One of the original 12 teams has dropped out of the California Classic tournament, set in San Diego, June 19-20, 2010, so there is one spot open again. Teams entered in the tourney are the following:
California A’s
Bakersfield Silverhawks
Rude Pac
IAC
Cal State Builder’s
Portland
Maccabi
Vancouver Meralomas
Mexicali
Barona Casino
Pala Braves
Contact Dave Weldin if your team wants in – but don’t delay, as this spot it likely to go quickly.
DavidW (at) sequoiains.com
(Elings Park, Santa Barbara, CA)
The 20th Annual Best of The West Tournament has been officially awarded an additional berth in the 2010 ISC World Tournament. That makes for a total of two berths, to be provided to the top finishing ISC USA Western Region Teams competing with their official 2010 ISC Rosters.
Eleven teams have now entered the 2010 Best of The West Tournament which will be held June 5-6 at Elings Park, located about ½ mile from the amazing beaches of Santa Barbara, CA.
That leaves one spot open for a final 12th entrant in this year’s Tourney.
The eleven current entrants are:
1. California Athletics
2. Bakersfield SilverHawks
3. Rude Pac
4. California Builders
5. Italian Athletic Club
6. Maccabi USA
7. Utah SAU Fastpitch
8. Liberty Fastpitch
9. West Coast Smokers
10. Mexico National Team
11. Mexicali, MX Santa Cecelia
Which ever team is first to mail in the $450 entry fee check gets the 12th and final spot.
Make check out to:
Dave Blackburn
Mail check to:
Dave Blackburn
1720 Pacific Ave. #130
Venice, CA 90291
Please let me know your intentions ASAP if your team is indeed interested.
Dave Blackburn
310-266-7803
daveb (at) virtvent.com
SCIFL Host 27 Teams in Las Vegas
From SCIFL commish, Robert Hernandez
(click SCIFL logo for final brackets)
The third edition of the Las Vegas Road Trip is in the books with one repeat champion and two new ones. Sta. Cecilla takes the crown once again in the AA/AA-Major division, while El Paso Steel and the Carribeans earn the titles in the A-Major and A divisions respectively.
The weather was nice but the wind kicked up more than usual at times on Sunday and it did affect play on balls hit to the outfield. Players made their adjustments and forged on to see who would be the champions in their divisions.
Overall, 27 teams made the trip out to play, making this the largest turnout yet for a Road Trip. The current economic woes of the nation did keep some from playing this year and it is hoped that things turn around for everyone and they can get back to things they enjoy doing.
As of now, next year the Road Trip is scheduled back for the first weekend of April, depending on the parks recreation schedule and availability. Thank you to those that came out and help make the tournament fun.
AA/AA-Major – Sta. Cecilla 13, Rude-Pac 6
Click here for AA/AA Major Division Bracket at SCIFL website
Sta. Cecilla earned their way into the championship game with a close 5-4 win over Rude-Pac in the winner’s bracket final. With a 3-0 record, they once again squared off against Rude-Pac in the championship game with Gabriel Marquez in the circle against Rude-Pac’s Gerald Pyle. The first 3 innings were fast and furious with 9 runs scored between the two.
In the first inning, Arturo Soto tripled and scored on an error to open the game. Rude-Pac came back with 2 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning on 3 hits and an error, including a double by Ronnie Brennan. Sta. Cecilla took the lead again in the top of the inning when Daniel Rochin tripled in Edgar Presichi. Rude-Pac tied it again in the bottom of the inning, putting together a couple of hits and moving the ball around.
Sta. Cecilla took the lead again in the top of the third. Soto hit his second triple of the game to score Mario Hernandez. A few hits and a sacrifice fly later and Sta. Cecilla was on top 6-3. In Rude-Pac’s half of the inning, with one out Keith Barker doubled and came into score on a single by Canyon Vance. Panfilo Valdez came in for relief of Marquez after Vance’s single. Rude-Pac made a threat but Valdez got out of the inning without allowing a run.
Mark Bennett came into the game in the top of the fourth for Rude-Pac and both sides went quietly in the inning. In the fifth though, both teams scored with Sta. Cecilla getting 3 runs and Rude-Pac scoring 2 to make the score 9-6. In the top of the sixth Rude-Pac brought in Cory Avery and Sta. Cecilla’s hitting streak continued, scoring 2 more runs in the inning.
Valdez kept the Rude-Pac batters off base for the next two innings and with two more runs in the seventh inning, Sta. Cecilla finished the game with a 13-6 score and a perfect 4-0 record in the tournament. What was very impressive in addition to Sta. Cecilla’s hitting, was the speed that their line-up carried. Outfielders had to be alert to get the ball back into the infield so that they were not taken advantage of.
Rude-Pac came into the winner’s bracket final with a 1-0 record, courtesy of a bye during the draw. In a close game they beat Si Senor 2-0. In the lower bracket final they once again faced Si Senor and won 9-2 to advance to the championship game.
Vegas III, AA/AA Major Division Runner-up, Rude Pac(photo courtesy of Mark Bennett’s Facebook)
A-Major – El Paso Steel 10, Long Beach Black Sox 0
Click here for A Major Division Bracket at SCIFL website
El Paso Steel went into the championship game as the undefeated team with a 3-0 record, only allowing 2 runs while scoring 21 in the 3 games. Facing the Black Sox for the second time on Sunday, El Paso beat the Black Sox in the winner’s bracket final 6-0, the championship game had El Paso’s Antonio Mancha in the circle against Ronnie Rupp of the Black Sox.
El Paso Steel struck first, scoring four runs in their first at-bat for a quick lead. The big blow in the inning coming on Manuel Cerecere’s triple with the bases loaded. Randy Clay entered the game for the Black Sox in the second inning.
El Paso Steel added a run in the third to increase their lead to 5 and in the fourth scored 5 more runs to end the game 10-0. In the fourth, Yuri Loya & Hector Garcia doubled and Heney Cedillo homered to end the game. Antonio Mancha was big in the circle as he no-hit a very good hitting Long Beach team, striking out 7 of the 12 batters he faced.
The Long Beach Black Sox finish the tournament with a 3-2 record, including a 6-4 victory of Maccabi USA to get into the championship game. The Black Sox went into the winner’s bracket final with a 2-0 record.
Vegas III Runner-up, A Major Division, Long Beach Black Sox(Photo courtesy of Fred Hanker’s Facebook)
A – “IF†Game – Carribeans – 16. Albuquerque Hitmen – 5
Click here for A Division Bracket at SCIFL website
The A division went to the “IF†game as the Albuquerque Hitmen came from behind in the Championship game and scored 5 runs in the last two innings to steal the championship from the Carribeans. Paul Silva was in the circle for the Hitmen against Francisco Cruz of the Carribeans. In the “IF†game, the Carribeans bats came alive early with Norman Baca scoring two on a home run in the first inning. The Hitmen answered back in their half of the inning with Jose Gonzales opening the bottom half of the inning with a home run as well. The Hitmen scored one more in the inning to tie the game up.
In the fourth inning, George Silva came in for the Hitmen in the circle. In the next two innings the Carribeans scored 8 runs on little ball to take the lead 10-2. The big blow came in the fifth inning where the Carribeans scored 6 runs, 4 of them on Ramon Gonzales home run. The Hitmen did score in each of the last 3 innings, but the Carribeans had built up enough of a lead to end the game in the fifth. Francisco Cruz went the distance for the Carribeans for the win.
The Carribeans went into the winner’s bracket final with a 3-0 record and finished the tournament at 5-1. They defeated the Hitmen earlier in the day in the winner’s bracket final, 6-5. The Hitmen also went into the winner’s bracket final with a 3-0 record, allowing only 2 runs in the 3 games, and then faced a tough Liberty FP team in the lower bracket final to continue on in the championship game. The Hitmen finished their first Las Vegas Road Trip with a 5-2 record.
For additional information and pictures of the teams, please go to the SCIFL web site at www.scifastpitch.com.
Robert Hernandez
rmh323 ( at ) roadrunner.com
Click links below for updated brackets from Saturday’s play:
AA/AA Major Division
Santa Cecilia Mexico (Mexicali) and Rude Pac were unbeaten on Saturday.
Mark Bennett notes on FB:
RudePa beat Si Señor from Arizona 2-0 Gerald Pyle with the complete game win. We play Mexicali tomorrow at 11 on the winners bracket final.
Editor’s note:
Complete game? Gerald ? Really ? Congrats, G.
A Major Division
Long Beach Black Sox and El Paso Steel were unbeaten Saturday.
A Division
Carribbean and the Albuquerque Hitmen were unbeaten Saturday.
Report from SCIFL Commish Robert Hernandez
Las Vegas Road Trip III
April 10, 2010
The first day of the Las Vegas Road Trip is in the books and there was plenty of great games throughout the day. The weather once again was fantastic with temperatures in the high 70’s/low 80’s. The wind starting kicking up in the afternoon but didn’t effect play too much. Games will begin at 8:00AM at Sunset Park with the Championship games scheduled for 3:00 PM. An “IF” game will be played immediately after if necessary.
In the AA/AA-Major bracket Sta Cecilla and Rude-Pac while New Image will face off against hte Hooves and Si Senor will take on CPI in the lower bracket.
The undefeated teams in the A-Major are the Long Beach Black Sox and El Paso Steel. In the lower bracket Maccabi USA will square off against the Poker Knights.
The A division will have the Carribean against the Albuquerque Hitmen, both teams are are 3-0 in the tournament. In the lower bracket the Savala Painters will go against the Palm Springs Express with Liberty FP going against the winner of that game. In the other half of the bracket the Stockton Outlaws against the Colton Dirt Bags with the Page Brake Jrs waiting for the winner of that game.
Updated brackets are posted on the SCIFL web site at www.scifastpitch.com. Additional information will be made available after the tournament is complete.
Robert Hernandez
rmh323 (a t ) roadrunner.com
Click here for official SCIFL website updates.
Games continue today, Sunday, April 11, 2010, with championship games slated late this afternoon.
27 Teams in Town for SCIFL Las Vegas Road Trip III
Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn,
So get those stakes up higher
Click above photo for schedule of games and more info at the SCIFL website.
SCIFL commish Robert Hernandez heads up the third iteration of the league’s favorite road trip. The neon lights burn bright at night in this desert town, but during the day, it will be fastball’s stars deserving of the attention. Games begin at 8am Saturday with the twenty-seven (27) team competing in three separate (NAFA) divisions of play. The only thing teams likely won’t find much time to do this weekend is sleep…
How I wish that there were more
Than the twenty-four hours in the day
‘Cause even if there were forty more
I wouldn’t sleep a minute away
-Viva Las Vegas, Elvis Presley
We’re not in Sin City, but will keep an eye out for scores and post up any that we receive.
Let the games begin.
(Click logo for official SCIFL website)
20th Annual Best of The West Tournament Now Has 8 Entries
April 7, 2010, Santa Barbara, California – 8 teams have now entered into the 20th Annual Best of The West Tournament, It is happening on June 5 – 6 at Elings Park, located in the beachside resort city of Santa Barbara.
An ISC World Tournament Berth is available to the highest finishing
West Region team competing with it’s approved 2010 ISC roster.
Entered are:
California Builders
California Athletics
Bakersfield SilverHawks
Rude Pac
West Coast Smokers
Maccabi USA
Italian Athletic Club
Liberty Fastpitch
Interest in entering has also been shown by:
Mexico National Team
Mexicali Santa Cecelia
Carribean Fastpitch
Colton Dirt Bags
A waiting list has now been started to bump the field up to either
10 or 12 teams (max). We will not expand to either 9 or 11 teams.
Entry fee is $450. Any teams interested in grabbing one of the last
spots in the Tournament should immediately contact:
Dave Blackburn
Tournament Director
310-266-7803
daveb (at) virtvent.com
Editor’s Note:
The image above is from an old T-shirt from the 2nd Best of the West in 1992, in the days when the “Bombers” were from Vista 😉 Recognize any of those other teams?
Speaking of Best of the West history, we are looking for any information (scores, recaps, etc.) from the “early years” – pre- 1998. If you have any, or know of someone that does, please email the editor, jim (at) fastpitchwest (dot) com.
Someone to Know: NAFA’s Robert Hernandez
Written by Bob Otto on April 5th, 2010
ANAHEIM, CA – In 1990 Robert Hernandez was asked if he wanted to play a little fastpitch softball in the Burbank City League. He was about 30 at the time. A bit of a late start, he admits. But once he had a taste of fastpitch, he was hooked for good.
In the ensuing 20 years, Hernandez has advanced from playing and managing, and running a local Burbank tournament to becoming one of the North American Fastpitch Association’s (NAFA) top directors.
“Robert is one of the most well respected directors in men’s fastpitch,†said Benji Hedgecock, Executive Director of NAFA since 2003. “His intelligence and passion is unmatched and he is one of the best people in our sport.â€
Hernandez joined NAFA in 2007 after nine years as an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Southern California Adult Commissioner overseeing all adult programs. He now holds the titles of NAFA Pacific Coast Vice President, NAFA World Series Tournament Director, and NAFA Southern California State Commissioner.
Joining NAFA – which offers men’s fastpitch leagues and World Series national tournaments in nine divisions – (age 18-Under, 23-Under, A, A-Major, AA, AA-Major, AAA, Open, and Master’s) has been a most satisfying move on his part.
“Working with the folks in NAFA has been great,†Hernandez said. “These are people who really care about the men’s (fastpitch) program.â€
Let’s learn more about Hernandez and his involvement with NAFA.
Why did you decide to join NAFA? In 2007 I was asked to join the newly formed Southern California Independent Fastpitch League (SCIFL) as the tournament director and president of the league. When the SCIFL voted to adopt the NAFA playing rules in their tournaments, Benjie Hedgecock asked me to be the tournament director at the NAFA World Series. He had asked me for a few years, but I was already with the ASA. Once those ties were cut, I accepted his offer.
NAFA offers several World Series. What do you like best about that? At the World Series, teams play against other teams and pitchers that they should be playing against and not some stacked team that a commissioner blindly assigns (to a certain division of play). One or two guys may slip by, but not whole teams.
What are your goals for NAFA in California? We want a place that new players can find out about the game, grow the program, keep teams playing fastpitch, and get teams to the championship events. Preferably the NAFA World Series as teams will have their best chance to play against other teams of the same caliber.
Where do you see the greatest need in growing the game? Working up from the lower levels is what I’ve always tried to do…jumping right to the top doesn’t seem to last for most teams because money dictates that level too much and teams come and go too quickly.
What exciting things have happened with the Southern California Independent Fastpitch League (SCIFL). The SCIFL received its 501c 3 status (non-profit organization) in 2009 and is actively looking for sponsors for the league. The league is run in such a way that all the funds go back into the league and not to any individual team…â€
What is happening with NAFA in some of the neighboring states? I have been working with my New Mexico State Commissioner, Gary Galindo, to unite the tournaments there and bring them under NAFA also. This includes teams from Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and El Paso.
How has that progressed so far? In 2010, the tournaments will all run NAFA and Gary was a big part in getting this accomplished. We hope to have 16-20 teams play in each of the five events there. Once New Mexico is up and running, I’ll start looking for the next program that may be looking for a change.
What NAFA leagues are operating in Southern California? There are currently two tournament leagues in California – the SCIFL in Southern California, and in Northern California the West Coast Fastpitch Association (WCFA) run by NAFA Northern California Director, Bob Chapel. Bob and I have always had a good relationship since our days on the (ASA) Region 14 classification committee. So it was great that he came on board when I asked him if he would run the northern league.
What about leagues on a local level? There are a few recreational leagues run by various parks and recreation departments. Artesia, Burbank, and San Diego still provide a place to play, but the leagues keep getting smaller each year.
You’ve been busy getting ready for the Las Vegas Road Trip III tournament (April 9-11). How has the response been? We have a wide range of teams coming from seven states representing two countries, the U.S. and Mexico. We are still waiting for a team from Canada to enter. CPI from New York is coming this year and so far it’s the team that has ventured the farthest to play. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and California are the other states represented.
How many teams and in what divisions can fans see some great fastpitch action in Las Vegas? We have 27 teams entered; seven in AA-Major / AA division; seven in A-Major, and 13 in the A division. While we still grew this year, the economy really hit hard as some of the teams that played in the past just couldn’t afford to come.
For more information about the SCIFL and NAFA, visit the following websites:
SCIFL: www.scifastpitch.com
NAFA: www.nafafastpitch.info
To learn how your team can become involved with NAFA and the SCIFA, contact Robert Hernandez at: rmh323 (at) roadrunner.com.
Editor’s note: Some well deserved recognition for the driving force behind the So Cal leagues for the better part of a decade. His latest work? 27 teams headed to Las Vegas for the (SCIFL) Las Vegas Road Trip III
(click banner for original news story)
Written by Bob Otto on April 2nd, 2010
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA – Manager Derek Mayson of the Meralomas is busy finalizing his roster and filling out his schedule for the 2010 season. One of the stops on that schedule will be at the “2010 California Classic†June 19-20 at Sportsplex USA in Santee, California.
Twelve International Softball Congress (ISC) World Tournament open-level teams from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will battle for one World Tournament berth that will be awarded to the highest finishing U.S. West team.
Mayson not only manages the team along with Danny Lee, but Mayson is also one of the team’s top pitchers at the age of 26.
Playing in the deep southern part of California will be a new venture for Meraloma, which won the Premier League championship in 2007-2008. And Mayson said the team’s looking forward to the trip.
What can fans expect to see?
“We’ve got a balanced line-up that features some of everything with speed and defense being the keys,†Mayson said, adding that the players are paying their own way through fundraising and some support from the Meraloma Club. The ball club is also a member of the oldest amateur sports organization in North America since 1923, Mayson said.
Some of the key players to watch include Mayson, who has been with the team for nine years. Along with Ryan Hawk, 28, in the infield, and a 4 year veteran with the club. And catcher, Mike Podmore, 41, with the longest tenure of 23 years.
The roster isn’t quite complete, but fans can expect to see most of these players taking the field for their opening game:
# Name Position
1 Danny Lee OF
5 Craig Halliday Utility
7 Paul Zanni 3rd
8 Mike Podmore Catcher
9 Derek Mayson Pitcher
12 Ryan Hawk Infield
14 Steve Mohr OF
23 Greg Hallifax Infield
28 Matt Dobie SS
42 Calem Gardner OF
Quin Neilson Utility
Brad Avery Utility
Coaches include, Ken Mayson, Craig Donaldson, Dean Valli
TOURNAMENT SPECIFICS:
Name: 2010 California Classic
What: California Classic Men’s ISC Fastpitch Softball Tournament
Who: Hosted by the California A’s and Bakersfield Silverhawks
When: June 19-20, 2010
Where: Sportsplex USA, Santee, CA,
Format: Round Robin Single Elimination with a 4 Game Guarantee
Who To Contact: David Weldin: davidw@expressinsurance.com; Bobby McCormick: mccormickservices10@yahoo.com; Chris McGehee: garageworks@bak.rr.com.
Las Vegas Road Trip
Las Vegas, NV
(Click logo for official SCIFL website)
The tournament brackets have drawn and filled out and are now ready for viewing. 27 teams will make their way to Las Vegas for the third edition of the Las Vegas Road Trip. Game will start on Saturday, April 10 at 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM depending on the park with the Championship games all scheduled for Sunday, April 11, at 3:00 PM with the “IF” game immediately after if necessary.
For complete information, including brackets and lists of teams, please visit the So Cal Independent Fastpitch League website at www.scifastpitch.com.
Scores and brackets will be updated through the weekend depending on internet connectivity.
Robert Hernandez
Tournament Director
714-392-1387
rmh323 (at ) roadrunner.com
Click here for direct link to SCIFL website page for Las Vegas Roadie III
Complete list of teams, after the jump. (more…)
Recap from the official SCIFL website:
(Click logo for official SCIFL website)
2010 Santa Fe Springs I Tournament
Liberty Rings Out
The first tournament of the year is complete with Liberty FP taking home the championship at Little Lake Park in Santa Fe Springs. Temperatures were in the high 70’s all weekend with overcast mornings, perfect for playing. The tournament had 15 teams entered at various levels and quality play was displayed all weekend, so I’m guessing we didn’t get the message that fastpitch needed to be saved in So Cal after all.
Going into Sunday’s single elimination, 4 teams (San Diego Primetime, Maccabi USA, Long Beach Black Sox and Liberty FP) posted 3-0 records and all were separated by 5 runs in the runs allowed tie breaker. Two of the teams had to go to the next tie breaker which was runs scored, and once again only 3 runs separated them. San Diego earned the top spot by only allowing one run in the round robin much to the shock of the other 3-0 teams who all thought they had the best record.
There were a few new teams in the tournament such as the Bandits who also play in the SCIFL’s Master League but bought in some new young faces this past weekend from the Artesia league. Also J&B Painting also played in their first SCIFL event with players from the local Burbank league that plays Wednesday nights throughout the year. Mi Tierra is a team from players from teams that have folded the past couple of seasons and earned a 6th place seed into the single elimination bracket using the arms of Tommy Obergon and Johnny “Pee Wee†Rodriguez. Mi Tierra also had a big win on Sunday against the Panteras in the first round of the single elimination. Balboa also had their first SCIFL event with long time veteran Cecillo Smalling starting a new team and allowing additional players the opportunity to play and/or learn the game. Also the Rez Dawgs from Central California played in the tournament and hope to be back at a few more this year.
Click here to read the rest of the story at the SCIFL website.
Round robin scores.
Single Elimination Bracket.
Long Beach Black Sox News on their third place finish at Fred Hanker’s LB Black Sox website.