Washington, and UCLA, Of the
58 USSSA Pride players of all time, five were named NCAA
Player of the Year and 41 were named NCAA All Americans
at some point in their college career, many receiving multiple
All American awards. 2014 NPF Rookie of the Year Madison
Shipman joined Pride teammates Danielle Lawrie, Cat
Osterman, Keilani Ricketts and Natasha Watley and Pride alum
Kelsey Bruder as Honda Sports Award winners. Ricketts and
Watley were also named Honda Cup Award winners recognizing them as the top college female athlete in 2013 and 2003
respectively.
Breakdown of awards for USSSA Pride players
All Time USSSA Pride Players
58
Olympians
10
NCAA Champions
13
NCAA Player of the Year
5
NCAA All Americans
41
Honda Sports Award
6
Honda Cup Winner
2
Beyond the list of accomplished players, the Pride have
featured some of the top coaches in the game. In the 2010 and
2011 NPF seasons, the University of Florida’s Tim Walton led
the Pride to a NPF Cowles Cup Championship in 2010 and NPF
regular season championship in 2011. Walton, who won the
2014 NCAA National Championship with Florida, is one of the
winningest college coaches in the country.
Current LSU head coach Beth Torina was an assistant coach
with the Pride during 2010 and 2011 and took over as head
coach in 2012 where she led the Pride to their second NPF
regular season championship. The University of Washington’s
assistant coach JT D’Amico was the head coach during the
18 USSSA TODAY
2013 NPF season. In his only season, D’Amico led the Pride to
their second NPF Cowles Cup Championship. D’Amico was part
of the Washington staff that won the 2009 NCAA National
Championship with Pride players Lawrie, Salling, Ashley
Charters, and Nikia Williams.
This past season, former University of Georgia Associate Head
coach and current Texas A&M University Associate Head Coach
Gerry Glasco, led the Pride to their third NPF regular season
championship and third NPF Cowles Cup Championship.
Assistant coach Jenny Gladding has been on the Pride staff
since 2013. Gladding, a former University of Florida standout
pitcher and Hall of Famer, served as an assistant coach under
Walton at Florida from 2007-2012. Gladding serves as the head
coach during the Pride’s Fall Tour. Mike Davenport, the head
coach at North Georgia, was an assistant in 2014 and Jake
Schumann, an associate head coach at Ole Miss, was an assistant in 2013.
Champions off the Field
Beyond their on-field success, the Pride have continued to
inspire and educate the youth off the field. Several Pride
players double as NCAA head and assistant coaches in the
off-season. Currently, Lowe was named an assistant coach at
her alma mater Arizona, Osterman and Kretschman are both
assistants at Texas State, Sharonda McDonald is an associate at
Texas Tech, Amanda Kamekona is the head coach at Brevard
College, Chelsea Thomas an assistant at St. Louis University,
and Alexa Peterson is an assistant at Montevallo. There are
also several players who are volunteer and student-assistant
coaches at universities—Courtney Ceo and Kristyn Sandberg
at LSU, Madison Shipman at Tennessee, Jessica Shults at
Oklahoma, Cassie Tysarczyk at Texas A&M, and Jordan Taylor
at Boston University.
Several Pride players have started their own charities and
foundations further illustrating their positive involvement in
the community. Natasha Watley started the Natasha Watley
Foundation geared towards creating opportunities for inner
city softball players, Jordan Taylor started FIGHT which raises
money towards pediatric cancer patients at CS Mott Hospital,
and Cat Osterman has taken a leadership role with RBI Austin
which provides softball opportunities for inner city youth.
Former Pride outfielder Jessica Mendoza is currently an analyst
on ESPN and previously served as the President of the Women’s
Sport Foundation. Former NPF Defensive Player of the Year
Ashley Charters took an entrepreneurial route off the field
as she started her own accessory business—GlitterBandz. And
former outfielder and Florida legend Francesca Enea remains
active in the youth fastpitch community working with USSSA
Pride sponsor Easton.
In just six years, the USSSA Pride are living out the vision of
DeDonatis, USSSA board, and NPF players. With a star-studded
cast of players and coaches, the Pride continue to be a strong
representation of the USSSA organization both on and off the
field. For USSSA, building a history of champions on and off
the field means providing young girls strong, confident, and
inspiring role models and a professional stage where all USSSA
fastpitch players can dream of playing.
Pride to Make Six Stops on Fall Tour
By Jami Lobpries
Coming off their third National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) championship, the USSSA Florida Pride are headed back to diamond this
fall. For the second consecutive year, the Pride are traveling
to college campuses to take on some of the top college softball programs in the country as part of their 2014 Fall Tour.
Throughout November, the Pride will make six stops at southeast universities including the University of Georgia, Georgia
Tech, Wallace State Community College, Mercer University,
and Florida State University. During the tour, the Pride will
work with USA Elite Select, USSSA’s youth fastpitch division, to
conduct youth clinics, community outreach appearances, and
showcase tournaments.
The Fall Tour offers the USSSA Pride and the NPF a chance to
play in front of crowds who may not have been previously
exposed to professional softball. It also offers future and
current stars of the game to come together in dynamic college
atmospheres as well as the local communities.
Veteran catcher Megan Willis offers her perspective on the
opportunities the Fall Tour creates. “The Fall Tour is such a
unique experience for everyone involved. It’s a great way to
get the softball community out in the fall, and hopefully bring
new fans to the college team as well as bring awareness of the
NPF to the loyal college softball fan.”
The tour kicks off on November 6th in Athens, Georgia, home
of perennial top 25 program Georgia. Pride catcher Kristyn
Sandberg, the 2012 NPF Rookie of the Year, returns to Athens
for the first time since the former Georgia All-American
helped lead the Bulldogs to two Women’s College World Series
(WCWS) appearances.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to return home
and play in front of some of the greatest fans in all of college
softball. It will be my first time back as a player so it’s going
to be a little strange being announced as a member of the
visiting team and competing against some of the girls I played
with at UGA. But I’m definitely going to soak in the moments
and enjoy the night,” said Sandberg.
Following their game against the Bulldogs, the Pride will host a
youth clinic in Powder Springs with USA Select and Champions
Fastpitch Academy, an academy geared towards developing
the complete youth softball player on and off the field. Next,
the Pride will travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech and
former Pride infielder Charlotte Morgan, who is now an assistant coach at Georgia Tech.
The Pride then head to Alabama to take on Wallace State
Community College on November 11th and UAB on November
12th. Wallace State is one of the premiere junior college
programs in the country having won two of the last four NJCAA
National Championships. This marks the first time for a junior
college to host any NPF team. UAB is coming off their fifth
consecutive NCAA post season appearance. In addition to two
games in Alabama, the Pride will host a clinic on November
11th with Wallace State in Cullman, AL.
Following their stint in Alabama, Pride players travel back
to Georgia to take on Mercer University on November 13th.
Mercer is coming off their best season in program history
under co-head coaches James and Stephanie DeFeo.
The final stop of the tour provides arguably the most intriguing
match-up. On November 15th, the Pride battle Florida State
who finished 2014 as one of the top 8 teams in the country. The
Seminoles will most likely throw the reigning National Player
of the Year Lacey Waldrop against the Pride. The Seminoles
also feature one of the top shortstops in the country, senior
All-American and 2014 ACC Player of the Year Maddie O’Brien.
Waldrop and O’Brien, who figure to be top picks in the 2015
NPF Draft, led the Seminoles back to the WCWS for the first
time in the last 10 years. Joining the Pride during the FSU game
will be FSU alum and current Pennsylvania Rebellion infielder
Brianna Hamilton.
FSU head coach Lonni Alameda is excited for the opportunity
to play the Pride. “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to compete against the USSSA Pride. The ability to show-
2012 NPF Rookie of the year, Kristyn Sandberg, always enjoys interacting with her
young fans and is especially looking forward to her first visit back to her alma mater,
Georgia.
USSSA PRIDE
VS
MERCER
macon, ga
thur. NOVEMBER 13TH, 2014
7:00 PM
#PRIDEFALLTOUR
20 USSSA TODAY
USSSA TODAY 21
case our professional players to the Seminole community is
an honor. Our program will only get better as we compete
against elite level players.”
The Fall Tour offers fans exposure to some of the game’s
greatest players. Due to college coaching obligations and
playing overseas, not all Pride players will take the field during
the 2014 Fall Tour. Players participating in the Fall Tour include
2014 NPF Player of the Year Andrea Duran, 2014 NPF Golden
Spikes Award winner Breja’e Washington, Olympians Danielle
Lawrie and Kelly Kretschman, 2013 NPF Offensive Player of the
Year GiOnna DiSalvatore, and 2014 NCAA batting champion
Courtney Ceo. Additionally, pitchers Chelsea Thomas (Missouri)
and Jordan Taylor (Michigan), catchers Megan Willis (Texas)
and Kristyn Sandberg (Georgia), infielders Amanda Kamekona
(UCLA) and Brigette Del Ponte (Arizona), and outfielders
Cassie Tysarczyk (Texas A&M) and Alexa Peterson (Oregon) will
take the field during the tour.
The Pride finished the 2014 NPF season as regular season and
post season champions. Several Pride players enjoyed their
best individual seasons including third baseman Andrea Duran
who was named the 2014 NPF Player of the Year. Veteran
pitcher Cat Osterman was named the 2014 NPF Pitcher of the
Year after going a perfect 16-0 in the regular season and 2-0
in post season. Rookie shortstop Madison Shipman was named
the 2014 NPF Rookie of the Year and rookie outfielder Breja’e
Washington was named the 2014 NPF Golden Spikes Award
winner as the league’s top base stealer. Additionally, veterans
Caitlin Lowe and Natasha Watley joined Duran, Osterman, and
Shipman on the 2014 All NPF team.
To follow the USSSA Pride during their Fall Tour make sure to visit
our website www.usssapride.com and follow us on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter with the hashtag #PrideFallTour. Tickets
will be available at the gates for each game.
Veteran catcher, Megan Willis, views the Fall Tour as an opportunity to bring
awareness to the NPF in the college communities.
USA Elite Select
by Jami Lobpries
Youth sports should be about empowering and equipping
our youth for success on and off the field. Under this belief,
USSSA has launched USA Elite Select under its USSSA Fastpitch
division. It is the mission of USA Elite Select to create an environment for youth fastpitch players to showcase their skills in
a competitive setting while equipping all involved for longterm success that transcends the diamond. USA Elite Select is
designed to enhance three important aspects of youth fastpitch—competition, education, and community.
As part of the competition aspect, USA Elite Select will offer
teams from 10U to 18U opportunities to compete at the
highest level. In order to compete in elite events, teams will be
invited based on performance at other national and regional
events. We are developing a ranking system to evaluate team
performance across all travel ball associations—USSSA, ASA,
PGF, etc.
One of USA Elite Select’s main goals is to provide college
coaches with an environment to observe and meet tomorrow’s
22 USSSA TODAY
top recruits. This will be achieved by
limiting our USA Elite Select showcase
events to only elite-qualified teams.
In addition to competitive tournaments,
USA Elite Select will offer players a chance
to showcase their individual talents and
represent their respective geographical
regions at our All American Tryouts. For
the first time in youth softball, USA Elite
Select All American tryouts will be held
in 22 different cities across the country. A
uniform, professional evaluation system
will assess individual players in each age
group from 9U to 14U, and select the
top 15 players from each region. These
players will then be announced via an
online, live selection show to represent
one of eight regions at the All American
Games hosted in Orlando, FL from July
13-16.
Beyond competition, USA Elite Select
strives to educate players, parents, and
coaches on the college recruiting process
as well as the development of players.
In the fast-paced world of college
recruiting, we recognize the importance
of knowledge and understanding of the
recruiting process. USA Elite Select will
offer educational resources via online
tools, personal speaking engagements
by professional softball players on the
USSSA Pride, personal speaking engagements by former college players and
coaches, and informational newsletters
on appropriate steps to take along the
journey.
A unique aspect of USA Elite Select is
the close relationship we have with the
USSSA Pride, the 3-time National Pro
Fastpitch (NPF) champions. The USSSA
Pride roster is full of Olympians, NCAA
Champions, and All-Americans who
double as positive role models. Members
of the Pride team will be involved with
USA Elite Select through clinics, evaluations at All American Tryouts, educational resources at various USA Elite
Select events, and perhaps most importantly, Pride players will walk alongside the next generation of college and
professional softball players through
various community events.
Community is an essential piece of USA
Elite Select as we believe it is important
for athletes to recognize the platform
they have and the positive impact they
can create in their communities. USA
Elite Select will continue to provide
opportunities for youth fastpitch players
off the field through scholarship opportunities, partnerships with community
outreach programs, and other initiatives aimed towards encouraging young
players to become great people off the
field.
It is our passion at USA Elite Select to
provide youth fastpitch with an environment that fosters competition while
educating those involved about the
platform youth sports offers individuals
in life. By collaborating with USSSA, the
USSSA Pride, the NPF and communitybased organizations, we believe we
have the right people to take youth
fastpitch in the direction it deserves.
For more information on USA Elite
Select events, please visit our website at
www.usaeliteselect.com.
Chelsea Wilson, Brand Marketing Manager Worth Sports
Keilani Signature Series
Available Now leading
into Holiday Season
By Chelsea Wilson
Just in time for Christmas, I’m going to walk you through the features of the ²Legit™ as well as our new
Keilani Signature Series so you’ll be able to squeeze it on your list to Santa. With Worth’s attention to
detail and commitment to making products specifically for the female athlete, there’s definitely something on this list for you:
²Legit™- The game’s first four-piece
bat, this beauty is a ground-breaking
technology that maximizes performance
for every any swing speed. The average
hitter between the ages of 10 and 17
has a swing speed of 46.5 miles per hour,
and the ²Legit’s outer barrel has insane
flex which launches the ball like never
before. The double-barrel construction
allows for the crazy amount of flex while
keeping the batted ball speed within
the legal limits. Then the remaining two
pieces are a handle and hinge combination which reduces painful stinging
vibrations.
Our Advisory School teams have been
RAVING about this bat, and their
numbers prove it. I’m sure if you tuned
into an Oklahoma, Tennessee or Notre
Dame game this season you saw all
orange everything. It’s your turn!
Remember, it has a 30-day money back
guarantee if you try it and think you
don’t like it… you will, I promise.
Now, you know her as a 2-Time National
Pro Fastpitch Champion with the USSSA
Pride, Women’s College World Series
Champion, MVP, Honda Award Winner,
4-Time All-American and so many more
accolades, and now you have the chance
to use her equipment! The Keilani
24 USSSA TODAY
Signature Series is packed with power
and performance, and carries the same
Polynesian flare that our girl Keilani has
in her game.
Legit™ - This two-piece, 100%
composite monster is perfect for you
budding powerhouses! The perfect
amount of flex for any player and a
-12 weight drop to help control and
mechanics. You want to hit like Keilani?
You need this bat!
Keilani Storm™ and T-ball™- No
matter the age of your slugger, Keilani
has a bat for her. Available in -12 and
-13.5 sizes all the way down to bitty
24”/12 ounce offerings, even if you’re
not the biggest slugger you’ll look just
like Keilani when you step to the plate
with these bats.
Keilani Liberty™ Advanced™ Game
Day Series- Designed by Keilani, this
is the exact glove that the hurler wears
when she’s mowing down the opposition. An all-white beauty with a hibiscus
stamp on the finger is enough to intimidate any hitter. Not to mention, it’s our
highest quality leather that breaks in
quickly and lasts forever, you’ll love this
glove.
Shutout™ and Storm™- We’re not
going to leave out the rookies! These
gloves are PERFECT for any player
looking for a great glove at a great
price. They are designed specifically
Keilani in 2014 NPF Cowles Cup Championship play.
for fastpitch with deeper pockets, and
made to fit a female athlete’s hand.
Keilani Storm™ Batting GlovesYou’re not complete without the full
package, and these batting gloves will
top it off! Well-fitting, classic look and
tacky palm promotes a strong grip on
the bat and protection from hours of
practice. You’ll love them!
Ok, you have your list together? I’m sure
there are a few things on this list that
would look mighty nice under a tree! I
wonder if the elves could get a bat into
a stocking?
If you haven’t already, make sure to
check out worthsports.com, like us on
facebook.com/worthfastpitch,
follow
us on twitter.com/worthfastpitch, and
give us a double tap at instagram.com/
worthfastpitch!
USSSA TODAY 25
USSSA.com – Ever Evolving
by USSSA National HQ
It seems that these days everyone has a smart phone with
an app or two. Can you even think of anyone today who has
not gotten something important from a website? Even my 94
year old grandmother ask us to print out recipes for her from
various websites.
Since March 1996 USSSA has had a website. Here you can see
what www.usssa.com looked like back then. Over those 18
plus years we have had over 2 billion hits and with more than
500 million hits expected
in 2015, traffic is growing
at an exponential rate.
But when you are on the
go with a smart phone
in your pocket, everyone
knows it is easier to start
up a well-designed app
then surf a site. So in June
2011 USSSA has offered its
own app which has been
downloaded more than
www.usssa.com - December 1996
56,000 times.
With all of that traffic heading our way there has got to be a
reason. That reason is simply content. USSSA.com, no matter
how you get to it has what players, coaches, and directors need
to start a team, sign up for an event, and successfully manage
that event. But as we have offered more and more online over
the years it has gotten difficult to navigate for both players,
coaches, and directors. Thus over the past year we started to
split usssa.com into two sites. The “end user” (i.e. players &
coaches) site remains www.usssa.com and the director site has
became web.usssa.com.
link back to www.usssa.com, not web.usssa.com. Also, when
you login the site display quick access links to your events that
are happening now. This will be more features that will make
it quicker and easier for you to manage your events. Finally
web.usssa.com will be kept a simple site design with a layout
keeping the familiar feel of web.usssa.com with text links and
a very low image count. This will ensure that our directors will
have access to a fast, light weight, and familiar site with very
few, if any, ads and no auto-run videos. www.usssa.com will be
revolutionary while web.usssa.com will be evolutionary.
Now we are going to further expand upon the idea of having
two different web sites by having two different apps. Yes, an
app for the “end user” and a separate app for our directors.
The new player & coach app will be launched in mid-November
2014. It will be initially available for no charge for Apple iOS
and Android devices. This app will contain participant friendly
features such as local weather and maps to their playing
fields. Then the current app will relaunch in January 2015 as
a director only app. This app will require a director level login
to do anything. It will take directors straight to their events
where they will be able to view the brackets and update scores
without having to search for their events. The goal is to make
each app faster and easier to use for the people who use them.
This has just been a small preview of all the new and exciting
things we have in store for USSSA.com. With over 100 domains,
hundreds of cameras, and plenty of remote internet access, and
not to mention broadcasts on ESPN, CBS Sports, Brighthouse
Network, Cox Network, Time Warner Cable, and much more.
USSSA.com is coming at you full swing!
Soon the new and improved www.usssa.com (the
player / coach site), will be unveiled with a graphic
centric design that will be even faster and more intuitive for the end user’s needs. Even if someone has
never come to www.usssa.com they should have no
problem navigating the site. Players will be able to
look up their team’s and their opponents stats faster
than before. There will be links to videos available
directly from their event and team pages. News will
be updated quickly from various sources across all of
USSSA. Yes, www.usssa.com is finally catching up to
the rest of the world wide web.
Once www.usssa.com is fully established and running,
web.usssa.com will become even more director
focused. It will require a director level login to do
anything. If people login with a coach or player level
account they will be redirected to www.usssa.com.
Non director level users will not be able to even look
up brackets on web.usssa.com. So, if you are a director,
make sure your emails and postings about your events refer and
26 USSSA TODAY
www.usssa.com November 2014
2015
DEMARINI LINE-UP
/ / ALL NEW
2015 CF7
For players who refuse to bow down to any limitation, the CF7 is the most powerful, lightest
swinging DeMarini bat. Features breakthrough D-Fusion Technology and all New Paradox +Plus
composite barrel for faster swing speeds and maximum pop.
/ / ALL NEW
2015 VOODOO OVERLORD FT
The Voodoo Overlord FT is the clean up hitter in the DeMarini lineup. All New X12 Alloy barrel
with slight end load for added power and maximum pop. The new D-Fusion FT handle is flame
tempered for a stiffer feel and eliminates vibration by redirecting energy back into the barrel
where it belongs.
/ / ALL NEW
2015 NVS VEXXUM
The NVS Vexxum (New Velocity System) was built for speed - making it the lightest swinging
aluminum barrel bat in our lineup. The C6 Composite Handle is specifically designed for the
construction of the NVS creating an optimal feel and light swing weight.
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SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
2014
Louisville Slugger Major Baseball
Championship 2014
By Jacki Algire
The inaugural session of the USSSA Louisville
Slugger Major Baseball Championship
commenced in Chino Hills, CA at the illustrious complex of Big League Dreams July
11-19, 2014. The complex facilities were
hospitable and charming with the replica
fields of Crosley Field, Ebbets Field, Fenway
Park, Tiger Stadium and Yankee Stadium.
Other facility amenities were two stadium
club restaurants, stadium seating, a playground, batting cages and a soccer pavilion.
The latter we utilized for our opening
ceremonies, the first of its kind, a Louisville
Slugger Wiffle Ball Tournament in which
players, coaches and parents were encouraged to participate. According to feedback
from said participants it was a huge success
and we knocked one out of the park for and
enjoyable and entertaining evening.
Although this event was hosted on the West
Coast we drew teams from the Midwest as
well as the East Coast. Perhaps one of the draws for those traveling teams was the amount of nationwide broadcast coverage
for the championship games. Apart from the pool play games
and bracket games through the semi-finals being live streamed
on usssalive.com, USSSA went BIG with their broadcast at
Big League Dreams. Altitude Sports Net, BrightHouse Sports
Network, Comcast Sports Net, Cox Sports Television, ESPN3,
and Time Warner Cable had all championship games live or on
tape delay. Many parents and coaches were excited and asking
for specifics in order to have family and friends watching across
the United States and Mexico as well.
In the 9U division, the Pico Pride of Pico Rivera, CA dominated the diamond by outscoring their opponents 41-8 in
their 5 game series and going undefeated for the tournament.
They beat out the So Cal Outlaws of Chino Hills, Ca and the
Oklahoma Black Sox of Bixby, Ok in pool play with a combined
score of 18-3. In the first round of bracket play they beat the
Chino Hills Thunder 4-2 and had a rematch with the Outlaws
advancing to the championship game with a 13-1 win. The
Pride went head to head with the So Cal Shockers of Orange
County, CA during the championship and won 6-2.
The 10U division was won by the So Cal Knights of Anaheim,
CA over the Tomateros De California of Paramount, CA. The
Tomateros went into the championship game as the number
32 USSSA TODAY
one seed with a 3-1 record out of pool play
and the Knights had a 2-2 record. Both teams
wrangled for runs throughout the competition but the Knights proved to be the boss of
the ball field winning 14-10.
The 11U division had a domineering team
as well that went 6-0 for the tournament
and outscored their opponents 37-9. The
Diamond MVP of Norwalk, CA went 3-0 in
pool play giving up just 5 runs and posting
21 runs on their side of the score board for
those
games. They played Team Mizuno of San
Dimas, CA in the best two out of three
series to advance to the championship game
against the L.A. Clash of Los Angeles, CA.
Their dominance was tested during the
championship game but they remained the
victor with a 3-2 score.
In the 13U division, the Lamorinda Spartans
of Walnut Creek, CA posted a 5-0 record to win out of a field of
6 teams. The Spartans competed against the GBG Renegades
of Placentia, CA and the Placentia Mustangs of Fullerton, CA
during pool play and had a combined score of 29-5 giving
them the number 2 seed for bracket play behind the SY Titans
of Santa Ynez, CA. The Renegades tested the Spartans abilities during their first round game of bracket play. However,
the Spartans won the hard fought battle on the ball field
6-5. The Spartans took on the Mustangs again during round
2 of bracket games and posted a 14-6 win taking them to the
championship game against Diamond MVP who had knocked
out the SY Titans. There was a buzz and frenzy about the
ball field for this clash of teams battling it out until the end.
The Spartans were ultimately triumphant over Diamond MVP
winning the arduous clash 6-5.
The 14U division turned out to be East versus West in the championship game. The MVP All America of Miami, FL grappled
with the NorCal Naturals of Fremont, CA and established that
the East was superior to the West for this event with a score of
13-3. This was no leisurely traveled route for MVP as they were
the number 3 seed going into bracket play. They defeated the
GBG Renegades of Placentia, CA 11-2 to make it to the dance
with NorCal who had defeated the Irvine Dolphins of Irvine,
CA with a score of 9-8.
2014
Wilson DeMarini Elite World Series 2014
By Jacki Algire
Two hundred and sixteen
teams requiring more than
650+ games to be played
were accommodated and
accomplished this year at
the Wilson DeMarini Elite
World Series July 26 through
August 9, 2014. We utilized
thirteen fields at the ESPN
Wide World of Sports as well as 4 fields at the Osceola County
Softball Complex to manage in consummate skill another
pinnacle event. This year, as in years past, the best amateur
baseball clubs in 9U-14U were showcased from 30 different
states. In addition to these 200 teams our first group of 8U Kid
Pitch teams traveled from as far west as California, Mexico,
Texas and throughout the Midwest to the Sunshine State to
display their developing yet accurate skills. Despite the typical
central Florida heat and humidity creating technical difficulties, games were live streamed through usssalive.com on all 17
fields allowing family and friends the convenience of watching
the games when unable to attend.
In the 8U division, Diamond MVP from Pico Rivera, CA went 6-2
for the tournament to defeat FeMeBe from Monterey, Mexico
in a shutout game 5-0. Diamond MVP went 1-1 in pool play
shutting out the OTC Bearcats of Locust Grove, GA 12-0 and
taking a hard loss to HAA MVP Elite of Pembroke Pines, FL 6-3.
MVP’s first game in bracket play was an 8-4 win over the Five
Star Tigers of Fernandina Beach, FL. Diamond MVP came back
with a vengeance against the HAA MVP Elite in game two by
leaving them scoreless 3-0. However, HAA MVP Elite fought
their way out of the losers bracket to face them again in the
quarter-final game and defeated Diamond MVP 4-2 which
required the playing of the ‘if’ game. Diamond MVP came back
for some retribution outscoring HAA MVP Elite 9-3. There was
no stopping Diamond MVP although Gameday Shockwave of
West Columbia, SC tried their best in the semi-final game but
lost by a score of 4-1.
In the 9U division, Miami Baseball of Miami, FL went undefeated for the tournament for an overall record of 8-0 beating
out another undefeated team the MLB Sandcrabs of Sinton,
TX during the championship game with a score of 6-4. Miami
Baseball beat the Bandits Elite of Bloomingdale, FL and the
MCBC Hit Dogs of Rochester Hills, MI during pool play 8-3 and
5-4, respectively. Miami Baseball was consistent with sending
teams packing as they continued to hit heavily and play tight
defense. They defeated a list of opponents that included the
Midland Blackhawks of Cincinnati, OH, Assault Orange of
Pearland, TX, Team DeMarini of Atlanta, GA, Team Xtreme
of Pace, FL and the MVP Outlaws Elite of Miami Lakes, FL by
34 USSSA TODAY
outscoring them collectively 32-11 on their road to the championship game.
In the 10U division, the Rawlings Patriots Black of Spring, TX
narrowly defeated the Central Florida Wolverines of Orlando,
FL 6-5 in the championship game. Both teams gave it their all
and left it all on the diamond in a heartrending yet exciting
game. The Patriots split their pool play games defeating the
Marucci Tigers of Baton Rouge, LA 100 and losing to the CBC Riverhawks Black of St. Johns, FL 9-8. It
was smooth sailing in the first three rounds of the bracket as
they defeated Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs of Bay City, MI 5-2, the
Orange Crush of McComb, MS 7-4, and the Delaware Vipers
of Middletown, DE 7-5. The road got rough though as the
Orange Crush fought their way out of the losers’ bracket to
face them again in the quarter final game and defeated the
Patriots 9-1. The ‘if’ game was played and it was a barn burner
to say the least with the Patriots defeating the Crush 3-2. The
Patriots quickly regained their composure both offensively and
defensively as the rolled over the Broncos Martinez of Kyle, TX
9-1 in the semi-final game.
In the 11U division, Diamond MVP ran the gauntlet undefeated with an overall record of 8-0. They rolled through pool
play over their opponents the Texas Young Gunz of Pasadena,
TX and the LV Rebels of Las Vegas, NV outscoring them 19-2.
They continued to dominate in bracket play by shutting out
their first two opponents Beaver Valley Red of Beaver Valley,
PA and the FACTR Redhawks Elite of Mt. Dora, FL by scoring 3
and 15 runs respectively. Diamond MVP’s next round opponent
was the Oklahoma Fuel of Edmond, OK and they continued to
monopolize the field of play with a score of 6-1. The Oklahoma
Fuel fought their way back out of the losers’ bracket to face
MVP for the quarter final game, but lacked the amount of
fuel needed to compete and took a loss with a score of 16-3.
Diamond MVP met the Panama Mutiny Elite of Miami Lakes, FL
in the semi-final game and commanded subservience from the
Mutiny 7-2. Diamond MVP then brought on their own radiance
2014
to Team Halo of Atlanta, GA outshining
them with a score of 10-3.
The 12U division commander Team
Panama of Miami, FL was also undefeated with an overall record of 8-0.
Team Panama reigned fierce during pool
play outscoring the EvoShield Canes of Winston-Salem, NC and
the Central Florida Wolverines of Orlando, FL 31-4. They kept
the Tampa Heat of Tampa, FL cold in the first round of bracket
play with a score of 6-0. Team Panama policed Team Rawlings
Bandits Red of Cypress, TX by defeating them 3-2 in round
two. Team Panama then gave the slip to Dodgers Baseball
of Southaven, MS 8-0 in the third round game to meet them
again in the fourth round. This time it wasn’t as easy to evade
the Dodgers but defeated them again with a score of 6-4. The
Florida Battalion of Trinity, FL gave Team Panama a run for
their money narrowly losing 8-7 in the semi-final. Team Select
of Coral Springs, FL was inferior to Team Panama’s offense and
defense during the championship game and succumbed 4-2.
In the 13U division the Weston Black Hawks of Weston,
FL overshadowed the competition in pool play outscoring
Express Baseball of Mooresville, NC and the NC Young Guns
of Ramsuer, NC collectively 20-3 and went undefeated with an
overall record of 8-0. Bracket play was not as easy because the
Black Hawks were tested by each team they met. The Orlando
Tigers Elite of Orlando, FL gave them a run for their money
in the first round 7-6. The Diamond Kutters of Northwest FL
made a run at the Hawks but failed to outscore them 6-4 in the
second round. The Orlando Tigers battled their way out of the
losers’ bracket to go head to head again but lacked endurance
and were defeated again 9-1 in the quarter final game. The S3
Hustlers of Corpus Christi,
TX took a whack at the Black Hawks but came up short losing
8-7 in the semi-final game. The EM Majors of Central, AR left
it all on the field and made a run at the Black Hawks but came
up short with a final score of 4-1 in the championship game.
In the 14U division Team Rawlings Moulton of Rockwell, TX
was the victor over the NorCal Naturals of Fremont, CA with
a score of 8-1. Team Rawlings defeated the Miami Wolfpack
of Miami, FL 8-3 and tied the Arkansas Tigers of Little Rock,
AR 4-4 during pool play. Round one of the bracket had the
Jackhammer Baseball Black matching up with Team Rawlings
but falling short 4-3. The EvoShield Canes South of Raleigh, NC
took their turn during round two but were outscored by Team
Rawlings 7-4. Jackhammer Baseball Black got a second chance
at Team Rawlings fighting their way out of the losers’ bracket
but concluded with the same result, posting another loss 4-3.
The GCBA Black Sox of Central Florida posted a good showing
but were unsuccessful in attaining the ‘W’ losing 8-7 in the
semi-final game.
USSSA National Youth Championships 2014
By Jacki Algire
The
USSSA
National
Youth
Championships were held this year
from August 14 – August 24, 2014
in the Memphis, Tennessee area
and expanded to cover 9U-14U age
divisions. Once again, Gameday
Baseball was our host site and we
expanded to Millington, TN. It is
the home of USA Stadium which
is the former Olympic training
site for the USA Baseball team from 1986-1996. It boasts that
more than 40,000 different college, high school, foreign and
Olympic players have played in Millington, TN. We entertained
39 teams from across the nation representing eleven home
states and played 110+ games on six beautiful fields maintained by the dedicated and hardworking T-10 Crew. It is not
an easy undertaking to change out a field for multiple age
groups, however, their field crew does it with ease, speed and
precision.
Along with their field maintenance duties, the T-10 crew took
on dual roles of announcing and scorekeeping at the fields.
This year we implemented new technology and kept scores
36 USSSA TODAY
and statistics in the application Game Changer at the field as
well as on the scoreboards. This program lent itself to easily
accessible data that we utilized in the selection of our individual All-Tournament Team Awards. Other technology used
was our live streaming at the fields despite the technical difficulties created by the outdoor temperatures. We were able to
live stream at usssalive.com nearly every game in its entirety.
The only day that we were not able to live stream was championship day and that undertaking was accomplished through
CBS Sports Network and a six man camera crew.
2014
In the 9U division, the MVP Outlaws
Elite of Miami, FL defeated the
Rawlings Patriots of Spring, TX in
the championship game 7-4. The
Outlaws were 2-2 after pool play
and the 4 seed going into bracket
play while the Patriots were 3-1
and the number 2 seed. Both teams
advanced out of bracket play to the
championship by winning the best
out of three game series against
their opponents. The Outlaws defeated the Yalobusha Giants
of Water Valley, MS in two games and the Patriots played all
three against the Gameday Shockwave of West Columbia, SC.
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9U – NYC MVP: Jeter Podello
All Tournament Team Members: Zane Adams, Gabriel Cairns,
Joel Enriquez, Matthew Hafner, Jackson Jenkins, Antonio
Jimenez, Josh Johnson, Jorge Machado, Jackson Proctor,
Samson Pugh, Favyan Suarez, Jackson Wilkerson, Tyrus
Williams, Scott Wyatt, Landen Yorek, and Zach Zmudzinski.
10U – NYC MVP: Gerald Jumper IV
All Tournament Team Members: Colby Allen, Justin Frias,
Samuel Grice, Luke Heyman, William Hildebrand, Gerald
Jumper IV, Samuel Ketchum, Cameron King, Kyle Larsen,
Bradke Lohry, Ryan Lowe, Mason Morris, Bradley Myers, and
Ty Rhoades.
The 11U division saw two teams from Florida that are no
strangers to each other, the Panama Mutiny Elite of Miami
Lakes and the Strike Force of Tampa. Panama Mutiny was 4-0 as
the number one seed coming out of pool play while the Strike
Force were 1-3 and the number 3 seed. Each team played the
best out of three series in bracket play to make it to the final
game. Panama had the Germantown Giants of Germantown,
TN and won in two games by scoring 2-1 and 10-9. Strike Force
had the RBI Tennessee Nationals of Knoxville, TN and also won
in two scoring 8-0 and 8-6. The Strike Force definitely handed
the Panama Mutiny a battle of a game in the championship by
playing tight defense and throttling the ball on offense for a
38 USSSA TODAY
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The 10U division was dominated by the Arkansas Storm of
Jonesboro, AR with an undefeated record in 6 match ups and
a combined running score of 50-18. They outscored their three
opponents in pool play 26-12 collectively. The Storm overshadowed the Germantown Sox from Arlington, TN in the best out
three series by scoring 21 runs to their 4 in two games. On the
other side of the bracket, the Central Florida Wolverines of
Orlando, FL were tested by the Tampa Tribe of Tampa, FL but
came out on top winning 13-9 and 11-8 in their best out of
three series. The Wolverines did their best to match strength
with the Storm in the championship game by coming out
strong with a hard hitting offense and tight defense but
fizzled out for an agonizing defeat of 3-2.
n
final score of 6-2 to overthrow the undefeated Mutiny.
11U – NYC MVP: Timothy Strickland
All Tournament Team Members: Braxton Baird, Austin Bode,
Jeff Caglianone, Michael Dallas, Alejandro Diaz, Jackson
Frederick, Garrett Glasgow, Cannon Linebaugh, Jackson
Musrock, Juan Parada, Timothy Strickland, Wyatt Strickland,
Daniel Vassallo, Adrian Vega, Dylan Vega, and Jayme Villafane.
In the 12U division, against the odds, two teams from Miami,
FL contended for the title match game out of a field of eleven
teams from six different states. Team Panama and the MVP
Elite Squad both had 5-1 records going into the championship
but traveled very different roads to get there. The MVP Elite
Squad domineered the left side of the bracket as the number 4
seed by defeating Vision Baseball of Olive Branch, MS in round
one 8-0, Dodgers Baseball of Southaven, MS in round two
16-6, the Florida Battalion of Trinity, FL in round three 9-3 and
Dodgers Baseball again in round four 5-3. Team Panama went
into the right side of the bracket as the number one seed and
had a bye for the first round. They then beat Team Punishment
of North Louisiana in round two 6-0, the Memphis Tigers of
Cabot, AR in found three 10-2, then took a gut check from
the Tigers in the fourth round with a 5-2 loss that required the
‘if’ game for round five. Team Panama regained their composure and came back to beat the Tigers 6-1. Team Panama came
in championship day ready to confront the MVP Elite after
2014
their previous long night. Team Panama
outshined the Elite and won 5-3.
12U – NYC MVP: Derek Arroyo
All Tournament Team Members: Derek
Arroyo, Joshua Basil, Jaxon Clark, Kaelan
Culpepper, Luca Danos, Andrew Fernandez,
Weston
Fuller,
Fernando
Gonzalez,
Leonardo Jimenez, Tyler Keeting, Jackson
Miller, Yohandy Morales, Carson Robinson, Lucas Shannon,
Heston Tole, and Nate Wohlgemuth.
The 13U division championship was an East Coast versus West
Coast battle. Team MVP Elite Squad of Miami, FL went head to
head with the SY Titans of Santa Ynez, CA and won the contest
8-5. The game was nothing shy of excitement and was a barn
burner with both teams grappling for the win with multiple
homerun shots from both dugouts. Team MVP Elite were the
number one seed going into the bracket and had a bye for
round one. They sent the EM Majors of Central, AR to the
losers’ bracket in round two with a score of 9-3 and sent them
packing with a score of 9-6 in round three. The Titans were the
number three seed and lost in the first round to the Weston
Black Hawks of Weston, FL 9-6. They then clawed their way out
of the losers’ bracket by defeating the Collierville Dragons of
Collierville, TN 12-2, with retribution the Weston Black Hawks
6-3, and sent the S3 Hustlers home beating them twice 22-12
and 14-3.
13U – NYC MVP: Austin Pfiefer
All Tournament Team Members: Cooper Benson, Wade Elliot,
Javier Felix, Jarred Gibson, Julian Gonzalez, Gavin Haimovitz,
Devon Koonce, Brandon Lawrence, Sawyer Norment, Colton
Olasin, Austin Pfiefer, Wesley Scott, Spencer Schwellenbach,
Cason Tollett, and Luis Tuero.
In the 14U division, the Team Rawlings Moulton of Rockwell,
TX earned their bragging rights as the best of the best and
number one team in the nation by repeating a first place finish
in Memphis as well as the Elite World Series. They went into
bracket play as the number three seed of pool B on the right
side of the bracket. They defeated GCBA Black Sox of Central,
FL 9-3 in round one, the FTB 55 Elite 9-5 in round two, and Jay’s
Elite of Belleville, MI 9-3 in round three. They then took on the
number one seed from pool A in the championship game, the
Central Florida Gators of Winter Park, FL and reigned supreme
with a 10-1 final score.
14U – NYC MVP: Travis Hester
All Tournament Team Members: Aaron Ahn, Austin Beighey,
Zachary Besant, Luis Cruz, Johnathan Fritz, Connor Gage, Ty
Hoyle, Brian Martin, Diego Muniz, Parker Pillsbury, Kenton
Pierce, Tyler Polk, Branden Posky, Tucker Talbott, and Gaetano
Vallone.
USSSA All American Games 2014
By Jacki Algire
July 31 through August 4, 2014
USSSA debuted their inaugural
season of the All American
Games (AAG) at the ESPN Wide
World of Sports at Disney.
Athletes were put through
professional style try-outs and evaluated nationwide at
twenty-two showcase events in eight different regions in five
categories which included hitting, running, throwing, fielding
and pitching. Hitting was evaluated for power, spraying and
overall hitting abilities. Running was a timed 60 yard dash for
speed. Throwing and fielding took into account both infielder
and outfielder arm strength with velocity and catcher pop-up
times. Pitching allowed for individual bullpen sessions with
evaluations on speeds and types of pitches such as fastballs,
breaking balls, curve balls and change ups.
Of the 720 athletes that were selected to participate in this
year’s AAG, 692 players took the challenge and entered the
main gates of ESPN for team registrations on July 31 and
August 1. Athletes were provided with two jerseys, a team
ball cap, and a matching belt for the eight regions in the six
age groups. The eight regions were split into two divisions
40 USSSA TODAY
an East and a West. The East was comprised of the Atlantic,
Great Lakes, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The West was
the Central, Far West, Midwest, and Northwest regions. Each
regions’ age division team was given three pool play games to
seed them out to advance to a modified bracket of the East
versus West number 1’s, 2’s, 3’s and 4’s playing for first, third,
fifth and seventh place overall, respectively.
In the 9U division, the Far West Region went 4-0 for the tournament overpowering the Atlantic Region in the championship game 10-4. Both teams were undefeated coming out of
their pools heading into the championship game. The Far West
beat the Northwest 9-7, the Midwest 15-1, and the Central
10-0 while the Atlantic beat the Northeast 9-1, the Southeast
11-6 and the Great Lakes 16-1. Final placing for the 9U Region
teams was as follows: 1-Far West, 2-Atlantic, 3-Midwest,
4-Great Lakes, 5-Southeast, 6-Northwest, 7-Northeast, and
8-Central.
In the 10U division, the Northwest Region went 4-0 for the
tournament being victorious over the Atlantic Region in the
championship game 4-2. Both teams were undefeated coming
out of their pools before their match up. The Northwest beat
the Midwest 15-0, the Central 12-2, and the Far West 10-3.
2014
The Atlantic beat the Great Lakes 6-3,
the Southeast 9-7, and Northeast 10-2.
Final placing for the 10U Region teams
was as follows: 1-Northwest, 2-Atlantic,
3-Far West, 4-Great Lakes, 5-Midwest,
6-Northeast, 7-Southeast, and 8-Central.
In the 11U division, the Far West Region
went 4-0 for the tournament and beat
out the Southeast Region with a record
of 2-0-1 in the championship game. The
Far West beat the Northwest 10-2, the
Central 10-7, and the Midwest 13-12.
The Southeast beat the Great Lakes
11-7, the Northeast 12-5 and tied the
Atlantic at 5 runs. Final placing for
the 11U Region teams was as follows:
1-Far West, 2-Southeast, 3-Atlantic,
4-Midwest, 5-Northeast, 6-Northwest,
7-Central, and 8-Great Lakes.
9-3, but lost to the Great Lakes 6-5.
Final placing for the 14U Region teams
was as follows: 1-Northwest, 2-Atlantic,
3-Central, 4-Southeast, 5-Great Lakes,
6-Midwest, 7-Northeast, and 8-Far West.
After analyzing the statistics of each
region’s win-loss record and their
finishing ranks a trend can be seen
across the ages. The Atlantic Region
is definitely the most consistent and
the group to hold to high standards
of return and repeat performances.
Hopefully, next season they will be
able to win more championships rather
than taking the back seat to their West
rivals. The West teams of the Northwest
Region, Far West Region and Midwest
Region are the second, third and fourth
consistent teams in finishes and show
that the West regions are contenders for
next year’s championships as well across
all ages. We look forward to another
great All American Games tournament
in 2015 to showcase these talented
young athletes.
In the 12U division, the Great Lakes
Region went undefeated at 4-0 narrowly
defeating the Midwest Region 9-8.
The Great Lakes beat out the Atlantic
7-5, the Northeast 6-2, and Southeast
15-1. Meanwhile, the Midwest beat
the Northwest 11-6, the Far West 9-5,
and the Central 19-9. Final placing for
1-Great Lakes, 2-Midwest, 3-Northwest,
4-Northeast,
5-Atlantic,
6-Central,
7-Southeast, and 8-Far West.
In the 13U division, the Southeast
Region went in to the championship
with a 2-0-1 record and shutout the
Far West Region with an undefeated
3-0 record with a score of 8-0. The
Southeast beat the Great Lakes 12-1, the
Northeast 6-5 and tied the Atlantic at 8
runs. Concurrently, the Far West beat
the Northwest 16-2, the Midwest 8-2,
and the Central 10-2. Final placing for
1-Southeast, 2-Far West, 3-Northwest,
4-Atlantic, 5-Midwest, 6-Northeast,
7-Great Lakes, and 8-Central.
In the 14U division, the Northwest went
undefeated at 4-0 and posted a 4-2
score over the Atlantic Region in the
championship game. The Northwest
beat the Midwest 5-3, the Central 5-3,
and the Far West 13-9. Also, the Atlantic
beat the Northeast 8-0, the Southeast
USSSA TODAY 41
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44 USSSA TODAY
2015
Feb. 27-March 1 , 2015
North Florida Super NIT (9,11,13)
Lake City, FLN
March 6-8, 2015
South MS Super NIT
Gulfport, MS
March 13-15, 2015
Atlanta Spring Super NIT
Atlanta, GA
March 20-22, 2015
Twin City Shootout Super NIT
Shreveport, LA
March 20-22, 2015
Spring Championships Super NIT
Gilbert, AZ
March 20-22, 2015
Bataan Death March Memorial
Las Cruces, NM
March 28-29, 2015
South Texas Super NIT
Houston, TX
April 4-5, 2015
Golden Triangle Super NIT
Beaumont, TXS
April 10-12, 2015
South Florida Super NIT
Pembroke Pines, FLS
April 11-12, 2015
Stars Fell on AL Super NIT
Gulf Shores, AL
April 11-12, 2015
Spring Super NIT
Sunnyvale, CAN
April 10-12, 2015
Beast of the East Super NIT
NC
April 10-12, 2015
DFW Super NIT
Dallas Fort Worth, TXN
April 25-26, 2015
Cajun Classic Super NIT
Lafayette, LA
May 2-3, 2015
Cinco De Mayo Super NIT
Chino Hills, CAS
May 1-3, 2015
Canton Super NIT
Canton, MI
May 1-3, 2015
Tennessee Super NIT
Kingsport, TNE
May 8-10, 2015
Mid-South Super NIT
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May 15-17, 2015
Road to Disney Super NIT
Auburn, AL
May 15-17, 2015
Indy Festival Super NIT
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May 15-17, 2015
Northeast Super NIT (9,11,13)
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May 15-17, 2015
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May 23-25, 2015
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Kansas City, MO
May 23-25, 2015
Memorial Day Super NIT
Sterling Heights, MI
May 29-31, 2015
Atlanta Summer Super NIT
Atlanta, GA
May 30 - June 1, 2015
Denver Super NIT
Denver, CO
May 29-31, 2015
Governor’s Games
Sulphur, LA
May 29-31, 2015
Cincinnati Super NIT
Cincinnati, OH
June 5-7, 2015
Middle TN Super NIT
Chatanooga, Tn
June 5-7, 2015
Line Drive Super NIT
Des Moines, IA
June 5-7, 2015
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Kissimmee, FL
June 12-14, 2015
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46 USSSA TODAY
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USSSA Inducts Ten New
Members into its Hall of Fame
By Kaylen Shimoda
“Ctoongratulations
this year’s 2014
USSSA Hall of
Fame inductees!”
Dirk Androff
Thank you to Mike Macenko for providing information on the
late Dirk Androff.
Dirk Androff played softball in the USSSA organization for
10 years. “I believe Dirk’s time playing in the USSSA association was the most important softball time of his career,” Mike
said. During his time there, Dirk was voted MVP of numerous
tournaments, made All World 23 times and was selected to
numerous All Tournament rosters. “Whatever team he played
with, he was one of the leaders.” In 1989, Mike remembers
one of Dirk’s greatest accomplishments when he played for the
Steele’s Silver Bullets. He led the country in home runs with
413 and proved that he belonged in Major Softball. When
reflecting on Dirk’s greatest achievement, Mike said that
Dirk’s MVP award during the 1991 USSSA Men’s Major World
Series was a stand out. While in Daytona, Florida playing for
the Ritch’s Superior team, Dirk batted 23 for 34, had a .676
batting average, he hit 13 homeruns and had 27 RBI’s. In 1993,
he led the USSSA Men’s Major World Series in batting averages
hitting .800.
This Hall of Fame induction would have meant a lot to Dirk
whose passing at the young age of 35 cut his softball career
short. “There is no telling on what Dirk would have accomplished if he lived and played all of these years. He was a
specimen,” Mike said. Dirk would have wanted to recognize
a number of coaches, players and friends that he met along
the way. Coaches and managers, Dave Neale, Franke Lateano,
Coy Honeycutt, and Buddy Slater; players, Rick Weiterman,
Ron Parnell, Todd Joerling, Doug Roberson, Charles Wright, Ed
Starcher, Mike Macenko, Ken Loeri, and Scott Virkus to name a
few; and Frank Webb, who helped Dirk in his early years when
he played in Belleville, Illinois. He would have also thanked his
widow, Chrissy and their baby boy, Dirk Jr., the most important
part of Dirk’s life. “I remember when he met Chrissy, his life
was in full throttle and he was as happy as any man can be,”
Mike said. Lastly, Dirk’s father and mother, his two brothers
and sister, “They were all very proud of Dirk and what he
accomplished.”
48 USSSA TODAY
Dirk Androff was a leader on all his teams.
Coy Honeycutt
Coy Honeycutt was the Manager of Ritch’s Salvage softball
team in North Carolina known as a national powerhouse. His
team went on to play in the Independent Softball Association
National Championship at Gastonia’s Sims Park and they were
the first team in 23 years to win back-to-back national slowpitch softball tournaments. In an interview before the championship at Sims Park, Coy said, “I think we have got a good
chance at winning this thing. Every big tournament lately,
we have been right there…second or third.” Coy mentioned
that part of gaining what became a national reputation was
in getting top players and acquiring sponsorship with Easton
Sports, a major manufacturer of softball bats and balls.
His widow, Karen Young, reflects on Coy as a person and
manager. “Coy was a hard working man when he was at work
but get him away from the junkyard and he had a heart the
size of Texas,” she said. She knows that he truly respected and
appreciated the people who played for him as he talked about
them often, “Some of them like Charles Wright and Dave
Steffen, came and visited with Coy almost every year. I know
he loved those two, though he talked about all of them.” She
also mentions his time with the Louisville Slugger Bats and the
help and support that organization gave to him. Coy loved
to travel and spent a lot of time with his USSSA colleagues,
players, coaches, managers, and friends. The stories will last a
lifetime and so will his contributions to the organization and
the beautiful game.
1992 Ritch’s Superior team with Coy Honeycutt (back row, second from left) and
Dirk Androff (back row, third from right).
Carl Rose
Carl Rose was an exceptional softball player who played minor
league baseball. He made 20 All World teams, was the MVP
when Lighthouse won the ISA World Tournament in 1989 and
1998, was the MVP when Dan Smith won the USSSA World
Tournament in 2000, the MVP when Lighthouse won the
NSA in 1995 and 1996, and he was on the Jerome Earnest All
Decade team of the 1990s. “The USSSA World Series was the
one you wanted to win as a player; it was the most prestigious
of the 4 worlds and that had to do with the way Don built the
organization,” said Carl. His greatest accomplishment occurred
when his team won their first World Series in Daytona Beach.
Receiving their World Championship rings in Cocoa Beach, FL. (left to right): Frank
Lateano, USSSA’s Charlie La Roche, Coy Honeycutt and Bill Copeland.
Carl is extremely proud of his induction into the USSSA Hall of
Fame and Mike Macenko believes that Carl’s passion to win
truly emphasized his love of the game, “He was the ultimate
team player; loved the game and played it the way you were
supposed to play it.” Carl believes he couldn’t have done this
without the support of some great people in his life, stating,
“You can’t receive this type of award without having great
teammates, coaches, sponsors, and company sponsors to keep
the drive and allow players to travel the country to play this
game.”
Tony DeDonatis
Tony DeDonatis started off as a player in 1978 before he
became the Michigan USSSA State Director in 1997. In 2004,
Tony became the Great Lakes Division Vice President, where
he continues to work today. His role within the USSSA organization has been very important and meaningful, “Outside
of it being my livelihood, there have been many changes and
50 USSSA TODAY
Carl Rose credits his great teammates, coaches and sponsors for his success.
improvements over the last 10 or 15 years, and I have been
fortunate enough to play a role in many of them,” he said.
Tony’s greatest accomplishment as a player came when his
team won 4 World Championships and his participation in 7
Major World Series; he’ll never forget that first time he played
in a Major World Series in 1984. As Director, Tony is most
proud of running over 20 adult and youth World Tournaments.
One of his fondest memories was attending his first National
Convention as a State Director.
Being inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame means many
things to Tony, “It means that I’m getting old and have been
around for a while!” he said. “On a serious note, it means that
I am now part of a long legacy of people who did whatever
they could to make USSSA the best amateur association in the
country.” Tony would like to thank his brother, Don DeDonatis,
who got him involved in USSSA. He would also like to thank
the USSSA Board of Directors and all of the local Directors and
Parks in Michigan, “It’s been a long time and many are like a
second family to me.”
To others, it’s about
believing. Believing that each
To some, it’s just a dream.
practice, tournament, win and
loss brings you closer to your
goal. For some it’s more than
just a game. It’s life.
YEA, WE GET IT.
Tony’s teams won four World Championships and played in seven Major World
Series.
Bob Hughes
Bob Hughes is being recognized for his amazing accomplishments while playing for the USSSA organization. He is so
thankful for the time he has spent playing the game he loves
and he has made so many memories along the way, “USSSA
allowed me to fuel my competitive fire and develop life long
friendships along the way.” Bob adds that his greatest accomplishment was winning the 2002 Major World Series with the
AA team. It was a spectacular experience and one of the most
memorable during his time at USSSA.
When asked about his induction into the USSSA Hall of Fame,
Bob is humbled to be a part of this select group of individuals.
“My goals as a player were always to be fully prepared for every
weekend, give great effort, and put the team goals first,” he
adds, “The Hall of Fame induction was never a goal for me, but
it is extremely rewarding that the process that I followed was
noticed.” It sure was noticed and Bob’s teamwork mentality
continues to take precedence during this special occasion in
his life. Bob would like to thank the late Woody Bell, as well as
Travis Resmondo and Frank and Shirl Webb.
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Bobby Hughes would like to thank the late, Woody Bell, Travis Resmondo and
Frank and Shirl Webb.
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Chris Walker was a player, coach and a sponsor since the inception of the Conference. He started playing in 1992 and started
sponsoring in 1995. In 2013, he was appointed the Men’s
Slowpitch Program Director and is looking forward to another
good year of Arkansas softball. Chris has enjoyed an incredible
experience playing the best competition and creating many
friendships throughout the process. “If you want to actually
find out how good your team is, then play USSSA, there is
no better softball!” he said. Chris’s greatest accomplishment
has been to field a competitive team in the Conference since
its beginning and his favorite memorable moment occurred
playing in the 2010 Major World Series finishing 3rd.
Chris is honored to be inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame
and has tried his best to always do the right thing for the right
reason. “I started sponsoring because when I started playing, I
thought the way teams were run could have been improved,”
52 USSSA TODAY
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just 1 mile to Disney Theme Parks
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✦ Family rooms with 2 Queen Beds and bunk
bed are available
✦ Coin Laundry Facility
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Chris Walker’s dad instilled in him to “never quit, but most importantly to never shy
away from a challenge.”
For more information or to book your team call Maria Rolon (407) 396-4000 or email: mrolon@cithemeparks.com
he said. “I figured if you put the right guys in the right situation, they could perform.” Chris would like to thank Mike
Wilson, Billy Lee Yarbough, his wife Laura and two children,
and finally his dad, Charles Walker, “Who taught me to never
quit but most important, not to shy away from a challenge.”
Tina Tuck
Tina Tuck played softball for USSSA, an organization which she
felt, ran a very professional and well-oiled machine. “During
my tenure with USSSA, I always felt the organization treated
us with respect for how we played the game of softball,” and
on top of that, her time was spent playing the game she loved
while also winning a couple of world titles along the way. Tina,
with her team, was able to experience two World Titles and
one World Series title, which was an amazing accomplishment
and her favorite memory during her time at USSSA. She still
remembers hitting a 3-run home run during the 1986 World
Series, which won them the game. They then went on to the
championship round and eventually won the title!
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame means a lot to Tina. “This
is the ultimate accomplishment for me,” she said, “When I
first starting playing a high level of ball, I did not even know
this existed but as the years went on, I realized that this is
the highest award a softball player can receive so I feel I have
reached the Golden moment.” She would like to thank the
Lord for giving her this gift to excel as an athlete and her family
and friends who have supported her throughout the years. She
would also like to thank her coaches; Don Johnson, Gloria Hill,
Colleen Needham, and Wanda Schneider, along with all of the
assistant coaches, who were always behind the scenes making
things operate smoothly. Lastly, she would like to thank the
USSSA organization for running such a class act operation.
Tina Tuck stated, “During my tenure with USSSA, I always felt the organization
treated us with respect for how we played the game of softball.”
Doug Stark
Like most Directors, Doug started out as a soft pitch softball
player in Kansas in 1971. He went on to play the beautiful
game for 30+ years but on the Director side, was introduced
to USSSA in 1980 by John Swint. Doug was appointed the Area
Director in Kansas for two years before moving to Arizona in
1982. In 1986, he was appointed State Director for Arizona and
worked in that capacity for 16 years, 12 of which were spent as
the Far West Division Vice President. The last two years, Doug
has served as the Director of Special Projects and assists with
the Arizona program as needed. When reflecting on what
USSSA means to him, Doug feels that his participation as a
player evolved into a feeling that he could administratively
bring a level of experience and expertise to continue making
USSSA the program of choice. As a player, Doug’s greatest
accomplishment came when he pitched for a team that qualified for the Men’s A World Tournament in 1982.
experience
the perfect
serve
Sports in Lubbock is about excitement, athleticism, competition
...and service. We believe that every game is an opportunity
to show good, old-fashioned West Texas friendliness. We’d be
happy to help you ace your next sporting event.
As a director, he is ultimately appreciative that his overall body
of work, both in Arizona and nationally, has been judged to be
worthy of awards over the years.
“When I heard my name announced as a member of the class
of 2014, it brought on a multitude of memories, thoughts
and feelings,” he adds, “It was the final realization that I was
certainly well into the back nine if not walking to the 19th
hole.” Doug is honored to forever be a member of such an
54 USSSA TODAY
Doug Stark helped develop USSSA programs in both Kansas and Arizona.
Scott Harrison, Sports Director
lubbocksports.org 800.692.4035
exclusive club and though he feels a touch embarrassed, he is
also overwhelmed and excited to be the second person ever to
represent Arizona in the 50-year existence of the organization.
Though there are far too many people to mention individually,
Doug would like to pay respects to a few. He would like to thank
Jim Swint, Danny Brown, Gary Wallick, Robert Boudreaux, Tom
Raines, Craig Ciandella, and lastly, Don DeDonatis.
Ken Franzen
Ken Franzen’s experience with USSSA has been nothing short
of accomplishing. He was a USSSA ball player for 10 years,
managed a team for 2, and was part of the 1976 Words “B”
Champion Forest Hills Diamonds team. He was also the director
of the Forest Hills Diamond complex for 25 years where he
received the “Complex of the Year” award in 1990 and he was
the State Umpire-in-Chief for the state of Illinois for 20 years
where he hosted several Umpire Clinics with Ken Pauslon and
was awarded the Umpire of the Year award in 1993. Lastly,
he was a statistician with Jim McCarron for the Men’s Major
World Series for 20 years and he was awarded an “Award of
Merit” by the CEO of USSSA in 2009.
When asked about his experience at USSSA, Ken comments on
the people who were the best and most knowledgeable in the
game of softball. “I just like being around this atmosphere,”
he said, “This organization has kept me in the game in many
different ways and has given me an opportunity to stay with
this game after playing.” Ken’s greatest memory was his time
at Forest Hills Diamonds where the players, coaches, and teams
truly appreciated the work and time put into maintaining the
complex. This Hall of Fame induction means a lot to Ken, who
would like to thank the committee for giving him the highest
honor of this great organization. He would also like to thank
Brenda Paulson, Jim McCarron, Rick Robertson, Hank Bassett,
Jeff Brown, Kevin Croft and Don DeDonatis.
Ken Franzen, with wife, Mary, enjoys the USSSA lifestyle.
John Dye
John Dye was a registered Fastpitch Umpire for USSSA. He was
the Maryland State Fastpitch Umpire-in-Chief and Chairman of
the USSSA Fastpitch National Umpire Committee. Having the
opportunity to provide youth girl softball players with the best
conditions in which to compete and improve was always at the
forefront of John’s role as an umpire. John’s love of the game
and his desire to help in the development of youth softball
players is inspiring.
John’s greatest accomplishment on the National arena has
been updating and revising the Fastpitch Rule Book in addition to the production of Fastpitch working aid documents for
umpires. At the state level, John contributed to the continual
growth and improvement of the Fastpitch Umpire Program.
His dedication to the important role of umpires is clearly
reflected in his work off the diamond. When asked about
his most memorable moment at USSSA, John states, “When
I served as the Umpire in Chief for the Orlando/ESPN/Disney
Youth Fastpitch World Series.” John is beyond excited to be
inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame, “Besides the tremendous personal honor, it serves as recognition of the contributions that all Fastpitch Umpires made to make USSSA better.”
56 USSSA TODAY
John Dye continually contributed to the growth and improvement of the USSSA
Fastpitch Umpire Program.
alwharf.com
Slow-Pitch Opportunities Expand With
USSSA /Global Sports League Partnership
By Greg Huchingson
Managing Editor
Beginning in 2015, thousands of
teams will have another opportunity
to pursue a Slow-Pitch Softball World
Championship. USSSA and the Global
Sports League (GSL) have announced
a new partnership that will help to
expand the former Ohio-based softball
association throughout nation.
“(GSL Founder & CEO) Cliff Majni kept
driving by softball fields and complexes
that were sitting empty and seldom
used anymore,” said DeDonatis. “A once
thriving softball hotbed had become
abandoned and almost non-existent.
Cliff recognized this as a great opportunity to revive a sport he loved, so he
filled a void by starting GSL. It grew to
become a very successful program that
covers 14 states sanctioning 5,000 slowpitch teams and now we stand ready to
help GSL take the concept nation-wide.”
Majni agreed, “this new partnership
allows GSL the ability to scale at a much
faster pace nationally. There is a strong
history and proven track record with
USSSA. We are thrilled to be working
hand in hand with them to promote and
grow slow-pitch softball.”
USSSA took over the day to day operations of GSL, including its website, in
October of this year. Many existing
USSSA State Directors will also have the
opportunity to become the GSL State
58 USSSA TODAY
Umpires will be sanctioned to work both
GSL and USSSA by paying a single registration fee. The official uniform color
of umpire attire for GSL is orange and
black. Separate uniforms will be required
when working tournaments for one or
the other, although some exceptions
may be made during the first season.
The biggest difference between the
two associations will be in home runs
allowed. GSL is going to change their
limits to conform to USSSA’s limits with
one exception – the Designated Home
Run Hitter. Before each game, a team
will designate one of their players as
the DHH and he will be allowed to hit
as many home runs as he wants during
that game, while the remainder of the
team has to adhere to the limit of that
division.
“Teams want an opportunity to play
in multiple World Tournaments during
the season, they don’t want to play in
only one association exclusively and we
recognize that” said Don DeDonatis,
USSSA’s CEO and Chairman of the Board.
“This partnership will allow teams
greater flexibility and more opportunity to compete on both a regional and
national level. There are subtle differences between these two brands and
both will offer non-conflicting national
events.”
Global Sports League (GSL) started
roughly six years ago in the Cleveland,
Ohio area.
of the associations.
For example, in Men’s “C” where USSSA
allows 4 home runs per game. John Doe
is designated as his teams DHH. John
GSL’s Founder and CEO, Cliff Majni (left) signs agreement with USSSA’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, Don
DeDonatis.
Directors in their respective states.
Dale Weiser, owner of two popular slowpitch websites – TheOldScout.com and
SoftballCenter.com – will now oversee
the new and improved GSL website.
By the beginning of 2015, you will see
many of features that separated USSSA
from other associations being incorporated within the new GSL website.
There will be five geographic regions
of GSL – North, Northwest, Far West,
Midwest and Southeast. Each of the five
regions will host two World Tournaments
in the Spring and two more in the Fall,
for a potential total of up to 20 additional World Tournaments nation-wide
in each division every year. These events
will be held during off-peak times of the
year, so not to conflict with the USSSA
World Tournaments in Florida.
“Teams still want to play in championship-caliber events even when USSSA
doesn’t have anything going on. The
USSSA/GSL Partnership is going to give
that to them,” said DeDonatis.
can hit a home run every time he comes
up to bat and those home runs do
not count against his team’s limit. The
remaining players on John’s teams can
still combine to hit 4 up to additional
home runs that game.
Another benefit of the new merger will
be the possibility of some huge megaevents, such as combined dual-sanctioned USSSA/GSL Super N.I.T.’s which
will offer berths and points toward each
of the two associations. Details of such
possibilities are currently being explored
and will be announced in the future.
“We will now be offering two unique
and different brands” said DeDonatis.
“USSSA knows how to take care of the
teams. They like the way we run things
and know that events are going to be
fair and professional.”
DeDonatis added, “They will be able to
have that same confidence participating
in these new GSL programs, for the most
part it’s going to be the same directors
who have been successfully running
USSSA events.”
“More events, more choices, different
rules” says Majni, “how can you not love
that!”
Look for GSL World Tournaments in
Panama City FL, Las Vegas, NV and
Orlando, FL during the upcoming 2015
season.
USSSA PRIDE
VS
The champions of each of the GSL
World Tournaments will receive a team
set of Jostens rings for their members,
provided the tournament reaches a
minimum number of entries.
Primary divisions offered during the
inaugural season will be Men’s Open,
Men’s C, Men’s D and Men’s E. GSL also
offers championship play in Men’s 35 &
Over, Co-ed and other niche divisions.
USSSA and GSL teams will have separate
registration numbers. Currently USSSA
teams participating specialty program
such as; Military, Hispanic, BlackAmerican, Industrial teams) have separate registration numbers from their
USSSA open programs (i.e Men’s B, C &
D programs). Similarly, GSL registered
teams will be able to carry different
players on each of those rosters based
on the specifications provided by each
BIRMINGHAM, AL
WED. NOVEMBER 12TH, 2014
7:00 PM
#PRIDEFALLTOUR
USSSA TODAY 59
David Kessler
Swimmer, Softballer and
Louisville Slugger Ambassador
By Dennis Turner
DT: David, tell us a little history
of yourself; where did you grow
up and what were your hobbies
growing up.
DK: I grew up on the Westside of
Cincinnati with my parents Tom and
Terri, and younger brother Danny. As far
back as I can remember, sports have been
a staple in my life, and so was my mom
saying “no balls in the house.” Growing
up my love for sports changed like the
seasons from baseball, basketball, golf,
football and I even tried wrestling for a
year. Eventually, I landed in a pool and
ended up swimming throughout high
school and college.
DT: Who were your sports heroes
when growing up?
DK: I can say I never had one particular
sports hero, as I just loved the sports
themselves. Living in Cincinnati I was
fortunate to witness some great players
who always seemed to come in and have
highlight real performances against my
home town Bengals and Reds. Players
like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Bo
Jackson s and so many others. Looking
back I was honored that I got to witness
so many great players and hall of fame
players pass through the area.
DT: How did you get involved with
slow-pitch softball?
DK: Friday nights for my family during
the summer meant a night out at the
softball field. My Dad played with all
of his grade school and high school
buddies. We closed down the park
weekly, so to me softball was a way of
life. When baseball finally ran its course I
immediately turned to softball. The first
team I started playing with was with all
the sons from my Dad’s old team and we
were back to closing the park down on
Friday nights in the summer. One game
every Friday night was never enough for
me, I would get down to the fields early
just to see if anyone needed me to play.
I soon picked up on teams throughout
the week spending 4 or 5 nights at the
field. Needless to say I was hooked from
the start.
60 USSSA TODAY
DT: Who has had the greatest
influence on you in life and in
sports?
DK: My Dad, Thomas Kessler, has always
been my greatest influence in life and in
sports. I can remember him taking a third
shift position at work just to be able to
coach and be at games for my brother
and myself. He has always seemed to
find a way to make things work. My Dad
has been the driving force to strive for
greatness and not settle, and has always
been there if I stumbled. He helps push
me to want more and strive to be better
in every aspect of my life. Now that I
am new father myself I lean on him for
strength and insight more than ever.
I would be remiss not to mention my
mom, Terri Kessler. Win, lose or draw she
has always been my number one fan.
DT: What are your goals in life and
sport?
DK: My goal in both life and sports is to
be able to look back and be proud of the
way I lived my life. I am always striving
to meet and beat my goals whether it be
winning the next big game or receiving
a promotion at work. My daily goals are
based on a saying that I heard at my
grade school graduation: “Do Good,
Avoid Evil.” I believe that if I hold true
to that phrase good things will happen
for me and I will continue to succeed. I
am confident if I continue on this path
that I will meet and succeed all of my
goals.
DT: What is your greatest
accomplishment? (Either on or off
the field)
DK: I have been lucky enough to have
had some great accomplishments in
my sports life. I was named to the High
School All-American Team in 2000, I was
the Conference Champion in the 50m
Freestyle in college, and I was part of
two awesome teams the won the USSSA
B World Series. Even with all that said
my greatest accomplishment has to be
becoming a Dad. My son David Michael
Kessler was born April 11, 2014.
DT: What is your greatest
challenge?
DK: I am a very intense and competitive
person. I grew up competing against my
brother our whole lives with a must win
attitude. While it helps out in sports, it
can also hamper you from just having a
good time.
DT: How much time do you spend
training (daily, weekly)?
DK: I try and do something each day
that I feel will make me better. Over the
winter I will try and hit a couple times a
week, and head to the gym 4-5 days a
week. In the past few years I have really
tried to work on flexibility, it is very
easy to take a few minutes every day
to stretch. You would be amazed how
much better and stronger you will feel.
DT: Do you consider yourself
to be someone who is a good
ambassador for the sport?
DK: I definitely feel I am an ambassador
for the sport of softball. I have been
very privileged to have great coaches
and sponsors help me as I grew in the
sport of softball, and feel I owe that to
anyone else playing this game. I enjoy
talking about the strategic side of the
sport with anyone and everyone. I
myself am still a student of the game
and can find knowledge from the most
unassuming places and people.
DT: What do you think of the
Louisville Slugger slow-pitch
product that is starting to leave its
mark on the game?
DK: In the sport of softball there are
only a few companies that lead the way
in innovation and performance and
Louisville Slugger is at the forefront.
The company not only tries to grow its
own brand but also helps to grow the
sport of slow-pitch softball. Louisville
Slugger has found a way to produce a
product that fits every different type of
swing imaginable. I personally swing the
Louisville Slugger Z3000, 28oz End-Load
and don’t plan on changing anytime
soon.
Congratulations to the USSSA Basketball
National Points Race Champions
8th Grade Boys
2nd GRADE BOYS
KS
Bulldogs
Jordan Blake, Brooks Borgman, Tyson
Burnett, Gavin Dines, Chase Little,
Braedan McCaslin, Trey McKee, Colby
Oetting, Nicholas Paredes, John Rehder
Lenexa,
KS
Broward
County
Cougars
3rd Grade Boys
MO
Wolverines
Wellington,
FL
Running
Angels
KS City,
MO
Kendrick Bell, Marquaes Bell, William
Blankenship, James Brady, Zo Byrd, Kyan
Evans, Elias Garcia, Brian Hawthorne,
Jared Lee, Israel Randle, Donovan Ross,
Kenveon Stone
8th Grade Girls
Jupiter
Jaguars
Shawnta Bass, Sydney Corn, Ashley
Goebel, Alexandria Lezeau, Megan
McCants, Morgan Montanile, Damya
Preston, Kiara Smith, Clare Whale,
Shikinah Williams
Jupiter,
FL
3rd Grade Girls
4th Grade Boys
Wellington
Wolves
Marvel Allen, Brewer Applegate, Mkhary
Ashmore, Brandyn Butler, Hayden
Boca Raton,
Eugene, Brock Hansel, Keon Kindred,
FL
Caleb Mackrey, Justin Mosley, Jose Perez,
Donnell Simmons, Brenden Williams
4th Grade Girls
Chanelle Anderson, Mya Blansit, Alexis
ABA Supreme Independence, Darling, Jaleena David, Micah Landry,
Red (Handel)
MO
Raegan Pierson, Tiyani Rollins, Ayden
Shannon, Bree Shannon, Jessie Taylor
5th Grade Boys
Miami City
Ballers
Jaylin Bain, Jacorey Brooks, Marquise
Davis, Anthony Hundley, Kameron
Johnson, Nicholas Lampert, Tyouane Lee,
Esteban Lluberes, Thierry Morno, Thomas
Oosterbroek, David Paso, Jonathan
Renois, Kekoa Williams
Miami,
FL
5th Grade Girls
Taitlynn Afualo, Jacqueline David,
ABA Supreme Independence, Patience Farmer, Kiyley Flowers, Lauren
Elite 5th
MO
Gillig, Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn, Natalie
Rippy, Kaylyn Taylor, Payton Verhulst
6th Grade Boys
#1 ABA
Supreme Red
Steele Blackmon, Carter Day, Marcus East,
Sean Herrington, Kobe Jenkins, Nathan
Independence,
Luke, Gage McNett, Steele Smith, Andrew
MO
Vance, Jacob Vance,Garrett Walters, Tristin
Whitton
6th Grade Girls
Eclipse
6th Red
Demi Aamold, Paige Allen, Gabrielle
Burns, Gracie Neff, Sophie Reed, Fabiola
Salgado, Janaya Steffy, Ashton Verhulst,
Payton Verhulst, Danielle Winslow
Lenexa,
KS
9th Grade Boys
Broward Storm
9th
FL
Flight
West Palm
Beach, FL
Team
Premier
Prowlers Elite
’19 Black
Platte City,
MO
62 USSSA TODAY
Sarasota,
FL
Anna Albers, Aryione Bass, Jada Bennett,
Cellexia Foster, Jermearia Ginyard,
Shavntavia Green, Josie Leblanc, Faith
Mays, Cierra McKinon, Brionna Newell,
Alexus Norman, Gabbie Simunovic,
Jordan Ward
10th Grade Boys
Boynton
Heat
Lake Worth,
FL
10th Grade Girls
South Beach
Bobcats
Gabriella Cambronne, Lori Couto, Sophia
Maristany, Daniella Midolo, Veronica
Minervino, Erica Moralejo, Laura
Moralejo, Ayda Rajab, Natalia Rodriguez,
Veronica Vidal, Sophia Zacarias
Miami,
FL
11th Grade Boys
Minneapolis
Thunder
Wayman Alexander, Chris Buckley, Delrico
Chanhassen, Curtis, Dakota Fleming, Brennan Hawkins,
MN
Xavier Hollins, Ash Mkali, Aj Ray, Miles
Smith
11th Grade Girls
Team
Premier
Sarasota,
FL
Esha Brown, Anitra Clark, Johnelle Clark,
Monica Gilley, Zaria Grable, Yamaris
Guevarez, Dequandra Hill, Taylor Ide,
Heidi Miller, Jojo Muldoon, Joy Norman,
Breyonna Reed, Juhnae Richardson,
Jermyla Trebbles, Emily Walser
12th Grade Boys
Fort Pierce
Buccaneers
7th Grade Girls
Taylor Frizzell, Carleigh Jenkins, Olivia
Eryie, Nese Selepeo, Jenna Harms,
Maliyah Baker, Meredith George, Kaylee
Parker, Alecia Westbrook
Eli Abaev, Deslin Alexandre, Dijon Brown,
Michael Cleter, Robert Connelly, Samuel
Cooper, Frendy Darelus, Edwin Louis, John
Sellars, Jeremy Woods, Jr, Andrew Ziegler
Parkland,
FL
9th Grade Girls
7th Grade Boys
Garrett Anderson, Brayden Applegate,
Titus Baggs, Jordan Battle, Adrinel
Cajuste, Carlson Joseph, Troy Joseph,
Zachary Lampton, Daniel Littman.
Cameron Miller, Jonathan Mogbo, Jahmar
Perrin, Justin Perrin, Alejandro Ralat,
Myles Samuels
Dallas Graziani, Dylan Graziani, Miles
Jones, Tremaine Major, Steven Quintero,
Waguener Saint-Juste, Eric Scott, Joey
Talocka
Pembroke
Pines, FL
Fort Pierce,
FL
Barry Bailey Jr., Bob Berneus, Jonathan
Bryant, Wilkens Chery, Doriaus EllisHedgepeth, Cedrick Gibson, Anthony
Johnson Jr., Anthony Knighton, Richard
Larcher II, Carlton Martin, Johnny McCoy,
Linnell Mccreary, Nathaniel Newton,
Adam Noel, Calvin Southall
12th Grade Girls
Heirs
Lawrence,
KS
Blaize Burgess, Dejaria Guillory, Dymeria
Guillory, Bre Gunnels, Lexis Hart, Elease
Stafford, Jaycie Stubbs, Kyra Tucker
Well softball fans it’s just about the end of another season.
It seems like just yesterday we were beginning the year and
most of the country was experiencing wet and cold weather
throughout the spring. Then summer finally arrived and we
could finally see the sun! This was quite a year for the Worth
brand. We had one heck of a season traveling the country
on our many grassroots campaigns. We also had another
great year on the team front. Of course none of this would
be possible without a great lineup of bats! We launched our
new 2014 Legit and 454 Sick bats this past March and after
numerous events like the Conference schedule, Power Tour
and 454 Home Run Derbies got to hear firsthand how good
the new sticks performed. Of course in the bat industry there
is always one question that is asked “WHAT’S NEXT?” Before
I get to that I would like to congratulate Resmondo/Specialty
Tank/Worth for winning the 2014 USSSA Men’s Major World
Series. They came into the event armed with our brand new
2015 Legit 220 bats (See feature below). Resmondo went on
to capture the coveted “Showcase of Slowpitch Softball” for
the second straight year. Since 2000 Resmondo has won an
unbelievable nine USSSA Men’s Major’s. That is the most of
any team in history! Hats off to Sponsor Travis Resmondo, his
players and coaches for getting it done AGAIN! We are looking
forward to 2015 and making it TEN!
I am very excited to announce the unveiling of our new bat
lineup for 2015. This offering will include two new Legit
2-piece bats as well as a brand 1-piece BJ Fulk signature model.
These are the same bats used by Resmondo this year at the
Men’s Major and the results speak for themselves!
2015 USSSA MODELS:
SBL2BU – Legit 220 2-Piece Greg Connell (Balanced) USSSA. Length/Weights:
34”/26oz, 27oz, 28oz
SBL2RU – Legit 220 2-Piece Dedonatis/Purcell Resmondo (1 oz. End Load) USSSA.
Length/Weights: 34”/26oz, 27oz, 28oz, 30oz.
SBF2RU – Fulk 220 1-Piece BJ Fulk Resmondo (1 oz. End Load) USSSA. Length/
Weights: 34”/26oz, 27oz, 28oz, 30oz.
66 USSSA TODAY
WE PUT HOT ON THE MARKET
All of these USSSA Models will feature the following NEW
Technologies:
nUSSSA 220 ADVANTAGE (Legit, Fulk 220) - Tuned specifically
to the 220 lb. USSSA Compression limit. This ensures the
hitter of instant performance with minimal break-in.
nCF100 TECH (Legit bats) – 100% carbon fiber barrel provides
a lighter weight, more durable barrel for unmatched performance.
nTRUE 1 TECH (Legit bats) – Worth’s first true one-piece
barrel creates a seamless barrel. This increases durability and
performance.
nTRI-SEAMLESS TECH (Fulk 220) – Tri-wall, one piece design,
utilizing seamless walls for unmatched performance and
durability.
Please log onto www.worthsports.com, or our Worth Slowpitch
Facebook page www.facebook.com/WorthSlowpitch for a full
line review and other features of the new 2015 bats.
I have just one more item in closing: I would like to recognize
two inductees entering the USSSA Hall of Fame in November.
The first is a man that needs no introduction in softball circles
anywhere. Carl Rose played for many years with Worth sponsored teams like Williams, Lighthouse and Dan Smith/Backman/
Menosse. During this time the slugging second baseman from
Valdosta, GA was one of the most recognizable names in
softball. A long time Worth advisory staff member his signature aluminum bats set an industry standard in the eighties
and nineties. His numbers on the field were equally impressive as he was one of the best hitters in the game during this
time. Into the Hall of Fame along with Carl is Bobby Hughes.
This hard hitting player from Jonesboro, AR played outfield
on several of the Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth teams that
captured USSSA Men’s Major Championships! Bobby could run
the grass with the best of them and was a solid presence at the
plate. Congrats to both of these gentlemen as they enter the
USSSA HOF… very well deserved!
Well softball fans, that is a wrap on this 2014 slow pitch season.
Take some time off and enjoy the holidays. One thing I love
about this time of year is it gives you time to work on the
things you need to get better. It doesn’t matter if it’s taking BP
swings, lifting, or working on your defense this is a great time
to hit the diamond, or gym and take advantage of the cooler
temps and great weather. Don’t miss the chance to get your
hands around one of these new bats! I know you will see the
difference when you swing a WORTH! Have a great off season
and until next time keep hitting it hard and we’ll SEE YOU AT
THE BALLYARD!
©2014 Worth Sports, a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE:JAH)
Mike Cornell
™
WORTHSPORTS.COM
Corny’s
Corner
A Great
Lineup of Bats
Makes the Worth
Brand a Success
The Whole Enchilada Softball Invitational,
Pride of Southern New Mexico
Text and Photos by Dave Norton
Las Cruces, N.M - The Whole Enchilada
returned for yet another year in what
turned out to be a special weekend in
a long line of great years the event has
had in Southern New Mexico.
Being one of the largest tournaments
in the country, the event saw 263 teams
from six different states. Ranging from
the western most state of California to
the tip of Texas and all of the southwestern states in between, the tournament brought together teams from over
five different divisions; three men’s divisions including men’s C, D and E to the
two ladies divisions, women’s C and D.
There were 160 teams from the host
state of New Mexico, 69 from Texas, 17
from Arizona, 13 from Colorado and
two apiece from Nevada and California.
Two teams from NM took first place
with Texas edging out the home state
with three first place teams. All five of
the second place teams were from NM.
No local team took first place, with the
Hitmen from El Paso, Texas being the
closest team to Las Cruces, only a quick
45 minute drive away from the softball
complex.
The tournament saw beautiful weather
throughout, with the temperature
sitting in the mid 80’s for the entire
weekend. With games starting Friday
afternoon and ending Sunday evening,
there were around 1,000 games of softball played in just over 48 hours of play.
Playing by the lights of the ball parks,
games ran through the night and rolled
into the next day on both Friday and
Saturday nights.
68 USSSA TODAY
30th ANNUAL SOFTBALL FESTIVAL
MAY 1ST, 2ND & 3RD, 2015
Hitmen- El Paso, TX – Men’s Class C Champions
BFW- Hobbs, NM – Men’s Class D Champions
The
tournaments
director
and
Organizer, Bert Frederick, said, “This
year’s event was sponsored by Elite
Sports, Dudley Sports and Easton Sports.
It was attended by 263 teams from
NM, CO, AZ, NV, Texas and CA. Mother
Nature blessed us with dry weather
and perfect playing conditions which is
typical for Southern NM and Las Cruces
this time of year.”
thank YOU for
another hit season
With 72 umpires, 32 scorekeepers
and 11 directors, the tournament ran
smoothly, on time and without a single
hitch. Umpires came from as far east as
Arkansas and as far north as Minnesota.
Other umpires came from Texas and
Arizona as well.
The tournament is a huge event not
only for the staff and players, but for
Southern New Mexico as well. The
Mesilla Valley benefits greatly from this
event, taking in hundreds of thousands
of dollars over the weekend as well
as exposing a vast number of people
to the wonderful experience which is
the Mesilla Valley and Southern New
Mexico.
“As a conservative estimate, this event
brings in $500,000 for the city of Las
Cruces. That makes it the second largest
sporting event of the year for us here,”
said Edward S. Carnathan, CSEE, Sports
Sales Manager for the Las Cruces
Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We
have 155 teams coming from outside of
a 100 mile radius, 66 teams from within
a 100 mile radius and 42 teams from the
local area.”
2014 WHOLE ENCHILAdA SLOW PITCH SOFTbALL INvITATIONAL | 263 Teams Strong!
USSSA YOUTH bASEbALL | March 2014 NIT | July 2014 Global World Series
USSSA GIRLS FAST PITCH | June 2014 NIT
Hitmen’s Gabriel Lara- Men’s Class C MVP
BFW’s Nick Canava- Men’s D MVP
Carnathan continued, “At any given
time throughout the year we have
3,500 hotel rooms in our inventory that
operate at about 50 percent capacity.
When this event comes to town it fills
another 1,500 rooms, not to mention
the impact for local retailers like gas
stations, grocery stores, Walmart and
more.”
The Women’s C division ended in a heart
breaker, as Majestic Elite swept the
bracket until the championship game
where they had to go back to back
against Albuquerque, NM, Affliction.
Affliction had lost to Majestic Elite
the previous morning, moving them
to the loser’s bracket. After winning
five straight games over the next 14
70 USSSA TODAY
LET US HOST YOUR WINNING TEAM
Sun Devils- Las Cruces, NM – Men’s Class C Second Place
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT Ed CARNATHAN
(575) 541-2216 | ed@explorelascruces.com
ExploreLasCruces.com
hours to reach the championship game,
Affliction faced off against Majestic
Elite for a second time.
“This was long tournament, having to
wake up at 6 a.m. and play in the heat
all day was tough. We lost our second
to last game and had to battle back and
win that last one and we managed to
do it,” said team captain for Majestic
Elite, Megan Cook. “This was our first
year, but it was a great tournament and
absolutely; we will definitely come back
next year.”
Affliction took the first game to force a
second, winning 17-11. The second game
was a tough loss for the Albuquerque
team, losing in the final minutes by
a single run as time expired to take
second place. Terri Aranda took the
women’s C MVP award, while Mallory
Wyatt also from Majestic Elite received
the Offensive player award. Affliction’s
Katie McDermott won the Defensive
player award for the women’s C.
In what may have been the most exciting
bracket of the week, the Hitmen of El
Paso, Texas, took first place in what
turned out to be a test of strength and
especially stamina on their way to the
top in the Men’s C division. The second
place trophy went to the Las Cruces Sun
Devils who were favored going into the
home stretch but in the end fell to the
Hitmen in a duel that would become an
instant classic in the Whole Enchilada’s
history. The two teams met in the
winner’s bracket Sunday afternoon and
the Sun Devils walked away with a 21-16
victory.
Ssauce- Albuquerque, NM – Men’s Class D Second Place
BIG LEAGUE DREAMS
HOUSTON, TX
No Mercy- Socorro, NM – Men’s Class E Champions
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After coming back from the loser’s
bracket in a game that took place
immediately after their first loss, the
two teams met for a second time. The
Hitmen would get the better of the Sun
Devils in this matchup, 19-13. The two
teams took a quick break with barely
enough time to grab water before they
had to head back out to the field for the
first at bat.
The Hitmen found a second win and
pulled out a third win in as many hours
to finally achieve what they’d been
hoping to accomplish for a decade
and took the Men’s C championship.
Gabriel Lara from the Hitmen received
the overall MVP award for the tourna72 USSSA TODAY
LIVE BROADCASTS ALL WEEKEND LONG
PLUS TOURNAMENT PHOTOS/REPORTS
HOTEL IS LOCATED ONE EXIT NORTH OF BIG LEAGUE DREAMS
(281)332
32-2999
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For more information
Stud Farm- Albuquerque, NM – Men’s Class E Second Place
Greg Huchingson (979) 774-9408
Info@lonestarsoftball.com
ment, while George Stoltz, also from
the Hitmen, was awarded the Offensive
MVP award.
“It’s a fantastic tournament. This was
a great ending. I’ve been coaching this
team for 10 years. We seem to be on the
cusp of winning every year and this year
we finally got it done,” said Hitmen’s
coach Mike Lopez. “This was our 10 year
anniversary of the Hitmen and 10 years
of coming to the Whole Enchilada. To
come back and win back-to-back games
like that feels really good. It leaves me
speechless and I am so proud of these
guys.”
The local ladies of Too Legit found themselves battling through the Women’s
D bracket, winning every game until
coming up against Lady Oops from
Houston, Texas, where they fell 11-0.
After moving to the championship
game of the loser’s bracket, Too Legit
headed back for a final showdown with
Lady Oops.
It wasn’t meant to be for the home team,
as they would fall to the best team in the
bracket, 12-2. Lady Oops handily dealt
with all of their competition, winning
by as much as 22 runs in one game and
showing their skill at the plate, driving in
run after run in every game to outscore
opponents by an average of 10+ runs.
April Garcia from the Lady Oops was
awarded the women’s D overall MVP,
while her teammate Anna-Alicia Amaro
received the Offensive Player award.
Brandy Hernandez from Too Legit won
the Defensive Player award.
Majestic Elite- Amarillo, TX – Women’s Class C Champions
Majestic Elite’s Terri Aranda- Women’s C MVP
“This has been an awesome tournament. The game themselves, they’ve
had some awesome competition and we
just got on a roll and kept rolling,” said
Lady Oops coach Paul Vervar. “We had
fun and our team did what they were
supposed to.”
The two teams that found themselves
duking it out for first place in the Men’s
E bracket were No Mercy of Socorro,
NM and Albuquerque’s Stud Farm. The
teams met early Sunday morning where
No Mercy would find a win, edging out
Stud farm 9-8. After a quick trip to the
loser’s bracket, Stud farm pulled themselves back up to the championship
game to match up against No Mercy for
a final time to end the weekend.
74 USSSA TODAY
Affliction- Albuquerque, NM – Women’s C Second Place
Oktoberfest in Lee’s Summit, MO. Attracts 62
Soccer Teams throughout the Midwest
No Mercy prevented an ‘if’ game and
put their northern neighbors away 13-9,
taking first place. J.R. Baca from No
Mercy received the overall MVP award,
while teammate Able Morales was
award the Defensive Player award for
the Men’s E bracket. Stud Farm’s Robert
Rodela received the Offensive Player
award.
Losing in the early morning hours of
Saturday, Hobbs, NM’s BFW found themselves in the loser’s bracket of the Men’s
D bracket, staring an early out from the
tournament in the face. They never gave
up though and fought their way back
to the winner’s bracket. After barely
squeaking their way out of the loser’s
bracket in a 6-4 win, BFW faced off
against the undefeated Albuquerque,
NM, Ssauce.
By Maggie MacDonald
When I say, ‘Oktoberfest’, what comes
to mind? Week-long festivals with scores
of food, drinks and costumes? USSSA
Soccer and LSSA had a different vision. It
looked like this: 62 soccer teams from the
Midwest gathered on one weekend for
competitive play. The tournament, hosted
by LSSA Lee’s Summit Soccer Association,
was an installment of the 2014 Youth
Tournament Series for ages U8-U15.
Lady Oops- Houston, TX – Women’s D Champions
Winning the first game, the team from
Northern New Mexico turned the tables
on the victors and more than 24 hours
after losing their first game, forced an
’if’ game to decide who would take
home the trophy. This would be the
third forced ‘if’ game of the tournament. BFW came from behind to take
first place 11-8. Nick Canava took home
the Overall MVP for the Men’s D while
fellow BFW player Eric Valencia was
awarded the Defensive Player award.
Ssauce’s Matthew Ortega received the
Offensive Player award.
comments, “The weather was beautiful, the competition was excellent and
there was a show of great sportsmanship from all teams… everything just
went to smooth,” he said. This was the
first entrance into tournament-play for
some of the younger teams. National
Director, Craig Scriven saw the excitement first-hand. These young athletes
reminded the older players the purest
joys of competing.
Oktoberfest participants have now
qualified to compete at a regional event
in Wisconsin Dells in June, 2015. All of
The inaugural success of Oktoberfest
2014 has already sparked plans for the
future. Scriven and LaRose both hold the
intention of developing the event year
after year. “Our vision is to bring teams
in from out of state around Kansas and
Missouri, so it’s not just Kansas City
teams competing. We want to grow this
event in both Kansas and Missouri,” said
Scriven. “Next year we would like to see
85-100 teams involved. We are going
to continue to learn and run a great
tournament in the second year,” added
LaRose. In 2015, similar events are being
planned in Memphis, Tulsa, St. Louis and
Des Moines for the Midwest. Over the
course of time, tournament series like
Oktoberfest will run across the nation.
IT’S AN
ACTION PACKED,
PULSE POUNDING, FUN LOVING
Lady Oops’ April Garcia (left) Women’s D MVP and Anna-Alicia Amaro (right) Women’s D MVP Offensive
Player.
FIELD OF SUN DRENCHED
#LiveAmplified
veAmplified
veAmplifi
ed
“This event reminds me of one big family
reunion which produces a “Fiesta” type
atmosphere, which is fitting to Southern
New Mexico,” said Frederick. “All who
were involved had loads of fun this year
and without all the participants, this
could not be the Whole Enchilada. Once
again we strove to provide a quality
event for all to enjoy and compete.”
The event was held at the Legacy Park
Soccer Venue in Lee’s Summit, MO,
which houses the best grass fields in
all of the Kansas City area. The vision
was to create a quality tournament
in October with an emphasis on highcaliber competition from bracket to
bracket. And the vision matched the
outcome. League Director Tony LaRose
the USSSA tournaments in the Midwest
region will be invited to participate in
this regional event.
DREAMS HERE.
“This isn’t just an event for the players
to enjoy; their families, friends and
the locals all get enjoyment out of this
tournament,” added Carnathan. It was
yet another memorable year for the
Whole Enchilada Invitational and an
overwhelming success for all who were
involved.
Endless sunshine. Award-winning
beaches. And nonstop action.
Find your version of amped-up
good times in St. Pete/Clearwater.
SportAmplified.com
To view additional photos from The
Whole Enchilada, contact Dave Norton,
dnort32@nmsu.edu, 575.323.4501.
Too Legit- Las Cruces, NM – Women’s D Second Place
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76 USSSA TODAY
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Flynn makes it two-in-a-row;
wins Junior Mike’
By Ian Auzenne
Carencro, La.--Last month, 14-year-old
Charlie Flynn made a case for being the
best all-around golfer on the Louisiana
USSSA Junior Golf Tour by playing
in--and winning--the Boys 15-18 division
in the Mizuno Back-2-School Classic.
Boys 12-14: (L-R) Nicholas Arcement, Mathews, LA;
Carson Caruso, Greenwell Springs, LA; Karan Patel,
Alexandria, LA.
Boys 9-11: (L-R) Kale Fontenot, Lafayette, LA; Owen
Hayden, Bogalusa, LA; Jace LeJeune, Jennings, LA;
Peyton Canter, St. Amant, LA.
Girls 15-18: (L-R) Brooke Duzan, Sulphur, LA; Emily
Lucas, Crowley, LA; Cassidy Goff, Crowley, LA.
Girls 9-11: (L-R) Caroline Covington, Denham
Springs, LA; and Cassidy Lambert, Gretna, LA.
with a total of 84.
holding off runner-up Emily Lucas, of
Crowley, by one stroke. Cassidy Goff,
also of Crowley, finished three strokes
behind the lead to take third place.
This weekend, Flynn gave more proof to
back up that claim.
Flynn, of Alexandria, claimed his second
straight tour title in the senior division,
outlasting 15 other golfers at the Farm
d’Allie Golf Club to win the Mizuno
Junior Mike’ Open.
One of those other golfers, though,
gave Flynn a run for his money.
Tristan Fruge, of Crowley, forced a
playoff with Flynn, staying tied with
him throughout the entire tournament.
Both shot 79 in the first round and 75 in
the second round to finish at 154. Flynn
emerged from the playoff victorious,
scoring par to Fruge’s bogey, to take
home the championship.
Tucker Landry, of Napoleonville, finished
three strokes behind Flynn and Fruge to
take third place.
The Boys 9-11 division also saw a playoff.
Kale Fontenot, of Lafayette, made a
comeback in the second-round of the
18-hole event, shooting 39 to finish at
79 and force a playoff against Owen
Hayden. Fontenot made the most of
his opportunity, beating Hayden, of
Bogalusa, on the first playoff hole.
Payton Canter, of St. Amant, and Jace
LeJeune, Jennings, tied for third place
80 USSSA TODAY
In the Boys 12-14 group, Nicholas
Arcement found himself in the winner’s
circle for the first time in the 20142015 season. Arcement, of Mathews,
shot 157 to take the championship
in the intermediate division. Carson
Caruso, of Greenwell Springs, shot 160
to take second place. Karan Patel, of
Alexandria, finished in third place with
a score of 167.
Reigning national champion Brooke
Duzan claimed her first title of the
young season by winning a very tight
Girls 15-18 tournament. Duzan, of
Sulphur, shot 165 to take the title,
Cassidy Lambert, of Gretna, took home
the championship in the Girls 9-11
age group by shooting 90. Caroline
Covington, of Denham Springs, took
runner-up honors by shooting 104.
The next event on the USSSA Junior Golf
Tour is the Mizuno Halloween Classic.
That event will take place October 18
and 19 at the Atchafalaya Golf Club in
Patterson. The deadline to register for
the tournament is October 16. For more
information, e-mail robert. boudreaux@
usssa.com or visit www.usssatoday.com.
SOFTBALL IS MY GAME
by Brett Helmer
Wegman, Baker Recognized
for Outstanding Seasons
Hey Softballers,
I can’t believe it, but here we are putting
the finishing touches on yet another
great softball season. It seems like we
wait forever for the tournament season
to start up and then, before we know it,
we are in November again! Maybe it’s
just me that thinks that way, but I am
willing to bet that a bunch of you know
exactly what I’m saying. Well the 2014
Conference USSSA season was another
very solid campaign for our Easton
Sponsored teams. I would like to thank
each and every team we at Easton had
in Conference USSSA this season and
congratulate you all on your hard work
and dedication to the sport. Let’s take a
look at some of our outstanding teams
and players for 2014.
I would like to Congratulate Precision
on winning the USSSA Men’s B World’s!
They had a huge season from wire
to wire and held their own against
everyone, capping it off with the B. It
looks like they will be keeping most of
this group together and heading for A
ball in the Spring. They won’t have any
problem making the jump as they came
very close to winning the A World’s this
season. Another huge Congratulations
to Line Drive Sports for winning the
USSSA Men’s A World Series this season.
These guys had some growing pains
during the season and finally put the
right mix together and played huge at
the right time! Great job to both of these
teams, their sponsors, and coaches.
Now let’s take a look at a couple players
that led the way for our Easton promo
team this year. Brian Wegman who plays
left field and hits in the 2 hole for our
top Easton Team Laservison/H. Auto/JJ’s/
Easton. Brian had statistically one of the
best seasons I have ever seen. He simply
killed it from April until October. Brian
had 469 plate appearances for the 2014
82 USSSA TODAY
Brian Wegman- Nationwide Conference USSSA
co-player of the year with 469 PAs, 101 HRs, 255 RBIs
and a .800 OBA.
Bryson Baker- 479 PAs, 107 HRs, 288 RBIs and a
.781 OBA.
USSSA season! He hit 101 Hrs, had 255
RBI’s, and had and OBA of .800! The folks
at USSSA must have agreed as Brian was
awarded the Co Player of the year along
with the great Andy Purcell. This marked
the first time in the 9 year history of
the Conference that the MVP went to a
player on the second place team. I have
played with Brian for 8 straight seasons
and this was the best I have ever seen
him. His total skill set rivals any player in
the game today or back in the day! The
other player I wanted to acknowledge
is Bryson Baker. Bryson bats leadoff and
plays INF/OF for Laservision. Bryson had
479 plate appearances!! That is sick by
the way! He hit 107Hrs, had 288 RBI’s
and a .781 OBA. Now I can tell you that
I have played with and against the best
for the last 20+ years and I have never
seen a more polished hitter than Bryson.
No one makes getting a hit look easier
than this guy. He has been around for
14-15 years at the top and has put up as
good of numbers as any player ever has.
The best part is that he is not even close
to slowing down and has many big years
left in him. We had a ton of players that
had great years for many of our teams
and I’m sure are already putting the work
in to have another great season in 2015.
World Series, you would have seen my
swinging the brand new Mako Torq
Helmer. This is the greatest technology
we have released in the game possibly
ever. The 360 degree rotating handle is
designed to keep you in the hitting zone
longer while naturally lining up your
hands in the proper position through
the entire at bat. Where I have really
seen the bat help hitters was on swings
that their timing was a little off. The bat
really allows you to make corrections
during the swing and that my friends
can’t be a bad thing! Along with the
Torq you will see our Bomb Squad Series
of bats with our top pros signatures.
The Brian Wegman, Bryson Baker, and
Scott Kirby line is as strong as any we
have ever had. We have you covered
with whatever your needs are, 1 piece,
2 piece, end load, balanced. Be on the
lookout for these new sticks that are
due to launch Feb 1st at a retailer near
you. If you happen to see any of my guys
around that have them already, just ask
them and they will let you hit theirs.
Speaking of 2015, let’s take a look at
the 2015 Easton Slow Pitch bat line. For
those of you that were at the Major
On behalf of all us players, I would
like to thank all of the great sponsors
out there. Without you guys, we don’t
get to do what we love. I hope you all
have a safe and healthy Fall/Winter, and
remember that there is no off season.
let’s get to work!
RAWPOWER
THE NEXT GENERATION OF RAW POWER SLOW-PITCH BATS
AVAILABLE NOW
L1.0 BRETT HELMER PRO MODEL
USSSA END-LOADED 2-PIECE COMPOSITE DESIGN
Brett
WWW.EASTON.COM/SLOW-PITCH

to - USSSA - United States Specialty Sports Association

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