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Softball Today Magazine is the nation's leading Softball Publication. Each issue of Softball Today is packed with Fast and Slow pitch coverage from across the nation.
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By Robert Campbell
It's an old school of thought that athletes play sports and business men runbusinesses. Don't try to tell that to Team Combats premier players Scott Brown,Johnny McGraw, Jason Kendrick, or Rick Baker as these star players of Team Combatjust might body slam you. Of course afterwards they will pick you up, dust you off, andtry to sell you some awesome Combat gear.
This group of big time softball stars are highly professional ambassadors and salesreps for the Combat Sports Group. While most players are going over their battingaverage or home run totals, these highly motivated athletes/businessman were allgoing over their sales numbers and their 2012 sales strategies.
I got to see firsthand what these outstanding individuals and their company were
all about as Senior Vice President of Combat Sports, Don "Coop" Cooper, cordiallyinvited me to Combat's business offices in Kent, Washington for their February 8 & 9Rep. and Independents annual sales meetings.
My first observation was "Wow these guys are intense." Every meeting, andthere were of course several meetings throughout the two day extravaganza, waswell planned out and built around two main goals: increase awareness ofCombat's Softball, Baseball, Hockey, and Lacrosse products, and last but notleast, "Increase sales."
Before any meetings got underway, it was appreciation time for those individualswho excelled during the previous 2011 season. Player Reps such as Dal Beggs andJason Kendricks, as well as several Independents, were given special plaques andovations from their counterparts for their high level of sales and success for theprevious year.
Several of the meetings were split into two groups with Don Cooper runningone group while National Sales Manager, Scott "Brownie" Brown, motivated andran the second group.
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"We are very excited about the new 2012 Slow pitch and Fastpitch bat line as a whole,"said Senior Vice President of Combat Sports Don Cooper. "We have worked for two fullyears on this line. We have spent many a day conducting hands on field testing. After theline was completed, we really feel our new stamp bats are the best bats we have everdeveloped. The 2012 line will feature the Avarice and Spiked line as our top bats. The Spikedbat is our first multi-piece slow-pitch bat and the Avarice brings a completely different feelthan any bat we have previously built."
The highlight of the two exciting days in Kent, Washington came early morning of thesecond day when Combat's President, Steve Sutherland, addressed the entire group bySkype from the Combat headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. In addition to praising everyonein the group for a job well done, Mr. Sutherland went over several aspects of the newCombat product lines which included discussions on their Softball, Baseball, Hockey, andLacrosse products.
"The future for Combat is bright as we have new and exciting products coming out forthe 2012 season," said Combat's President, Steve Sutherland. "With new products andour expanded facilities and state of the art production and machinery, and a verymotivated sales team, we are confident and look forward to having great success in 2012and beyond."
The proof is in the pudding, as Combats' latest line of sizzling hot bats has been put tothe test in Softball Today's Bat Reviews testing program. We had slow pitch tournamentplayers hit the slow pitch Avarice and travel ball fastpitch players hit the Avaritia. These batshave received top scores in line drives, distance, and durability.
"I am extremely excited about our new line of bats," said National Promotions ManagerJohnny McCraw. The performance across the board on these new bats are as good as itgets. And our 'Maximum Performance Weight' allows a us to deliver a perfect weight sizefor any type of play."
Combats National Sales Manager Scott Brown ran several meetings which includedCombat star players (and full time employees) Johnny McCraw, Jason Kendrick, RickBaker, Dal Beggs and Bobby Nifong during their national sales meeting on February 8thand 9th in Kent WA.
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By Dave Utnik
It's the closest Alan Tande has ever come toachieving a perfect swing. If he had created Pro GliderBats a couple of decades ago, he might well havefulfilled his boyhood dream of reaching the majorleagues.
"I loved baseball. I wanted to be a major leaguer, butI couldn't hit," Tande said. "I asked for help whenever Icould, even in high school. But back then it was eitheryou hit or you don't."
That isn't the case any longer. Tande's creation -- aninnovative collection of practice bats designed to inducea swing that allows a hitter to dictate the flight of the ball-- is helping a new generation of fledgling stars reachtheir full potential in the batter's box.
Each model of the Pro Glider Bats series (the 350,444 and One Arm Bandit as well as the Baseball- 3) isgeared toward establishing good hitting habits: quickswing, good follow through, better balance and, perhapsmost important, power.
"The first feedback we got was from a girl who hadalways tried to pull the outside pitch without success. Inher first scrimmage game [after working out with thePro Glider] she took an outside pitch for a triple andwhen she got to third base her first words were, 'Coachit had to be the bat.'"
Tande tried for years to develop a swing he couldduplicate effectively against live pitching. As a youngboy he'd even toss bats toward second base in an effortto generate arm extension.
With the Pro Glider, adjustments can be madeinstantly and a hitter will discover within a few swings
how to hit the ball up the middle or drive an outside pitchto right field.
"To most hitters it's a hands on product," Tande said."With the glider, the hitter has to figure out what to do toget the ball to go in the direction you want. This can beaccomplished, with little or no instructions, in just a fewswings. Understanding your release point and how toadjust it is huge. I have this dream that higher battingaverages in years to come will be attributed to the Glider."
The dream is quickly becoming a reality. Just over ayear ago, while working as an instructor at Bob Clark's CBIAcademy, Tande came up with the idea for the Pro Gliderwhile swinging a thin plastic rod.
"I saw a piece of round pvc with a one-inch holethrough it and it clicked," he said.
The 350 model and the One Arm Bandit has a handleand a shaft that the ball slides off of during the swing. The444 models and One-Arm Gliders have a handle, a shaft,a glider (that the ball rides on) and a stop that creates acontact sound when the ball takes flight.
"When you cast, your hands go away from your bodyand your wrists start to release early in your swing. Whenthis happens the ball comes off in the opposite field. Whenyou keep your hands on an inside path to the ball, the ballwill go somewhere up the middle or to the opposite field,which is the desired result," Tande said. "The same is trueif you open up the front shoulder and your hands andrelease point follow. You will pull the ball."
"The bat with the ball coming off tells you what you aredoing. And there is almost an instant feel you develop withhow to get the ball to go where you want it to. It won't letyou cheat. The feel you get with this bat shortens the timeto get results."
The Pro Glider works even more effectively inconjunction with a tee.
"When you're working on a tee all the reps are goodbut it fails to adequately prepare you mentally. You're notthinking about what you have to do to adjust yourapproach to the ball. You repeat the same thing over andover until all of a sudden the light bulb goes on and youstart having success. By working with the Pro Glider andthen going back to the tee, all those reps can still be done,but with more meaningful swings."
And it is Tande's belief that just a few swings with thePro Glider gives a hitter an edge in the batter's box.
Sports writer David Epstein recently wrote in SportsIllustrated about anticipating and the only way to hit a bigleague fastball is to "see the future."
The Pro Glider is one way of accomplishing that."I know it does help you anticipate where the ball is
going to go," Tande said. "See the future? Probably not ...well maybe."
www.ProGliderBats.com
or call (877) 395-BATS (2287)
For more information or to ordeyour Pro Glider Bat, go to
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By Jim McCurdy
Cathedral City, CA.--- Washington coachHeather Tarr wasn’t really going to gloat overher team’s start.
“We’re young, and we still have a lot of roomto grow,” Tarr said. “It’s great to beat teams thatare ranked. We didn’t go, ‘Oh, we beat the No.1 team.’ Nobody is really No. 1 right now.”
Like it or not, the Huskies might be headedthere if they keep this up.
Washington beat No. 1 Florida, 5-2, to openthe Cathedral City Classic at Big LeagueDreams February 23-26 in one of the biggestin-season tournaments of the year. Huskiespitcher Kaitlin Inglesby went the distance in a
game that’s turning into a starter-closer format thesedays. She allowed seven hits, two runs and nowalks. By tournament’s end, Inglesby had an 8-0record in the circle.
Washington center fielder Kimi Pohlman was 2 for3 with a triple, and second baseman Kylee Lahnerswas 1 for 2 with an RBI. Inglesby, Nikia Williams andShawna Wright also drove in a run for the Huskies.Florida’s Sami Fagan was 2 for 4 with an RBI, andKatie Medina was 2 for 3 with an RBI in one of themore anticipated games of the tournament.
“It was a good weekend for our pitchers,” Tarrsaid. “We could’ve gone 0-5 and still played prettywell, and we may have felt good about it. Creditour pitchers.”
The Huskies went 4-1 at the tournament, losing
its only game, 2-0, to whom Tarr considers the bestpitcher in the country, Missouri’s Chelsea Thomas.Kaycee Stanchek went the distance in a 7-5 winover Georgia. Shortstop Kimberlee Souza was 3 for3 with an RBI as the Huskies pounded 12 hits offtwo Bulldogs pitchers.
Florida went 4-1 as well, handing No. 8 Texas itsfirst loss, 5-1. Gators pitcher Hannah Rogersimproved to 7-0, allowing four hits, no walks and anunearned run. Lauren Haeger, a freshman fromGlendale, Ariz., doubled and drove in two runs, andCheyenne Coyle and Ensley Gammel each hit homeruns for Florida.
“It was a great trip to California. One of thebiggest tournaments in the country,” Gators coachTim Walton said. “A lot of talent, a lot of great teams,
Washington's Nikia Williams (3) slides in under the tag as the Huskies run through the Cathedral City Classic. All photos by Fred Pernisco of www.usasportsphotography.com
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a lot of great players. Ultimately, we played OK. We didn’t play so wellin some games.”
Maybe one of the bigger surprises at the Palm Springs-area eventwas New Mexico, which beat Oregon State, 10-6, and run-ruled TexasA&M, 15-3, in six innings. Lobos third baseman Stefanie Carramusa hittwo home runs, going 4 for 5 with five RBI in the win over the Aggies asNew Mexico improved to 10-1 behind pitcher Kaela DeBroeck’s six-hit,four-walk victory.
Georgia was 4-1 also, beating No. 6 Oklahoma, 3-2, as Ashley Razeyand shortstop Paige Wilson hit home runs. Wilson, Razey, Tess Sito, andKristyn Sandberg each clobbered three home runs for the Bulldogs, whoowned a 12-2 mark after the tournament. The Bulldogs shut outArizona, 3-0, as Morgan Montemayor stifled the Wildcats, allowing twohits and four walks in seven innings of work. Georgia pounded UCLA,13-4, in five innings, handing the Bruins their first loss of the year.
“They still have great players, and they’re gonna preach,‘Championships aren’t won in February,’” Tarr said of UCLA. “NewMexico, they’re just scrappy. They’re relatively new.”
Cal, considered the top-ranked team in one poll and No. 3 in another,went 4-0 in Cathedral City, but didn’t have to play any of the nation’selite teams. The Golden Bears improved to 12-0. Arizona was 5-1 withfour shutouts, including an 8-0, five-inning verdict over Oklahoma State– one of last year’s NCAA World Series quarterfinalists. Arizona pitcherKenzie Fowler allowed two hits and two walks and struck out nine in
the shutout over the Cowgirls.Stanford went unbeaten in five games at the event, its marquee
win a 5-0 shutout over then No. 6 Oklahoma. Cardinal pitcher TeaganGearhart held the Sooners to three hits and a walk with six strikeouts.Ashley Hansen was 1 for 3 with a triple and an RBI, and TeganSchmidt was 1 for 3 with two RBI for Stanford. Gerhart improved to13-1 after the tournament.
In addition to Washington, Mizzou beat UCLA – an impressive pair ofvictories over what has been the nation’s most dominant conference.“Missouri obviously has the best pitcher in the country,” Tarr said.“Anytime she has it going, they’re gonna be tough to beat.”
Thomas struck out eight batters in the win over Washington. Shebeat UCLA, 7-5, but the Bruins tagged her for eight hits, including apair of home runs by B.B. Bates.
So what does it all mean? How do you compute a formula for whois the best team in the country? That begs a good question evencoaches who have a vote in the National Fastpitch CoachesAssociation poll struggle with.
“How do you make a Top 20?” Tarr asked.One thing is for sure. If you’re a voter, you better start with theHuskies. While Cal and Florida would probably have something to sayabout it and there’s still a lot of softball to be played, it’s hard to arguewith their resume.
Washington pitcher KaseyStanchek went the distance ina win over Georgia inCathedral City.
Florida's Kelsey Horton and the Gators went 4-1 at the Cathedral City Classic.
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By Jim McCurdy
That’s why they say the Pac-12 is the best inthe business.
What those in softball circles have known foryears, UCLA and Washington reiterated in SanDiego at the Campbell/Cartier Classic Feb. 17-19. UCLA went 5-0, beating quick-rising hostSan Diego State, 1-0, on an illegal pitch to closea perfect three-day run. Washington also was5-0 with three shutouts.
The Huskies got past Central Florida, 1-0, in10 innings when Marki Creger-Zier singleddown the left field line to drive in the winningrun. That handed UCF its first loss of the seasonafter an impressive 4-0 start in large part topitcher Mackenzie Audas. UCLA needed a pairof long balls by B.B. Bates and Samantha
Camuso in the seventh inningto beat the same Knights teamafter Audas kept the Bruinsoff-balance most of the way.
“Our most exciting gamewas the UCF game where wehad to battle for the win against an effectivepitcher,” Bruins six-year coach Kelly Inouye-Perezsaid. “We scored, and they answered back with along ball. Our hitters then answered with back toback home runs for the win. I simply said, ‘big timemoments will be presented to big time Bruins thatstep up.’ And they did.”
UCF’s Farrah Sullivan homered in the fourth inning– an answer to UCLA’s first run on StephanyLaRosa’s RBI double to score Andrea Harrison, whoalso doubled in the inning.
“This was a great weekend for the Bruins,”
Inouye-Perez said. “It is the start of our season, andour goal is to learn as much as we can aboutourselves. We faced some talented teams thatchallenged us in several different ways bothoffensively and defensively. I am most proud of ourdefensive efforts throughout the weekend. Ourpitchers battled, and created several situations forthe team to step up and make plays. Our infieldfinished strong, making routine plays as well asturning several double plays in key moments to endpotential threats. Offensively, we had productionone through nine. We were successful getting theleadoff batters on that lead to manufacturing runs
San Diego State's Katie Mathis slides in as the Aztecs impress at the Campbell/Cartier Classic. All Photos by Stan Liu Photography of www.stanliuphotography.com
UCLA pitcher Jessica Hall got the Bruins off to a good start in San Diego.
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as a team.”The Bruins, whose record 12th NCAA
championship in 2010 marked Inouye-Perez’scrowning moment as a coach, used a combinedeffort in the circle from Ally Carda and Jessica Hall tothree-hit UCF. Hall came on in relief, allowing one hitand no walks in three innings to pick up her third winof the season. Albeit in defeat, Audas heldWashington to four hits in 9 2/3 innings.
“That’s really what defines our game,” Inouye-Perez said. “Defense, at the end of the day, winschampionships. Our ability to stay in the gamedefensively, especially when a pitcher throws your
game off offensively, is the key.”Washington’s Kaitlin Inglesby went the distance in
the win over UCF – her longest outing in her two-year career in Seattle. She allowed six hits with onewalk and six strikeouts to keep the Knights’ batsSleepless in San Diego.
The Huskies run-ruled UC Santa Barbara and UCDavis in San Diego. Washington blanked co-host SanDiego, 5-0, behind pitcher Kasey Stanchek’s four-hitouting in four innings of work to notch her first careerwin. Bryana Walker worked the last three innings topreserve the win. Shawna Wright had a two-rundouble in a four-run third. The Huskies beat Boise
State, 7-4, behind Inglesby’s big day. Sheallowed three runs, three hits and three walksin five innings to pick up her fifth straight win.Inglesby also went 3 for 3 with a double andthree RBI at the plate. Boise State’s ChristinCapobianco doubled and drove in two runs.Mackenzie Whyte was 2 for 3 with a double andtwo RBI, and Tara Glover had two hits in fourplate appearances for the Broncos.
San Diego State also raised eyebrows,beating the likes of Notre Dame, 8-2, andOregon State, 7-6, in nine innings to open thetournament. The Aztecs also walked atightrope to beat UCF, 3-2. Lorena Klopphomered and went 2 for 3 for the Aztecs in thewin over Central Florida. Fiana Finau alsobelted a homer for the Aztecs. SDSU pitcherRebecca Arbino gave up four hits and onewalk in the loss to UCLA. Katie Schroeder hadtwo of the Bruins’ hits.
While the Knights took their lumps in the “L“column at this tournament, the Orlando-areaschool created its share of rumblings indefeat. UCF battled Oregon State in a 2-1 loss.Desiree Beltran drove in a run and was hit bya pitch that set up the winning run for theBeavers. Marissa Menendez and Tawny Swanaccounted for UCF’s two hits. Paige Hallpitched the last 2 2/3 innings of shutout ballfor Oregon State. Audas gave up five hits andtwo unearned runs in six innings in the loss.
“I was very pleased with the tournament asa whole as it seemed to go off without ahitch,” San Diego State coach Kathy Van Wyksaid. “As far as our program and gamesplayed, I thought it was an excellenttournament. I think we are making greatprogress. Our pitching made goodimprovements from the weekend before, andwe did well offensively against some verygood pitchers.”
Van Wyk said the Campbell/Cartier Classicprepared the Aztecs for the prestigiousCathedral City Classic the following week. Pollvoters had their eyes dialed in to San DiegoState’s doings as well. The Aztecs received 11votes in the USA Softball/ESPN poll days aftertheir impressive February weekend. Thiswasn’t an overnight success for San DiegoState, though. In fact, the Aztecs madeheadlines in May when they advanced to thefinal day of the Tempe Regional in last year’sNCAA Tournament before falling to eventualnational champ Arizona State.
That brings us back to where we started.Softball titles run through the Pac-12. Early asit was, the Bruins were already talking aboutOklahoma City, where softball’s championsare crowned in early June.
“Our goal is to maintain that tradition,absolutely.” Inouye-Perez said. “Every yearthat is our goal. Our goal is not to be perfect.Our goal is to win as much as we can so thatwe can be ready at the end. I feel good aboutthis team because we have a mix.”
SDSU Softball StadiumUCLA 7, UC Davis 1Washington 1, Central Florida 0 (10)San Diego State 8, Notre Dame 2UC Davis 6, Central Florida 4San Diego State 7, Oregon State 6 (9)USD Softball ComplexBoise State 7, UC Santa Barbara 1Oregon State 6, UC Santa Barbara 0UCLA 4, Boise State 1Washington 5, San Diego 0San Diego 4, Notre Dame 2Saturday, Feb. 18SDSU Softball StadiumUCLA 3, Central Florida 1San Diego State 3, Central Florida 2San Diego State 3, UC Davis 0
Notre Dame 6, UC Santa Barbara 4USD Softball ComplexOregon State 3, Notre Dame 2Washington 9, UC Santa Barbara 1 (5)Oregon State 7, San Diego 2Boise State 4, San Diego 0Washington 7, Boise State 4Sunday, Feb. 19SDSU Softball StadiumBoise State 3, Notre Dame 1UCLA 8, UC Santa Barbara 0 (6)UCLA 1, San Diego State 0USD Softball ComplexOregon State 2, Central Florida 1Washington 11, UC Davis 3 (5)San Diego 7, UC Davis 6
Boise State veteran defensivestar infielder Kelly Sweeneyturns a double play at theCampbell/Cartier Classic.
Campbell/Cartier Classic Friday, Feb. 17
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By Jeff Berlinicke
In softball, it all starts with pitching. An ace,someone who can take the mound every night ismore important than anyone on the field. Unlikebaseball, a softball pitcher can handle the rockevery night and control a game. She is expected tothrow shutouts, in 1-0 games, and be ready to rollagain, even if it means taking the mound four timesa day in a travel league tournament. It takes passion and a lot of travel and time, but
a really good high school pitcher can write out herown scholarship. Here are five who played travel,
high school, and spent a lot of time working towardstheir scholarship.
JESSICA BURROUGHS (Houston County High, Ga.)
Jessica Burroughs has been little shortof awesome since starting as a
freshman pitcher at Georgia.She’s been getting letters
from all over thecountry since shewas a freshman, andfinally, after a longrecruiting process,
signed to pitch for Florida State where she willstart out as a freshman next season. Florida State coach Lonni Alameda said that
Burroughs can make an immediate impact.“She spins the ball well and her personality is so
bubbly yet she is very driven and a competitiveplayer,’’ Alameda said. “She will balance us out in thecircle and give us the depth we need.’’Burroughs has several no-hitters on her resume
and has been overpowering in Central Georgia sincestarting as a freshman. She’s been All-County andAll-State since starting at Houston County. She’s arighty who spins it in the mid-60s, and becamenoticed by the big schools as a pitcher for prominentnational travel team, the Atlanta Vipers. The teamparticipated in the ASA Gold Nationals, one of the toptournaments in the nation, in San Diego. Burroughs struggled with a shoulder injury last
spring at Houston County, but the Lady Bears stillmanaged to win their fourth straight regional title.Houston County has only four seniors, and the statesare what is on her mind.
HOLLY KERN (Plano, Tex., East High)Kern, who also plays for the Texas Glory Gold isn’t
only solid on the mound, but she can also hit andplay first base. She was a Texas Girls CoachesAssociation All-State first team player after going 20-6 with 131 strikeouts while hitting .427 with 3 RBI.She is also a defending winner of district MVP.Kern has been on the national radar since she
started getting recruiting letters from the Universityof Washington when she was 14. Washington wasthe defending national champion at the time, butwhen Kern homered in a major club tournament,Washington took notice and invited her to a camp. However, Kern had other ideas and, after hearing
from the University of Texas, she decided back in10th grade that she wanted to be a Longhorn.Coach Connie Clark offered her the chance to givea verbal two years ago and when Kern decided shewanted to go to Texas, all she had to do was toconvince her father who gave his permission. NowKern is a Longhorn."Holly Kern is an athlete who has the ability to
dominate in the pitcher's circle," Clark said. "Sheswings with power and can play first base in additionto her pitching duties. Holly is someone I am lookingforward to working with in the bullpen as she hastremendous strength, upside and competes hard."
NANCY BOWLING (Simi, Calif., Royal High)It didn’t take Nancy Bowling long to commit to
Arizona, one of the top softball programs in thenation. She gave her verbal during her sophomoreseason."Nancy is an outstanding athlete who will be one
of the top pitchers in the country,’’ said Arizonacoach Mike Candrea. “ She also is a superb hitterwho can play first or third when not pitching. She hasall the tools to be a dominant performer in the Pac-12. She’s a very competitive athlete." Bowling is a double-threat. She is a top athlete
Pitcher Nancy Bowling commitsto Arizona, one of the top softballprograms in the nation.
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who also is strong with the bat. Bowling hit .500 asa junior in high school, had a 0.49 ERA, and she hasplayed at the top level of travel-ball competition.Bowling plays her travel ball with the nationally-known Orange County Batbusters.
PAIGE McDUFFEE (Woodlands, Tex., The Woodlands High)
When you are a softball pitcher in Texas, it is hardto leave the state. There are enough big-time schoolsto bring in the best, and Texas certainly has a lot ofthe best.
But Paige McDuffie decided to leave Texas lastyear, signing to pitch for UCLA next season. She sureput together a resume during her first three seasonsat The Woodlands, and was named the 2010-2011Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year afterputting together a 37-1 record and a 0.97 ERA. Shestruck out 244 batters in 216 innings, and batted.415 with 42 RBI. She was named the Class 5APlayer of the Year and led the Lady Highlanders to a44-1 record and a No. 1 national ranking to go alongwith a state title.
McDuffie, who pitches club ball for SuddenImpact Gold, can bring it at 70 mph, and throws allthe pitches - rise, drop, curve, curve drop, screwand changeup.
UCLA coach "Paige is a powerful left-handedpitcher who had an outstanding junior year in Texas,"said UCLA coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. "She hascommand of all pitches and we look forward to her
joining the Bruin family and the history of powerfulpitchers in the circle for UCLA."
ASHLEY CLIFTON (Newnan, Ga., Northgate High)
After going 118-2 with 182 strikeouts in 125innings, Clifton signed to play at Georgia Tech nextseason. It wasn’t just the numbers that made it a bigseason for Clifton. She was co-MVP on her team thatwon the Class AAAAA state championship. To thatresume, she added two no-hitters and 11 shutouts.
Clifton also didn’t limit her talents to the pitcher'smound. She’s earned Defensive Player of the Yearhonors. Georgia Tech coach Sharon Perkins is lookingforward to Clifton arriving at the nearby Atlantacampus after Clifton’s senior season.
“Ashley will be a great compliment to our pitchingstaff,’’ Perkins said. “She’s had success in high school aswell as playing at a high level of travel ball.’’
One of the things that stood out during Newnan’srun to the state title, was that the Lady Vikings headedinto the state tournament as a four seed in the doubleelimination event. Clifton got the job done and led theteam to its second state title with a 26-6 record. Notbad for a pitcher who was actually cut from Newnan’sjunior varsity team as an eighth-grader.
Paige McDuffee was named the 2010-2011 Gatorade National Softball Player of
the Year after putting together a 37-1record and a 0.97 ERA.
Holly Kern was a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State first team player after going 20-6 with 131 strikeouts while hitting .427 with 3 RBI.
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By Jeff Berlinicke
Jacksonville, FL. --- When Abbie Millete steppedup to the plate for the first time as a high schoolfreshman, she said she wasn’t nervous at all. Shehad played with most of her older teammates foryears in travel ball, so she didn’t feel the pressure.
She then struck out quickly. Zero-for-one as ahigh school freshman at Jacksonville Mandarin
High School.Next time she came to bat, there was alittle bit more pressure since the bases
were loaded in a tight game. She hit adeep shot to left field, thinking itwas short of the fence and wentfor a double. She was shocked,but not as much as her father,Mike, when the ball clearedthe fence making her first highschool hit a grand slam. One ofthe dads in the stands that daysent Millete’s father a text andMike didn’t believe it. Then hegot another text and Mike, alongtime softball coach, suddenlybelieved.
“I didn’t think it had achance,’’ Millete, who catches for the
Mandarin Mustangs, said. “I just ran as hardas I could and I couldn’t believe it went out.It made me feel comfortable but I didn’treally feel like a freshman because I alreadyfelt like I fit in. I am confident in myself.’’
It was the first of many hits that Millete,entering her junior year at Mandarin, has hadover the past two seasons, not to mention along run with Jacksonville club teams,Tsunami Gold ‘95, and for the past severalyears, the River City Rebels. She’s batted atclose to .400 in both of her high schoolyears, but that isn’t even the most importantasset that Millete brings to the dish. She is anatural leader who likes to be behind theplate and leading the pitching staff.
“I like catching because I can be incharge throughout the whole game,’’ saidMillete, who is carrying a 4.2 grade pointaverage at Mandarin. “I guess I like to bein control.”Millete plays softball nearly year-round
and doesn’t mind the grind of sitting in thedirt behind home plate all year. It’s been inher blood since she was a child, starting out
as a baseball player at the age of 4, and thentransferring to softball the following year. Hercoaches point out her leadership skills and her loveof the game before even getting to the fact thatshe’s known throughout Jacksonville as having oneof the best arms in the state.
There aren’t a lot of freshmen who can take overas a team leader, but Millete made her mark early onat Mandarin.
“Abby is one of the most mature kids I have evermet, and she isn’t even a senior yet,’’ said Mandarincoach Natalia Gonzalez. “I have never had any doubtat all about her playing big time at the varsity level.I knew when she hit that grand slam in her firstgame that she could handle anything.’’
Gonzalez said that, even though it is rare for anunderclassman to take over as a team leader rightfrom the start, Millete was a natural.
“She isn’t just a leader, she is a motivator,’’Gonzalez said. “She motivates the team and she hasthe arm, the bat, and the mind to be a leader. If shewants to, I know she can be a coach some day.”
Gonzalez said she knew what she was gettingwhen Millete started going to her before every gameto analyze the other team and their tendenciesbefore the game, but also started looking for thingsthat could have been better even after the game. Itis almost non-existent, Gonzalez said, for a freshmanto want to discuss things in such detail.
Millete started to come into her own when sheand her travel team reached the ASA Nationals whenshe was 14, then made it to the Junior NationalOlympics in Moline, Ill., soon after. Following years oftravel ball and analyzing the opposition, Gonzalezallowed her to start calling pitches.
Travel coach Dave Ellen said that, while Milletecalls her own game and is one of the bestcatchers he’s seen, she is also open to playing anyposition, including first base, third base, and allthree outfield positions.
“She plays with a purpose and a love for thegame,’’ Ellen said. “She’s only going to get better.This is a big breakout year for her when it comes torecruiting. She can hit, she’s got a gun for an arm,and she’s a natural leader.’’
Mandarin was one win from Florida’s Final Fourlast season, but the Mustangs are loaded thisseason, led by pitchers Dajia Jones and KaylaDonker, along with shortstop Sarah Kane, and leftfielder Morgan Taylor, a Georgia Tech commit. Likemost juniors, Millete, who credits her uncle JoeMiller with her success, has a lot to prove tocollege scouts during her junior year. She’s gottenletters so far, but the Millete’s mailbox could befilling up quickly if she continues to mature duringher junior year.
Abbie Millete is a natural leader wholikes to be behind the plate andleading the pitching staff.
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By Maria Garcia
The nomination was humbling. Sami Faganfound it flattering to even be considered aGatorade National Player of the Year candidate.Though it should come as no surprise, really.
Team North Florida's star leadoff hitter isundeniably one of the best softball players in thecountry after helping her high school team,Dunnellon, capture a pair of Florida state 4Achampionships and leading her travel team to theprestigious ASA 18s Gold National title.
Yet, to Fagan, those team accolades are theones that truly matter.
She is a lot like her older sister, Kasey, in thatregard. They share similar infield skills, the sameteam-first mentality, and the honor of winningFlorida's Gatorade Player of the Year Award. Thisspring, they are also teammates again as Samimakes her debut as a freshman at the University ofFlorida, where Kasey is in her second year as athird baseman.
Most important, she has grown up believing thatteam trophies are way cooler than individual ones.
"Our family puts more emphasis on characterthan accomplishment," Team North Florida coachKevin Fagan said.
Sami Fagan has accomplished a lot on thesoftball field. She batted .693 as a high schoolsenior, earned ESPN Rise All-America honors, andput together a 63-game hitting streak. As for
character, she carried a 4.0 GPA throughout all fouryears of high school and takes great pride in gettingon base so that her teammates can come up with thebig hits.
That's pretty much how Team North Florida won50 games last summer and wound up being namedthe 2011 Softball Today Magazine 18 Gold team ofthe year.
At the Colorado Independence Day Tournament,where Team North Florida placed third, and at GoldNationals, Sami Fagan created a lot of RBIopportunities for clutch hitters like Kelsey Carpenter,Emily Carosone and Stephanie Hartness.
The best season in team history concluded with apair of gripping victories over Newtown Rock, ofHolland, Pa, which not only showcased Fagan's on-base skills but the pitching prowess of ace CarleyHoover, who posted a sub-1.00 ERA throughoutnationals and averaged a strikeout per inning.
"Obviously Hoover was our workhorse and when itcame to crunch time we really leaned on her, whichshe enjoyed," said coach Fagan, who also relied onthe pitching skills of Holly McKinnon and CarleighFales throughout a travel season that began withchampionship aspirations.
Team North Florida, which was originallyassembled by current Arkansas assistant CoyAdkins, has been one of the nation's premier Goldprograms for several years. They followed a fifth-place finish in 2009 with a runner-up trophy lastsummer. And with Sami Fagan initiating the offense,
they rallied out of the loser's bracket to win it all in2011 with 5-2 and 2-1 victories over NewtownRock.
"Having to beat Newtown Rock back-to-back wasa tough chore and very rewarding," coach Fagansaid. "Our obvious highlight was the challenging runon the last day of gold nationals. But I'd say we areprobably the most successful team at the Gold levelover the last three years."
And that is an accomplishment Sami Fagan cantruly appreciate.
Team North Florida has been one of the nation's premier Gold programs for several years.
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By Lance McCall
It all came down to a common goal. Winning wasa byproduct of that, not a means to an end.
Sure, Extreme Elite played for championships.They took the field every day with success inmind. Only trophies were just a small portion of theteam's agenda.
The ultimate pursuit had more to do with thefuture than anything else. There were no shortcuts.The plan stressed strength and conditioning,academics and nutrition as well as the fundamentalsof a perfect replay throw.
Extreme Elite coach Brett Swip valued thedevelopment of life skills because he wanted eachone of his players to be prepared to make thetransition from high school to college and, in the end,he succeeded in doing that.
Thirteen players from a squad that captured aUSSSA ESPN Rise Fastpitch World Serieschampionship are currently playing college softball.And that is a significant reason that Extreme Elite is
the 2011 Softball Today Magazine 18-&-under Teamof the Year.
"This team had purpose, drive, and was focused,"Swip said. "Our season was built around preparingthese athletes for their college careers. Wechallenged them to not only play the game hard, butto be focused in the weight room as well."
Swip had help in achieving that from assistantcoaches Jen Doehring, Mark Popov, and ShannonSettles. And by summer's end, the entire team hadcollege plans: Brittni Chapman to Morehead State,Emily Morris to Evansville, Kelsey Bailey and BriannaButler to Missouri-St. Louis, and Lauren Smith toTennessee-Martin. Melanie Ypya and MeganMcNamee joined Kankakee Community College,Alexa Becker and Jordyn Amos signed with MurrayState while Taylor Gibbs chose Webster and KatelynGibson picked Emory. Ali Trickey accepted an offerfrom Missouri State and Michelle Cristel headed offto Johnson & Wales.
"Team chemistry is good when everyone hascommon goals," Swip said. "We did many goal-
setting sessions throughout the season to assurethat we were all working together towards thesame prize: College preparation."
Preparation led to tremendous success on thefield, too. That's sort of been the tradition since 1999.
Extreme Elite had stars at every position, mostnotably pitcher, catcher, shortstop, and center field.Chapman, Bailey and Morris were unflappable inthe circle while Ypya and Smith called every pitch.
The middle infield of Becker, Trickey, and Gibsonexcelled in communication and leadership whileButler took control of the outfield.
"We played strong up the middle," Swip said."When you're strong up the middle, you've got agood chance to win."
Being prepared in other areas helps, too.Extreme Elite is proof of that.
"These athletes will make an immediate impactin their college program," Swip said. "Our biggestaccomplishment as a group was the preparationthat they put in during the summer to be ready fortheir college coaches in the fall."
Thirteen players from a squad that captured a USSSA ESPN Rise Fastpitch World Series championship are currently playing college softball.
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By Dave Utnik
They have another entire summer together.That's the exciting part.
And there is no telling what the girls from TheNext Level softball squad might accomplish.
"This group of players has a great chemistry onthe field. They support and encourage one anotherthrough every game," coach Jerry Delamater saidas the reigning ASA 16U national championsprepare to make the jump to 18U this spring. "Theyare friends on and off the field. Every one of themcontributes to the team's success."
It will be a daunting task to duplicate lastsummer's success. But Notre Dame signee, RachelNasland, and her teammates are going to give iteverything they have.
With five star players already assured of collegescholarships, The Next Level won the SouthernCalifornia State Championship, placed ninth in the18U division at the prestigious Independence DayTournament in Boulder, Colorado and went on tobecome the 2011 Softball Today Magazine 16Uteam of the year following a national title run inChattanooga.
"It doesn’t get much better than that," saidDelamater, whose team out-played a 172-teamfield at nationals. "It proves that the teams in ourprogram can compete with the best of the bestout there."
There is really no question when it comes topotential and ability. The Next Level has it all,especially with Nasland in the circle. The TorreyPines High School senior threw a 12-strikeout, no-hitter against the Renegades early on at nationalsand shutout the Georgia Impact, 3-0, in the finals.
"Qualifying for nationals is something that everytravel softball team strives for. Some qualify andothers may never get the opportunity," coachDelamater said. "Our organization has been verysuccessful in sending numerous teams in each
division to nationals every year."There is a lot to look forward to in the 18U division
with a lineup that features top-of-the-order hittersMonica Downey (San Diego State) and SamanthaCamello (Texas Tech) as well as power-hittingpitcher Noelle Johnson (Utah State) and catcherMolly Hutchison (N.C. State.)
This will be their third travel season together. "It's very strong and balanced lineup,"
Delamater said.Depth is one of The Next Level's greatest
assets, given that Celinna Cosio, Hana Gilbert,Lani Vanta, and Madison Lerma are also veryaccomplished athletes.
So another national championship is not out of therealm of possibility.
"There is a lot of movement in travel softball butnot much to speak of on this team for next year. Ourgoal is to win 18 Gold Nationals next year,"Delamater said. "We will continue to get stronger asall of our players returned this fall. We should becontenders next summer as well."
The Next Level won the Southern California State Championship and placed ninth in the 18U division atthe prestigious Independence Day Tournament in Boulder, Colorado.
The reigning ASA 16U national champions prepare to make the jump to 18U this spring.
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-- a perfect settingfor two of thenation's mostpromising youngfastpitch players.So after winningevery game theyplayed in a localfall and winterleague, theH u r r i c a n e schanged theirname to SuddenImpact and set outto conquer thefastpitch world. Sudden Impact
made its debut with three consecutive second-place finishes. The first-year team was an instanthit and reaching the finals turned out to be aprecursor of even better things to come.
In June, they captured their first championshipby winning the Triple Crown Stars and Stripestournament. A few weeks later, they solidified theirplace as the 2011 Softball Today Magazine 12USoftball Team of the Year with a USSSA GirlsFastpitch World Series championship.
"The USSSA World Series was our most
gratifying accomplishment," coach Vargas said."But there were a lot of milestones the teamreached along the way."
Led by Jackson, the World Series MVP, andVargas, the tournament's outstanding pitcher anddefensive MVP, Sudden Impact reached the finalsin five of the seven tournaments they participatedin -- a splendid summer tour that reached itszenith with an 8-0 run through an 18-team WorldSeries field.
"Ryan is a naturally gifted athlete," coach Vargassaid. "She had an unbelievable World Series at theplate and in the field with timely hits to score runsand some run saving catches."
The lineup featured some prominent hitters inaddition to Jackson. Most notably, SummerAnderson, Jaclyn Mattingly and Emily Ballesteros,who comprised the top -- and heart -- of the order.
Each game provided an opportunity for one ofSudden Impact's players to shine. Often it wasJackson or Vargas, but along the way theHurricanes established a national identity thanks tosome important contributions from other keyplayers: Amanda Acevedo, Kennedy Anderson,Vanessa Barron, Savannah Caggiano, Hunter Elias,Alissa Noble and Jessika Trujilloer.
"Every member did their part to help the teamsucceed," coach Vargas said.
By Dave Utnik
Sarah Costlow carried her father's memory withher every time she stepped into the pitcher's circle. Itgave her strength and focus.
There's no other way she would have made itthrough the entire 14U Premier Girls' FastpitchNational Championship tournament without thesupport of her teammates, her mother, Dianne, andthe desire to win a trophy in honor of her dad, Mike,who lost a battle with colon cancer while the OCBatbusters were in Irvine, CA for their biggestcompetition of the travel season.
"It touched all of us how she was able to continueplaying after such a tragic situation," Batbusterscoach Gene Clark said. "The whole team becomecloser and rallied behind her."
The OC Batbusters won 103 games during thetravel season and some prestigious competitions,including the Triple Crown Memorial Day Classic andthe Colorado Classic. But nothing rivaled nationals,where they claimed six consecutive games to ensurethat Sarah captured a championship for her father.
"We had many obstacles as a team but withstoodeverything thrown at us," coach Clark said. "We wereable to come together when it counted."
Costlow helped inspire that by winningtwo games at nationals, while TaylorRowland, the team's leading power hitter,tripled with the bases loaded to clinch a 3-0 championship game victory over the rivalCorona Angels.
"We got better and better all season andpeaked at the right time," coach Clark said."Our vision from the beginning was to getthese girls to the next level as we knew wehad talent. It was just getting them tobelieve in each other that was the mostgratifying."
Costlow (25-4. 1.45 ERA) and HayleyCopeland (22-4, 1.32 ERA) combined for 46victories in the circle, while Kennedy Clark batted .503and Annie Toczynski .473. But it was their ability to riseabove adversity and support each other that made theOC Batbusters the 2011 Softball Today Magazine 14Uteam of the Year.
Contributions came from all over the field. Copelandset a record with 14 strikeouts in the finals, whileSierra Bjostad caught every inning of the Premier GirlsFastpitch National Championship competition andtagged out a runner at home on a squeeze play tokeep the team's unbeaten record intact.
Middle infielders Sara Ketelslegger and Taryn Atleewere also exceptional defenders along with thirdbaseman Faith Canfield. Designated hitter Nikki Butleralso came through with some huge hits.
"Many of the girls sacrificed a lot as they had toplay other positions or bat somewhere in the lineupthey were not accustomed too," coach Clark said."They bought into doing what is best for the team andwere not worried about the individual stuff. We trulyhad a unselfish team that played together andsupported each other to the fullest."
By Maria Garcia
Rec. league ball wasn't challenging enough.The team that Mark Mattingly and RichardVargas put together was built to win at a muchhigher level.
It took only a couple of months together torealize that.
The travel circuit is where the Chino HillsHurricanes needed to be. And it's where RyanJackson and Alexis Vargas were meant to be
The OC Batbusters won 103 games during the travel season andsome prestigious competitions, including the Triple Crown MemorialDay Classic and the Colorado Classic.
Sudden Impact captured their first championship by winning the Triple Crown Stars andStripes tournament followed by a USSSA Girls Fastpitch World Series championship.
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By Maria Garcia
Megan Faraimo will always havethat one perfect moment to cherish.
The precocious right-hander with themid-50s fastball appears destined forgreat things in the pitcher's circle.She's barely 11-years-old and already anational champion.
Yet everything she accomplishesduring the remainder of her career willundoubtedly be linked to that amazingperformance during the finals of theASA 10U National Championships inJohnson City, Tenn., where Faraimoretired every batter she faced in a 7-0victory over the Corona Angels.
Blessed with an exceptional ability tothrow and control a softball, Faraimo was thecenterpiece of a truly gifted Team Watleysquad which won 95 games, including sevenstraight in Johnson City -- by a whopping 59-1 margin.
"I was really excited to see it happen forour girls. They worked extremely hard all year
and to see them get rewarded in such a dominatingfashion at nationals was really special," said TeamWatley coach Robert Young.
A squad sponsored by Olympic championNatasha Watley would expect to have loftyaspirations and that was certainly true for the 2011Softball Today Magazine 10U Team of the Year.
Young expects to contend for a national titleevery season and his teams have won at four
different levels -- 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U. His most recent group of champions grew uptogether playing in a Santa Ana Rec. league beforetaking their game global. "Without a great catcher no team wins achampionship," coach Young said. "We areblessed to have Caitlyn Pierce behind the plate."Team Watley can be thankful for the arrival ofAnna Vines as well. Few players at the 10U levelcan outrun her around the bases. And there arefuture stars stationed elsewhere around thediamond, most notably in center field (LaniMoreno), third base (Jayda Su'e) and second base(Madison Gurgian.)Still, it was a combined effort. Faraimo may beperfect, but she had some outstanding help along
the way from Amani Bradley, Dani Ellis, VanessaGonzalez, Madison Gurgian, Raeleen Gutierrez andKelli Kufta.
"The most gratifying thing about our season wastaking 12 young players from Rec. ball, teachingthem to play softball at a travel ball level to competeat a national level," coach Young said. "Andknowing that our players created a special bondthat can never be broken."
By Dave Utnik
If there is such a thing as grade-school swagger,then the 8U Texas Glory softball team has it.
The girls from Mesquite are a confident bunch --and deservedly so. They are, after all, two-time WorldSeries champions.
Not even Justin Bieber can say that.So the Glory girls have something to boast about
following an incredible summer tour when theycaptured VTD World Series and USSSA World Seriestitles to become the 2011 Softball Today Magazine8U Team of the Year.
"Winning a national championship was a greatexperience for the entire team and the Texas Gloryorganization. Our young team got to go home andshare their experience with older siblings and friendsfrom outside the softball world, where anybody canappreciate winning a national championship," Glorycoach Jimmy Middlebrook said.
Texas Glory went 60-14 and won five of the eighttournaments it played in during the travel season. Thenthe girls all moved up to the 10U age group together topursue another national championship in 2012.
"From timely hitting to making solid defensiveplays -- when one player would get a hit or make a
defensive play -- all the others players would follow.That flow just seemed to continue all the waythrough the national championship."
That was especially true against a top-flight fieldin Moore, Okla., where Texas Glory won fiveconsecutive games on the final day to clinch theUSSSA trophy.
"Our girls showed great team unity andendurance as they battled through the 105 degree-plus temperatures on Sunday to win thechampionship," coach Middlebrook said.
Texas Glory reached the finals of three othertournaments and placed third in another -- a testament toconfidence, dedication and athletic ability.
"Every player contributed to the success of theteam," coach Middlebrook said.
Some did it with their gloves and arms -- JadenMiddlebrook, Audrey Fenn, Erin Castillo, KylieLathers and Mady Meadows -- while othersprovided big hits at the plate -- Abbie Orrick, JessieCamacho, Kennedy Crites and Annabelle Schraub.
"We have an outstanding group of parents whosupport the team," coach Middlebrook said. "Theybelieve in our program of constantly working toimprove the girls not only on the field but off the fieldto become great citizens of the community."
The truly gifted Team Watley squad won 95 games, includingseven straight in Johnson City by a whopping 59-1 margin.
Texas Glory captured VTD World Series andUSSSA World Series titles.
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• IMX™ Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32" tapered handle
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™ maximizesenergy transfer and reduces bat vibration
• 13.5" slightly end loaded extended barrel for more power• Extreme 100+ MPH performance; complies with current Bat Performance Standards
Stealth Tri-Zone SCN19• Sizes: 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
• IMX™ Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32" tapered handle
• Single System Technology design increases bat control and balance
• 12" slightly end loaded barrel for more power• Extreme 100+ MPH performance; complies with current Bat Performance Standards
Synergy Tri-Zone BW SCN20BW• Sizes: 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30
• IMX™ Composite barrel• Ultra thin 29/32’’ tapered handle
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™• Maximizes energy
Synergy SPEED BH 12" SRV6BH
• Transfer and reduces bat vibration• Extreme 100+ MPH performance
This Brett Helmer edition is an IMX™ composite bat with an ultra thin 29/32" tapered handle. Experience the remarkable power of the patented two-pieceConneXion™ and the 12" slightly end-loaded extended barrel. The Stealth Tri-Zone is a 100 MPH composite bat that complies with current bat performancestandards - USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA and ISF.
• IMX™ Composite barrel• Ultra thin 29/32’’ tapered handle
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™• Maximizes energy
Stealth Tri-Zone 12" BH SCN17BH
• Transfer and reduces bat vibration• Extreme 100+ MPH performance
This Brett Helmer edition is an IMX™ composite bat with an ultra thin 29/32" tapered handle. Experience the remarkable power of the patented two-pieceConneXion™ and the 12" slightly end-loaded extended barrel. The Stealth Tri-Zone is a 100 MPH composite bat that complies with current bat performancestandards - USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA and ISF.
• IMX™ Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32 tapered handle
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™ maximizesenergy transfer and reduces bat vibration
• 13.5" slightly end loaded barrel for more power• 98 MPH performance; complies with all current Bat Performance Standards
Stealth SPEED XL SSR4• Sizes: 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
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• THT100™ scandium alloy• High performance ultra thin aluminum shell design with lightweight composite inner tube
• 12" slightly end loaded barrel for more power• 98 MPH performance; complies with all current Bat Performance Standards
CV12 SCG1 • Sizes: 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
• IMX™ Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32'' tapered handle
• Single System Technology for increased bat control and balance
• 12'' slightly end loaded extended barrel for more power
Salvo (12 inch Barrel) SRV5
• 98 MPH performance; complies with all current Bat Performance Standards - ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF
Salvo (salvo): a sudden outburst resembling the discharge of projectiles. The new Salvo is an exceptionally durable, 1pc IMX™ composite, highly potent ASASlow-Pitch Softball bat with a 12 slightly end-loaded barrel . Awesome new graphics and awesome performance at an awesome price. Translation: The Salvois built for strength, power and explosive results.
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™• IMX™ Composite barrel• Ultra thin 29/32” CNT composite tapered handle
• EASTON’S® Focus Flex handle• Lower M.O.I.
Stealth Speed -9 FP11ST9
• Complies with all current Bat Performance Standards- ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF
• Sizes: 32"/23oz, 33"/24oz, 34"/25oz
Patented two-piece ConneXion™ technology for optimized feel at impact while maximizing energy transfer. IMX™ Composite barrel optimizes the sweet spotfor maximum performance. Ultra thin 29/32” CNT composite tapered handle with performance diamond grip. EASTON’S® Focus Flex handle technologyincreases power. Lower M.O.I. means lighter swing weight and faster swing speed. 98 MPH performance; complies with all current Bat PerformanceStandards- ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF.
• Patented two-piece ConneXion™• IMX™ Composite barrel• Ultra thin 29/32" CNT composite tapered handle
• EASTON’S® Focus Flex handle• Lower M.O.I.
Stealth Speed -10 FP11ST10
• Performance Standards- ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF
• Sizes: 30"/20oz, 31"/21oz, 32"/22oz, 33”/23oz, 34”/24oz
Patented two-piece ConneXion™ technology for optimized feel at impact while maximizing energy transfer. IMX™ Composite barrel optimizes the sweet spotfor maximum performance. Ultra thin 29/32" CNT composite tapered handle with performance diamond grip. EASTON’S® Focus Flex handle technologyincreases power Lower M.O.I. means lighter swing weight and faster swing speed. 98 MPH performance; complies with all current Bat. PerformanceStandards- ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF.
• IMX™ Composite barrel• Ultra thin 29/32" CNT composite tapered handle
• Lower M.O.I.
• Single System Technology• Complies with all current Bat Performance Standards - ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF
Synge -11.5 FP11SG
• Sizes: 27"/15.5oz, 28"/16.5oz, 29"/17.5oz, 30"/18.5oz, 31"/19.5oz, 32"/20.5oz, 33"/21.5oz, 34"/22.5oz
IMX™ Composite barrel optimizes the sweet spot for maximum performance. Ultra thin 29/32" CNT composite tapered handle with performance diamondgrip. Lower M.O.I. means lighter swing weight and faster swing speed. Single System Technology for increased bat control and balance. 98 MPHperformance; complies with all current Bat Performance Standards - ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, ISF.
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• USA steer hide • A patent-pending customizable back of hand fit system• Back of hand strap that is adjustable• Replaceable to personalize with name or number
RVS 1300RIVAL SOFTBALL SERIES - USA STEER HIDE: USA steer hide is some of the strongest leather in the world. CUSTOMPRO FIT SYSTEM: A patent-pending customizable back of hand fit system. Back of hand strap that is adjustableallowing multiple fit range and easily replaceable to personalize with name or number. OASIS LINING: Super softcowhide lining provides durable comfort. BIO-DRI: A moisture management fabric used to line the back of hand strap.Bio-Dri® wicks away moisture keeping your glove dry and light. DOUBLE DEEP POCKET: The palm leather pattern isenlarged with an additional segment between the index and middle finger creating a larger pocket for a softball.
• Super soft cowhide lining • A moisture management fabric • Arced lace woven web with Custom Pro Fit open back
• USA steer hide • A patent-pending fit system• Contoured index finger channel• Flexibility and comfort of an open back glove
NES 125NATURAL ELITE SOFTBALL SERIES - USA STEER HIDE: USA steer hide is some of the strongest leather in the world.IDEAL FIT SYSTEM: A patent-pending fit system. The contoured index finger channel combines the flexibility andcomfort of an open back glove, with the feel/control of a closed back glove. VRS PALM PAD: A protective palm pad thatdisperses the impact of the ball. BIO-DRI: A moisture management fabric used to line the fingerstalls. Bio-Dri® wicksaway moisture keeping your glove dry and light. DOUBLE DEEP POCKET: The palm leather pattern is enlarged with anadditional segment between the index and middle finger creating a larger pocket for a softball.
• A moisture management fabric • Welted woven web with Ideal Fit modified closed back • Lock Down adjustable quick binding strap
• Game-ready• soft tumbled oil-tanned leather• A patent-pending fit system• contoured index finger channel
SLV15SALVO SOFTBALL SERIES - OIL TANNED: “Game-ready” soft tumbled oil-tanned leather. IDEAL FIT SYSTEM: A patent-pending fitsystem. The contoured index finger channel combines the flexibility and comfort of an open back glove, with the feel/control of aclosed back glove. VRS PALM PAD: A protective palm pad that disperses the impact of the ball. BIO-DRI: A moisture managementfabric used to line the fingerstalls. Bio-Dri® wicks away moisture keeping your glove dry and light.
• A protective palm pad • Lock Down adjustable quick binding strap• Woven web with modified closed back
• USA steer hide • A patent-pending customizable back of hand fit system• Easily replaceable to personalize with name or number
RVFP1250 RIVAL FASTPITCH SERIES - USA STEER HIDE: USA steer hide is some of the strongest leather in the world. CUSTOM PRO FIT SYSTEM: Apatent-pending customizable back of hand fit system. Back of hand strap that is adjustable allowing multiple fit range and easily replaceableto personalize with name or number. OASIS LINING: Super soft cowhide lining provides durable comfort. BIO-DRI: A moisture managementfabric used to line the back of hand strap. Bio-Dri® wicks away moisture keeping your glove dry and light. DOUBLE DEEP POCKET: The palmleather pattern is enlarged with an additional segment between the index and middle finger creating a larger pocket for a softball. FEMALESPECIFIC: Fastpitch patterns designed specifically for the female player: smaller hand openings, narrow finger stalls, and wider webs to betterfit an 11" or 12" ball.
• Super soft cowhide • Moisture management fabric • Bio-Dri®• Fastpitch patterns designed specifically for the female player
• 12" pattern
NE12FPImpressively designed to catch the eye and the ball, the Natural Elite Series is also perfectly suited for the female hand with smaller handopenings, narrowed finger stalls and wider webs to better control an 11" or 12" softball. Each glove in the series comes equipped with Bio-Dri® technology; a fabric used to line the finger stalls that wicks away moisture, keeping your glove dry and light. But it does all thiswithout compromising the strength of the glove as they are all made with U.S. steer hide, some of the strongest leather in the world. TheNatural Elite Series also features the VRS palm pad which disperses the impact of the ball. Some styles will have the 2x2 lacing system thatgives twice as much strength in the key area of the web, preventing blow outs and the need for replacing.
• Fastpitch woven web with Ideal Fit™ modified closed back
• 12.5" baseball / softball pattern
RLX1250BYour opponents are officially put on red alert. The Redline Series is designed for comfort and winning streaks. All models have that “game-ready” feel thanks to the soft tumbled, oil-tanned leather that takes no break-in time and is ready for action from the get-go. Quite possiblythe most comfortable line of gloves available as the contoured index finger of the patent pending Ideal Fit™ System gives you the flexibilityof an open back glove with the feel and control of a closed back glove. They also feature the Lock Down adjustable quick- binding strapsystem to give each glove a custom fit.
• Arced woven web with Ideal Fit™ modified open back• Lock Down™ adjustable quick binding straps
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The 2012 version of Louisville Slugger’s TPS Z-1000 is the most technologically advanced bat on the market. It’s the bat of choice for Team TPS ofthe Long Haul Bombers, a collection of some of the hardest-hitting guys in softball. Team TPS, featuring J.D. Genter, Tim Cocco, and Lee Powers,swung the Z-1000 to win the Manufacturer’s Cup in the 2011 Stadium Power Tour.
• LS-2X composite • iST technology• Balanced swing weight
• Synthetic grip, 7/8" standard handle• 12" barrel• USSSA, NSA, ISF, ISA approved (Not approved for play in ASA)
34" / 26 oz.34" / 27 oz.
• LS-2X composite • iST technology• Balanced swing weight
• Synthetic grip, 7/8" standard handle• 12" barrel• USSSA, NSA, ISF, ISA approved (Not approved for play in ASA)
34" / 26 oz.34" / 27 oz.
• End Load swing weight• Synthetic grip, 7/8" standard handle
• 12" barrel• USSSA, NSA, ISF, ISA approved (Not approved for play in ASA)
34" / 26 oz.34" / 27 oz.
• Balanced swing weight• Synthetic grip, 7/8" standard handle
• 12" barrel• USSSA, NSA, ISF, ISA approved (Not approved for play in ASA)
34" / 26 oz.34" / 27 oz.
• LS-2X composite• iST technology• S1iD barrel technology
• Balanced swing weight• Louisville Slugger® end cap• Synthetic grip, 7/8" standard handle
30" / 20 oz.31" / 21 oz.32" / 22 oz.
SB12ZE / Z-1000 End Load USSSA
SB12ZB / Z-1000 Balanced USSSA
SB105E / Catalyst® End Load USSSA
SB105 / Catalyst® USSSA
FP12X / Xeno - High School/College -10
34" / 28 oz.34" / 30 oz.
34" / 28 oz.34" / 30 oz.
33" / 23 oz.34" / 24 oz.
34" / 28 oz.34" / 30 oz.
34" / 28 oz.34" / 30 oz.
S1iD Barrel Technology: This TPS exclusive technology (S1iD stands for “Swing 1 inner Disc) allows XENO’s barrel to flex to its maximumallowable performance level from the first swing, making the bat “game ready” from the very first swing.
IST Composite Technology: iST (inner Socket Technology) maintains the handle stiffness elite players seek by joining XENO’s barrel and handletogether and providing them with a great solid feel and a larger sweet spot. iST technology also features a solid connection between the handleand barrel, giving hitters maximum performance – even on inside hits.
LS2X Composite Technology: New thinner, high-strength and lightweight graphite fibers allow use of more layers in XENO’s barrel for addedstrength, but with an overall wall that is thinner. This creates better performance while maintaining durability.
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• Precision Molding Technology• Variable Stiffness Technology• Blended Fibre Technology
• Seperation Barrier Technology• Anistropic Composite Technology• Nanocomp Technology Inside
• 100% Composite Construction• Maximum Performance WeightingWeight 26oz. 27oz. 28oz.
• Precision Molding Technology• Variable Stiffness Technology• Blended Fibre Technology
• Seperation Barrier Technology• Anistropic Composite Technology
• Nanocomp Technology Inside• 100% Composite Construction
• 2 1/4 Diameter• Helix Technology
• Maximum Performance Weighting• 100% Composite Construction
Length 34” 34” 34” 34”Weight 26oz. 27oz. 28oz. 30oz.
• Precision Molding Technology• Seperation Barrier Technology• Blended Fibre Technology
• Nanocomp Technology Inside• Variable Stiffness Technology
• 100% Composite Construction• Maximum Performance Weighting
AVARICE 98
AVARICE
PURE
52 CAL
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Combat's new Avaritia fast-pitch represents the state of the artin modern multi-piece bat design.Our design is centered around our Handle Isolation Technology (HIT) that uses polymeric visco-elastic dampeners to isolate the ultra-light handle fromthe high performance double-wall barrel. The visco-elastic material stiffens under load so the barrel responds quickly to your swing, but then softens toabsorb vibration feedback. High frequency vibrations are effectively eliminated before they reach your hands, giving a soft, damped, feel withoutcompromising performance. The Avaritia swings light, looks stunning and is available in four different drops (-8, -9, -10 and -11), so we have the rightsize for everyone.
Length 33” 34”Weight 25oz. 26oz
Length 32” 33” 34” Weight 23oz. 24oz. 25oz.
• Super Sweetspot Size (SSS)• Ultra Long Barrel• Hot out of the Wrapper (HOT)
• Single Wall Construction• Variable Stiffness Technology (VST)• Specifically Designed for Smaller Players
• Blended Fiber Technology (BFT)• Meets Latest ASA Standard
Length 27” 28” 29” 30” 31” 32”Weight 17oz. 18oz. 19oz. 20oz. 21oz. 22oz. Barrel Lgt 8.5” 10” 11” 12.5” 13.5” 14.5”
AVARITIA -9
AVARITIA -8
LISA FERNANDEZ -10
-10 DROP
Length 31” 32” 33” 34” Weight 21oz. 22oz. 23oz. 24oz.
AVARITIA -10
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Stadium S-One WTDXSTU-13 Available May 1, 2012
• Rotation Index: Numerical system reminds players to rotate bat extending its life.
• Approved for USSSA, NSA & ISA (not approved for ASA play) • Meets 1.20 BPF ABI test • 2.25 diameter barrel • 12 month limited warranty • 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30oz • Available in 34” length only
• Barrel: 4.ONE Composite – Barrel designed for maximum stiffness. • Handel: SC4 Alloy – Stiffest handle designed by DeMarini with the strongest alloy manufactured by DeMarini.
• Endcap: Dish – Concaved design creates max stiffness at the end of the barrel while driving energy back to the sweet spot.
• Hybrid Comfort Grip: 2-piece grip built for ultimate comfort and tack. • Barrel length 13” • End loaded weight distribution
ONE “Sunday Swagger” Edition WTDXONE-12
• End loaded weight distribution • Rotation Index: Numerical system reminds players to rotate bat extending its life.
• Approved for play in the following associations: ASA, USSSA, NSA & ISA • 2.25 diameter barrel • 12 month limited warranty • 26, 27, 28 & 30oz • Available in 34” length only
• Barrel: 4.ONE Composite – Barrel designed for maximum stiffness. Two piece bat- One piece feel.
• Handel: SC4 Alloy – Stiffest handle designed by DeMarini with the strongest alloy manufactured by DeMarini.
• Clutch 2 Endcap: Stiffness designed endcap to hold energy in the barrel of composite bats.
• Hybrid Comfort Grip: 2-piece grip built for ultimate comfort and tack. • Barrel length 13”
Raw Steel WTDXRAW-12
• End loaded weight distribution • Rotation Index: Numerical system reminds players to rotate bat extending its life.
• Approved for play in the following associations: ASA, USSSA, NSA & ISA • 2.25 diameter barrel • 12 month limited warranty • 26, 28 & 30oz • Available in 34” length only
• Barrel: Steel 01 barrel utilizes inherent strength and weight of material for the pinnacle of single wall performance.
• Handel: SC4 Alloy Handle – designed by DeMarini with the strongest alloy manufactured by DeMarini.
• N2M End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.
• Positack 2 Grip • Barrel length 13”
White Steel WTDXWHI-12
• End loaded weight distribution • Rotation Index: Numerical system reminds players to rotate bat extending its life.
• Approved for play in the following associations: ASA, USSSA, NSA & ISA • 2.25 diameter barrel • 12 month limited warranty • 26, 28 & 30oz • Available in 34” length only
• Barrel: Steel 01 barrel utilizes inherent strength and weight of material for the pinnacle of single wall performance.
• Handel: C6 Composite Handle – Specifically designed with the C6 PowerWeave which utilizes a wider weave to optimize the flex.
• N2M End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.
• Positack 2 Grip • Barrel length 13”
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CF5 -9
Purpose-built for the elite player looking for the smallest length-to-weight ratio available. Using the best materials and adhering to the tightesttolerances is part of our engineering DNA. Tri-Strut TR3 composite handle and barrel come together at the molecular level to create a geodesicformation, providing strength and efficiency at the surface of the barrel. The CF series FIVE is one of the lightest and strongest bats available.
23oz/32", 24oz/33", 25oz/34"
CF5 -10Designed for the competitive player looking for the perfect weight drop and performance to match. Yes, this is the bat everyone loves. Using thebest materials and adhering to the tightest tolerances is part of our engineering DNA. Tri-Strut TR3 composite handle and barrel come together atthe molecular level to create a geodesic formation, providing strength and efficiency at the surface of the barrel. The CF series FIVE is one of thelightest and strongest bats available.
20oz/30", 21oz/31", 22oz/32", 23oz/33", 24oz/34"
CF5 -11We're particularly stoked about this one. Someone challenged the engineers to build an even lighter bat with the same huge sweet spot as itsbigger sibling series FIVES - so here you go. Using the best materials and adhering to the tightest tolerances is part of our engineering DNA. Tri-Strut TR3 composite handle and barrel come together at the molecular level to create a geodesic formation, providing strength and efficiency atthe surface of the barrel. The CF series FIVE is one of the lightest and strongest bats available.
17oz/28",18oz/29",19oz/30",20oz/31",21oz/32",22oz/33"
CF5 INSANE -10We moved the weight all the way out to the end to give you the feel of a drop 10, but with the punch of a drop 9. And then we named it after ourR&D staff. Using the best materials and adhering to the tightest tolerances is part of our engineering DNA. Tri-Strut TR3 composite handle andbarrel come together at the molecular level to create a geodesic formation, providing strength and efficiency at the surface of the barrel. The CFseries FIVE is one of the lightest and strongest bats available.
20oz/31", 22oz/32", 23oz/33", 24oz/34"
VENDETTA -12 (YOUTH)
You should always worry about the quiet ones - they sneak up on you, lull you into a sense of complacency, and when you least expect it, BAM -you're taken deep over the left field wall. That's how the Vendetta rolls. Like a ninja...No, like a ninja in stealth ninja clothes. The Vendetta has aserious axe to grind. It's made using our proprietary Half & Half construction and featuring our Internal Rails Hybrid Handle. This bat is ready todole out some serious punishment.
17oz/29", 18oz/30", 19oz/31", 20oz/32", 21oz/33"
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2CATB 12" A2000Wilson's most popular fastpitch pitchers model was developed with Olympian Cat Ostermanand features an improved 2-piece back closure and Cat Web. The knotless back designreduces leg abrasions during pitch delivery. The ZCAT was constructed from Wilson's world-famous Pro Stock Leather for rugged durability and unmatched feel and features dual weltingfor a stable and durable pocket. Now you can customize your own ZCAT atwilsoncustomgloves.com!
FP125SS 12.5" A1000The Wilson A1000 ® Fastpitch combines all of
our best technologies and advances into oneproduct. Our pro stock patterns give these gloves
unmatched shape, the Exclusive Ecco ® leathergives you the ultimate in softness and more of a gameready feel than the A2000 or A2K. Superskin gives you
a lighter glove and shorter breakin time. This glove is slightly larger for pitchers but also plays well
in the outfield. It is 12.5" and has a laced hourglass web aswell as a two piece back closure for a secure fit.
SuperSkin™ reduces the weight by approximately 20%compared to the same pattern in all leather.
FP12 12" A1500Ultimate Game Ready Glove. No Bull. Yak leather is 3x stronger than cowhide. This allows us toskive the hide thinner, providing you the player with the most possible feel for the ball, withoutsacrificing any durability. Makes for a quick break in and game ready feel right off the rack!
The Yak version of our FP12 Model is a popular pitchers model featuring an Aso web, deep pocket,and 2 piece back closure.
FPINF 12" A2KThe A2K Fastpitch models have been further refined forperfection in 2012. All of the A2K's premium features
work together to provide the same core benefit - atruly long lasting glove that breaks in as quickly as
possible. These features include 2x palm constructionfor pocket stability, 3x more craftsmanship to reducebreak in time, and rolled dual welting for support as
well as a quicker break in.
The 12" FPINF, developed by Aso andOlympian Vicky Gallindo, has a dual post web
and a pocket perfect for the infield. It alsofeatures a velcro adjustment strap for secure
fit like all Wilson fastpitch gloves.
Custom A2000Now you can create a custom Wilson A2000 glove that not only represents the best in fit,form, and function but also your personality and style of play. Show your team pride anddesign a glove with custom colors – everything from the leather and lacing to the logo andstitching. Or keep it classic and add your name and number to your favorite Wilson-designed glove. More colors. More custom. More Win. Make your glove atwilsoncustomgloves.com.
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• Made from explosive Black Array Carbon• New upgraded glass fiber for added feel and durability
• More resin used throughout barrel for added durability
• Cylinder seaming technique eliminates inconsistencies• Coiled end cap for lower swing weight • Digi-Grip wrap for improved feel • 13" balanced barrel for increased swing speed
and better bat control • Approved for ASA, NSA, USSSA and ISA • Sold without manufacturer's warranty Sizes 34/26, 34/27, 34/28, 34/29
• Made from explosive Black Array Carbon • New upgraded glass fiber for added feel and durability
• More resin used throughout barrel for added durability
• Cylinder seaming technique eliminates inconsistencies • Coiled end cap for lower swing weight • Digi-Grip wrap for improved feel • 13" balanced barrel for increased swing speed and better bat control
• Approved for NSA, USSSA and ISA • Sold without manufacturer's warranty Sizes 34/27, 34/28, 34/29
Craze USSSA
Craze ASA
• Mizuno's Techfire Technology™ for increased sweet spot utilizing three different levels of materials
• Black Onyx™ Carbon for improved durability and feel
• Cylinder seaming technique eliminates inconsistencies
• Air Molding inner wall system for consistency• X- ray scanning technology for quality control• Anti-Shock Construction™ for less vibration and improved feel
• Redesigned End Cap lowers swing weight for increased bat speed and control
• New -9 Length to Weight ratio added for maximum distance
• Mizuno's exclusive cushioned grip• Meets all 2010 Bat Performance Standards - ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF
Sizes 34"/25 oz., 33"/24 oz.
Frenzy 4.0 -9
• Mizuno's Techfire Technology™ for increased sweet spot utilizing three different levels of materials
• Black Onyx™ Carbon for improved durability and feel
• Cylinder seaming technique eliminates inconsistencies
• Air Molding inner wall system for consistency• X- ray scanning technology for quality control• Anti-Shock Construction™ for less vibration and improved feel
• Redesigned End Cap lowers swing weight for increased bat speed and control
• Mizuno's exclusive cushioned grip• Meets all 2010 Bat Performance Standards -ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF
Sizes 34"/24 oz., 33"/23 oz., 32"/22 oz.,31"/21 oz & 30"/20 oz.
Frenzy -10
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MVP Series GMVP1251 • Tartan FP Web• Professional patterns• Ultimate in feel and control• Perfectly oiled, full grain American Steerhide “Bio-Retro” leather for game ready flexibility, remarkable texture, and maximum durability
Sizes 12.50" Utility Pattern, Adult
Supreme Series GSP1304• Tartan Web• High performance, full-grain leather shell in softball specific patterns• PowerLock™ Technology for the simplest and most secure fit available• PalmSoft™ lining for unsurpassed feel and durability• Flex Bridge™ Hinge for maximum comfort and control• Shock Grid Finger Cradle™Sizes 13.00" Utility Pattern, Adult
Classic Series GCF1202 (new)• Deep 9T Web• Throwback Leather - Rugged, rich, naturally pre-oiled leather that keeps its shape over time
• Ultra Soft Pro - New Palm liner with excellent feeling and soft finish• Roll Welting - Increases structure and support throughout the fingers• New outline patchSizes 12.00" Pitcher Pattern, Adult
Finch Franchise Series GFN1209 (new) • DC Web• Professional patterns• Ultimate in feel and control• Oiled Durasoft leather for game ready playabilitySizes 12.00" Utility Pattern, Adult
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Blaze Elite 3• Lightweight and comfort combined in this pro model spike designed for speed. All PU outsole for added comfort for the Diamond.
• Mesh and Dynamic Synthetic Leather for superior feel, breathe ability, and comfort• Parallel Wave Technology in heel provides cushioning and stability• Full Length EVA foot bed provides incredible shock absorption and an overall well cushioned feel
• New 9-Spike™ configuration provides enhanced traction and support during running, batting and throwing movements
• Forefoot Flex response with profile - multi-zone flex pointsSizes 5-14, 15
9-Spike Blast 3 Mid • Multi-purpose cleat that provides maximum cushioning and support designed for Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, Football, and all artificial fields.
• Dynamic Synthetic Leather for durable Body Construction with Lateral Stiffening overlays• Full length contoured compression molded EVA foot bed provides incredible shock absorption and an overall well cushioned feel
• Ground Grip combined with 9-Spike features aggressive studs to maximize traction• Outsole configuration is perfect for sports such as Baseball, Softball, Football, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and Rugby
• Forefoot Flex response with Pro Flex multi-zone flex points• White upper synthetic [Red, Royal, Black mesh synthetic]** Environmentally Safe Earth Friendly MaterialsSizes 6½ - 14, 15
Elite Trainer FP Switch All purpose trainer ideal for training, batting practice, fielding drills, and play onhard turf. Color cards to customize your team colors.• UPPER: Dynamic Synthetic Leather® for superior feel, breathe ability, andcomfort.• MIDSOLE: Parallel technology in heel provides cushioning and stability in one midsole technology. Full Length AP+ foot bed provides incredible
shock absorption and an overall well cushioned feel.• FLEX/RESPONSE: Forefoot Flex response with Pro Flex multi-zone flex points.
• OUTSOLE: Diamond Tread multi-directional solid rubber outsole provides superior traction on all surfaces.
** Environmentally Safe Earth Friendly MaterialsSizes 5-12
9-Spike Finch 5 Low Jennie Finch’s Pro Model for the competitive player featuring a Dynamic, lightweight syntheticupper, Wave Technology, and 9-Spike Advanced Technology. Gender engineered for fastpitch.• Top quality Dynamic Synthetic Leather for superior feel, breathe ability, and comfort• Parallel Wave Technology provides cushioning and stability• Softer full length EVA Foot bed provides incredible shock absorption and a cushioned feel• New 9-Spike Advanced FP configuration specifically designed for the sport of fastpitch• Strategically positioned spikes offers superior traction and propulsion for softball's primaryrunning, batting, and throwing movements
• Gender Engineered for women's specific footwear• Forefoot Flex response with Pro Flex multi-zone flex points• Perimeter positioned heel studs for enhanced stability** Environmentally Safe Earth Friendly MaterialsSizes 5-12
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• BALANCED LOADING – Offers the most true-to-weight feel. Balanced bats are primarily used by those seeking maximum bat controland consistency at the plate.
• 1.20 BPF w/ ABI – Multi-layer composite core designed to provide exceptional rebound and maximum durability.
• APPROVED BY – USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations using 1.20BPF w/ ABI standard.
SB4LUS (USSSA Legit) 27 oz.SB4LUS • 454™ LEGIT USSSA • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
• LENGTH / WEIGHT – 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
The Worth Slowpitch 454 LEGIT bat line features one of the largest sweetspots in the industry. Each bat’s dynamic sweetspot extends two-inches inboth directions providing maximum opportunity for the ball to explode off the barrel. They are 100% composite and are offered in various loadingoptions to capture and maximize every hitter’s strengths.
• RESMONDO LOADING – Full-ounce, offers the maximum end-load allowed in any association, and provides the hitter with themost bat speed through the hitting zone of any one-piece bat.
• 1.20 BPF w/ ABI – Multi-layer composite core designed to provide exceptional rebound and maximum durability.
• APPROVED BY – USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations using 1.20BPF w/ ABI standard.
SB4RUS (Resmondo Legit) 27 oz.SB4RUS • 454™ RESMONDO LEGIT USSSA • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
• LENGTH / WEIGHT – 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
• BALANCED LOADING – Offers the most true-to-weight feel. Balanced bats are primarily used by those seeking maximum bat control and consistency at the plate.
• 98 MPH – Multi-layer composite core designed to provide exceptional rebound and maximum durability.
• APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations
SB4LA (ASA Legit) 27 oz.SB4LA • 454™ LEGIT ASA • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
• LENGTH / WEIGHT – 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
• EIP/RAV – Technologically-advanced manufacturing processes and Worth’s proprietary high-strength, high elongation epoxy system ensures the highest quality composite bats available.
• BALANCED LOADING – Offers the most true-to-weight feel. Balanced bats are primarily used by those seeking maximum bat control and consistency at the plate.
• 98 MPH – Multi-layer composite core designed to provide exceptional rebound and maximum durability.
SBMBJA (USSSA BJ Fulk) 27 oz.SBMBJA • BJ FULK MAYHEM® ASA • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $250
• 100% COMPOSITE – Barrel is made solely from composite materials.
• APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations
• LENGTH / WEIGHT – 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz
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The Worth Fastpitch 454 LEGIT bats are “HOT, HOT, HOT”. The 454 LEGIT technology extends the sweetspot two-inches in both directions providing the most opportunity for the ball to explode off the barrel. The100% composite, balanced bats provide maximum bat control and consistency at the plate. The various weight drops -8, -9, -10 and -12 allow every hitterto find the perfect feel for their particular swing. What players are saying…“WOW. WOW. WOW”.“These bats are LEGIT” “Outstanding Pop…the balllaunches off the bat.“This bat is sick”
APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations LENGTH / WEIGHT – 33"/25oz, 34"/26oz
FP4L8 (Fastpitch Legit -8)FP4L8 • 454™ LEGIT FASTPITCH • -8 • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations LENGTH / WEIGHT – 33"/24 oz, 34"/25 oz
FP4L9 (Fastpitch Legit -9)FP4L9 • 454™ LEGIT FASTPITCH • -9 • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations LENGTH / WEIGHT – 31”/ 21 oz, 32”/22 oz, 33”/23 oz, 34”/24 oz
FP4L10 (FP Legit -10)FP4L10 • 454™ LEGIT FASTPITCH • -10 • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $300
APPROVED BY – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other associations LENGTH / WEIGHT – 28"/16oz, 29"/17oz, 30"/18oz, 31"/19oz, 32"/20oz, 33"/21oz
FP4L12 (FP Legit Lite -12) FP4L12 • 454™ LEGIT FASTPITCH • ¯12 • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY • MSRP $250
FXBG, FXBGY• Elite fastpitch batting glove• Shortened length and vertical closure – no more rolling!
• Tight Lycra® bottom• Breathable neoprene back with dimple mesh fingers
• Stretch spandex on thumb• Comfortable synthetic nash palm
• PORON® XRD™ to improvegrip and reduce vibration
• Women’s sizes: S-XL• Youth sizes: S-L
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C130X, C130X-RH• 13" Fastpitch softball pattern• Custom fit, adjustable non slip pull strap• Double laced woven web• Right and Left hand throw
C125X, C125X-RH• 12 ½" Fastpitch softball pattern• Custom fit, adjustable non slip pull strap• Woven connector web• Right and Left hand throw
C120X, C120X-RH• 12" Fastpitch softball pattern• Custom fit, adjustable non-slip pull strap• Mondo™ woven web• Right and Left hand throw
C117X• 11 ¾" Fastpitch softball pattern• Custom fit, adjustable non slip pull strap• Mondo™ modified Pro H web• Right hand throw
CFBMX, CFBMX-RH• 12 ½" Fastpitch softball first base mitt pattern• Overlapping closed• Single post, double bar reinforced web• Right and Left hand throw
CCMX• 33" Fastpitch softball catcher mitt pattern• Custom fit, adjustable non slip pull strap• Mondo™ modified Pro H web• Right hand throw
WORTH FPEX CENTURY SERIES GLOVESMSRP $99.99For 100 years, Worth Sports has been at the forefront of sporting goods’ innovation. To celebrate the spirit that has driven Performance ThroughTechnology™ since 1912, Worth introduces its new Century Series fielders’ gloves as the company begins its next 100 years. The perfectly-balancedpatterns and webs of the Century Series are designed to fit the hand and wrist size of the fastpitch player. The full-grain and oil-treated U.S. steerhideshell leather coupled with PORON® XRD™ technology makes this glove the best in the market at its pricepoint.Available Sizes – 13”, 12 ½”, 12”, 11 ¾”, First Base Mitt, Catcher’s MittPORON® XRD™ is a registered trademark of the Rogers Corporation
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By Gary Burlack
Gilbert, AZ. --- The beginning of the 2012 USSSAseason found 18 teams from Arizona,Texas, Nevada, and California competing for the FarWest Winter National title. The desert event featured4 Conference USSSA teams and some of the bestteams in the west.
The early games were set up as seeding gamesand found 3 teams setting the pace. SouthernCalifornia's OC Swats/Easton, Mad Skills, and 4 TheFallen/3N2 of Phoenix, AZ all had early success.
The elimination portion of the bracket showed theseeding brackets were a sign of things to come. 4The Fallen rolled through the bracket with littleresistance to a perfect 3-0 record straight to theChampionship finals. OC Swats/Easton was 2-1 andmet up with the 2-1 Mad Skills team in the loserbracket finals.
OC Swats/Easton started slow against the feistyMad Skills team. OC Swats found a stingy defensethat kept their offense to a 9-6 deficit after threeinnings. In the fourth and fifth innings the gamedrew to a tie at 13-13 heading into the final innings.
OC Swats and Mad Skills added some firepoweras the game was in the balance. After the sixthinning the game remained tight as Swats was nowleading 26-22. Mad skills jumped into the lead afterthe top of the seventh by a score of 27-26.
OC Swats/Easton who had found its offense thelast few innings only needed four hitters as theygenerated two runs on four hits securing their spotin the tournament finals facing 4The Fallen/3N2.
OC Swats manager and sponsor, Henri Nuberstated;"We showed solid improvement andchemistry and look to knock off The Fallen andcapture the title."
The Finals featuring 4 The Fallen/3N2 of Phoenix,AZ and SoCals OC Swats was familiar for bothteams as they met early on Sunday at Toys-For-Totsjust a month earlier with OC Swats/Easton taking a42-8 loss.
The game had a very similar result as 4 TheFallen/3N2 was a powerhouse on offense. Themilitary team combining representative players fromactive duty, veterans, and military descendants hasmade some early noise on the circuit for its play and
their Transitional Assistance Programs to FallenWarrior families and Wounded Warriors in need.They have had several Passing the FlagCeremonies at events that honor those who havemade the ultimate sacrifice or suffered the lifechanging scars of war.
4 The Fallen/3N2 will feature their signatureceremony to promote awareness and honor thevalor of servicemen and women at each event in2012. Their organization intends to help over 60Armed Forces families affected by loss.
OC Swats found 4 The Fallen's defense lead byGreg Zayas, Mike Quarles, and Mike Rasso difficultto score on.
4 The Fallen's offense showed no mercy asDexter Avery, Tyler Beuerlein, Nick Robertson, andScott Lydy keyed a three inning barrage thatresulted in an 18-6 lead.
OC Swats/Easton again found no answer as theyfell to 4 The Fallen in the Championship game 24-9. "We were not with our entire squad but found away to win as the players performed well,"commented Fallen's Manager Chris Chaney.
4 The Fallen/3N2 will feature their signature ceremony to promote awareness and honor thevalor of servicemen and women at each event in 2012.
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By Maria Garcia
Las Vegas, NV. --- "The Las VegasWorlds is not just a tournament, it's anEXTRAVAGANZA," Said Men's D divisionmanager PJ Garcia. You have all thegreat elements here with snow in thebackground mountains, greatcompetition and of course the Las Vegasstrip just minutes away. You can play thegame you love all day and party in Vegasthroughout the night, It just doesn't getany better."
Well of course winning the Las VegasWorlds Championship doesn't hurt ether
and that's exactly what the 5-1Lumpy's Diner/Hate on Us team
from Benicia, CA. accomplished.After a perfect 7-0 victoryover La Famillia the teamfrom Benica continued tofire on all cylinders asthey went on todefeat CheerleadersGrill 12-5. Lumpy'sDiner continued to
roll offensively as they lit up thescoreboard with an impressive 38-5 victory over MQy29.
In game 4 Lumpy's started off slowagainst K&K Construction/HRV but they got somestellar play out of centerfielder George Hamm andleft fielder Chris Reid as the two sparked their teamto a 19-5 victory. "These guys had a spectaculargame in the outfielder and at the plate they set thetable for the hitters behind them to drive them in."Said Garcia.
Game 5 would be a turning point for Lumpy's asthey suffered their first loss of the tournament asthey fell short 21-15 against K&K.
In the Championship competition Lumpy's gotsome outstanding play from second basemanReuben Ramirez and catcher Albert Ramirez asthe two sparked their team to a 7-0 victory overK&K Construction.
The 57 team Men's E division was the largestdivision of the tournament and Donkey Punch fromCitrus Heights ,CA. knocked out the competition witha perfect 6-0 record.
"In our first game Saturday against Lazershow,we were down 3 runs going into the bottom of the7th, and with two outs we had the winning run onfirst base. Cordero Hernandez came up to the plateand hit a walk-off double to right center," SaidDonkey Punch manager Tanner Swanson. "After thatscare, we handled the rest of the teams we playedwith suffocating defense and great pitching."
Donkey Punch followed up with impressive 18-12,and 17-2 defensive victories over Junkyard Dawgsand Fully Loaded.Game four saw Donkey Punch MVP Mark Griggs andAll World players Keith Jennette, Nick Ewing and JoeHolguin take the game over as their stingy defensestopped AK for a 17-5 victory.
Donkey Punch outscored Most Wanted 14-10 inthe undefeated game and closed the door on MostWanted in the Championship game 17-12. The 48
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consistently throughout the tournamentand the championship game would be nodifferent as this group sparked their teamto victory.
"I would have to say that being down in thechampionship game and how we kept battlingall game to blow it open in the end wasawesome," Said Relentless manager TeresaWhaley. "We made some great plays and hadsome key at bats in order to give ourselves achance to win every game. Everyone played akey part at some point throughout those 7games that made a difference in that particularinstance and that’s what a true WorldChampionship team is all about."
For more information about All WorldSports go to www.playallworld.com
team Coed D division was won byRelentless from Clinton, LA. The teamcompiled a perfect 7-0 record. With early23-11 and 29-8 victories over theAlbuquerque Siverbacks and TWT's.
The team from Clinton, LA. wasgrowing in wins and in confidence as theyscored 12-5 and 9-5 sound victories overMutiny and Texas T's. After a close 16-14victory against Urban Legends, Relentlesswould be just that, Relentless in their twoepic battles against Smack That as theyscored a 17-12 and a amazing 15-14narrow victory over Smack That in thechampionship game.Relentless MVP Ed Anthony and All
World selection Josh Son, Kristy Smithand Nicole Edlund had performed
"The Las Vegas Worlds is not just a tournament, it's an EXTRAVAGANZA," said Men's Ddivision manager PJ Garcia.
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By Robert Campbell
In 2011 we saw many US policy changes andsuccesses by our men and women in uniform. Theirservice to our country across the service brancheshas no equal. We all know that their commitmentand discipline is immeasurable.
The events throughout Military Softball celebratethe men and women in uniforms honor, courage,and bravery. There were many deserving men’s andwomen’s military softball teams to choose fromaround the world.
The competition among these teams is as fierceas their training. Softball Today Magazine is proudto announce our Military Team of The Year honor tothe USMC Camp Pendleton Varsity Team.
They are the Varsity “A” Softball Teamrepresenting a very distinguished and instrumentalmilitary base in our country’s war effort. They havelittle free time so they take their softball veryseriously. “As competitors and now 2-time WorldChampions, we were determined and found ourplace at the top the last two seasons, and receivingadditional honors from Softball Today is greatlyappreciated,” stated manager Chris Chaney.
The commander and leader of the team is 16years served Major Armando Delsi. He is also one ofthe team’s best players. Each year he holds tryoutsand searches the base for the top Marine andenlisted players.
2011 marked Camp Pendleton’s first back-to-back Men’s Varsity “A” USSSA Military WorldChampionship title. It was Major Delsi’s fifth (5th)military world title. They are 10-0 going back to2010 in World Championships.
“The team is a refined unit that knows how towin with stifling defense and consistent offense,“said manager Chris Chaney (All World Team). The
coaches who have helped the organization areUSMC Captain Chris Balcazar (All World Team) andChief Warrant Officer 5, Steven Alvey.
In 2011 the team honored Wounded Warrior TomCarlo from the Wounded Warrior Amputee SoftballTeam as Honorary Team Captain and AssistantCoach. Their pink uniform was worn in support forbreast cancer victims and research. In 2011 CampPendleton’s ASA record was 18-6 and USSSA recordwas an impressive 25-4.
The highlight was the USSSA Varsity “A”Military World Championship title along withseveral tournament wins in local and militaryregional play.
The player’s consistent performance is whatsets them apart in 2011. The season leaders
were USAF Senior Tech Sergeant Matt Suder (RF)(ALL World Team) 818 OBA with outstandingoutfield play and Anthony Garnica (IF) (MilitaryWorld MVP) with a 900 OBA.
Army Sergeant First Class Dexter Avery (1B) andArmy Chief Warrant Officer Two Jermaine Flythe (LF)(All World Team) supplied the team with its powerwith both leading the team in Homeruns and RBI’s.Each carried 700 and 703 OBA’s respectively.
USMC Major Armando Delsi (All World Team)750 OBA was the team’s catalyst all season onboth sides of the ball. USMC Staff Sergeant BrianStringer and USMC Rob Chute had solid seasonsas they set the table and were instrumental in thekey hit category. The defense was lead by Petty Officer 2nd ClassDaxton Mamuyac (P)(All World Defensive MVP)who’s pitching was incredible and he controlledgames with his location and fearless plays in themiddle. He is a Predator.
Army Major Greg Zayas (2B,SS) (All World Team)OBA 710 was stellar and his timely double plays andcat-like reflexes held opponents in check. He makesthe most difficult plays appear routine. USMC StaffSergeant Chris Idip (CF) (All World Team) is fast,throws well, and sure-handed with the glove.
He gets great jumps on the sinking line drives thatroutinely die in his glove. He may arguably be thebest all-around outfielder in Military Softball. CampPendleton Men’s Varsity “A” Softball teamdistinguished itself on and off the field in 2011 andwe recognize their professionalism. USMC MajorArmando Delsi added, “We are honored by SoftballToday’s recognition. Our team would like to honor allour troops around the world and those past andpresent, Always Faithful.”
Camp Pendleton Men’s Varsity “A” Softball team distinguished itself on and off the field in 2011.
2011 marked Camp Pendleton’s first back-to-back Men’s Varsity “A” USSSA Military WorldChampionship title.
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By Robert Campbell
Softball Today Magazine’s “A” division Men’s Team ofThe Year in is R&M Metals /Troupe/Easton of Waterloo, IA.Their schedule and play representatively covered bothConference USSSA and ASA Associations with impressivefinishes throughout the 2011 season.
The "A" program nationally is enjoying its strongestgroup of teams in recent history. Many of the top teamsfeatured rosters heavily loaded with the maximumnumber of major players and up and coming softballtalents. The competiveness was fierce and there wasunprecedented parity.
R&M is based in the Midwest with multiple players fromboth coasts. The team coaches were Rob Humphrey and
Veteran Player/Manager Chris Chaney. Rob Humphrey is thearchitect and leader of the organization from its beginning.
They secured mid-season additions of Easton playersSam Lopez, Nick “Noodle” Robertson, Matt Albert, BrianFarrar, and Easton Manager Chris Chaney.
The organizations sponsorship is provided by RogerThompkins of R&M Metals, Jim Troupe, Rob Humphrey,and Easton Sports. “Our organization went through manychanges in 2011 but the momentum we carried into thelast six tournaments was special,” said Humphrey. R&Mput together a 46-26 USSSA season and 21-4 ASA recordas they became Easton’s Flagship team in 2011.
In World and Conference USSSA tournaments R&Mfinished Top 5 in six (6) of their twelve (12) events. Theywere second two (2) times and in the Top 10 in nine (9) oftwelve (12) tournaments.
The team averaged 24.1 runs per game while allowing17.1 average runs against per game combined in bothassociations. R&M finished the year 5-13 against Major/Open teams.
Highlighting their run in USSSA was a second placefinish in the Last Chance Major and “A” World Series,losing in the “IF” game 21-20. R&M was fifth (5th) at theUSSSA Major World Series and were the ConferenceChampionship “A” Champions.
Their “A” ASA results were comprised of two (2) firstplace and two (2) second place finishes. R&M’s combinedrecord was an impressive 21-4 overall ASA record. TheASA “A” World Championship was highlighted by knockingoff two highly rated programs and finally falling to the #1ranked Brett Helmers’ Annilation/Easton in theChampionship final.
The players are no doubt the heart beat of R&M and theentire team stepped up and performed in some of the biggestworld and tournament championships. The team leader onand off the field was Kyle “Biggons” Yerkes with a, 741 OBA
while pitching, catching, or securing first base. He is the type of veteran leader that all teams count on
and he led the team in homeruns and RBI”s. His teammateChris “The Enforcer” Greinert 702 OBA provided power andconsistency at the plate all season long.
R&M’s finishing outfield trio was remarkable in theteams stretch run; Brian Zirkle (CF), Nick Robertson (LF),and Brian Farrar (RF) collectively combined for 749 OBA,700 OBA, and 772 OBA respectively.
The games were often saved and/or won by spectacularcatches and throw outs by Zirkle and Nick “Noodle”Robertson (USSSA A World Series Offensive MVP). Thedefensive infield was solid with Scott Roen (SS), Matt Albert(2B), Sam Lopez (MF). TJ Thompson gave R&M a realadvantage in pitching as he was able to deceive opposinghitters and keep R&M in most contests.
Ron Fields (AH/C) and Nate Staats (AH) provided theteam with a majority of its homerun power and RBIproduction. Matt Albert (2B) with a 776 OBA provedintegral with a dugout presence and countless key hits incritical game situations.
Keith Anderson, Jake Mays, Cliff Williamson, and veteranBrad Reckert (ASA only) added great consistency in theirroles on R&M, especially late inning hitting and heroics.
“When you have all the hardworking pieces playingtogether ultimately it’s the players’ execution and no quitattitude that validates your success, This was a team inevery sense,” stated Manager Chris Chaney.
This was a deserving team that played an extensive 2011schedule with sportsmanship and true grit on the field eachand every tournament. They were relentless in their pursuitof success. Softball Today congratulates “A” Team of TheYear, R&M Metals /Troupe/Easton of Waterloo, IA. “We had aterrific year and as a sponsor and friend to our entireorganization, I want to extend our appreciation for SoftballToday’s recognition,” said Jim Troupe.
R&M put together a 46-26 USSSA season and 21-4 ASA record as they became Easton’s Flagship team in 2011.
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By Robert Campbell
Cincinnati, OH.,--- Softball Today Magazineanalyzed multiple candidates in 2011 for the “B”Team of The Year in Men’s Softball. All theinformation pointed to one team that showed itsperseverance across the softball landscape in2011. Softball Today’s “B” Team of the Year,Blitz/Weller/Watanabe/MAB/Easton out ofCincinnati, Ohio was most deserving.
A season where players and “B” teams areexpanding their recruiting boundaries to grab theelusive championship ring, as softball sponsorshipand competitiveness soars to an all-time high. Itwas Blitz/Weller/Watanabe/MAB/Easton a teamwith 13 players from the local Cincinnati area thatproved championship team talent can still be fromthe same town. “Our philosophy was if we can getthe best softball players in our area together, wecan compete nationally.” said Dave Watanabe. It’sapparent their strategy proved successful.
The General Manager and primary sponsor isDave Watanabe. A longtime successful sponsor andchampion back to his 1993 ASA 'A' Championshipin Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He is one the mostrespected men in Midwest softball. His 2009 teamfinished second in the USSSA B World.
He is joined in sponsorship by Terry Walton ofBlitz, Brian Wegman’s, Mid America Ballyard(MAB), Weller Roofing of Cincinnati, and EastonSports. A collection of sponsors and managementthat was melded by selecting a talented group ofsoftball players that bought-in to the concept thatwith hard work and chemistry they could andwould compete nationally.
The core team has been together for severalyears and made key additions at shortstop andright field that truly paid dividends. The team hadan overall record of 68 wins with 28 losses. Theywere competing in their 5th year in Conference
USSSA playing stronger class team’s week in andweek out.
They completed their Conference schedule byplacing 18th overall. In their 6 events they placed inthe top 10 every weekend and managed 1 top 5weekend. They were the top B Team at theColumbus Major NIT and second among B Teams atthe 43rd Smokey Mountain Major Classic.
They only lost one ASA game all season and wonthe 10th Annual City Slam Men's Open NIT inCincinnati, Ohio. It’s apparent they matured duringthe season into a galvanized unit that wasstrengthened by the rigors of play in ConferenceUSSSA. They entered the 28 team USSSA B WorldSeries as a ranked team but the morning line on thetournament said 15 teams were capable of winningin 2011.
A very balanced and competitive B Class for 2011would feature some of the finest games in recentmemory as the youth movement continues touncover some outstanding young talents on bothsides of the ball.
Blitz went 5-0 and out-scored their opponents108-47 in the World Series. They would play 1st StepSoftball from Pompano Beach, Florida still on a rollfrom the recent “A” World Series playing up andcontinuing in the “B” World Series. It was allBlitz/Weller/Watanabe/MAB/Easton as their offenseblossomed in the sunny and humid “B” World Seriesconditions garnering 3 run-rules in five of theirvictories. Their defense and pitching held off manycharges in the tight games and that secured theirplace as 2011 USSSA “B” World Series Champions.This gave their 2 new additions Nick Masur (SS) andWorld Series MVP David Kessler (RF) back-to-back“B” World Championships.
The squad was a close knit group and if you askthem it was all about the team and organization thatcontributed to their success in 2011. We all knowthis to be true in all winning organizations but you
know there are those you have to single out whoperform week-in and week-out.
David Kessler (RF) proved his highly ratedtalents by having a .822 OBA and holding downright-field, A definite a standout. Veteran JimmyCarter once again proved his prowess by puttingtogether a .725 OBA with leading the team inextra base hits and unselfishly limiting his usualheavy homerun tallies.
He is a veteran leader with the bat and in thedugout. Nick Masur (SS) solidified their infielddefense with a great defensive year and a .577 OBAfor the season and that was much higher inChampionship play when it mattered most.
The AH/C rolls were shared by Jon Jamison .712OBA and Brad Tabler .700 OBA who providedleadership and key hits throughout the season. Theall important pitching duties were shared throughoutthe season by Frank Gruber (USSSA “B” World SeriesDefensive MVP) and Mark Urbain.
They combined with their defense to maintain thelowest runs against average among ”B” programs.Dave Watanabe recognized Mike Rogers and RitchieJones as key outfield work horses all season. “It was avery rewarding and memorable a worst to firstaccomplishment and we are pleased for everyone whocontributed to our success and this award”. The teamwill take their talents to the “A” Division in 2012.Blitz/Weller/Watanabe/MAB/Easton is a well deservingwinner of Softball Today’s “B” Team of the Year.
Blitz went 5-0 and out-scored their opponents 108-47 in the World Series.
Blitz completed their Conference schedule by placing 18thoverall. In their 6 events they placed in the top 10 everyweekend and managed 1 top 5 weekend. They were thetop B Team at the Columbus Major NIT and secondamong B Teams at the 43rd Smokey Mountain MajorClassic. Photo by Anna Turner Andreasen © 2011. Allrights reserved.
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By Dave Utnik
Clint Haveron usually had one pitch to work with. He hadno choice but to make each one count.
The rain that fell in Orlando throughout most of theUSSSA Men's Class D World Series altered the way TeamABRA's heralded pitcher worked opposing hitters, but it didnothing to change his command of the strike zone.
"With the rain that happened at Worlds, we were forcedto play one pitch in almost all of our games: Ball you walk,strike you’re out," Team ABRA assistant coach MikeBerkley explained. "Clint did an awesome job of throwingstrikes and making the hitter put it in play so our defensecould make plays."
Haveron is usually the guy on the opposite end of thedelivery -- a renowned slugger who can hit just about anypitch out of the park. But he was chosen as the WorldSeries MVP for making rival batters fail.
Team ABRA's first World Series title capped atremendous slow pitch season that featured championshipperformances at 11 tournaments, including the TroyLuchich Memorial Polar Bear, Payson NIT, and the LongsPeak Cup NIT. But it was in rain-drenched Orlando thatHaveron showcased his true softball talent and securedABRA's place as the Softball Today Magazine Men's ClassD slow pitch Team of the Year.
"Clint had many clutch hits throughout the season thatled to many victories for ABRA. Let’s just say that Clint isprobably better suited for “C” ball because he has a hell oftime keeping it in the yard sometimes," Berkley said. "Buthe was mostly chosen as the MVP at Worlds because of thejob he did pitching in Orlando."
At the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in WaltDisney World, Team ABRA allowed only 59 runs in 12
games. Haveron had a lot of do with that. A hard-hittinglineup that featured eight all-tournament hitters morethan doubled that run total -- paving the way for anotherremarkable charge out of the losers bracket and a pair ofthrilling one-run victories over World Series runner-upNET/New Holland Region.
"Going into the World Series we already had threetourney wins by 'double dipping' the undefeated team, soit was something we were accustomed to doing," Berkleysaid, noting that Team ABRA was never swept in the "ifgame" scenario during the 2011 season. "When we lostthe game in Orlando, every single player on our teambelieved we had what it took to win five straight games in90 degree heat and 90 percent humidity. Not only did ittake extreme physical stamina but it takes so muchemotional stamina to stay focused and win five games inthose conditions."
Of course it didn't hurt having a batting order thatfeatures Haveron as well as World Series Offensive MVPMatt Newbold, who also earned tournament MVP honors atLongs Peak Cup in Colorado.
"Matt without question led our team in hitting the wholeyear," Berkley said. "He is young kid that played college baseballand he has adapted well to the slow pitch game. Matt has agreat swing and he can spread it around the field."
The rest of the batting order produced some pretty goodswings, too -- most notably from World Series all-tournament selections Shawn Thomson, Benjamin Misik,head coach Michael Reyes, Bowdy Haveron, AnthonyBrown and Berkley, who drove in the deciding run in a 7-6championship game victory.
Based out of Utah, Team Abra is made up of players whoall live within 100 miles of Salt Lake City. They began the yearby sweeping the USSSA Frozen Fields Tournament and went
on to post a 93-18 overall record. There have been far morewins than losses since the team was formed in 2010through support from ABRA and the combined vision ofMike Lawrence and Michael Reyes.
As the players make a transition to Class C thissummer and prepare for membership in the USSSAConference in 2013, reaching the World Series remainsthe ultimate goal.
"We should be able to compete in every tourney withthe players we have," Berkley said. "Last season, someof our guys hadn’t played together going into the year sowe weren’t sure how everyone would gel together. Wehad a lot of haters in the softball world and in Utah thatsaid we would be broken up by midseason. Needless tosay that didn’t happen."
2011 HIGHLIGHTSUSSSA Frozen Fields Tourney- South Jordan, UT - 1st PlaceAFA Super Bowl Tourney- Saint George, UT - 1st PlaceAFA March Madness Tourney- Saint George, UT - 2nd PlaceUSSSA Provo Tune up- Provo, UT - 2nd PlaceUSSSA Troy Luchich Memorial Polar Bear- Boise - 1st PlaceUSSSA Payson NIT- Payson, UT - 1st PlaceUSSSA Longs Peak Cup NIT- Loveland, CO - 1st PlaceAcademy Sports Tourney- Ogden, UT - 1st PlacePioneer Days- Ogden, UT - 1st PlaceFaces for Friends @Valley- Salt Lake City, UT - 1st PlaceUSSSA Nationals- Las Vegas, NV - 2nd PlaceUSSSA Payson Memorial- Payson, UT - 1st PlaceASA Peach Days Tourney- Brigham City, UT - 1st PlaceUSSSA “D” World Series- Orlando, FL - 1st Place
Team ABRA's first World Series titlecapped a tremendous slow pitchseason that featured championshipperformances at 11 tournaments,including the Troy Luchich MemorialPolar Bear, Payson NIT, and theLongs Peak Cup NIT.
