Jenison softball player represents U.S.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
By Bob Becker
Press Sports Editor
GRAND RAPIDS — The centerpiece of Adam LaLonde’s softball summer is now in the record books, and if you can’t rate it an “A”, it most certainly is a “B-plus”.
Jenison’s LaLonde is the starting shortstop for the U.S. national fastpitch softball team.
Three weeks ago the team finished second in the World Cup tournament in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
America’s Challenge
Last week the squad won the America’s Challenge tournament in Oklahoma City.
The men’s America’s Challenge tournament was played at the same time as the women’s America’s Challenge.
The only difference was the women’s event was broadcast live nightly, including Monday night’s championship game against Japan.
The men get only one shot at national TV, and a tape-delayed preliminary game airing Sunday.
“The complex in Oklahoma City is at the Amateur Softball Association headquarters and museum,” LaLonde said. “It’s the same field where the NCAA finals are held. There are four fields, so we were playing pretty much when the women were.”
The finals
The American men beat Japan in the finals in Oklahoma City, reversing the finish from the World Cup in Prague.
In that game, Japan prevailed 2-0, with LaLonde getting the only hit for the U.S.
“We turned it around in Oklahoma City and we mercied them (7-0) in the finals,” he said. “It just all came together.”
The America’s Challenge playoff was the first, and didn’t include world powers New Zeeland, Canada or Australia. Argentina finished third in Oklahoma City.
“They are talking about having it again next year, with most of the big teams there,” LaLonde said. “And it looks like more of our games will be televised.
“Eventually the plan is to have the World Cup played in the United States.”
Taking notice of the men
Thanks to the success of our Olympic teams, and the competitive level of Division I softball that gets a great deal of television coverage, interest in fastpitch softball is growing.
But that’s mostly in the women’s game, where pitchers like Cat Osterman and Jennie Finch are well known, compared to men’s ace Terry Luster from Missouri.
“The men’s and women’s teams are together a lot, so we’ve gotten to know each other and friendships have formed,” LaLonde said. “I think the women’s team has amazing players.
“The real difference is that the game isn’t played in the country like it used to be, there aren’t as many great pitchers.
“Terry is our veteran, but we’re trying to bring along a couple of young guys and get it going again.”
New Zeeland a prime spot
The men’s team played for a full house in Oklahoma City, but to LaLonde, the place to be is New Zeeland.
“They really love the game down there,”‘ he said. “Their seasons are opposite ours, so some of their best players play what is their summer ball during our winter, then they come here for our summer.
“A couple of Americans do the same thing, but you have to be young and single. For a couple of years it would probably be a lot of fun.”
Japan has burst on the softball scene in both men’s and women’s events.
Japan’s pitching improving
“They’ve always been pretty good,” LaLonde said. “But their pitching has come along. They aren’t explosively fast, but they are very disciplined, working the corners. They don’t overpower you; they try to get you to chase their pitch. You have to be patient and wait for something good to hit.”
In the America’s Challenge championship game, LaLonde, who leads off, had a single and three walks.
“My job is to get on and get things going,” he said. “Worked pretty well in the finals.”
Send e-mail to the author: bbecker@grpress.com