Archive for the ‘Players’ Category

A-1 Tank / Nor Cal Mavericks Merger

Sunday, December 11th, 2005

Sledgehammer22 has broken another piece of big news at the 2006 Rumor Central:

News Break!!! Fresh off the phone with Chris Wright of the Nor Cal Mavericks. The Mavericks have announced a merger between them and A-1 Tank. The deal was said to be done last week and the details have been ironed out. The team will take on the A-1 Tank name and compete at the ISC II level. Wright, who will have the duties of General Manager and Field Manager, says the merger is a two year deal with options after the first year. The merger instantly makes the northern California based team a serious player at the “B” level and ISCII level. When asked about the deal, Wright added, “It’s tough to watch my Mavericks team name go but this could turn out to be a great thing for Nor Cal fastpitch. I’m excited for the season to start.” The Mavericks look to compete in Red Rock, Portland and a travel league in preparation for the ISC II Tournament of Champions. Details of the roster will be released later this month.

The merger positions the team to compete with another new California ISC II team being formed, for a bid to compete in the ISC II Tournament of Champions in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada in August.

Sledgehammer22’s “2006 Rumor Central” has nearly 10,000 page views in barely a month’s time — almost as many as all of 2005. Click here to catch the latest.

Vancouver Grey Sox Sign Pat Mackintosh for Canadian Nationals

Saturday, December 10th, 2005

From Al’s Fastball: Vancouver Grey Sox Sign Pat Mackintosh for Canadian Nationals

David Bell Out of Retirement and into a Black Sox Uniform

Friday, December 2nd, 2005

David Bell has traded his golf clubs for a bat and glove, returning to play the game he loves, and will be a member of Fred Hanker’s 2006 Black Sox.

“Bell played sparingly the last two seasons, hosting his Spring Swing Fastpitch Weekend, a national qualifier in Fresno, the “C” Nationals in Hastings in 2004 and last year in a 4 game friendship series against his buddies from Bremen, Indiana, DC Current with brothers Mike and Dean Huppert. “I thought it was time to step away, spend time with my wife and kids and coach the boys. I have been playing some competitive golf in an amateur tour but it’s not the same as playing the great game of fastpitch. I don’t know how many years I’ll try to keep playing, or if this is a one year return, but I am returning to my favorite sport to play.”

Read the complete story at “Sox News” at Fred’s Long Beach Black Sox website.

Hugh Hillhouse Re-signs with Elkland for 2006 Season

Tuesday, November 29th, 2005

The story on Hugh Hillhouse (brother of Bill) comes from Al’s Fastball, with this interesting note:

Hillhouse re-wrote the Elkland Fastpitch pitching record book last season, when he finished the season with 19-4 record, with 157 strikeouts and a 2.22 ERA in 26 games. During the season, Hillhouse began the year starting out with a 10-0 pitching record through the teams first 4 tournaments of the year.

One of the more surprising aspects of Hillhouse’s season was the fact that he pitched the last 3 tournaments of the season with a broken bone in his foot, after he suffered the injury during batting practice at the 2005 NAFA World Series. Hillhouse was unaware of the broken bone in his ankle until a trip to the doctors after the season. During those three tournaments, despite constant pain in his ankle, Hillhouse compiled a 6-2 record, with 60 strikeouts and a 3.25 ERA in 47.33 innings.

Hugh’s brother Bill Hillhouse, serves here at Fastpitchwest as the moderator for the ISC section of the Fastpitchwest Forum, had an outstanding 2005 ISC World Tournament for Keatings Fitness of PA, just missing the Sweet Sixteen in a playoff game. Bill is a former member of Team USA, and teaches pitching at “House of Pitching”. Be sure to take a look at his website, if you haven’t lately. A DVD is available for those who want to learn a bit more.

Long Beach Black Sox Announce All Time Career Leaders

Monday, November 28th, 2005

The Long Beach Black Sox, in existences since 2003 released their complete book of career stats. Black Sox founder, player-GM Fred Hanker leads in 14 of 15 offensive categories:
LONG BEACH BLACK SOX: Sox News

Watch the Black Sox website for more news soon, on a free-agent signing for ’06 by GM Fred Hanker.

Pitcher Grant Patterson back with Midland for ’06

Monday, November 28th, 2005

From Al’s Fastball:
Midland Explorer News

One of Nine

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2005

ASA to Induct Nine New Members to Hall of Fame

USA Softball’s Avon Meacham is the lone player from the men’s fast pitch category to be selected to the Class of 2006. A three-time ASA All-American, Meacham led the USA Softball Men’s National Team in three Pan American Games.

More TidBits From Al’s Fastball

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2005

TidBits November 22, 2006

Rumors? You Want Rumors?

Saturday, November 19th, 2005

Try a few of these, courtesy of the latest edition of “TidBits” from Al’s Fastball. TidBits November 18, 2005

Hear the one about the “Owen Sound Select River Shark Smokers”? Wonder how they’ll squeeze that on a uniform. Or “OSSRSS” on the cap !

Todd Budke Caught in the Hot Seat

Saturday, November 19th, 2005

Catch Fred Hanker’s latest “Hot Seat” interview, with the Black Sox’ newest addition, Todd Budke. Budke will play for the Sox, when available, from his regular team, last year’s ISC World Tournament runner-up, The Farm Tavern. Budke is generally regarded as one of the finest hitters in the game, with a Ted Williams-esque swing.


(click photo to enlarge)

Here is an excerpt from the Budke “Hot Seat” interview with Black Sox player-manager-GM Fred Hanker:

Q: If you were commissioner for the day, what would you change about the game of fastball?
A: Not sure there is enough room….I would change how the players rep committee works. Right now there are people on this that are not even players. Also certain individuals that have there own agendas have the power to put rules in place that they see fit. Players are not represented! Case in point the PRAWN rule. So many holes have been punched in this by numerous players and coaches.

Click the link below to read the entire interview:
Long Beach Black Sox News
For more info on the Black Sox signing of Budke for 2006, click this link: (more…)