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Hayward ASA “B”/”C” Tournament Series

Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

2007 MEN’S A.S.A. CLASS “B/C” FASTPITCH PACIFIC COAST TOURNAMENT SERIES

Hayward, California
May 5 & 6, 2007
POOL I

1) TJ’s/VPC 3) Wally’s Bail Bonds

2) Auburn Appliance 4) Country Club
TIME TEAM SCORE TEAM SCORE FIELD
************HOME TEAM DETERMINED BY COIN FLIP************
9:00a TJ’s/VPC vs Country Club CVCC
11:00a TJ’s/VPC vs Auburn Appliance CVCC
1:00p Wally’s Bail Bonds vs Auburn Appliance CVCC
3:00p Wally’s Bail Bonds vs Country Club CVCC
5:00p Auburn Appliance vs Country Club CVCC
7:00p TJ’s/VPC vs Wally’s Bail Bonds CVCC

POOL II

1) Romie’s Angels 3) Team King

2) Gamblers 4) Santa Rosa FP
TIME TEAM SCORE TEAM SCORE FIELD
************HOME TEAM DETERMINED BY COIN FLIP************
9:00a Romie’s Angels vs Santa Rosa FP Standley
11:00a Romie’s Angels vs Gamblers Standley
1:00p Team King vs Gamblers Standley
3:00p Team King vs Santa Rosa FP Standley
5:00p Gamblers vs Santa Rosa FP Standley
7:00p Romie’s Angels vs Team King Standley

POOL III

1) Da Bruddah’s 4) North Bay Heating

2) Oroville Braves 5) Fat City

3) Team Bloodline 6) Dry Creek
TIME TEAM SCORE TEAM SCORE FIELD
************HOME TEAM DETERMINED BY COIN FLIP************
9:00a Da Bruddah’s vs Oroville Braves HSP#4
11:00a Da Bruddah’s vs Team Bloodline HSP#4
1:00p Oroville Braves vs Team Bloodline HSP#4
3:00p Fat City vs Oroville Braves HSP#4
9:00a North Bay Heating vs Fat City HSP#3
11:00a Dry Creek vs North Bay Heating HSP#3
1:00p Fat City vs Dry Creek HSP#3
3:00p North Bay Heating vs Da Bruddah’s HSP#3
5:00p Dry Creek vs Team Bloodline HSP#3

SOUTH COUNTY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
HAYWARD AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
OAKLAND A.S.A.
2007 A.S.A. MEN’S CLASS “B/C” FASTPITCH
PACIFIC COAST TOURNAMENT SERIES
MAY 5 & 6, 2007

All games shall be governed by the 2007 ASA Official Rules of Softball with the following exceptions:

All managers are requested to control their respective teams and fans during the tournament.

Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Physical violence, verbal threats or abuse or other acts of misconduct, including foul language, will be dealt with severely. Players will be ejected and subject to suspension up to and including a lifetime ban and/or criminal prosecution. Physical contact between two or more players will result in the players being ejected from that game plus at least one additional game. Acts of physical violence or threats toward umpires or league officials will result in the players being ejected from that game plus at least two additional games. In the cases of extreme misconduct the case will be reviewed and a hearing conducted per ASA Guidelines to determine if further action will be taken.

All decisions made by Tournament Officials and local A.S.A. Representatives are final.

Rosters must be completed and signed by local ASA representatives. All players must be able to show a photo I.D. upon request. Players without proper I.D. will be considered ineligible. It is each player’s responsibility to carry I.D.

Uniform Rule: Tops with numbers required.

Game line-up cards will be required in 15 minutes before game time. When the line-up is registered

on the official scoresheet it will be the official line-up. (It is requested that all subs be listed on the back of the line-up card.) Home team will be determined by coin flip at this time. Home team will have 3rd base dugout unless it is already occupied by a team from the previous game.

Game time will have a 10-minute grace period. Clock will start at game time; if a team cannot field

a team after 10 minutes, the game will be ruled a forfeit. THE FORFEIT FEE WILL APPLY.

Travel time will be allowed when games are back to back at different field locations. No new inning after 1 hour and 45 minutes in effect for all games.

ASA Run Ahead Rule of 15 after 3 innings, 8 after 5 innings (2 ½ and 4 ½ if home team is ahead) in effect for all

games. Tie-Breaker: Runner on second starting with 8th inning or after time has expired in effect for all games.

Speed up rule. (Catchers Only) If the catcher is on base he may be replaced by the last possible batter to hit in

that inning that is not on base or the designated runner, regardless of the number of outs.

Designated Runner [DR] and one Extra Hitter (EH) permitted. Both must be listed on the Line-up

card. The DR may run ONCE an inning. These players may play defense. The EH must remain in

the same spot in the batting order. Once the DR enters the game on offense or defense you lose the

D/R.

Shorthand Rule (ASA Rule 4.1d). If a team begins the game with 8 players, there is an automatic out in the 9th spot in the batting order. If a player arrives late they must enter the lineup in the 9th spot. If a team begins a game with 9 or 10 players and a player leaves the game and there is no available substitute there is an automatic out in that spot in the lineup. If two players leave there would be an out in each spot in the lineup. A team may not play shorthanded in the case of a player ejection.

Official game ball is the Dudley CFP 12Y or equivalent.

Teams will have 5 minute infield (if time permits). NO EXCEPTIONS

Posted in ASA, Leagues, Tournaments | No Comments »

Pennsylvania Power 2007 Roster

Monday, April 30th, 2007

From Al’s Fastball:

PENNSYLVANIA POWER ANNOUNCES 2007 ROSTER and SCHEDULE

The Pennsylvania Power Fastpitch Club from Ephrata, Pennsylvania is pleased to announce its 2007 roster and schedule. The PA Power is the defending 2006 NSA World Series Champions and the ASA 2005 Men’s Class C National Champions.

Returning from last year’s squad will be: Pitchers: Eric Fogel, Merlin High and Ryan Rutt, Catcher: Chris Pagano, Infielders: Dean Malone, Greg Houtz, Dave Giblin, Corey Schnoke, Andy Mease and Jerry Zimmerman. Outfielders: Rich Sauder, Duane Weiler,
Bob Wicker, Rob Loglisci, Alan Esporrin and Gary Fiore.

In addition, the Power is pleased to have added: Pitcher: David Stokes (Keating’s Fitness), Catcher/Infielder: Brad Theys (South Lebanon) and Infielder: Derrick Zechman (Orillia Riversharks).

2007 Pennsylvania Power Schedule: (more…)

Posted in ASA, ISC-II, Teams | No Comments »

Pacific Coast Tournament Series – May 5 & 6, 2007

Sunday, April 22nd, 2007

SOUTH COUNTY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
HAYWARD AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
METRO OAKLAND A.S.A.
2007 A.S.A. MEN’S CLASS “B/C” FASTPITCH
PACIFIC COAST TOURNAMENT SERIES
MAY 5 & 6, 2007
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

All teams must be registered A.S.A and in good standing with their local Amateur Softball Association.

TOURNAMENT: 2007 A.S.A. Men’s Class “B” & “C” FASTPITCH

LOCATION: Hayward, California, Field Locations TBA

DATE: May 5th & 6th, 2007

ENTRY FEE: $410.00 Payable to “H.A.R.D.”

MAIL TO: H.A.R.D.

c/o John Gouveia or Vanessa Woodmansee

1099 “E” Street, Hayward, CA 94541

ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday, April 27th, 2007, 5:00 p.m.

PHONE INQUIRIES: Vanessa Woodmansee (510) 881-8465

E-MAIL INQUIRIES: SCSAHAYCA@aol.com

FAX: (510) 881-6751 Attn: John Gouveia

TEAM ROSTER: A.S.A. Official Championship Roster Form, signed by each player and approved by teams local A.S.A. Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner must be turned in by the roster deadline date of:

Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

FORMAT: Pool Play on Saturday, Single Elimination on Sunday (more…)

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ASA 50+ National – Mobile, Alabama

Thursday, April 5th, 2007

ASA National Tournament – 50+

Information Sheet

Tournament: Men’s 50 + Fast-Pitch
Date: July 6-8, 2007
Location: Lewis Brasell Softball Complex in Medal of Honor Park, Mobile, Alabama

Tournament Director:
Chan Keller,
Mobile Parks and Recreation Department,
2301 Airport Blvd., Mobile. AL 36606;
Phone: (251) 208-1631 Fax: (251) 208-1633
Email: kellerc@cityofmobile.org

Hotel Info:
America’s Best Inns – Exit 10, I-65 – Phone: (251) 457-4006
Ask for Softball Tournament Rate: $59.00 (Includes Breakfast)
Best Western Asbury Hotel and Suites – Exit 3, I-65 Phone (251) 344-8030 Rates: $85.00, 95.00 (Includes Breakfast)
Hampton Inn and Suites (Closest to Ball Fields) – Phone: (251) 776-5866
Rate: $109.00 and $129.00
Ramada Inn I-65 – Exit 3, I-65 – Phone: (251) 342-3220
Rate: $79.00 (includes Breakfast)
Family Inn – Exit 3, I-65 – Phone: (251) 344-5500, Rate: $59.77
Howard Johnson – Exit 1, I-65 – Phone: (251) 471-2402, Rate: $70.00
Red Roof Inn – Dauphin St. I-65 Exit – Phone: (251) 476-2004
Rate: $52.99
Fairfield Inn – Exit 3, I-65 – Phone: (251) 316-0029, Rate: $99.00
Courtyard by Marriot – Phone: (251) 344-5200
Mobile Marriot Airport Blvd.- Phone: (251) 476-6400
Residence Inn – Phone: (251) 304-0570

Manager’s Meeting:

A manager’s meeting will be held on Friday, July 6th at 11:30 AM at the Best Western Asbury Hotel, at Airport Blvd and I-65 (exit 3). Lunch will be served. No more that two (2) representatives per team please.

Tournament Format:
The ASA three (3) game guarantee format will be used.

Entry Fee
The entry fee is $300.00. Please make check payable to City of Mobile and mail to Chan Keller, Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, 2301 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36606.

Roster and Entry Form:
An official tournament entry form must be signed by the local ASA Commissioner and accompany the National Tournament Roster Form.

Deadline for Entry:
The entry deadline is June 22, 2007.

Tournament Drawing:
Tournament drawing will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, June 29, 2007 at the Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, 2301 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL Pairings will be available by phone, fax or email.

Opening Ceremonies:
The Opening Ceremonies will be held at 5:00 PM on July 6th, 2007 at Lewis Brasell Softball Complex on Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL.

Tournament Begins:
The first games of the tournament will begin at 6:00 PM on July 6th, 2007.

Posted in ASA, Tournaments | No Comments »

Hall of Fame Pitching Legend Herb Dudley Dies at Age 87

Monday, March 19th, 2007

From the ASA National office, courtesy of JRWiliamson:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Herb Dudley, who had a fast-pitch softball career that defied imagination, passed away early Friday morning, March 16th, of congestive heart failure at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, Va. Dudley was 87 years-old.

Dudley’s career in fast pitch spanned five decades, starting in 1940 and ending in 1981. Ironically, he started and ended his career with the same team—the Clearwater Bombers of Clearwater, Fla., who won 10-ASA national championships. In addition to the Bombers, Dudley played for teams in Atlanta, Ga., Ashland, Ohio, Levittown, N.Y., Long Island, N.Y., Fort Wayne, Ind., Miami, Fla., Mountain View, Calif., Rising Sun, Md., and Allentown, Pa.

It is estimated Dudley won more than 1,000 games during his career and compiled a record of 28-9 in 16 ASA national championships. Five times he earned ASA All-America honors and was named as the most valuable player in the 1949 and 1957 ASA National Championships.

In 1949 he established the ASA national tourney single-game strikeout record when he fanned 55 batters in 21 innings against Okmulgee, Okla., in the ASA National Championship in Little Rock, Ark. After beating Okmulgee, 1-0, Dudley hurled the next game, fanning 12 more batters in a 4-0 win against Mercedes, Texas. During the six games Dudley hurled in the tournament, he fanned 130 batters, including 89 in 46 innings the last two nights.

That season was part of a five-year period in which Dudley won 142 games and lost only 10 for the Bombers, striking out 2,475 batters, hurling 110 shutouts and 45 no-hitters. He hurled more than 100 no-hitters during his career. Dudley was so well respected by the Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball, that each year at the conclusion of the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship the Herb Dudley Outstanding Pitching Award is given to the tournaments most outstanding pitcher.

After retiring as an active player, Dudley worked for the Dudley Sports Company (no relation) until 1995 and was employed by the Clearwater Senior High School for 30 years as a teacher. He also gave pitching clinics throughout the United States during the summers.

Dudley, who was born December 19, 1919, was inducted into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame in 1986 in the men’s fast pitch category. He has also been enshrined in the Stetson University Sports Hall of Fame, Indianapolis Indiana Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Writers and Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Dudley is survived by his wife, Lucille, two sons, David and Tommy, three daughters, Susan, Becky and Sharon, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held March 23, 2007 at the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Clearwater, Fla.

Posted in ASA, General, Players | No Comments »

ASA to host American Challenge Series – July 12-15, 2007

Friday, February 16th, 2007

Men’s Game to Be Carried on ESPN

From Al’s Fastball:

Oklahoma City—The AmateurSoftball Association (ASA) announced today it will be hosting the inauguralAmerican Challenge Series, July 12-15, at the ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City. TheAmerican Challenge Series will be held in conjunction with the 3rdWorld Cup of Softball and will feature the USA Softball Men’s NationalTeam.

The schedule for the American Challenge Series will not be finalizeduntil early March but is expected to include four of the top teams in the world including the USA and JapanESPN will partner with the ASA for the third consecutive year to broadcast theWorld Cup of Softball and for the first time ever, ESPN will be televising one of the USA Men’s games on its network. The ASA is also in the midstof finalizing international broadcasting agreements for both the World Cup andthe American Challenge Series throughout Europe, Asia and the rest of the America’s guaranteeing unparalleled exposure for the sport in prime time windows.

ESPN and its family of networks and media platforms have been exceptional partners with the ASA for years. ESPN.com is the title sponsor ofthe USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll and its networks have aired the WorldCup the past two seasons and the ASA Girl’s 18-Under Gold Fast PitchNational Championship in 2006. A national TV audience of over 9 million households tuned in to the II World of Cup of Softball on ESPN and ESPN2 in theUnited StatesRatings for the II World Cup of Softball were up nearly 50% on both networksand the semifinal game between US and Japanbeat the NCAA WCWS finals to rank as the highest softball telecast in the US.

The American Challenge Series was developed by the ASA to help exposethe men’s fast pitch game to fans who attend the World Cup and to givethe USA Men’s National Team an opportunity to play on American soil. Thiswill be the first time an International Softball Federation (ISF) men’sfast pitch event has been hosted in the U.S. in more than a decade. The lastevent held in the U.S. wasthe 1996 ISF Men’s World Championship in Midland, Mich.

“We are very excited to be hosting the inaugural AmericanChallenge Series in Oklahoma Citythis summer,” said ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda. “This is avery unique opportunity for softball fans to get to see both their nationalteams play in one location. Men’s fast pitch is a very exciting sport towatch and I have no doubt fans are going to be treated to some greataction.”

Advanced pre-sale tickets for the 3rd World Cup of Softball are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.softballoutlet.com

The advanced pre-sale includes all-session tickets only. All-session premiumreserved seats are available for $100, all-session grandstand reserved seatsare $50 and all-session general admission seats are available for $30. Anyoneholding a ticket to the 3rd World Cup of Softball will receive freeadmission into the American Challenge Series.

USA Softball will be holding a selection camp, May 25-28, at theOlympic Training Center in Chula Vista Calif., to select the 2007 USASoftball Men’s National Team that will compete in the American ChallengeSeries.

Players who have been invited to this camp include:

Paul Algar (Lexington, Ill.); Chad Boom (Barnesville, Minn.); Todd Budke(Quartz Hill, Calif.); Gregg Cascaes (Apple Valley, Minn.); Frank DeGroat, Jr.(Ringwood, N.J.); Chris DeLarwelle (Appleton, Wis.); Nate Devine (Merced, Calif.);Chad Ferguson (Battle Creek, Mich.); Don Garvey (Appleton, Wis.); Lucas Goring(St. Paul, Minn.); BJ Hunhoff (Harrisburg, S.D.); Chris Hunt (Whittier,Calif.); Tim Hunt (La Habra, Calif.); Luis Joglar (Fairview, N.J.); Tony Kunka (Moorhead, Minn.); Adam LaLonde(Kentwood, Mich.); Jason Loe (Sioux Falls, S.D.); Terry Luster (Bunceton, Mo.);Kyle Magnusson (Salt Lake City, Utah); Anthony Martinez (Covina, Calif.); ChrisMiljavac (St. Joseph, Mo.); Blake Miller (Albany, Ga.); Omar Moraga (Tucson,Ariz.); James Pecoraro (Swansea, Ill.); Tony Peeples (San Miguel, Calif.); Philip Perkins (St. Michaels, Ariz.); Travis Price (Santa Ana, Calif.); Orlando Rodriguez (Haverstraw, N.Y.); Todd Schultz (Williamston, Mich.); Cody Thomson(Auburn, Wyo.); Michael White (Eugene, Ore.)

Posted in ASA, General, Teams | No Comments »

USA Men’s Selection Camp Roster Announced

Monday, February 12th, 2007

Californians Todd Budke, Nate Devine, Chris Hunt, Tim Hunt, Sonny Perkins, Tony Peeples, Travis Price and young Anthony Martinez Among Those Selected

From the ASA Website, via Al’s Fastball:

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States and USA Softball announced today the list of invitees for the 2007 USA Softball Men’s National Team selection camp. The camp will be held May 25-28 at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., and will be used to select the USA Men’s National Team that will compete in the ISF World Cup, June 16-25 in Prague, Czech Republic and the American Challenge Series, July 11-16 in Oklahoma City.

The American Challenge Series was developed by the ASA to help promote and grow men’s fast pitch in the United States. The American Challenge Series will be held in conjunction with the III World Cup of Softball and will feature four of the top teams in the world including the USA and Japan. For the first time ever ESPN will televise one of the USA Men’s games onits network.

The following is a complete list of the players invited to the March selection camp:

2006 Men’s National Team

1. Paul Algar (Lexington, Ill.)
2. Chad Boom (Barnesville, Minn.)
3. Todd Budke (Quartz Hill, Calif.)
4. Gregg Cascaes (Apple Valley Minn.)
5. Frank DeGroat, Jr. (Ringwood N.J.)
6. Chris DeLarwelle (Appleton Wis.)
7. Nate Devine (Merced, Calif.)
8. Chad Ferguson(Battle Creek, Mich.)
9. Don Garvey (Appleton, Wis.)
10. Lucas Goring (St. Paul, Minn.)
11. John Hunhoff (Harrisburg, S.D.)
12. Chris Hunt (Whittier, Calif.)
13. Tim Hunt (La Habra, Calif.)
14. Luis Joglar (Fairview, N.J.)
15. Paul Koert (Rochester, Minn.)
16. Tony Kunka (Moorhead, Minn.)
17. Adam LaLonde (Kentwood, Mich.)
18. Jason Loe (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
19. Terry Luster (Bunceton, Mo.)
20. Kyle Magnusson (Salt Lake City, Utah)
21. Anthony Martinez (Covina, Calif.)
22. Chris Miljavac (St. Joseph Mo.)
23. Blake Miller (Albany, Ga.)
24. Omar Moraga (Tucson, Ariz.)
25. James Pecoraro (Swansea, Ill.)
26. Tony Peeples (San Miguel, Calif.)
27. Philip (”Sonny”) Perkins (St. Michaels Ariz.)
28. Travis Price (Santa Ana, Calif.)
29. Orlando Rodriguez (Haverstraw, N.Y.)
30. Todd Schultz (Williamston, Mich.)
31. Cody Thomson (AuburnWy.)
32. Michael White (Eugene, Ore.)

bmccall@softball.org

Posted in ASA, General, ISF, Nor Cal, So Cal | No Comments »

Northern Cal Travel League

Monday, February 5th, 2007

From Bob Chapel, in Montana:

To All Teams:

Subject: New Format & Information for 2007

There were changes made to the ASA code at the National meeting in November that will affect our program. National qualifiers were eliminated and you no longer have to play in Regional tournaments.

Region 14 will still offer a national qualifier and regional tournament, instead of berths there will be travel money awarded to the winner. The region has set the following criteria for attending the Nationals; teams must play in FOUR events. The region has identified three events the national qualifier, the association championship and the regional tournament as being special; therefore, teams must play in one of these to count as one of the four events.

See the attached minutes from the last Classification meeting for the new format.

The tournament series will consist of eight events with a new format since there are no berths to play for.

2007 schedule:

March 17 & 18 Stockton Bob Chapel 406-690-0664
March 31& April 1st. Stockton Bob Chapel 406-690-0664
April 21&22 Fairfield Dee Webster 707-428-7584
May 5 & 6 Hayward Vanessa Woodmanscee 510-881-8465
May 19 &&20 Folsom Bob Chapel 406-690-0664
June 9 &10 Sparks Bob Chapel 406-690-0664
June 23 & 24 Sonora Jon Abernathy 209-532-4657
July 14 & 15 Sonora Bob Chapel 406-690-0664

With relocating to Montana, it will be more difficult to organize the tournaments this year so I need your cooperation by committing at least two weeks prior to my events. With the first two events being in March, I would like to hear from teams by March 2, 2007 for the events in March. You can commit by either calling me at (406) 690-0664 or (406) 896-1086 or emailing me at chapelrm@msn.com. I have been talking to teams from Central CA about playing in our events so you will need to commit early to secure your spot. If you are going to play in several of my five events and wish to pay for them at one time you may do so. We have addressed last years umpire problems and I have been assured that all umpire assignments will be covered this year, especially in Sparks.

Make checks payable to:

Robert Chapel
Mail to:
1165 Capricorn Place
Billings, MT 59105

Please allow extra time for mailing as we are still using Pony Express to deliver in Montana. Any questions just give me a call; we are one hour ahead of your time. Bob

Men’s Fastpitch Classification Committee

Minutes

January 27, 2007

HARD District Office, Hayward, California, 11:00 AM (more…)

Posted in ASA, Leagues, Nor Cal | No Comments »

USA Jr. Men Win Exhibition Match vs. San Diego, 1-0

Friday, January 26th, 2007

Mitch Mendenhall helped organize a San Diego area team to face the USA Junior men’s team (15-18 year olds) last night in Chula Vista, CA (near San Diego). Mitch provides this report:

“Last night’s nine inning exhibition game with the Junior Olympic Team ended up with the Junior Olympic Team winning 1-0. I think the bats were a little rusty for everyone. It has been since November since most of us have even picked up a ball or bat. There were a couple of hard throwing pitchers for the Junior Olympic Team. I believe B J Hunhoff was clocked in the mid seventies. It’s great to see some young pitchers with that kind of talent. “

The USA Jr. Men are in Chula Vista, CA for a training camp which will continue over the weekend, including two more exhibition games between the USA Jr. Men and the San Diego area team. Pitching for San Diego over the weekend will be 24 year old Anthony Martinez, who pitched his Young Bucks squad to a 23 and under National title last year, along with Mitch Mendenhall and Dan Zupp. Coaches Tim Lyon, Scott Standerfer and Gary Mullican will be on hand at the camp, as will Fastpitchwest. Look for an update on Monday, along with “Maddy’s Monday Night Photos”. Saturday’s games are at 10am and 2pm, and open to the public — but be sure to contact the Olympic Training facility (or Fastpitchwest) ahead of time, in order to gain access to the training facility.

Posted in ASA, General, So Cal, Teams | No Comments »

USA Jr. Men Come to Camp This Weekend

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007

Coaches Tim Lyon, Scott Standerfer and Gary Mullican will have the USA Jr. Men in camp this weekend in Chula Vista, California, near San Diego at the Olympic Training facility.

Here’s a link to a story about a couple of the kids headed to the camp, in their local newspaper.

Reprinted with permission from the Mankato Free Press:

Published January 14, 2007 11:56 pm – The temperature may be in the single digits and remnants of our most recent snowfall may still be clinging to our streets, but that hasn’t prevented a couple of Lake Crystal kids from thinking about fun in the sun.

Shining Knights
Lake Crystal-Welcome Memorial duo will try out for Team USA 18-under fastpitch team in California

By Jim Rueda
The Free Press

LAKE CRYSTAL —

The temperature may be in the single digits and remnants of our most recent snowfall may still be clinging to our streets, but that hasn’t prevented a couple of Lake Crystal kids from thinking about fun in the sun.

Kevin Williams and Josh Schroeder, both juniors at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School, will be leaving shortly for a few days in Chula Vista, Calif. They have been invited to a Junior Olympic tryout for Team USA’s boys 18-under fastpitch squad.

The duo was spotted at last summer’s ASA National Youth Fastpitch Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato. They filled out some informational cards during the tournament and were notified early this fall that have been invited to the tryout.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Williams. “I was sort of surprised I got invited and it’s great that Josh gets to go, too.”

Schroeder concurs: “Kevin and I have been friends pretty much forever. We each live on opposite sides of Lake Crystal about four miles from each other.

“I think we both played pretty well in the national tournament where our (16-under) team finished third. It’s not something a lot of people get to do so we’re pretty excited.”

Schroeder’s dad, Rob Schroeder, has been a longtime fastpitch player and Josh has been tinkering around with the game for a number of years. A few years ago, Rob and Blake Meschke started coaching a youth team based out of Lake Crystal and were always on the lookout for good players.

Josh sort of helped out in the recruiting process two summers ago when he convinced Williams to join the team. The national tournament was attractive to both players for two big reasons: No. 1, it was being played between the end of the summer baseball season and the start of football. And No. 2, it was taking place almost in their own backyards at Caswell Park.

“The timing worked out great for us,” Williams said. “There’s a little transition there from baseball to fastpitch because you use lighter bats and you have to get used to the underhand pitching, but it seems to have worked out pretty well.”

LCWM baseball coach John Madsen says both players are good athletes. Madsen, who also serves as the Knights’ boys basketball coach, is a little reluctant to see Schroeder and Williams leave right in the middle of the basketball season but he understands why.

“They’re both good kids and they’re both pretty good baseball players,” Madsen said. “Kevin has been starting for us for two years and plays mostly third base and pitcher. Josh played B-squad last year but he’s going to be playing a lot of varsity for us this season.”

The Junior Olympic tryout, to which 30 players have been invited, runs from Jan. 24-28 at the Arco Training Center just outside of San Diego. Team USA officials will pare the list of players down to 17 by the 2008 season.

Rob Schroeder describes it as a unique opportunity that’s simply to good to pass up.

“We had a couple of other kids from Lake Crystal who tried out a few years ago and didn’t make it,” he said. “I think you have to go for it. Anytime you can put on a jersey that says USA across the front, that’s quite an honor.”

Posted in ASA, Players, So Cal | No Comments »

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