Archive for July, 2008

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Mackintosh rounds third, now heading for home

Monday, July 7th, 2008

From the The StarPhoenix:
Dustin Munroe
Saturday, July 05, 2008


Canada’s Craig Crawford is out on second, with Japan’s Yu Nishimori gunning for a double play in the 3 Nations Challenge on Friday at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Photo Credit: –SP Photo by Richard Marjan

Before the music is cued for Keith Mackintosh, he is looking forward to one more dance.

Mackintosh is competing in the 3 Nations Challenge tournament this weekend at Bob Van Impe Stadium, what he calls the dress rehearsal for the International Softball Federation world men’s championship next summer in Saskatoon.

For the first time in his 13-year career with the Canadian team, Mackintosh got to play with the national team in Melfort, where he was born and raised. The Canadians had an exhibition doubleheader against the U.S. there on Wednesday, winning twice.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be introduced in your hometown as part of a national team,” said Mackintosh. “I’m nearing the end of my career, so it’s pretty special for me to experience those moments.

“I played all my minor ball in Melfort, we had a good core of players who lived and breathed the game. Our team, coming from a community of 5000 people, won the bantam western championships, bantam national championships and the junior national championships before we all moved on.”

Canada defeated the U.S. 4-2 in the opening game of the Challenge on Thursday. In the late game Japan defeated the U.S. 8-3. Canada played Japan and the U.S. on Friday. Action continues today, with Japan playing Canada at 6:30 p.m. and Japan against the United States at 8:30 p.m. Playoffs are on Sunday.

Mackintosh lives in Saskatoon with his wife, Kim, and sons Riley, 10, and Matthew, 4, and plays club ball with the Aspen Interiors Black Sox.

“They’ve all been involved in the game, Kim played when she was younger,” said Mackintosh. “They’ve all been really supportive of me travelling around.

“I’ve made a deal with my wife and kids that if I don’t make the ’09 team that will play here, I’m retiring this year. I’m not ready to retire this year, but if the Canadian championships (in Saskatoon in late August this year) is my last tournament, then I’ll be good with that.

“This year will be my 19th senior men’s nationals. It would be nice to make the ’09 national team, finish up 20 years (of senior national play), and call it a career.”

He is one of 20 players vying for spots on the 2009 national team.

Mackintosh’s playing career may be in the twilight, but he looks forward to getting a new generation excited about the sport.

“Both of my kids will be playing and I’ll give them the same kind of support my parents did for me,” he said. “There will also be a few more weekends at the lake in the summer.”

Mackintosh’s favourite softball moment is winning gold at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. You get the feeling playing in the 2009 world championship in front of the home crowd would be even sweeter.
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Posted in Canada, General, ISF | No Comments »

USA Men Drop 2 at 3 Nations Challenge

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

Thanks to Julie Bartel/ASA/USA Softball for this information.

For Immediate Release: 7/5/08

USA Men’s National Team UPDATE from 3 Nations Challenge

Game 1- Thursday, July 3
Canada 4 USA 2

In the Opening game of the 3 Nations Challenge in Saskatoon, the USA Men’s National team pitching kept the powerful Canadian Men’s Team off balance. The Canadian hitters managed only four hits off of pitchers Sean Kelly (Homer, Mich.) and Cody Thomson (Herriman, Utah). Kelly, the starter went five strong innings giving up four runs and four hits in five innings, walking three and striking out one. Kelly dropped to 0-1 in the tournament. The crowd of 1,950 was treated to early action as the Canadians led off the game with a solo home run by Ryan Wolfe. Wolfe had a three- run homer in the fifth and accounted for three of the four Canadian runs.

The American bats have struggled to get key hits. The USA outhit Canada five to four. Leadoff hitter Blake Miller (Kingsville, Texas) went 2-for-3 and was the catalyst for the American offense. In the fourth, Miller led off the inning with being hit by a pitch and was advanced to third by a Steve Pinnochio (Merced, Calif.) bunt and a Canadian error. Matt Palazzo (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) then scored Miller with an infield out. In the fifth inning, right fielder Eddie Ketelhut (Canton, Mich.) led off with a single and scored on a single by Blake Miller.

The Americans moved to 0-1 in the Challenge while Canada moved to 1-0.

Canada.1.0.0.0.3.0.0-4.4.1
USA………..0.0.0.1.1.0.0-2.5.0

Winning Pitcher: Frank Cox Losing Pitcher: Sean Kelly

Game 2 – Thursday, July 3
Japan 8 USA 3

The second game of the night was a slugfest as Japan and the United States combined for 20 hits in a three hour and twenty minute marathon. Japanese shortstop Ryuji Hazeyama led the Japanese with a home run and two singles. The Americans were led by right fielder Chase Turner (Stockton, Calif.) who had a single and a home run. Nate Devine (Merced, Calif.) also went 2-for-3 after replacing USA centerfielder Chad Seeman (Chenoa, Ill.) who was lost for the tournament with a fractured finger that happened on a bunt attempt in the third inning. The game was close until the fifth when the Japanese scored five, keyed by a Masateru Matsuoka grand slam. The Americans continued to hit well, but left nine runners on base.

Losing pitcher Travis Price (Corona, Calif.) went 5 2/3 innings giving up nine hits and eight runs. The Japanese threw four pitchers led by starter Tatsuya Hamag who went four innings and struck out nine. The Americans dropped to 0-2 in the tournament. Japan is now 1-0.

Japan 020 105 0 8 10 0
USA 000 002 1 3 10 0

(more…)

Posted in ASA, ISF | No Comments »

Last Chance ASA Qualifier – Hayward, CA

Friday, July 4th, 2008

I have attached an invitation for the 2008 A.S.A. Men’s B/C Fastpitch Invitational Tournament to be played in Hayward, California. As the 2008 ASA Roster Freeze date is on Thursday, July 17th, 2008, this tournament is the last qualifying tournament offered in which your team will be able to qualify to enter your respective 2008 National Tournaments. If you have not played in a previous ASA event to qualify your team for the Nationals your team must play in this tourney to meet the qualifying guidelines.

I have also attached an ASA Championship Roster Form for your use. 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 of: Thursday, July 17th, 2008; 3:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or are in need of further information please do not hesitate to contact me at (510) 703-8352.

Thanks,
Vanessa Woodmansee
Men’s Fastpitch League and Tournament Coordinator
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
Oakland ASA

Posted in ASA, Tournaments | No Comments »

Friday, July 4th, 2008

Posted in General | No Comments »

Houston Aces Head to San Antonio for 4th

Friday, July 4th, 2008

The Houston Aces will be geared up to go this holiday weekend as they travel to San Antonio, Texas for the annual 4th of July weekend tournament hosted by the Gloworms. This will be only the Aces 3rd tournament of the year with a 1st place finish and a 1st round exit in two previous tournaments. There will be 20+ teams at this years tournament with plenty of ISC pitching coming down to play in the HOT Texas sun. Weather predicts 100 degree weather with little rain ( which only makes it humid and hotter). The Aces are set for an 11 am start time facing the winner of the San Antonio Giants vs Austin A’s. Updates will be sent throughout this weekends play.

Rick Barajas 1B
Moises Davila 3B/1B
Polo Davila C
Ben Duron OF
Willie Echave SS
Lauro Felix 2B
Mario Perez 2B/3B
Ramses Orosco OF
Eddie Rodriguez C
Rodolfo Sandez OF
Anselmo Zamorategui Jr OF
Matias Tessore P
Panfio Valdez P
Wayne Wells P

Javier Cruz Coach
Saul Davila Manager

Posted in ISC, Teams, Tournaments | No Comments »

USA Men’s National team loses two exhibition starts to Canadian National Team

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

From Al’s Fastball:

Thursday, July 3, 2008
USA Men’s National team loses two exhibition starts to Canadian National Team

MELFORT, Saskatchewan — The USA Men’s National team went on the road in Saskatchewan to take on the Canadian National team and loss two exhibition games Wednesday night. The team traveled to Melfort, SK and played in front of over 1,400 spectators on a cool night. Team Canada swept the doubleheader by scores of 5-0 and 4-1.

Game 1 – Canada 5 USA 0
In the first game, Team USA could not score against the hard throwing Grant Patterson. Shortstop Blake Miller (Kingsville, Texas) was on base three times going 2-2 and also getting on base after being hit by a pitch. Team USA’s best scoring chance was in the sixth when Chad Seeman (Chenoa, Ill.) led off the inning with a single. After a Steve Pinnochio (Merced, Calif.) strikeout, Miller was hit by a pitch giving the U.S. two baserunners. Third baseman Matt Palazzo (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) then grounded into an inning ending double play. Left fielder Eddie Ketelhut (Canton, Mich.) had the lone extra base hit for the Americans, a double in the fifth inning with two outs. Ketelhut was stranded when right fielder Chase Turner (Stockton, Calif.) grounded out to first.

Team USA starting pitcher Cody Thomson (0-1) (Herriman, Utah) threw well allowing just six hits and striking out seven. The home run was key for the Canadians as they hit three solo home runs. Second baseman Jody Eildt was 2-3 with two solo home runs in the game. Canadian catcher Steve Crawford was 2-2 with three RBI on a double and solo home run.

Game 2 – Canada 4 USA 1
In the second game, Team USA managed only two hits against a pair of Canadian pitchers. The lone USA run was on a long solo home run by Seeman in the fifth inning. The only other hit was a single in the second off of Canadian starter Trevor Eithier. Eithier went five innings and was relieved by Derek Mayson who threw two scoreless innings. American pitcher Gerald Pyle (0-1) (Simi Valley, Calif.) tossed five innings giving up seven hits and walking four. He was relieved in the sixth by Sean Kelly (Homer, Mich.) who gave up just one hit.

Team USA ends their exhibition tour at 1-2 as they begin play tonight in the 3 Nations Challenge at 6:30 p.m. (MST) against Japan. The second game of the evening will feature USAagainst Canada at 8:30 p.m. (MST).

(more…)

Posted in ASA, General | No Comments »

The Dower Report – Santa Rosa Times Two

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

Santa Rosa is Red, Santa Rosa is Blue, Both of These Teams to the Nationals too.

From Herb Dower:

SONORA, CA — First there was one and now there are two Santa Rosa fastpitch teams to worry about. Santa Rosa Fastpitch Blue and Santa Rosa Fastpitch Red posted a combined 10-1 record in last weekend’s Class C Sonora Tournament, with the Blue team winning the championship with a 4-1 win over Da Bruddah’s of Hayward on Sunday to cap a perfect 6-0 tournament run. It was the Blue team’s second win over their arch rivals from Hayward. In Saturday’s first game, veteran pitcher Jim Fleck turned in his strongest outing of the season in beating Da Bruddah’s 3-1.

The powerful hitting Santa Rosa team also beat North Bay 16-3 on Saturday and routed Merced 20-0 in a five-inning game on Sunday, at one point collecting 11 consecutive hits, capped by a grandslam home run by Carlos Gomez. Santa Rosa had to struggle to beat North Bay on Sunday, coming from behind to get the win that put them into the finals.

In the title game, losing pitcher Rich (Snake) Rivera issued a bases-loaded walk to Santa Rosa catcher Tom Dower in the second inning to give the Blue team a 1-0 lead, and pitcher Jeff Want nursed the lead until the sixth, when Da Bruddah’s tied the score. Santa Rosa bounced right back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth, with Casey Hillman hitting a solo home run to end the rally.

Brian Macler hit two home runs during the tourney, including a long drive high up into the trees beyond the 260-foot left-field fence, while Gomez was 5-for-5 in one game and a young newcomer, 19-year-old Cody Spaulding hit well over .600 in his debut. Nick and Dustin Green, Mark Young, Tom Dower and Danny Macler also had key hits. The new Santa Rosa Red team got solid pitching from Brandon Shearer, who had a 4-1 record. Santa Rosa opened with a 3-1 win but then had to overcome 8-1 deficits in its next two games to win 11-8 and 13-12 in 11 innings over Merced and Romie’s Angels on Saturday. They won their opener Sunday before being routed by Da Bruddah’s 14-4 to be eliminated. The Blue team, which finished fourth in last year’s Class C National Tournament in Killeen TX, will be back in the Nationals this year in Prescott, AZ, and the Red team will also be making the journey.

–Herb Dower

Posted in General, Nor Cal | No Comments »

Roster deadlines for teams in 2008 ISC II ToC

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008


(click logo to visit official ISC website)

With the field of teams that we have this year, I have no doubt that this will be the most competitive and fiercely contested ISC II championship yet.

The first deadline for rosters is July 15. This is for the Kimberly & Appleton tournament program.

Hopefully, each of you has saved the original roster you submitted on or around May 1. If so, simply insert any changes, additions, etc onto your saved copy (a blank copy is attached if you are starting over) and send it to ALL of the following email addresses:

blairjs@rogers.com
jrwilliamson@foodfacility.com
hdewild@milwpc.com
tschaaf@kimberly.k12.wi.us
RUDIEREED@aasd.k12.wi.us
jody.lockhart@thedacare.org

Please try to include each player’s home town and uniform number. Also, it is very helpful to the Host Committee if you can place player family names in the far right column so they can pre-stuff team packets with the proper number of tournament passes for players, wives and children.

Again, your July 15 roster submission will be used in printing team rosters in the tournament program. If revised rosters are not received by the time they print the program, they will have to use the information submitted in May.

The final deadline for rosters is August 4. Any changes must be made by that date and should be sent to all of the above emails.

The schedule will be available in mid to late July and you will receive a copy by email.

Some other details to keep in mind as you are making your travel plans.

The host hotel is the Settle Inn in Appleton. Registration will take place at the Settle Inn from 7 pm to 8 pm on Saturday August 9. The mandatory manager meeting will also take place at the Settle Inn starting at 8 pm on Saturday August 9. Please ensure you have a team representative at both.

There is a list of additional hotels in the area at this link.

Hertz Rental Cars has a special available for teams in the ISC tournaments. The contact info is below. You must mention the ISC World Tournament to get a 30% discount for the week.
497 County Highway CB
Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 739-4323
(920) 739-4774
(920) 739-5133 – Fax

If you have any questions about the ToC, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Appleton!

Cheers,

Blair Setford
ISC II Commissioner
ISC Canada East VP

Posted in ISC-II | No Comments »

G’day for Gold

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

From the official ISF Jr. Men’s World Championship website:

Australia Wins Fourth Consecutive World Junior Fast Pitch Championship

>

News Release
Sunday, June 29, 2008

The 2008 World Junior Fast Pitch Championship has crowned a familiar victor. After ten days that included 70 games all told, Australia has their fourth consecutive title after a 2-1 extra inning win against the host Canadians.

The gold medal game was tight all the way as pitchers Matt Stafford of Australia and Canada’s Devon McCullough pitched a scoreless draw into the eighth inning where, although Canada was able to produce a run, Australian pinch hitter Drew Faulkner won the game on a two run single with two outs.

“It’s all about these guys (the players),” said George Arcand, Chair of the 2008 World Junior Fast Pitch Championship during the closing ceremonies. “We’re so grateful the ISF gave us the chance to host this great tournament.”

The game was the second of the day for the Canadian team as they had beaten Japan by a score of 5-3 just hours earlier for the chance to play the Australians in the final game of the championship.

Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn was complimentary of all 12 competing nations during his closing ceremonies address.

“Each team from first to twelfth should be so proud of the entertaining brand of softball they played over the last 10 days. All the medal winners are very deserving.”

The International Softball Federation will now turn its’ attention to next year’s Senior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championship which are being held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Contact:
Media Relations
(867) 334-5203
softballmedia@outsidethecube.ca

Posted in General, ISF, Youth | No Comments »

Teams in ISC World Tournament and ISC II Tournament of Champions

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Here is an updated list, as of June 26, of entered teams in both the ISC World Tournament and the ISC II Tournament of Champions.

(California teams in Bold)

ISC World Tournament

1. The Farm Tavern (Defending Champs)
2. Stone Yard (Host Team)
3. Texaco Pirates – Bahamas (International Berth)
4. Niagara Snappers (ISC II Move-up Berth)
5. Bar of Appleton (ISC II Move-up Berth)
6. Jarvis Gamblers (E. Canada TL ’07)
7. Patsy’s (CPI Qualifier)
8. Dolan & Murphy (Dick Tracy Qualifier)
9. Pueblo Bandits (Joe Santos Qualifier)
10. Midwest Stampede (Walcott Memorial Qualifier)
11. Circle Tap (Wisconsin State Tournament I)
12. Townline (Wisconsin State Tournament II)
13. Bar of Green Bay (Wisconsin Classic TL)
14. Kitchener Rivershark Twins (Hallman Legends Qualifier)
15. Aspen Interiors (Horse Lake Qualifier)
16. Team Rainey/IAC (Best of the West Qualifier)
17. Portland/DeMarini (Best of the West – from Lodi Shootout)
18. Thomson Area Merchants (Grafmeier Qualifier)
19. Broken Bow Gremlins (Invite)
20. Vancouver Grey Sox (Invite)
21. Midland Explorers (Midland Qualifier)
22. Saskatoon Diamondbacks (Ducks Unlimited I)
23. Horse Lake Thunder (Ducks Unlimited II)
24. Casa Trejo A1 Bombers (Rose Cup Qualifier)
25. Ashland Mets (Ashland Qualifier)
26. St. Thomas Evergreen Centennials (Jarvis Qualifier)
27. MinnDak Millers (invite)
28. Scarborough Wolverines (invite)


(click logo to visit official ISC website)

ISC II Tournament of Champions

1. South Lebanon TNT (Defending Champs)
2. Taylor Farms Lumberkings (’07 ToC Runner-up)
3. Bar of Appleton II (Host Team)
4. Ottawa Team Easton Thunder (E. Ontario Challenge Cup ’07)
5. Kitchener Outlaws (Ontario Challenge Cup)
6. Palermo Athletics (Highest Finisher ’07 E. Canada TL Play-off)
7. ASB Villard (West St. Paul ’07 Qualifier)
8. Keating Fitness (’07 MAFTL)
9. Memphis Posse (War Eagle Qualifier)
10. Chicago Fastpitch Club (Hustlehogs Icebreaker Qualifier)
11. Clay Face (Kelowna May Days Qualifier)
12. Innovative Communications (Best of the West – from Santos Qualifier)
13. Earl’s Club – Wisconsin State Tournament
14. Bulyea Rustlers (Canada West ISC II Qualifier I)
15. PDC Comets (Canada West ISC II Qualifier II)
16. Rude Pac (Best of the West Qualifier)
17. Sioux Falls Sox (Huntimer Qualifier)
18. NY Knights (Midland Qualifier)
19. Cutro Professional Inspections (CPI Qualifier I)
20 Carp 14C Victory Consulting (CPI Qualifier II)
21. Pete’s Blues (Kelso Klassic Qualifier)
22. Ashland Stockpack (Ashland Qualifier)
23. River City Rockers (Rose Cup Qualifier)
24. Waterdown Hammer (E. Ontario ISC II Qualifier)
25. Elora Wellington Brewers (SW Ontario ISC II Qualifier II)
26. Wilber Lime (Eau Claire Qualifier)
27. Wyevale Tribe (E. Canada Travel League)
28. Elmira Cubs (SW Ontario ISC II Qualifier I)
29. Bridgeport Braves (SW Ontario ISC II Qualifier III)

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

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