Archive for the ‘Players’ Category

So Cal Players Shine at ASA Major

Thursday, August 3rd, 2006

A couple of Southern Californians are playing for The Farm Tavern at the ASA Major. One is a regular, Todd Budke, and another, a pick up from Team Rainey, Stan Grebeck. They both played a key role in the Farm’s 2-1 squeaker over Keatings Thursday:

“The only run Gorreau would need came in the sixth inning when Todd Budke, a second-team All-America last year, singled, scoring Stan Grebeck. Grebeck walked to open the inning and advanced to second on a ground out before Budke laced an RBI single to right field.”

Superstars of Fastball Souvenir Calendars

Sunday, July 16th, 2006

We are pleased to pass along some information on Derek Pinkerton’s outstanding project, the “Superstars of Fastball” Souvenir Calendar.

Click here for more info and to see a sample of the Superstars of Fastball Souvenir Calendars. (Click the links at the bottom of the page when you arrive there, to see a sample. ) You’ll spot a familiar face or two on the calendars, I am sure 🙂

Editor’s note: Maddy/Fastpitchwest was pleased to provide some photos for use in this calendar. We do not receive any of the proceeds from the calendar, but heartily support the project and think it offers a great way for your teams to raise money for Nationals and such. Be sure to check it out!

Trivia Time

Tuesday, July 11th, 2006

What do these two ballplayers have in common? (Scroll down for answer)


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Trivia Answer: They are both “Home Run Derby” winners. At top, is Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, who won MLB’s version of the Home Run Derby Monday night at baseball’s All-Star Game. Below, is Brian Ree of the Portland Merchants, who put on his own “Home Run Derby” over the past weekend, at the Prince George Bear Classic men’s fastball tournament, hitting five (count ’em, “5”) home runs. A few differences, though….Howard hit his off of batting practice pitching, while Ree hit his in actual games, against ISC level pitching. Other differences? Well, Howard stands 6’4″, 250 pounds. Ree, just under 6′, and 180 pounds. Where does he get that kind of power? The answer, we think, is in that swing (on display on the latest cover photo at www.fastpitchwest.com). Ree, we are told, endured some good natured ribbing about “taking the juice”, including a visual search by “GK”, Gerald Kennedy. No steroids were found. But all kidding aside, anyone that has seen Ree in person would not think “juice”, but rather, recognize that he had developed into one of the rising talents in the game. Shades of Schellenberg. He and his Portland teammates won the Bear Classic, by the way, and will be in Vancouver at month’s end for the Vancouver Challenge. Sorry for blowing your cover, Brian.

Kevin Herlihy passes away of Heart Attack at 58 in NZ Hospital

Wednesday, July 5th, 2006

From Dave Blackburn:

It is with great sadness that I am sending the terrible News about Kevin Herlihy passing away at age 58 in a NZ Hospital. The New Zealand sports News is beginning to report on his life as one of the greatest NZ athletes of all time.

Kevin was my special guest at the March 2006 Hall of Fame Dinner and graced us with his presence from NZ, to pay tribute to his former teammate Greg Sepulveda, on speaker phone and PA System.

Anyone who ever saw him pitch knew that he was one of the greatest of all time.

With Sad Regards,

Dave Blackburn
310-266-7803
daveb@virtvent.com


http://www.sportal.co.nz/othersports.asp?i=news&id=85060

New Zealand Softball is mourning the loss of one of its greatest stars after pitching legend Kevin Herlihy died of a heart attack at Waikato Hospital on Wednesday evening.

Regarded as one of the best softball pitchers in the world during his international career which spanned three decades, Herlihy was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

The New Zealand pitcher was also inducted into the International Softball Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Softball New Zealand Hall of fame in 1995.

Herlihy’s career was studded with representative honours and he was the captain of the New Zealand team when it won the world title in 1984.

He also won world championship gold in 1976 when New Zealand shared the title with USA and Canada and won gold again in 1996 as pitching coach with the title winning New Zealand team.

Following his stellar playing career, Herlihy was a selector with the New Zealand
men’s team during the early 1990’s, pitching coach with the Black Sox in
1996 and attended the 2000 Olympics with the White Sox.

Former Black Sox coach Mike Walsh remembers Herlihy as not only a great
softball player but also as a true friend.

“In 1984 when we won he was captain and all the guys in the team showed
immense respect for him,” said Walsh.

“I always remember after the final I took the match-ball and had all the guys sign it and I presented it to Kevin and all the guys in the team stood as one when I made the presentation.”

New Zealand Softball chief executive Dale Eagar was another to speak fondly of Herlihy.

“In terms of pitching ability, he was the best in world and he was acknowledged as such by all those who played against him,” said Eagar.

“As a man he was one of the funniest guys you could ever meet. He was a personality in his own right and a very talented sportsman.”

Herlihy leaves behind his wife Sandra and two children Michelle and Chris.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3723350a11,00.html

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=99136

Monkton 2006 – Tourney Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts…

Monday, July 3rd, 2006

From Al’s Fastball:
[Monkton, Ont.] – Yes, I am extemely tired! – but YES – I’m EXTREMELY PROUD and HAPPY with the events over the week-end. I feel the need to write this, as my time is limited right now. I must pack and move (nearby) this week, and get back over to the ballpark to “dis-mantle” and get the park back to it’s normal set-up. I also wish to put my thoughts, occurances, events and things witnessed on paper – as they are still fresh in my mind, and would erode with each passing day. This, for me, is almost a sad day. We prepare for so long, and in a flash – it’s gone. …………

For the rest of this story, click here to visit Al’s Fastball.

Kevin Herlihy, Recovering from Heart Attack

Tuesday, June 27th, 2006

From Al’s Fastball: Kevin Herlihy

Best wishes are extended to one of the legends of the sport, Kevin Herlihy, recovering in Waikato Hospital following a heart attack. From all reports Kevin was “lucky” to have been in hospitalal ready after an earlier mild attack, when he suffered a more severe heart attack requiring surgery. Now out of the ICU Kevin is making steady progress. If you wish to drop Kevin a note or a card to wish him, Sandra and the family well, it can be sent to Kevin Herlihy, Cardiac Care Unit, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton.

Dale Eagar CEO SOFTBALL NEW ZEALAND – PITCHING FOR THE FUTURE

Editor’s note: Kevin Herlihy was one of the greatest pitchers of his era. I had the good fortunte to call him a teammate in Lakewood in 1986. When David Blackburn organized an ISC Hall of Fame “Tribute to Legends” earlier this year, to celebrate the upcoming induction of Ed Klecker, and Greg Sepulveda, Herlihy made arrangements to phone in from his native New Zealand, (Hice Stiles holding the mike in photo) to wish his best to teammate Sepulveda. The two were teammates when the Lancaster Chameleons won the 1983 ISC World Tournament. We wish a speedy recovery for Kevin.

Passing of Travis Law

Sunday, June 11th, 2006

We sadly report the passing of Travis Law. Travis was the longtime leftfielder of Country Club Villa, in Northern California. San Jose Mercury News

Travis Law, 8-24-66 – 6-4-06
39, of Gilroy, passed away on Sunday, June 4th 2006. He is survived by his beloved wife Lisa Law formerly Lisa Gussen Hoven, four sons: Mathew, Dayton, Darius and Donovan; father, James Law; mother Gloria Law; sister, Tanya Brown; aunt, Katie Barr; cousins, Henry Barr Jr., Grayland “Jo Jo” Green and Wanda Collins. Viewing to be held Friday, June 9, 2006 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Johnson Family Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill. Funeral Services to be held Sat. June 10, 2006 beginning at 10 a.m. at Johnson Family Funeral Home with burial immediately following services. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to “The Travis Law Memorial Fund” 1409 Eagles Nest Ln, Gilroy, CA 95020.

Help Wanted with Red Rock Photo ID’s

Wednesday, May 31st, 2006

Can you ID the players in the Red Rock photos listed here?

Vancouver Grey Sox Sign Darren Box for Canadians

Monday, May 29th, 2006

From the Vancouver Grey Sox Website: Vancouver Grey Sox Sign Darren Box
May 29, 2006
Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver Grey Sox are pleased to announce the signing of catcher Darren Box to bolster the team’s line up in its attempt to qualify for the Softball Canada Senior Mens Fastpitch Nationals to be held in late August in Prince George, BC.

Box a resident of Edmonton, Alberta is a highly regarded elite player at the Senior Mens Fastpitch level. He spent the 2005 season with the Broken Bow, NY Spirit and is signed for the majority of the 2006 season with the So Cal Bombers.

John Stuart, Grey Sox Field Manager commented on the signing. “Any time you have an opportunity to add someone with the ability of a Darren Box to your line up, it immediately brings added depth and experience in big game situations to the team”. I look forward to having him in a Grey Sox uniform, and have no doubts that he will solidify our roster with his leadership and presence.

Box will make his Grey Sox debut on the weekend of June 3 and 4, when the Sox host Portland CR for a 4 game super series at South Memorial Park in Vancouver.

One of the Good Guys….

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006

A Tip of the Cap to Mike Cutro, of CPI fastball in New York. Click here for the details posted at the GHFL.ca forum.