Archive for the ‘So Cal’ Category

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Tri County Blinds of Santa Barbara Captures Young Bucks Tournament

Sunday, November 19th, 2006

Veterans Clayte Robinson and Russ Arellanes Lead the Way

Thanks to Clyde Bennett for this report:

With Clayte Robinson pitching all 5 wins TriCounty Blinds of Santa Barbara won the tournament. Hitting star was Russ Arellanes former player of Santa Barbara Instant Replay days.

Final results:
1. Tri County Santa Barbara 5-2
2. Latin Heat LA 5-3
3.Hustlers Burbank 3-1
4.Amigos LA 3-2
5.Those Guys Long Beach 2-2
5. Chickens Ridgecrest 2-2
5. FOG Santa Barbara 2-2
9. Ducky Boys Hollywood 2-2
10.So Cal Masters 1-3
10. Quicksilver Palmdale 1-3
12. Docs Palmdale 0-4

One interesting note was the return of pitcher John Newton of the Ridgecrest Chickens. John returns to the fastpitch circle after a long absence.

Tournament Scores (more…)

Posted in So Cal, Tournaments | No Comments »

Phoenix Winter Invitational – Dec 9-10

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Twelve Teams Already Committed with Room for More

The Phoenix Winter Invitational has 12 teams committed with room for more: If you are looking for a room, The Ramada Inn has group Rates. Contact tournament director for more info.

Teams already committed:

1. Tucson Hawks
2. Tucson Hurricanes
3. Tucson Si Senor
4. Tucon Gilas
5. Peoria Los Apaches
6. Peoria Apaches
7. Peoria Yung Guns
8. Peoria Bandits
9. WindowRock Az, AZ Brewers
10. Prescott Barros Roofing
11. Prescott Badgers
12. Prescott Bat Attitude

Click link at right for more info. (more…)

Posted in General, So Cal, Tournaments | No Comments »

Team Rainey’s Run Comes to an End

Monday, November 6th, 2006

Team Rainey, one of California’s premier franchises, will not be taking the field in 2007, shuttering their operations after an eight year run, including the last five at the game’s highest level, ISC World Tournament competition. The reason, as is the case so often at the upper levels, is the inability to secure sufficient financial backing. The announcement is official, coming from the team office. Watch the Morning Brief for more information and background.

Some reader reactions, posted at the California section of the Fastpitchwest Forum:

Sledgehammer22:

Reading the news of Team Rainey’s fold has come as a huge surprise to the California fastpitch scene. It is a sad day for the fastpitch world to lose such a hard working, class act of a team. Team Rainey has not only helped revitalize the California fastpitch scene, they have secured a place in history with their ability to put a lower budget team together that makes waves in the ISC World Tournament. I would personally like to thank Team Rainey executives for giving me the opportunity to play with them as well as the opportunity to learn from what they have done…..which is play as a TEAM and win as a TEAM. They will be missed as a team that brings both fans and a competitive spirit every weekend.

(click link above to read the entire post and more)

Fireman00:

I just wanted to put in my two cents about the recent news concerning Team Rainey. The core of this team is what this game is all about. Friends who play a game and have a great time doing it, not to mention that they are pretty damn good at it!!!! All players and teams should be so lucky. They took over at the ISC were the Bucks left off and had a great run. Like Sledge was saying, a budget team who ran with the big dogs and played well. Rod, Roy, Tony, and all the others, thank you for a couple of great seasons. The tournaments we went to were awesome, especially the ISC. It doesn’t get any better than that! I know you guys will still be playing somewhere, so good luck in 2007.

Posted in ISC, So Cal, Teams | No Comments »

Travis Price to MinnDak Millers MN

Thursday, November 2nd, 2006

MinnDak Millers Ink Travis Price and Rick Lang

Fargo, ND / Moorhead, MN November 2, 2006 Fargo/Moorhead The MinnDak Millers would like to announce their second set of signings, a pair of pitchers, for the 2007 season. MinnDak has added Travis Price and re-signed Rick Lang. Lang was signed with MinnDak this past season, but threw only one weekend before suffering a season-ending knee injury in late May. 2006 would have been Lang’s second with MinnDak, as he spent 2002 with the club (then known as the Imaging Solutions Knights). Rick was no stranger to his “new” teammates last year, having thrown against them for years with the Sioux Falls Chiefs, Junker’s Bar and Grill and RWP, Inc., as well as Albaugh, Inc. in 2005. Travis Price comes to MinnDak from the SoCal Bombers, with whom he spent the last 2 years. Previously, Price threw with Team Rainey for 3 seasons. A member of Team USA since 2004, price most recently competed for Team USA at the Pan Am Qualifying Tournament in Hermosillo, Mexico earlier this fall. Last January, Travis was named Most Valuable Pitcher of the AAU International Tournament in Orlando, Florida, helping lead Team USA to the championship. “Both of these guys are known for their tenacity on the mound. They are team players who battle and give everything they’ve got. Those traits should make them both a perfect fit with the Millers team philosophy,” says Millers Manager Paul Lybeck. Look for further announcements as the Millers hope to solidify their roster over the next few weeks.

Brett Bresnahan
breshz@minnesotafastpitch.com
http://www.millers.minnesotafastpitch.com

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

Scrappy signs with So Cal Bombers

Friday, October 20th, 2006

YUCAIPA, CA – So Cal Bombers sign Greg Crawford

The So Cal Bombers have added another piece of the 2007 roster and are pleased to announce that they have signed Greg Crawford for the season.

Crawford, known as “Scrappy” to most was a member of the Aspen Black Sox out of Saskatoon in 2006 before a serious leg injury sidelined him for the season.

Head Coach Kelly McGiffin is looking forward to adding Crawford to the lineup and sees his addition as a valuable component to the attack.

“Scrappy has played at this level for several years and is an experienced and lethal left handed hitter that really adds a new dimension to our attack. I know his injury was serious but he is a fitness guru himself and if anyone can make a full and effective return, it will be Greg. And what’s really important is the fact that he is another great character guy, beyond his obvious softball talent. He’ll fit in well, work hard to contribute and put the team first at all times. I’m very happy with his addition.”

The Bomber management, staff and players welcome Scrappy the organization and look forward to his work with the team and contributions toward their goals.

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

Age Defying Feat….

Thursday, October 19th, 2006

[SANTA BARBARA] – We hear that the ageless Clyde Bennett has another accomplishment to add to his long resume. At the ripe young age of 68, hours after becoming a great grandfather, he got behind the plate and caught his son, hard throwing 6’7″ son, Mark Bennett for seven innings — without a passed ball or dropped third strikes, no less. (It occurs to us that the latter fact might be explained by the fact that it’s easier to catch the ball than get up out of a crouch to go chase it down 🙂 )

Oh, and congratulations to Clyde’s grandaugher, Beth, who delivered a 7 lb, oz baby boy. Clyde couldn’t have accomplished the feat without her help. Mother….and great grandfather are resting comfortably.

Clyde Bennett, for those of you who may not know him, has been a longtime fastpitch player, coach and organizer. This past summer, his 23-and-under “Young Bucks” claimed a National Championship in ASA competition. Clyde’s son Mark Bennett has been pitching for Portland’s ISC team for the past several years, and was a member of the “South” team that won the “California Challenge” All Star series in Bakersfield last weekend.

And speaking of Clyde’s 23-and-under team, they are hosting a fund raising tournament November 18-19, 2006: (more…)

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

So Cal Bombers Sign Evan Potskin

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006

Third Major Signing in Days Marks Busy Off Season for Bombers

[YUCAIPA, CA] – The So Cal Bombers are pleased to announce the signing of Evan Potskin for the 2007 season. Evan has been one of the premier hitters in the sport for the past several years and comes to the Bombers after a season in Portland.

He has been a member of the 40 man roster of the Canadian National team since 2001, and remains a potent hitter. In 2006, Potskin hit .545 in the ISC WT with Portland, and .360 in the Canadian National Championships.

Head Coach Kelly McGiffin said Potskin provides a key ingredient to the Bomber lineup.

“One of our goals this off season was to add a couple of veteran bats to the middle of our order and Evan certainly qualifies. I’ve worked with Evan in the past and I know what he can provide to a lineup. He is flat out dangerous and that makes the hitters around him better, as teams worry about that danger. This fills one of the spots we were looking for and while I see him primarily in the OF, it helps that he is a good athlete that can play a number of positions if required.”

The Bomber’s ownership and players welcome Evan and look forward to his contribution and leadership with the Bombers.

Posted in So Cal, Teams | No Comments »

So Cal Bombers re-sign Darren Box

Monday, October 16th, 2006


Darren Box, shown here at 2005 Red Rock Tournament, will be back in 2006 (click photo to enlarge)

From Al’s Fastball:

[YUCAIPA, CA] – The So Cal Bombers are pleased to announce that they have re-signed Darren Box for the 2007 season. Darren is one of the elite players in the sport and his return is a key signal that the Bombers are serious about contention. Darren has been a member of the 40 man roster of the Canadian National team since 1999, and was a member of the Canadian team at the 2004 ISF World Championships in New Zealand. He is a well respected hitter and athlete in world softball and was a leading contributor among the Bombers in their march to a top ten finish in 2006. Head Coach Kelly McGiffin said he’s thrilled with Box’s return. “Darren was a key element for us in 2006, he provided us legitimacy as an organization and he performed extremely well all year. He was one of our key leaders and getting him back is huge. We want to continue to build on 2006 and move forward intelligently and effectively, but to do that you have to keep your core strength together and Darren was a big part of that. Getting him back keeps us strong, and now additions will just make us stronger. I’m really glad he’s back!” Box will again catch and play some outfield for the Bombers. “Darren is a very good athlete first and foremost. He runs very well for a big man and can play a number of positions, providing us with some great options.” McGiffin added. The Bomber’s ownership and players welcome Darren back and look forward to another strong season with the Bombers.Cesar Rodriguez cesarrodriguez@sbcglobal.net

Posted in ISC, Players, So Cal, Teams | No Comments »

Military Honors Ceremony and Luncheon for the late Brian McNaughton – Oct. 13

Friday, October 13th, 2006

You are all invited to the (Military) Full Honors Ceremony and Post Ceremony Gathering for the late Brian McNaughton:

Friday October 13th 2006 @ 1:30pm
OakHill Memoral Park
2640 Glenridge Rd
Escondido, Ca 92027
760.745.1781

Gathering at Medinas Italian Restaurant hosted by Adele McNaughton
330 W Felicita Ave
Escondido, CA
cross street is Escondido Ave
#760-746-0955 Medinas

Adele McNaughton #760.443.3707
Renee (McNaughton) Pulver #714.323.0582

Thank You, Renee


Click here for past articles about Brian.

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

Todd Budke to……….. the Hallman Twins?

Friday, October 6th, 2006

From Al’s Fastball – “Tid Bits” is Back:

Budke rumors abound. Earlier rumors had him going to the So Cal Bombers. The latest has him going to the Kitchener Hallman Twins, the host team for the 2007 ISC World Tournament in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. As one of the games premier hitters for more than a decade, not surprising that everybody and their brother would like to add him to their roster. Judging from recent performances, he appears to be getting better with age, if that is possible. Budke did play with the Twins back in January at the AAU International Tournament, helping them to a Final Four finish.

Budke will be playing for the “South All Stars” at the first California North-South All Star Challenge next weekend, October 14-15, 2006.

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

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