Argentina announces Junior boys roster

October 20th, 2010

From Our Friend Martin Jorge, the communications director for softball Argentina, and host of Latin America’s number one fast pitch website “Softball News LA”:

Editor’s Note:

Parana, Argentina will be the host of the next ISF Junior boys world championships in 2012. In 2008, Argentina moved up in the ranks of the Junior boys competition, notching their first ever win over playoff round bound New Zealand, as well as the USA. The metal around in 2008 consisted of eventual gold-medal winner Australia, silver medalist Canada, bronze medalist Japan, and playoff round qualifier New Zealand. These four countries still remain the teams to beat, but in the next tier, a number of Latin American countries are improving their level of competition to press the USA as contenders to advance to the medal round, including Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico. The other four competitors from 2008 are relatively new to the program, Denmark, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Botswana, but are advancing as well. The 2012 competition in Parana, Argentina is still more than a year away, but Argentina is among those countries getting busy presently.

(Google translation)

Argentina launches third phase of the Youth Men’s National Team

The Body Coach of Men’s Youth Argentina announced last night the list of players who at first continued in the selection process, which ends with the formation of the National Team to compete in the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship 2012, to be held in the city of Paraná. A total of 63 young people from 13 cities were selected by the Technical Corps for what will be the third stage, called “Preparing the Athlete.”

“The principal novelty of this new period is to reduce youth group with which to work, which were selected on a technical level, physical and attitudinal that the coaching staff intends for the program now,” said Mariano Spotorno, Head Coach of Argentina Youth Team. “In turn, the youth group will be divided into two sub-groups, one called ‘National Team’ and one ‘Development Group’.”

The National Team will be composed of young people who at the discretion of the coaching staff, are currently best able to meet a higher level of competition and training. For its part, the Development Group will be the kids who, for whatever reason, currently fail to meet the boys at the National Team, but it is considered that in the course of a year may reach. However, it is clear that these groups are dynamic and can leave or enter them every young person who is deemed appropriate.

From Technical Corps added that “the second important point is this stage is to start making skills with other teams for the preparation and evaluation of the existing game.” He further clarified that “with the National Team try to make teams for 1st Division Men of all locations that we visit, as well as participate in all national powers Division 1 Men we can. For its part, the Development Group will have powers against male youth teams and / or Senior Men teams a level consistent with the aforementioned group. ”

The Technical Corps reported to begin this stage, there will be a championship called “Selective Tournament, to be held in the city of Paraná on 13, 14 and 15 November, which will form the two sub-groups, and a merger of the National Team on 27, 28 and 29 of the same month in the city of Buenos Aires. In development work, there will be “training camp” where children must remain at least one week concentrated activity to be undertaken in times of summer and winter, with dates to be confirmed.

Finally, members agreed that the Technical Corps “No doubt what has been done so far encourages us to continue betting on this program and hope to get a team representing our country in the most dignified way possible, it is a long way we should go, but the enthusiasm they have put so far our young people and the support we received in each city visited and the Confederation of Argentina, we feed the desire to do more and improve the things we did before. ”

The list of players selected by the Technical Corps for the Athlete Preparation stage are:

1. Kuperman Rodrigo Morón
2. Julián García Morón
3. Espeche Jesus La Plata
4. Lanzavecchia Homer La Plata
5. Civic Dario Campana
6. Avalos Campana Neri
7. Geuna Brian Bell
8. Andrada Matías San Antonio de Areco
9. Fernández Franco Lincoln
10. Simonelli Lincoln Michel
11. Villagra Juan C. Santiago del Estero
12. Tucumán Walter Fernandez
13. Villaroel Esteban Tucumán
14. Tucumán Sergio Morales González
15. Buera Leandro A. Villa Clara
16. González Kevin D. Villa Clara
17. Zalazar Silvio Villa Clara
18. Yery Walter D. Villa Clara
19. Migliavacca Paraná Teo
20. Migliavacca Paul Paraná
21. Angiolillo Lighuen Paraná
22. Paraná Fausto Villanova
23. Gini Franco Paraná
24. Masmú Paul Paraná
25. Minigutti Matías Paraná
26. Paraná Mateo Terrace
27. Aranaz Daniel Paraná
28. Scialacomo Giuliano Paraná
29. Paraná Ivan Sacks
30. Paraná Alejandro Juarez
31. Paraná Lucio Rodriguez
32. Paraná Lautaro Rickert
33. González Martín Paraná
34. Deu Nicholas Paraná
35. Gandoy Juan Carlos Paraná
36. Paraná Francisco Lombardo
37. Correa Franco Paraná
38. Alvarenga Hernán Paraná
39. Paraná Joaquín Alegre
40. Vuoto Felipe Paraná
41. Godoy Roman Herbel Paraná
42. Carril Facundo Paraná
43. Malarczuk Paraná Ladislao
44. Tessore Nicholas Paraná
45. Matías Zapata Paraná
46. Rubilar Paraná Lihue
47. Paraná Gastón Suárez
48. Zara Juan Cruz Bahia Blanca
49. Olheiser Federico Bahía Blanca
50. Ezequiel Bahía Blanca Saenz
51. Grimaldi Bruno Bahía Blanca
52. Abraham Augustine Bahía Blanca
53. Huemul Mata La Pampa
54. Fernández David La Pampa
55. Álvarez Maximiliano La Pampa
56. Madariaga Franco La Pampa
57. Morales Daniel La Pampa
58. Ortellado Franco La Pampa
59. Rivero Waldemar La Pampa
60. Rocha Alfredo Mendoza
61. Olavarría Agustín Ferreyra
62. Navarte Augustine Olavarria
63. Peruilh Mariano Olavarria

The Body Coach of Men’s Youth Argentina Mariano comprises Spotorno (Head Coach), Julio Gamarci (General Coach), Martin Scialacomo (Leadership Team), in collaboration with Gustavo Guerrinieri (Physical Training) and José Guerrinieri (Pitching) .

Jorge Martin
Head of Media and Communication
Softball Confederation Argentina

Posted in ISF, Teams | Comments Closed

New Zealand Black Sox Team for Test Series vs Australia

October 18th, 2010

Editor’s note: Speaking of the Black Sox, here is the latest on the New Zealand Black Sox, from their Facebook page, on the “new look” team for the upcoming series versus Australia in December of this year. Having dominated the world for more than a decade, until Australia took ISF gold in 2009, it will be a new look squad, though anchored by an all-star veteran nucleus of Casley, Rona and Shannon, but looking to the future led by youngsters like Ben Enoka and other newcomers. The Black Sox system has shown time and time again why they remain among the teams to beat.

From their Facebook page:

Black Sox Team for Test Series vs Australia
by Softball New Zealand on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 2:10am
There is a new-look to the Black Sox softball team for the up-coming test series against Australia. From the team that lost in the world championship final to Australia last year just four players – Rhys Casley, who will captain the team, Brad Rona, Patrick Shannon and Ben Enoka remain.

“We are in a development phase of a new campaign, historically the Black Sox only ever pick their best team every four years and we see no reason not to continue with this logic,” Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

“Whilst some regulars have missed selection for this tour we have a group of 40 identified squad members whom are all committed to the goal of raising the bar to ensure the Black Sox keep evolving.”

While there are four players from last year’s team remaining, Kohlhase has also recalled Thomas Cameron, Tyson Byrne, Regan Manley, Bernard Hale and Wayne Laulu who have all had time in the Black Sox team in the past four years.

The new-comers to the side are Te Wera Bishop, Shaun Jamieson, Aaron Kuru, David Butler, Bobby King, Dan Tarapi, Campbell Makea and Jerome Heretuku.

Of those eight the biggest surprise is perhaps the inclusion of the 17-year-old Bishop, who will be the back-up catcher to Shannon. The series in Australia is an opportunity for the Wellington youngster to learn from the experienced Shannon.

The team will assemble in Christchurch on December 2, and depart for Sydney four days later. The series is from December 8-10.

It is hoped that while the team is in Christchurch they will play against Argentina before heading to Australia, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Pitchers
Regan MANLEY (HB)
Shaun JAMIESON (HV)
Thomas Cameron (WN)

Catchers
Te Wera BISHOP (WN)
Pat SHANNON (AK)

Infielders
Tyson BYRNE (HV)
Rhys CASLEY (c) (HV)
Brad RONA (vc) (NH)
Aaron KURU (HB)
David BUTLER (HV)
Bobby KING (AK)

Outfielders
Bernard HALE (AK)
Ben ENOKA (AK)
Wayne LAULU (WN)
Dan TARAPI (WN)
Jerome HERETUKU (AK)
Campbell MAKEA (WN)

Posted in International, ISF, Teams | Comments Closed

Fred Hanker, Long Beach Black Sox Taking Time off in 2011

October 18th, 2010

From Fred Hanker’s Long Beach Black Sox Men’s Fastpitch Softball Facebook page:

I have decided to not have The Long Beach Black Sox next year. I have run this team for 6 years and I need a much deserved break. I will be playing with other teams in 2011. Thanks to all our fans for your support. I will continue to maintain the site and make posts so stay tuned. I may at some point next year reunite the team. Thanks for all your kind words

Editor’s note:

A well deserved break for Fred. He’s been the driving force for the team — and for much of fastpitch in So Cal for the past six years, both on the field and behind the scenes, somehow finding a way to manage and run the team, and yet still focus and be among the top hitters in So Cal, seemingly every single weekend. The list of players wearing the Black Sox uniform for those six year is long and distinguished. Thanks Fred to giving so many players a place to play, and learn the game — both young players and old. Like the Pittsburgh Pirates of old, it was always fun to see which uniform the team would don on a given day (just how many different version were there?) The Black Sox blended friendship and talent, with more tournament victories than one can count, a testament to Fred’s leadership. Fred’s website, his facebook page and the hundreds of photos and stories posted kept us up on fastpitch in So Cal. We’ll miss seeing the Sox in 2011 Fred, but it is a well deserved break indeed.

Posted in General, So Cal, Teams | Comments Closed

A hit to cherish

October 14th, 2010

From OttoInFocus:


(click banner for original news story at OttoinFocus)

Written by Bob Otto on October 12th, 2010

Photo By BOB OTTO

Named to the NAFA AA-Major All World team were Manor’s Christopher Torres, Peter Saldana-Rodriguez (first row, far right), Jason Chagoya, and Corey Avery. From the Toros, Jaime Garcia, Jr., Boomer Berry, Kyle Brown, and Tony Buckley were selected All World. Avery was selected the Most Valuable Pitcher, while Buckley was named the Most Valuable Player.

DES MOINES, WEST DES MOINES, IA – Peter Saldana-Rodriguez stepped into the right-side batter’s box. The bases were loaded. Tim Schultz was on third, Will Sandifer on second, Chris Torres on first.

For over three hours, the Texas Manor Dirt Bags and New Image of Monfort, WI. were locked in a battle in the NAFA World Series “AA-Major” playoffs. The score was tied, 1-1, in the 14th inning.

Like two iron-willed poker players playing for high stakes, the game had everything riding on it. The winner advances to the championship game. While the loser goes home.

And all alone in the batter’s box stood Rodriguez with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 14th. He could hear his Manor Dirt Bag teammates imploring him to wait on the change up and just meet the ball.

Much easier said than done.

For on the mound stood the imposing, 6-foot-2, and 240 pound, Jeramie Holman. New Image’s ace hurler, long considered one of the best – if not the best intermediate pitcher in North America.

And most agree that Holman owns the best change up in the game. A pitch that leaves the best hitters lunging like drunken sailors throwing wild punches and hitting nothing but air.

Just relax, sit back, and meet the ball Rodriguez told himself, while taking a deep breath. But Holman had already slipped two strikes by Rodriguez and controlled the battle of wills with an 0-2 count.

“He had just thrown me two change ups,” Rodriguez said, “that I swung at and missed…”
But not the third time.

Holman wound up and delivered. But this time Rodriguez was ready. “Change up,” his eyes told his hands. “Wait, wait…” And then like a Texas Timber Rattler striking out at a helpless cottontail, his hands whipped the bat around, driving the ball into the hole between short and third. And in raced Schultz with the winning run.

Within seconds of touching first base, Rodriguez’ teammates embraced, mobbed, and greeted him with high-fives, and “aata boy’s.”

But there was little time to celebrate. For the championship game was about to start. A game that the Manor Dirt Bags went on to win, 2-1, over the Topeka Toros to claim the “AA-Major” title, Sunday, Aug. 22.

And Rodriguez’ clutch hit helped bring it all about.

“That was definitely one of my biggest hits,” said, “especially since we were able to win it all, and I was able to be a part of a national championship team.”
But Rodriguez will also remember facing Holman, who not only pitches for New Image, but manages the ball club as well. A ball club that went on to finish the 2010 season with a dazzling, 95-11, record.

“The toughest pitcher in the tournament had to be Jeremy,” Rodriguez said. “For every nine change ups you might see a fastball… Everybody knows what’s coming, but his change up has so much movement and he throws it with different speeds and different arm angles that it’s hard to pick up.”

Both Holman and Rodriguez were selected to the All World team. Rodriguez had a blistering .417 batting average (5-for-12) along with two RBI’s and a stolen base.

And years from now when he’s long retired from the game, he’ll recall that moment in time when one swing of his bat sent his team on to victory and the championship.

“That hit is something I will always cherish,” he said.

Posted in General, Players, Tournaments | Comments Closed

Aaron Poulin Named 2010 Softball BC Umpire of the Year

October 11th, 2010

This year’s Softball BC Official of the Year, AARON POULIN, began umpiring more than 20 years ago in Victoria, BC. Over the course of those first couple of summers he would often ride a moped to the ball park with his equipment bag strapped to his back. That alone could have resulted in a nomination for this award.

Now twenty years later and with much shorter hair, save for a brief flirtation this spring with ringlets of curls, Aaron, who achieved his Level 5 and ISF Certification in 1998 in St. Croix, Nova Scotia, has completed a year that is certainly worthy of recognition.

The year began in cold temperatures with his presentation at the Blue Convention in Regina, Saskatchewan entitled, “What You Can Do to Improve Your Umpiring” followed by acting as the lead instructor at two Level 3 umpire clinics in Abbotsford and Kelowna.

The beginning of May brought twice weekly travels from his home in Hope, BC into Chilliwack, Agassiz or Abbotsford to umpire in the Fraser Valley Men’s League. That was followed by trips to Kelowna and Sicamous for other various tournaments.

June included more league games and a Cloverdale tournament followed by July’s adventures at the Senior Men’s Provincial at Softball City. He was also the Umpire in Chief for the Sr. and Jr. Women’s Provincials in Richmond, BC. It was then back to Saskatoon to act as the Umpire in Chief of the Junior Women’s Canadian Championship.

After being home for only 3 days, he returned to Sicamous to umpire in the Sr. C and D Men’s Provincials as part of his preparations to umpire at the 2010 Sr. Men’s Canadian Championship in Summerside, PEI at the end of August.

All told this has resulted in more than 50 nights away from his family, thousands of kilometers in the car and countless hours in uncomfortable airline seats. Whether at league games, supervising at the Canadian Championship or an umpire at the Sr. Men’s Canadian Championship, Aaron exudes professionalism and demonstrates the dedication that is required to become and remain an elite fastball umpire.

Never without time to talk with any umpire about how to improve their game, Aaron through his efforts on and off the field this year is a shining example of our successful BC umpiring program and truly deserves this recognition as the 2010 Softball BC Official of the Year.

Bob Henning
Softball BC UIC
brotherinblue (at) shaw.ca

Posted in General | No Comments »

Two Out, Two In at AAU

October 11th, 2010

Two teams out / two teams in at the 2011 AAU International Tournament

* Maccabi is sending one team / Elmira Erb Electric Expos is the replacing team
* Bravos de Caracas team from Venezuela out … Oklahoma Fastpitch is in.

The 40 team field:

Aragua Venezuela Venezuela
Blackburn Transport Canada
Bravos del Norte de Tenerife Spain
Brewers de Venezuela Venezuela
Capitalinos de Caracas Venezuela
Chicago/New York USA
Cobourg Force Canada
Combatientes Fastpitch Venezuela Venezuela
CPI USA
DC Arrows Canada
Dominicana U.S. USA
El Dorado Venezuela Venezuela
Elmira Erb Electric Expos Canada
Florida Fastpitch USA
Gigantes de Venezuela Venezuela
Hill United Canada
Hooligans of Niagara Canada
Houston Carnage USA
Indios de Venezuela Venezuela
Italian Athletic Club USA
Kitchener Outlaws Canada
Lanzeros Venezuela Venezuela
Los Socios Venezuela
Maccabi USA USA
Mexico Mexico
Miami USA
Millwood Countrymen Canada
Minnesota Angels USA
Niagara Fury Canada
NY / PA Metropolitans USA
Ohio Battery USA
Oklahoma Fastpitch USA
PK Broward USA
SC Tornados USA
Softball Canada Canada
Sopotocientos Venezuela
Sureño Soy Venezuela
Team Minnesota USA
Virgin Islands Eagles USA
Washington DC Metros USA

By country:
Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in ISC, Tournaments | No Comments »

Happy Thanksgiving

October 11th, 2010


To all of our Canadian friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in Canada, General | No Comments »

St. John’s Senior League

October 10th, 2010


(click logo for original story)

Senior League POM (September 2010)

Click here for all news

10/8/2010

Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League

Player of the Month (September 2010)

CF Brad Ezekiel (Kelly’s Pub Junior Canadians & 3Cheers Pub Bud Light)

Brad Ezekiel Kelly’s Pub Junior Canadians and 3Cheers Pub Bud Light Centerfielder Has Been Named The Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Player of the Month for September 2010.

Highlights

-Member of the Bronze Medal Winning 3Cheers Pub Bud Light At The 2010 Senior Nationals
-Named To The All-Star Team At The 2010 Senior Nationals (Outfield)
-Senior Provincial: Won Batting Title With A .545 Average (6-for-11)

Brad Ezekiel’s Batting Stats:

Senior League: 1-3 .333BA, R, HR, RBI
Senior Playoffs: 2-9 .222BA, R, SB, BB
Senior Provincial: 6-11 .545BA, 5R, D, 3HR, SAC, BB, 7RBI
Senior Nationals-Round Robin: 13-29 .448BA, 10R, 4RBI
Senior Nationals-Playoffs: 6-14 .429BA, 3R, 5RBI
Totals: 28-66 .424BA, 20R, 17RBI

Posted in Canada, Leagues | No Comments »

Grafton Jays crush Foodland’s dream of fourth title

October 9th, 2010

Editor’s note: The money quote:

“Nobody remembers who finishes first in the regular season.”



By JEFF GARD
NORTHUMBERLAND TODAY

The Grafton Jays have ended the three-year reign of Foodland Crush.

Grafton completed the sweep of Foodland on Wednesday night at Legion Fields with a 8-5 victory to clinch the 2010 Cobourg Men’s Fastball League championship. The Jays won the best-of-five series 3-0.

Grafton last won the Town League title in 2006, when they defeated the Crush. which went on to beat the Jays in the final the past three years.

After a long summer, leading into fall, winning the championship is the ultimate goal.
“It’s always great to win, regardless of who you play,” said Derek Wright, who shared playoff Most Valuable Player honours with teammate Scott Leblanc. They both batted .500 (14-for-28) in the playoffs while also playing superb defence.

“It’s a tough match (against Foodland). We’re an older team now and they’re what we used to be, but all our guys have won before and know what it takes to win.”

Grafton has become accustomed to being one of the top two teams in the league, but this year it was Foodland and eagle.cathat battled for first place during the season. The Jays finished in third after the 20-game schedule.

“A veteran team goes on cruise control a lot of the time and we knew we’d play well enough and get enough at-bats in to be there at the end,” Wright said. “Nobody remembers who finishes first in the regular season.”

Click here for the entire news story

Posted in Canada, Leagues | No Comments »

Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs Capture St. John’s League Title

October 8th, 2010

Senior League Final (Result: Game #5)

Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League (Playoffs)

League Final (Best-of-7)

Result: Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Game #5: Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs 2 vs. West Side Charlies Bud Light 0

The Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs blanked West Side Charlies Bud Light 2-0 Wednesday night at Lions Park to capture the 2010 Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Championship.

The Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs took the title in five games, their third straight Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Championship and fourth in the last five years. The Kelly’s Pub Junior Canadians won the Senior League Championship in 2007.

2010-Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs
2009-Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs
2008-CBC Senior Canadians
2006-North Atlantic Marine

Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs Pitching Stats:
WP: Blair Ezekiel 7IP, 0R, 1H, 2BB, 10K

Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs Top Batters:
Doug Marshall 2-3, 2R, SB, BB
Jon Kelly 2-4, 2RBI
Gary Bruce 1-2, Double, BB
Blair Ezekiel 1-2, HBP, BB
John Farrell 1-3, BB

Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs (RUNS)
1R T1ST: Doug Marshall singled to left-field, advanced to second on a pass ball and scored on Jon Kelly’s RBI single to centerfield.

1R T5TH: Doug Marshall singled to centerfield, advanced to second on a SAC Bunt 3-4 by Stephen Strapp and scored on Jon Kelly’s RBI single to centerfield.

West Side Charlies Bud Light Pitching Stats:
LP: Stephen Mullaley (Starter) 4.1IP, 2R, 5H, 2BB, 2K
Lee Cose (In Relief) 2.2IP, 0R, 2H, 2BB, 2K

West Side Charlies Bud Light Top Batters:
Mark Lewis 1-3 (Only Hit Off Blair Ezekiel; single to left-field to lead off the Bottom of the 7th Inning)

West Side Charlies Bud Light (RUNS)
None

Note: Blair Ezekiel (KPMB) took a No-Hitter into the Bottom of the 7th Inning, but WSCBL 3B Mark Lewis led off the Bottom of the 7th Inning with a single to left-field.

2010 Molson St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League

Playoff Awards
MVP: John Farrell (Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs) 12-28 .429BA, 6R, D, HR, 6RBI
Top Batter: Blair Ezekiel (Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs) 11-23 .478BA

Members of the Championship Team:
Doug Marshall, Stephen Strapp, Blair Ezekiel, Jon Kelly, John Farrell, Donny Cleary, Gary Bruce, Sean Cleary, Tyrone Fewer, Wayne Bruce, Rylee Costello, Jerry McCarthy, Scott Myers, Al Hurlburt and Mike Gregory. Coach Ron Ezekiel.

Posted in Canada, Leagues | No Comments »

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