Paul Algar – Ready to pitch for Black Sox – Blocked by ASA ?

July 15th, 2009

From Al Doran, of Al’s Fastball:

This is probably going to be one of the most controversial items I have ever posted however I firmly believe someone has to step up and say something.

Paul Algar is 44 years old yet is probably in the best physical condition of his life. He has come back from a horrific incident in New Zealand, conditioned himself to the point where he is ready to go on the field in Saskatoon and represent New Zealand, his native land. He is a Black Sox.
Paul has been travelling with the Black Sox on the pre-ISF tour, proudly wearing the Black Sox uniform.

Paul was filling in for injured 18-year old pitcher, Thomas Enoka. As I understand it, Thomas is not going to be able to pitch in Saskatoon without risking permanent injury to his shoulder.

The New Zealand Black Sox want Paul Algar to pitch for them in Saskatoon, to replace young Enoka.

The rest of the story is that it’s reported that the ASA will not release Paul Algar to play with the Black Sox. This is strange considering the ASA did not feel that Paul Algar was good enough to wear the Team USA Jersey. So they don’t want him but they will not release him. That is the story we have been told.

Who, reading this has any influence with the ASA?

Someone, Please, pick up the phone and call the ASA and convince them to release Paul Algar to go and play for the New Zealand Black Sox in Saskatoon.

Young Paul Koert was in a similar situation recently. Not chosen to represent Canada, the United States invited him to play for Team USA and Softball Canada did the right thing / sportsmanlike thing, they released Koert to go play for the USA.

Unfortunately, Softball Canada can’t do much on this one, they cannot help Paul Algar. Only the ASA can help Paul Algar.

I recently saw Paul Algar at the Monkton tournament where he wore the Black Sox uniform with pride. He looked in tremendous physical condition. Paul’s brother Loren, pitching coach with the Australian national team told me he was so proud of his younger brother. He said that after his horrible injuries in New Zealand, Paul had a long recuperation period but he fought back, to the point where he thinks Paul is now in even better physical condition than he was before his injuries two years ago.

Paul is not only in top physical condition, he has the burning desire to play for his country one last time. At age 44, he is not going to get another chance.

Someone with some influence with the ASA, please pick up the phone today and convince them to release Paul Algar to go and play for his New Zealand Black Sox.

Paul saw his Black Sox off to Saskatoon yesterday while he flew home to Illinois to await word. He is ready to play.

Paul, I certainly hope I see you in Saskatoon, wearing the black.

Al Doran
fastball@pmihrm.com
www.alsfastball.com

p.s. Paul is available for both the ASA’s and the ISC WT.

palgar11 (at) verizon.net

Posted in ISF, Players | No Comments »

ISF Team Preview – USA

July 15th, 2009


(click logo to visit the official ISF XII World Championships website)

The following is the second in a series of team previews for the 2009 ISF World Championships that begins later this week. The USA squad opens the tournament Friday night, July 17 against the reigning world champions, the New Zealand Black Sox.

From the USA Softball website:

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Although the USA Softball Men’s National Fast Pitch Team is one of the most decorated in the world, it has been 21 years since the Americans stood atop the World Championship podium. Team USA aims to change that July 17-27 when they compete at the 2009 International Softball Federation Men’s World Softball Championship in Saskatoon, Canada.

“I think we’ve got a good mix of guys that will make us competitive with the best teams in the world,” coach Pete Turner (Stockton, Calif.) said. “We have some great hitters but if our bats are struggling, it’s not game over for us. We have a strong pitching staff that I think can carry us through.”

The squad will be led by pitchers Terry Luster (Bunceton, Mo.), Travis Price (Corona, Calif.) and Paul Koert (Brooklin, Ontario). Also competing are Frank DeGroat Jr. (Ringwood, N.J); Chris Delarwelle (Forestville, Wis.); Nate Devine (Sonora, Calif.); Don Garvey (Appleton, Wis.); Paul Koert (Brooklin, Ontario); Adam LaLonde (Ashland, Ky.); Kyle Magnusson (Minot, N.D.); Tyron McKinney (Asland, Ohio); Blake Miller (Kingsville, Texas); Daryn Miller (Creve Coeur, Ill.); Matt Palazzo (Des Moines, Iowa); Stephen Pinocchio (Jamestown, Calif.); Landy Rodriguez (West Haverstraw, N.Y.); Marcus Tan (Union City, Calif.) and Chase Turner (Stockton, Calif.).

The 17 men are part of a program that has won five gold medals (1966, 1968, 1976, 1980 and 1988), one silver (1972) and three bronze (1984, 1992 and 2000). In 2004, the last time the World Championships were contested, Team USA finished a disappointing fourth.

“Not winning a medal was a little shocking to us to be quite honest,” Turner said. “We were cruising through the pool play but when we got to the playoffs, I think we kind of got ahead of ourselves and lost control of the situation. Before we knew it, we were out of contention and asking what just happened. I don’t think any of us want to feel that way again.”

Team USA starts the 2009 World Championships by going against the one of the best teams, five-time World Champion New Zealand, which has won the last three World titles (1996, 2000 and 2004), when pool play kicks off July 17. Also competing in Saskatoon are 2004 World silver medalists Canada and bronze medalists Australia, although the United States will not face those teams in pool play.

“There is going to be a lot of competition in Saskatoon. There are a lot of countries with a lot of talent,” Turner said. “But what happened in 2004 doesn’t determine what is going to happen here in 2009 so it’s a clean slate for everyone. We’re going to go out there and play our hardest every day like we would have if we were the defending World Champions.”

The other pool play matches for Team USA are with Denmark on July 18; Japan on July 19; Philippines on July 20; Botswana on July 21; Great Britain on July 22; and Mexico on July 23. The World playoffs are July 24-25 with the medal rounds on July 26. Following the bronze medal game at noon, two teams will play for the 2009 International Softball Federation World Men’s Softball Championship title at 3 p.m. in the Bob Van Impe Stadium.

As a tune-up for the 2009 World Men’s Championship, the men competed in four exhibition games in Salem, Va., going undefeated against the Virginians (Salem, Va.) and Keatings (Pa.) Fitness Center.

“I am happy with the results. The guys played real well (against the Virginians and Keatins) so it was a great tune-up for the World Championships,” Turner said. “I am happy with the way that they were hitting the ball out there. And our pitching staff did exactly what we wanted, putting up zeros on the board. I really think this is one of the strongest men’s teams that we’ve had in a while.”

The team will hold exhibitions July 15-16 against the Philippines, Saskatoon Diamondbacks and Bruno Merchants in Saskatoon. “These games are just tune-ups to get everyone playing together as a team, to get everyone understanding their roles and responsibilities before we get into Worlds,” Turner said.

For more information about Worlds, visit:
www.2009worldsmensfastpitch.com.

2009 Men’s Fast Pitch National Team Schedule
World Men’s Fast Pitch Championships

July 15
Philippines (Ex.)
Saskatoon, Canada

July 15
Saskatoon Diamondbacks (Ex.)
Saskatoon, Canada

July 16
Bruno Merchants (Ex.)
Saskatoon, Canada

July 17 – OPENING NIGHT
New Zealand
Saskatoon, Canada

July 18
Denmark
Saskatoon, Canada

July 19
Japan
Saskatoon, Canada

July 20
Philippines
Saskatoon, Canada

July 21
Botswana
Saskatoon, Canada

July 22
Great Britain
Saskatoon, Canada

July 23
Mexico
Saskatoon, Canada

July 24-27
Pending (Playoffs)
Saskatoon, Canada

USA ROSTER
Click here for individual player profiles.

Adam LaLonde
Blake Miller
Chase Turner
Chris DeLarwelle
Daryn Miller
Don Garvey
Frank DeGroat, Jr.
Kyle Magnusson
Landy Rodriguez
Marcus Tan
Matt Palazzo
Nate Devine
Paul Koert
Stephen Pinocchio
Terry Luster
Travis Price
Tyron McKinney
Head Coach Peter Turner
Asst Coach Thad Brown
Asst. Coach Avon Meacham

Posted in ASA, ISF, Teams | No Comments »

Maddy’s Photos from the World Fastball Invitational at Monkton- July 2-5, 2009

July 14th, 2009

Click the logo below to view Maddy’s Photos from the World Fastball Invitational at Monkton.

Be sure to read her latest blog post, entitled “Hongi”. You can tell Maddy which ones are your favorites, or just drop her a line via email: maddy (at) maddysphotos (dot) com


(Photo of Maddy, not by Maddy)

Posted in General, Photos, Tournaments | No Comments »

Hongi

July 14th, 2009

From Maddy’s Photo Blog
(click link for original blog post with photo)

Hongi

This past 4th of July weekend I was invited to shoot the prestigious World Fastball Invitational in Monkton, Ontario, Canada. I can’t begin to express all the thoughts that come to mind when I think of this past weekend and how fortunate I am to be involved in such a great sport that attracts such great people. Our gracious hosts Brian Baillie, Kevin Quipp and Sandra Machlan who made my job that much easier by providing everything and anything I needed; the people of Monkton whose hundreds of volunteers make this one of the best-run events I have ever seen; the caliber of players and umpires that come to this tournament and the locale of this wonderful tournament made this a most memorable experience for me.

Which brings me to something I learned this weekend, called the “Hongi”; the Hongi is a traditional Maori greeting which is done by pressing one’s nose to the other person when they meet each other. It is believed that when the two noses meet, people exchange their breath and the visitor becomes one of their tribe. I had the privilege to watch a “Hongi” in person as the New Zealand team honored one of their own, Paul Walford at the tournament. It dawned on me then how much of this we already do as part of the fastpitch community. No, we do not touch noses, but instead we share in the experience called “fastpitch” and as such become part of the “tribe”.

I am far from being a player but I’d like to think that through my photography I have joined the fastpitch tribe and through the images I capture I hopefully bring the “tribes” closer together. You can see the photos of the World Fastball Invitational here.

-Maddy

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Update on Video Streaming for ISF World Championships

July 14th, 2009


(click logo to visit the official ISF XII World Championships website)

From the official website:

Online Streaming

What You Get – Live online viewing of all games (including opening ceremonies) at Bob Van Imp field (View Schedule) and access to recorded games 24 hours after completion.

What You See – Stationary camera from behind home plate. Some games may have audio play by play, otherwise all audio will be direct from the stadium.

What You Need – Microsoft Windows or Macintosh PC with Flash Player 10 (Check Flash Version), Microsoft Internet Explorer 6,7 or 8, Mozilla Firefox 3.X, or Safari 3 or 4. and a high speed internet connection.

What it Costs – Tournament Pass – all matches – $59.95 (Can), Championship Weekend Pass – $34.95 (Can)

Test Player – If you can play the video below, your all set!

Click here to sign up.

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ISF Team Preview – New Zealand Black Sox

July 14th, 2009


(click logo to visit the official ISF XII World Championships website)

The following is the first in a series of team previews for the 2009 ISF World Championships that begins later this week. We thought it fitting to begin with the reigning world champions, the New Zealand Black Sox.


(click logo to visit official team website for the Black Sox)

The following article ran back in March, 2009, but provides a good look at the squad preparing to defend its world title.


(click logo for original news story)

Black Sox go for new look
By Linda Wood

It will be a new-look Black Sox softball team that will attempt to win a fourth consecutive world championship crown in Saskatoon, Canada in July.

Four players who were available for this year’s tournament, and were members of the side in 2004 side, have missed selection in the team meaning captain Jarrad Martin, Patrick Shannon, Brad Rona, Nathan Nukunuku, Roman Gabriel, Thomas Makea and Donny Hale are the survivors while Aaron Neemia and pitcher Heinie Shannon were both members of the Samoa team at the 2004 world championships.

“It has been a big call,” Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

“The players have just been unable to recapture the form they had in 2004.

“There are some unlucky players and they will be disappointed.”

Kohlhase has also made a big call in going outside of his initial training squad and including Auckland’s Enoka brothers, Thomas and Ben, in the team. Just over a year ago the two were named in the Junior Black Sox team for that side’s world championship, which was also played in Canada.

Thomas has joined the pitching staff spearheaded by veteran Marty Grant, with support from Jeremy Manley and Heinie Shannon.

Ben has been named in the outfield with Rhys Casley, Thomas Makea, Donny Hale, Daniel Milne and Gareth Cooke.

“They are the real bolters,” Kohlhase said. “I think they have a very big future in the game.”

Kohlhase has also, as expected, named Travis Wilson in the side. Wilson was a member of the world championship team in 1996 but for the next eight years pursued a professional baseball career, mainly with the Atlanta Braves.

He returned to the Black Sox team four years ago and quickly re-established himself in the side but, due to his work commitments – Wilson is the fielding coach for the Black Caps – missed the tour of South America in November and then last month’s Pacific Series in Apia.

“He brings to the team another professional approach,” Kohlhase said.

While the Black Sox have dominated the world championships – they have contested the last six finals and won four of them including the last three – they don’t talk about defending the crown.

“This is a new team,” Kohlhase said.

“To win this tournament is going to take all 17 players pulling in the right direction.

“It is going to be a tough one, though.”

Meanwhile, a combination of experience and youth make up the White Sox team for the Southern Cross Challenge and the test series against Australia next month in Christchurch.

Recalled to the side are Cindy Potae, Kiri Shaw and Michal Tangaroa.

Potae and Shaw have more than a decade of international softball experience with world championship and Olympic Games experience behind them, while Tangaroa, who is the daughter of former Black Sox pitcher Chubb, has played in a world championship tournament.

The only new cap in the team is Hutt Valley’s Atsuko Tamaka.

“We need some experienced players in there so they can pass that on to the younger ones,” White Sox coach Dean Rice said.

Click here to view the player profiles at the official Black Sox website.

Roster and profiles (without photos) after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Notes on Saskatoon, from Marty Grant

July 14th, 2009


New Zealand’s Marty Grant in search of a fourth ISF Gold medal
(click photo to enlarge)

Marty Grant calls Saskatoon, “A softball town that knows how to host an international tournament”. The excerpt below is reposted with permission, from Marty Grant’s Facebook page (for the benefit of our readers not on Facebook):

Saskatoon: My first visit to this town was in 1987 as a 21 year old. ISC with the Ashland Amvets, OH. We went 3-2 and finished 12th. In 1990 I returned and debuted with NZ. My first international was the semifinal of the Canada Cup and we beat Cuba 1-0. Canada were victorious in the final 3-0. In 2002 I was pitching coach for the White Sox and we finished 5th equal at the ISF’s.

From Wikipedia:

Saskatchewan (pronounced /səˈskætʃɨwɑːn/ ( listen)) is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of 588,276.09 square kilometres (227,100 sq mi) and a population of 1,023,810 (according to 2009 estimates), mostly living in the southern half of the province. Of these, 233,923 live in the province’s largest city, Saskatoon, while 194,971 live in the provincial capital, Regina. Other major cities, in order of size, are Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Swift Current and North Battleford. The province’s name comes from the Saskatchewan River, whose name comes from its Cree designation: kisiskāciwani-sÄ«piy, meaning “swift flowing river”.

Click here for prior posts on Marty Grant at Fastpitchwest.

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Ken Vierling Fundraiser – August 29

July 14th, 2009

What: Benefit Fundraiser for Kenny Vierling
When: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Where: Farmington American Legion..Farmington, Mn
Who: We need you there!!!
Details: For further information, check out:
http://www.kenvierling.org

Silent Auction: 6 – 9 pm
Beer Bash & Sandwiches: 6 – 9 pm
Music by Chopper: 8:45 – Close
Cost : $10 (please make checks payable to Ken Vierling Benefit)

We need your help!! If you can help sell tickets or want to buy tickets, please let us know!! We will get them to you.

Please HELP & contact:
Paul Harrington Les Novak
17281 Jade Court Box 26612
Lakeville, Minn. 55044 or St. Louis Park, Minn. 55426

Donated Silent Auction items and doorprizes are also needed for the Benefit!!

If you have any questions on the above or can help, please contact:

Les Novak at 612-750-1340 or Paul Harrington at 612-940-6363.
See www.kenvierling.org for further information on the above.

Editor’s Note: Click here for an earlier post about KenWe heartily encourage you to support these efforts to help a good friend in the fastpitch community.

Other posts on Ken at Fastpitchwest.

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A bit of news from Saskatoon – Rain

July 14th, 2009


Martin Jorge, Editor of Softballnewsla.com
(“Softball News Latin America), based in Argentina.


(click banner to visit site)

Our friend Martin Jorge (Editor, SoftballNewsLA.com) has arrived in Saskatoon for the ISF World Championships and shares this note with us:

“I’m writing from Saskatoon, I arrived yesterday with Argentina National Team. I don’t think we [Argentina] will be playing any exhibition games here, but if we do I’ll let you know. Today is raining here in Saskatoon, so probably the games scheduled for today will be suspended.

Last weekend we were in Denmark, in the Boys of Summer Tournament. Argentina lost in semifinals against Stampede. I took some photos there, you can find in our Federation page in Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Confederacion-Argentina-de-Softbol/97188125967?ref=ts“

Martin will be providing news and info from Saskatoon as the tournament progresses.

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While Waiting for the ISF Worlds to Begin

July 14th, 2009

While it’s not fastpitch, we know that a lot of fastpitch players and fans will be tuning in to the MLB All Star game tonight, including many ISF players killing time in their hotel rooms, waiting for the World Championships to begin at week’s end.

Our friend Jim Williams has a great recap of all of the media coverage, on radio, TV and broadband in his column at the Examiner. (Sorry, this one not to be carried live on Ballparkradio)


(click logo for original news story)

Jim Williams
Sports Media Examiner

Your TV, radio and broadband All Star Game day planner

We know that you can see the game broadcast tonight at 8p.m. on FOX but what else is going on today media wise?

Plenty and here is your All Star Day Planner:

Radio: ESPN started their coverage early this morning with Mike and Mike who are live from St. Louis with plenty of All Star Game lead up to the game tonight. The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Scott Van Pelt and The Doug Gottlieb Show all will have an All Star theme as they build up to the pregame show tonight at 7:30p.m.

The game is on ESPN Radio tonight at 8p.m.

Fox Sports Radio Chris Myers Show will be live from St. Louis at 4.pm. with lots of guests including the broadcast team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.

Sirius/XM will have baseball all day with all the Home plate programs coming live from St. Louis. If you are a baseball fan this is where you want to be all day.

Chris Russo will have a special edition of Mad Dog Radio from St. Louis from 2p.m. to 7p.m. We know that our pal Chris always scores the big guests so it always worth a listen.

The Major League Baseball Network will be live from 4:00p.m. till very late tonight. Here are
some of the highlights to look forward to:
Bob Costas, Greg Amsinger, 12-time MLB All-Star Barry Larkin, two-time MLB All-Star Al Leiter, Joe Magrane, two-time MLB All-Star Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian will share on-air hosting duties while Trenni Kusnierek, Hazel Mae and Reynolds will report from the field.
July 14 – 4:00 p.m. MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Show Presented by Chevy
July 14 – 5:00 p.m. MLB Tonight: All-Star Batting Practice Presented by Budweiser
July 14 – 7:30 p.m. MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Show Presented by Chevy (abbreviated)
July 14 – Post All-Star Game: MLB Tonight Presented by Budweiser

Costas will also narrate a feature segment about the 1964 All-Star Game at New York’s Shea Stadium that will air during MLB Tonight in the 5p.m. hour.

The post game will start directly after the game on FOX.

Broadband – You can see the All Star Batting practice on MLB.COM and Fox Sports along with plenty of features.

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