Archive for October, 2006

Team Easton wins GOFL for 4th year in a row

Tuesday, October 24th, 2006

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Stittsville, ON

GOFL: http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/GOFL.htm

Team Easton won the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff final series with a 3-1 win the best-of-five series over the Stittsville 56ers on October 18.

This is the fourth consecutive playoff title in GOFL play for Easton, who also won the regular season title with a 12-1-2 record.

Dan Konkle had a 5-1 record in the playoffs, pitching for Team Easton. Konkle appeared in 6 games, allowed 7 earned runs in 39 innings of work, and struck out 85.

Dan Bradley (2-2) and Darren Featherstone (2-1) threw for Stittsville in the playoffs.

In the preliminary round of the playoffs, 3rd place Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric swept the 6th place Ottawa Blitz 2 games to 0. Carp I4C Victory, which finished in 5th in league place, knocked off 4th place Manotick Lomor Printers 2 games to 1.

In the semi-finals, 1st place finisher Team Easton defeated Carp three games straight, while 2nd place Stittsville also swept Fitzroy Harbour, to set up the Easton-56ers rematch of the 2005 finals, also won by Team Easton 3 games to 1.

Game Results in the finals (all games at Stittsville, ON) – box scores also available with each story.:

Game 1
Team Easton 5 Stittsville 1
WP – Konkle (three-hitter); LP – Bradley
HR: Cory Morrison, Todd Fraser (Easton)
story:

Game 2
Team Easton 6 Stittsville 1
WP – Konkle (one-hitter); LP – Bradley with relief from Featherstone
HR: Randy Peck, Scott Marion (Easton)
story:

Game 3
Stittsville 4 Team Easton 1
WP – Featherstone (two-hitter); LP – Konkle
story:

Game 4
Team Easton 2 Stittsville 1
WP – Konkle (two-hitter); LP – Featherstone
HR: Scott Herriott – inside the park (Stittsville)
Game winning RBI: Randy Peck
story:

California Lumberkings Play Key Role in California Challenge All Star Series

Sunday, October 15th, 2006


Lumberkings Catcher Jeff Twist delivered in the clutch once again, driving in the game winner for the South team in California’s North vs. South All-Star series. (click photo to enlarge)

[BAKERSFIELD, CA] – The California Lumberkings, in their hometown of Bakersfield, played host to the first ever “California Challenge” All Star Series, a best-of-three matchup between the best players from Northern California vs. the best players from Southern California. Not only did they participate alongside many of California’s best ISC players, but played key roles in its outcome.

Lineups were comprised of California’s top ISC and ISC II players, with So Cal Bomber pitchers Tony Peeples (North) and Travis Price (South) winding up in opposite dugouts. The teams proved to be very evenly matched, trading 6-5 wins in Games 1 and 2. Two members of the California Lumberking, Brian Teeters and Shawn Mandolesi drove in all 5 runs for the South in Game 1, which took at 5-2 lead into the 7th inning, only to have the North rally for 4 in the bottom of the 7th and win. (Teeters generously provided special jerseys for the players in the game, navy blue for the North and red for the South)

In the final, deciding Game 3 — the proverbial rubber match — the score was tied, 1-1 through regulation. When the game turned to the International tie-breaker to decide it, it was yet another California Lumberking providing the key hit — Jeff Twist, driving home the runner from second, who — you guessed it — was a Lumberking, Shawn Mandolesi.

The “California Challenge” concept originated amongst the Lumberkings as a fund raiser for their 2007 campaign, with manager David Weldin spear-heading the project, which include game tickets sold to corporations as well as fans, a Bar-B-Q, and T-shirts sold. Lumberkings Brian Teeters and Greg Hicks also assisted, along with other members of the team.

The Lumberkings were the first ever team from California to compete in the ISC II Tournament of Champions, advancing to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kitchener Outlaws in one of the tournament’s closest games. The L’kings hope to return to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada next August, for the 2007 edition of the ISC II Tournament of Champions.

The Rumor Mill

Wednesday, October 11th, 2006

Update from Al’s Fastball: Bloomington, IL Recently we posted this TidBit from a reliable source:”Jonas Mach sigend with Bloomington”Today, an equally reliable source said:” asked Jonas after I read the tidbits to see if his signing with Bloomington was true. He said that he has not signed with Bloomington or anyone else at this point.” Just goes to show:For those not familiar with tidbits, its ballyard rumours, nothingmore. Maybe no fact here at all, but same kind of stories you hear in theballpark. Only those mentioned can confirm or deny these stories,and traditionally they tell us nada, or hardly ever, but they canstraighten the story out any time. ALL our TidBits come from guys in the game that I knowand who sign their name to what they send me. Each has asked to remainAnnonymous.

Jonas Mach, the hard throwing right hander from the Czech Republic who set a new ISC II Tournament of Champions strikeout record in 2006 while pitching for the Thomson, IL Area Merchants, before being eclipsed in turn by Micksburg’s Cory Costello, is reported to have signed with Bloomington, IL for the 2007 ISC season:


From Al’s Fastball:

News

TidBits October 11, 2006 – Extra
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

For those not familiar with tidbits, its ballyard rumours, nothing more. Maybe no fact here at all, but same kind of stories you hear in the ballpark. Only those mentioned can confirm or deny these stories, and traditionally they tell us nada, or hardly ever, but they can straighten the story out any time.

Subscribers tell me that TidBits is the most read and most popular of all the items we send out to our subscriber list.

ALL our TidBits come from guys in the game that I know and who sign their name to what they send me. Each has asked to remain Anonymous.


Jonas Mach signed with Bloomington

[click link above for full Tid Bit report]

Kitchener Phoenix Outlaws Claim KFL Crown

Wednesday, October 11th, 2006

From Al’s Fastball:

Kitchener Fastball League
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Kitchener, On

The series that never seemed to end finally came to a close last night, which was a good thing as the weather forecasts in these parts, didn’t look good until the middle of next week.

The Kitchener Phoenix Outlaws defeated the Waterloo Classics in a slugfest, (to help recognize Oktoberfest in the area) by a score of 10-8.

(more…)

“Add to Google” – The Deuce, that is

Wednesday, October 11th, 2006

Regular readers of Fastpitchwest know that we are fans of “Google”, for the many technological concepts that they have put into play, many of which come in handy for the fastball world. (Maps and Gmail to name a couple).

While “RSS” (Real Simple Syndication) has remained anything but simple to many, Google how provides a one-click way to get blog posts sent to your RSS Reader. Try it out if you like, by clicking the “Add Google” button.

If you already have a gmail account, use your same log in. If you don’t, well, what are you waiting for? I have a number of “Gmail invites” free for the asking. Just email me, gmail (at) fastpitchwest.com

Add to Google

ISC Travel League of Eastern Canada Annual Meeting

Tuesday, October 10th, 2006

Kitchener, ON

The ISC Travel League of Eastern Canada is hosting our annual State of the league meeting on Sunday November 5/06. 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Valley Golf Club in Kitchener.
At the meeting, we will hear from current league teams and prospective league teams on their ideas to expand the league. This will include the possibility of some teams playing their league games on weekends, the use of tournament play, and interlocking games with current established leagues.
We are interested in new teams at ISC and ISC II level willing to join our league. Please contact Colin Smith prior to the League Meeting on November 5 with your expression of interest and with any suggestions on how to expand the league.
Any teams interested please contact:
Colin Smith
League President
905-790-8226
colinsmith(at)look.ca

LumberKings hosting California All-Star Series

Friday, October 6th, 2006

The LumberKings, located in Bakersfield California will host the California All-Star Series on Saturday Oct. 14 2006 and Sunday October 15, 2006 if needed.

The series will consist of a best of three format and will be played at Dave Frye Field in Bakersfield California. Game times are 4:30pm and 7:30pm Saturday Oct. 14 and 11:00am Sunday if needed. Bakersfield has a long history of men’s fast pitch softball having hosted the ISC World Tournament twice in the 1980’s. Dave Frye field is located on Chester Ave adjacent to Sam Lynn Ball Park and the Kern County Living Museum.

The teams will be made up of current ISC & ISC II players and coaches from both Northern and Southern California and should include some of the best players in the game today.

Admission to the game will be $5.00 for adults with children 12 and under free.

Tri- Tip sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. Pre-Sale tickets are available along with corporate sponsorship.

Sponsorship is $100.00 and will include 20 series tickets along with advertising on programs and T-shirts. Banner space is also available at an additional cost

The games will not only be used to increase interest in men’s fastpitch in California but will also serve as a fundraiser for the
LumberKings. The Lumberkings finished 9th in the ISC II Tournament of Champions in 2006 and are working towards a better finish at the same tournament next year.

Comments and Questions should be directed to:

Greg Hicks
grhicks (at) kern.org

David Weldin
Coorsman25 (at) aol.com

Brian Teeters
bteeters (at) cox.net

Vote in Fastpitchwest’s “Pick-the-Winner” Poll.

NORTH ROSTER:

1. Zack Abernathy INF A-1 Tank/River City Rocker
2. Dave Bostick INF River City Rockers
3. Eddie Brooks 1B IAC
4. Mike Butler INF SoCal Bombers
5. NateDevine OF SoCal Bombers
6. Todd Garcia C Team Rainey
7. Ed Gaspar P A-1 Tank/River City Rockers
8. Korey Krueg INF A-1 Tank
9. Joel Manfredi C IAC
10. Tony Peeples P SoCal Bombers
11. Steve Pinocchio INF SoCal Bombers
12. Jason Porto OF SoCal Bombers
13. Jeff Reich OF Portland DeMarini
14. Mark Santillano INF Portland DeMarini
15. Mark Sommers DH River City Rockers
16. Bobby Smith OF Romie’s Angels
17. Dan Winnick OF SoCal Bombers

SOUTH ROSTER:

1. Travis Price-SoCal Bombers
2. Mark Bennett-Portland DeMarini
3. Todd Budke-The Farm
4. Paul Rosebush-The Farm
5. Chris Hunt-Team Rainey
6. Stan Grebeck-Team Rainey
7. Rod Rainey-Team Rainey
8. Jesse Duncan-Team Rainey
9. Brian Teeters-LumberKings
10. Carlos Flores-LumberKings
11. Troy Parker-LumberKings
12. Shawn Mandolesi-LumberKings/Taylor Farms
13. Jeff Twist-Taylor Farms
14. Kevin Castillo-Young Bucks
15. Jose Sandoval-Rude Pac
16. Chris Minogue-Black Sox


Best regards,
Jim Flanagan
www.fastpitchwest.com
www.ballparkradio.com

Youth Takes Lead Over Vets in KFL Finals

Friday, October 6th, 2006

Kitchener, On

The Kitchener Phoenix Outlaw’s took a 2 games to 1 lead in the
finals of the Kitchener Fastball League

Under cloudy skies, and single digit temperatures, the younger
guys, proved they could handle the cold nights much better than
the veteran Waterloo Classics.

Phoenix dominated right from the start, scoring 2 runs in the
first inning, to put the Classics back on their heels, and unable
to recover. Phoenix scored 3 more in the 4th, and that was all
the scoring in the game, as Phoenix defeated the Classics 5-0

Trevor Beaston , Tim Dubois and Sean Geehan, lead the Phoenix
attack with 2 hits each, and Jeff Hatt, Mike Kelly, Jim Cullen,
Jeremy Cullin, Ritchie Gordon, and Brandon Roeder, chipped in
one apiece.

The Classics got hits from Jodie Schnarr and Don Stebbings.

Sean Geehan got the win for Phoenix tossing a fine 2 hitter and
collecting 11 K’s
Jim Schnarr took the loss for the Classics giving up 11 hits,
and recording 8 K’s..Peter Spitzig came on in relief in the last
inning, giving up 1 hit striking out 2.

Game 4 of the best of 5 series, goes Tuesday Oct 10th at Budd
Park at 7:00Pm

Rick Boyd
rboyd(at)guillevin.com

Youth Meets Experience in Kitchener Fastball League

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006

“Slammin Sammy Forbes” Hits Game Winning HR for the Vets in Game 2

[Kitchener, On] – The Championship Series of the Kitchener Fastball League is now well underway.

The Kitchener Phoenix Outlaws ( 3 times defending Champions) are pitted against the Waterloo Classics, in a battle of the young vs the aging.

Phoenix prevailed in cold, windy opener with a 5-0 victory, in which Sean Geehan got the win, and Don Stebbings took the loss.

In game two, with great weather last night, the Classics got back into the series with a close 5-4 victory over the never say die Outlaws. The Classics got on board quickly with 3 runs in the
first, and another in the 2nd inning, courtesy of a 3 run shot by Classics Catcher Ben Blackwell.

The Phoenix got back into the game with some timely hitting, included a homerun by Sean Geehan, and tied the game at 4-4 in the 4th inning. Both teams went down 3 up and 3 down in the 5th. In the bottom of the 6th Sam Forbes hit an opposite field home run to put the Classics up 5-4. The Phoenix didn’t threaten with any baserunners in the 7th. Winning Pitcher was Jim Schnarr, while Mel Ross took the loss.

Game 3 goes Wednesday Night at Budd Park at 7:00Pm

Rick Boyd
rboyd (at) guillevin.com

ISC Reorganization and Championship Berth Qualifying

Monday, October 2nd, 2006

Monday, October 2, 2006

For the first time in its 60+ year history, the International Softball Congress is entering into a complete reorganization that affects personnel as well as how teams qualify for berths to the World Tournament and ISC II Tournament of Champions.

Here is a summary of the changes.

Internal Changes

The ISC has eliminated 12 positions in the commissioner ranks and at the same time, changed team qualifying from an Area basis to a Regional basis. There will no longer be the former Area Qualifying tournaments as we used to know them.

We are now divided into 5 Regions; US West, US Central, US East, Canada West and Canada East. Each of these regions is headed by a Regional Vice President. Under each VP are 1 – 4 Regional Commissioners all of whom are former Area or Travel League Commissioners.

The definitions of these regions is on the ISC web site [url]www.iscfastpitch.com[/url]. Click on Rules and Forms link in left margin. It also has the revised Letter of Intent Form for regions rather than areas. We suggest managers and players review the region definitions are there are some “open” areas included.

Here is a breakdown of these regions, championship berth allocations and the personnel involved.

US West (4 WT, 3 ISC II)

Regional VP – Chris Santos
Regional Commissioners – Keith Erkenbrack (with help from CaL’s)
Commissioners at Large – Dick Mason, Jim Williamson, Dave Blackburn & Milt Stark EDE
Specialists – Jim Flanagan and Ron Chambers

US Central (10 WT, 9 ISC II)

Regional VP – Dave LeBlanc
Regional Commissioners – Dean Oscar, Les Novak, Tom Crouch and Pat Sullivan
Commissioners at Large – Wayne Fisher, Floyd Hammen, Ed Kirner, Royce Heath & Charlie Smith
Specialists –Judd Berthiaume, Gary Baughman, Bret Baughman, Hank DeWild & Tony Schaaf

US East (6 WT excluding defending champ, 5 ISC II)

Regional VP – Bill Howell
Regional Commissioners – Billy Smith and Lee Isenhart
Commissioners at Large – Larry Fisher, Bill Hillhouse, Robert Gray & Tom Stasik
Specialists – Doug Gillis & Rick Havercroft

Canada West (2 WT, 3 ISC II)

Regional VP – Ferdi Nelissen
Regional Commissioners – Todd McCabe and Craig Donaldson
Commissioners at Large – None
Specialists – None

Canada East (4 WT excluding host, 9 ISC II excluding champ, runner up & host)

Regional VP – Bob McGowan
Regional Commissioners – Colin Smith and Blair Setford
Commissioners at Large – None
Specialists – Al Doran, Bruce Bierman and Todd Idenouye

International (4 WT, 0 ISC II)
International Commissioner – Bill Hillhouse

Qualifying Processes

Each VP and his Regional Commissioners have been asked to have their qualifying events decided by November 1. They can use any of the following options to qualify teams:

1. Invitational Tournaments – Subject to tournaments agreeing to some ISC conditions.

A. Above can be “open” to teams from any location
B. Above can be “restricted” to teams from within the region

2. Travel League – Must meet ISC criteria and be concluded by July 15 or
played with champion gaining berth for the following years championship.

3. Region Tournament – An extension of the former area tournaments but now includes teams from the entire region.

Use of Invitational Tournaments as Qualifiers

The following are recommended guidelines for invitational tournaments to be granted status as an ISC Qualifying Tournament.

Tournament must agree to use ISC rules, ISC recommended ball and all umpires dressed in official ISC umpire attire. We may ask some to use an “experimental” ball.

Tournament must be publicized as either an “open” tournament for teams from any location or a “restricted” tournament for teams within the ISC region. An “open” tournament may restrict WT or II berths to only those teams from within the region. To qualify for a berth, the team must play the tournament with 100% of its ISC roster and no team may use players who are on the roster of another ISC or ISC II team. Teams already having a WT or II berth cannot be excluded from participation. Participation in some type of ISC Qualifier is mandatory for teams to be considered for an invitation berth to World Tournament or ISC II Tournament of Champ must provide timely, complete tournament results to Al Doran for distribution and posting.

Teams Winning berths in ’06 for ’07 championships

Three teams, Orillia Riversharks (WT), Thomson Area Merchants (WT) and Kitchener Phoenix Outlaws (ISC II) won ’07 championship berths by winning ’06 ISC Travel Leagues. These championship berth commitments will be honored and these teams have berths secured for ’07.

Thanks

On a personal note, each ISC person whose position was eliminated, was contacted by phone and explained the reasons for the decision. In each case, the individuals understood and graciously accepted the decision. They made a tough job much easier by their understanding and acceptance of the needed changes. To each of the eliminated people, my sincere thanks for the manner in which you accepted the news.

Ken Hackmeister
ISC Executive Director
iscken@comcast.net

Welcome