SoftballCenter’s 2014 Conference Pre-Season Final Rankings: teams 1-53!
2014 Pre-Season Rankings – teams #1 – #53
Each day leading up to April 4th which is opening day for Conference USSSA in Las Vegas, I will announce the next Conference team(s) in the SoftballCenter 2014 Conference pre-season rankings! Rankings are by class starting with 'C' teams.
Remember this is for fun and rosters and teams change throughout the season.
Click here for the final 2013 rankings Click here for the 2013 season preview
Note: most of the pictures in this article are from the past years.
#1 Resmondo-Specialty Tank/Worth (FL) (M)
Lee Powers
BJ Fulk
Andy Purcell
Bubba Mack
Greg Connell
Dennis Rulli
Don Dedonatis Jr
Jimmy Salas
Jeremy Isenhower
Nick Santana
Jeremy Yates
Howie Krause
Danny Lopez
John Rector – Manager
Frank Webb – Manager
Travis Resmondo – Sponsor
John Riccio – Sponsor
Schedule:
APRIL-24-27 KISSIMMEE, FL HOF DUAL
MAY- 9-11 COLUMBUS, OHIO
MAY- 16-18 EULESS, TX TEXAS LEGENDS
JUNE- 6-8 JOLIET, IL WINDY CITY
JUNE-13-15 GLEN BURNIE, MD DUAL
JUNE- 20-22 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN DUDLEY
JULY- 11-13 MARYVILLE, TN SMOKY
JULY- 18-20 CINCINNATI, OHIO
AUG. 8-10 DETROIT, MI LAST CHANCE
AUG.-29-31 KISSIMMEE, FL CONFERENCE, CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPT. 17-21 ORLANDO, FL DISNEY- USSSA WORLD SERIES
Outlook: No surprise here, Resmondo enters the 2014 back atop the pre-season rankings after winning the USSSA Major World Series in 2013 over arch rival Laservision. They return their entire starting team and add former Backman/Shoppe slugger Lee Powers, one of the best young players in the game, to the roster. Resmondo did lose Bobby Hughes who was injured most of 2013 and backup pitchr LC Watson who went on to be the starting pitcher for Backman/Shoppe. Resmondo dominated 2013 by posting one of the greatest records in Major softball history 57-5, and winning a league high 9 tournaments including the prestigious Hall of Fame Duals, the Dudley, and the Smoky Mountain Classic. Resmondo started the season with a 26 game winning streak and ended it by winning 24 in a row! Look for Resmondo to get out of the gate quickly with a team which over the last couple of years has actually gotten younger with the additions of infielders Powers, Mack, and Salas, and outfielders Santana, and Yates (Conference Def MVP) – all of whom are in their 20's. Salas is the best 3rd baseman in the game. Andy Purcell returns as the most dominant pitcher. Add in veteran SS Don Dedonatis Jr, middle infielder Dennis Rulli (Conference MVP), and professional stadium hitters like Isenhower, Fulk, and Krause and sponsor Travis Resmondo is the favorite to add to his championship trophy room with another World Series title (would be his 9th)! Resmondo is the team to beat and looking to add to their resume as the greatest slowpitch team of all time!
#2 Laservision/H Auto/JJ's/Easton (NY) (M)
Brian Wegman-LF
Brandon Dillon-CF
Scott Kirby-RF
Dale Brungardt-3B
Luis Reyna-SS
Kevin Bazat-MI
Steven Lloyd-2B
Bryson Baker-1B
Travis Clark-P
Kevin Filby-C
Brett Helmer-EH
Mike Umscheid-Utility
Dal Beggs-Coach
Billy Messina-Manager
Sponsors
Pierre Alfred-Laservision
Bob Hortenbach-H Auto
Easton Sports
USSSA Schedule:
APRIL 4-6 LAS VEGAS, NV SIN CITY
APRIL-24-27 KISSIMMEE, FL HOF DUAL
MAY- 9-11 COLUMBUS, OHIO
MAY 29-JUN1 SEATTLE, WA DUAL
JUNE- 6-8 JOLIET, IL WINDY CITY
JUNE-13-15 GLEN BURNIE, MD DUAL
JUNE- 20-22 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN DUDLEY
JULY- 11-13 MARYVILLE, TN SMOKY
JULY- 18-20 CINCINNATI, OHIO
AUG. 8-10 DETROIT, MI LAST CHANCE
AUG.-29-31 KISSIMMEE, FL CONFERENCE, CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPT. 17-21 ORLANDO, FL DISNEY- USSSA WORLD SERIES
ASA Schedule:
Combat Classic – OKC
Corkys – Minnesota
McQuade – ND
ASA Super Nationals – Dallas, TX
NSA Schedule:
NSA Super World Series Columbus, OH
Outlook: Sponsors Pierre Alfred, Bob Hortenbach, and Brett Helmer return their Laservision team to the Conference. The 2012 World Series winner and 2013 runner up, starts the season as the #2 ranked team in the nation. They let go a lot of veteran players in order to trim costs and went in a different direction this year with some young up and coming players. The youthful exuberance and potential chemistry of this team will make for an interesting season. Look for Laservision to contend for a title and finish on Sunday at most regular season events. Travis Clark will take over the starting pitching duties. Kevin Bazat will anchor the middle of the infield. And Luis Reyna will look to solidify the defense. Youngsters third baseman Dale Brungardt and second baseman Steven Lloyd, along with CF Brandon Dillon will also fill some big shoes and they are ready to do so. Veteran Major players Bryson Baker, Brian Wegman, Brett Helmer, Scott Kirby, and lefty Kevin Filby will provide consistent offensive firepower.
This team is actually very young in softball terms and if they are hungry and step up their game the sky is the limit!
The youngsters get the nod to play with the big boys. Bazat at middle has the quickest turn in the game. Reyna smothers balls like no other, and Dale Brungardt and Steven Lloyd add to an exciting "new" team. Manager Billy Messina will also be one of the backup pitchers and I wouldn't be surprised to see Brett Helmer on the hill at some point. Super utility man Mike Umschied will see a lot of action as some of these guys tend to get knicked up during the season.
Laservision has an aggressive schedule, playing in Conference, ASA, and even the NSA Super event. Their schedule of 20 tournaments is reminiscent of the early 1990's when some of the top teams rarely took a weekend off.
#3 BACKMAN / SHOPPE / LOUISVILLE SLUGGER (TN) (M)
Schedule:
APRIL-24-27 KISSIMMEE, FL HOF DUAL
MAY- 9-11 COLUMBUS, OHIO
MAY- 16-18 EULESS, TX TEXAS LEGENDS
JUNE- 6-8 JOLIET, IL WINDY CITY
JUNE-13-15 GLEN BURNIE, MD DUAL
JUNE- 20-22 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN DUDLEY
JULY- 11-13 MARYVILLE, TN SMOKY
JULY- 18-20 CINCINNATI, OHIO
AUG. 8-10 DETROIT, MI LAST CHANCE
AUG.-29-31 KISSIMMEE, FL CONFERENCE, CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPT. 17-21 ORLANDO, FL DISNEY- USSSA WORLD SERIES
OCT. 5-6 COLUMBUS, OHIO NSA SUPER WORLD SERIES
Outlook: Sponsor Jerry Backman returns with Greg Blackburn (Shoppe) to field a competitive Major level team for Louisville Slugger. Larry Quartuccio returns as manager. The team features 2013 Offensive MVP Robert Blackburn. They pick up Resmondo pitcher LC Watson and a quad of former Laservision sluggers Chad Durick, Kevin Kennington, Sam Lopez, and Brian Rainwater who are brought in to give Backman some Championship experience. Look for Backman/Shoppe to be a regular Sunday finisher with an outside shot at knocking off one of the big two on occasion. Backman added some big names and has assembled a dark horse threat for the race to #1.
Like Combat this team needs to score a win over the top Major teams early in the season and build from there. How will LC Watson do after two years on the Resmondo bench? I think he will do well. Can former Laservision players like Rainwater, Lopez, Kennington, and Durick make a big impact from the outset? Can the younger Backman players like Neil Haglund, Dave kessler, and Jonathan Lenz take their game the final step?
Looking at the schedule they definitely aren't avoiding the big tournaments, basically playing the same schedule as Resmondo.
#4 Team Combat/Softball.com (WA) (M)
Joey Gordon
Bryce Oliveira
Chris Greinert
Casey Rogowski
Brian Lipman
Cameron Cox
Rick Baker
Sid Stephany
Davis Bilardello
Frank Yielding
Chad Munger
Jeff Graus
Jeff Mcgavin
Rusty Bumgardner
Johnny McCraw
Manager Don Cooper
Head Coach Jeff Wallace
Coach: Hector Pagan
Coach: Bobby Nifong
Sponsors
Bauer Performance sports
Combat sports
www.softball.com
USSSA Schedule:
APRIL 4-6 LAS VEGAS, NV SIN CITY
APRIL-24-27 KISSIMMEE, FL HOF DUAL
MAY- 16-18 EULESS, TX TEXAS LEGENDS
MAY 29-JUN1 SEATTLE, WA DUAL
JUNE-13-15 GLEN BURNIE, MD DUAL
JUNE- 20-22 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN DUDLEY
JULY- 11-13 MARYVILLE, TN SMOKY
JULY- 25-27 PORTLAND
AUG. 8-10 DETROIT, MI LAST CHANCE
AUG.-29-31 KISSIMMEE, FL CONFERENCE, CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPT. 17-21 ORLANDO, FL DISNEY- USSSA WORLD SERIES
Outlook: Team Combat returns as the 4th Major level team for 2014. Another team with a nice mix of veterans like SS Jeff McGavin, outfielder Johnny McCraw, infielder Joe Gordon (from Demarini), Rusty Bumgardner (from R&M), and outfielder Rick Baker blended with sluggers like Chris Greinert (from Nordkap), 1st baseman Casey Rogowski, and infielders Bryce Oliviera and Cameron Cox. Combat also returns 3rd baseman Frank Yeilding, backup pitcher Jeff Graus, add new slugger Brian Lipman (from Famous), and bring back outfielder Davis Bilardello (Baugh Ford) from the 2012 team.
Greinerts power and attitude mixed with the now healthy pitching of Chad Munger and outfield play of Sid Stephany make this version of Team Combat a step up from 2013.
DW's Combat rant: Can Combat compete with the other Major teams (0-3 vs Major, 9-10 vs 'A', 7-9 vs 'B', in 2013) and win the majority of their games against the 'A' division is the question? They have big plans but need to start out playing every inning of every game as hard as possible without looking at the score board or the team name on the oppositions uniform and let the chips fall where they may. Will young infielders Bryce Oliveira and Cameron Cox blossom into bonafide major players? Can Chris Greinert bring a fresh "chip on the shoulder" attitude to a historically second tier Major team?
While I believe teams can get better as the season goes, I really feel that Combats season rests on Las Vegas this weekend. Anything less than a 1st place finish signals that this team will not compete week in and week out at the big events in Florida, Texas, Maryland, Tennessee, and Michigan. Although they could still have success at the smaller tournaments they enter, ASA, and still rank as high as 4th I believe in the final standings,
If they win Vegas, no excuses, just find ways to win, then I think Team Combat can push as high as 2nd in the season standings. Lose Vegas and I think they could finish anywhere from 5th to 10th in the Conference points. Vegas will set the tone for this team for 2014.
Sorry for the rant. I just want to see this team with a "win at all costs" attitude, lose the "happy to be there" feeling, and set aside the past and any excuses. Injuries, missing players, bad luck, etc all need to be an after thought, you run what you brung. Each player needs to step up their game, their preparation, and make winning plays.
Did I provide enough locker room bulletin board material? Combat is the underdog in the Major division but if they bring it at Vegas then we as fans should get behind this team!
#5 Team Albicocco/The Scene/Easton/Elite (NY) (A)
Jason Branch – OF/2B/3B
Ryan Harvey – OF
Lee Payne – CF
Chente Granados – SS
Orlando Castillo – MI
Phillip White – 2B/EH
Kyle Moyer – 1B
Dan Sanchez – P
Jason Kendrick – RF/C
Shannon Smith – 3B/1B
Matt Crawford – 2B/MI/UTL
Terry Baggs – 1B/C/EH
Eric Beattie – OF
Sponsor/Manager – Toni Albicocco
Sponsor – Easton Sports
Sponsor – Elite/TAI Sports
Schedule:
Houston Major
Hall of Fame Classic
Columbus, Ohio
Atlanta Major
Maryland Dual
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Michigan Last Chance
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: Team Albicocco enters the 2014 season as the 'A' team to beat. Veteran Jason Kendrick takes the helm as manager/player on a team of hand picked future stars. The team basically has all new players on its roster compared to the 2013 Albicocco/Scene team with virtually no holes in the lineup offensively or defensively. Albicocco has a legitimate shot at being the #1 'A' team and a top 4 or 5 contender overall. This team has some great young players and the necessary power and defense to play with the big boys.
The Scene picked up center fielder Lee Payne, middle infielder Orlando Castillo, and 1st baseman Terry Baggs from Demarini/Dirty. Outfielder Jason Branch and infielder Matt Crawford from Nordkap 'A' World Champs. Shortstop Chente Granados from Backman/Shoppe, and 1st baseman Kyle Moyer from Laservision. They return from the 2013 team pitcher Dan Sanchez and infielder Philip White. The final pieces to the team are some interesting ones – Big Shannon Smith who started the 2013 season with Buzini will step in at third base, and former pro baseball player Ryan Harvey will play outfield with Team Albicocco and try softball at the highest level for the first time. This is a great group of talent and the challenge will be for manager Jason Kendrick to piece it together and get it working as one unit. Look for this to happen quickly and successfully.
#6 Red's Astros/Louisville Slugger/Team Rhino (IN) (A)
Travis Dale CF/2B/SS
Chad Mullins C/1B/EH
Cody Gilbert LF/CF
Troy Krider Middle/SS
Wally Maybrier RF/CF
Ryan Joiner P
Rob Roop 1B/P/3B
Justin Aldora IF/P/OF
Josh Bowen OF/C
Brad Tabler C/1B/3B/EH
Tim Cocco C/EH/1B
Josh Riley 3B/1B/2B
Andrew Collins OF
John Sullivan SS/MI/2B
Buddy Wolf OF
Scott Zaciewski 3B
Herb Price Co-Manager/Sponsor/GM
Red Moore Co-Manager/Sponsor
Sonny Yamcharern Coach/Stats
Jerry Scudder Administrative
Dennis Turner Sponsor (Louisville Slugger)
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Chicago
Maryland Dual
Indianapolis
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati
Michigan Last Chance
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championship
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: Red's Astros returns to the Conference for the 3rd season in a row and this is their best team yet. They add major power hitter Tim Cocco from Backman/Shoppe, IF/OF Josh Riley from Albicocco, power hitting catcher Brad Tabler from 3rd Street, shortstop John Sullivan from Tailgaters, and major players third baseman Scott Zaciewski and outfielder Andrew Collins from Nordkap. The additional power will help at the 'A' Worlds in Kissimmee, Florida in September. Red's always has great chemistry and return a core of players that finished 2nd at the 'A' Worlds in 2013. Red's could finish in the top 5 in the nation and bring home to Indiana a World title. The team plays every inning of every game and they never back down to higher competition. Look for Troy Krider, known for his defense, to step up his offensive game and potentially make the Red's offense best in class. They also may move SS Travis Dale to center field some.
#7 Line Drive Sportz/R&M Metals/Easton (MI) (A)
Mike Dill
Cooper Vittitow
Keith Anderson
Cory Large
Ryan Parfitt
Steve Whaley
Richard Salazar
Brendt Newbill
Jared Krasselt
Kyle Yerkes
Faron Miller
Sal Formosa
Cory Boothe
Don Sikora
Chris Hansen
Joe Ramos
Gene Burdick
Sponsor Tarz Lanzon – Linedrive Sportz
Sponsor Roger Tompkins
Sponsor Easton
Sponsor Roget Tompkins – R&M Metals
Sponsor Kenny Lowell
Sponsor James Troupe
Manager Fred Budnarowski
Manager Bill Reardon
Staff Andrew Wojcik
Schedule:
April 11-13 8th Annual Space City Classic Houston, TX
April 24-27 USSSA Hall of Fame Classic Dual Event Kissimmee, FL
May 2-4 Corky's Early Bird Owattonna, MN
May 9-11 2nd Annual Columbus BATS Major Columbus, OH
May 16-18 14th Annual Texas Legends Euless, TX
June 6-8 Windy City Invitational Joliet, IL
June 13-15 USSSA Bash on the Chesapeake Dual Event Glen Burnie, MD
June 27-29 Circle City Showdown Indianapolis, IN
July 11-13 46th Smoky Mountain Classic Maryville, TN
July 18-20 15th Cincinnati Men"s Major Cincinnati, OH
August 8-10 Miken Last Chance Major Sterling Heights, MI
August 15-17 USSSA A Worlds Kissimmee, FL
August 29-31 Conference Championships Kissimmee, FL
Sept 17-21 Men's Major World Series Disney, FL
Sept 26-28 ASA A Worlds Oklahoma City, OK
Oct 3-5 NSA Super Worlds Columbus, OH
Outlook: Linedrive had the best chemistry of any team in 2013 and that led them all the way up to 7th place in the final conference standings! Linedrive made some moves to add power by picking up former Nordkap slugger Cory Boothe and added pitching in former GTL hurler Brendt Newbill. "Tarz Nation" has one of the top 'A' teams in the country again and should have a shot at the 5th spot in the Conference points standings. Cory Large the Linedrive left fielder and leadoff man from Texas is young and immensely talented. Look for him to have a breakout season again and move up to the Major ranks in 2015. They also added former ASPNation infielder Cooper Vittitow and R&M infielder Chris Hansen. They also picked up Kyle "Biggons" Yerkes after he took off a year in 2014 and he of course is coming off of 'B' and 'A' World title teams with AJS and R&M Metals.
#8 Baugh Ford/Doerflinger/National Pawn/Klutch Brand/Easton (AL) (A)
Key additions, Brian Zirkle, Donovan Pokraka, and Chris Larsen among others have to replace the loss of Kevin Bazat and Brandon Dillon.
Billy Barrett
Brad Blankenship
Brad Reckart
Brett Brindley
Brian Zirkle
Chris Larsen
Donovan Pokraka
JD Genter
Jeff Flood
Jeff Payton
Kyle Pearson
Sean McDonald
Tommie Baugh
Vince Bisbee
Staff – Matt Hunt
Manager – Ric Doerflinger
Manager – Rob Humphrey
Sponsors
Tommie Baugh of Baugh Ford Mercury
Ric Doerflinger of Doerflinger Software
Dustin Doerflinger of Doerflinger Athletics
Steve Brindley of National Pawn
Vinny Dima & Brandon Patzig of Klutch Brand
Brett Helmer of Easton Sports
Schedule:
Las Vegas Major
Hall of Fame Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Seattle Dual
Chicago Major
The Dudley
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Michigan Last Chance
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: Baugh Ford has a veteran laden team led by the 2011 Long Haul Bomber champ Chris Larsen and former Resmondo standout Vince Bisbee. Couple that with USA Future Star center fielder Brian Zirkle, the steady onbase and hitting of JD Genter, Sean McDonald, and Donovan Pokraka, and the up and coming right fielder Kyle Pearson and you have yourself a team that can play for an 'A' World title. This is a merger between last years GTL team and the player/pitcher/sponsor Tommie Baugh.
The team should be a regular threat to finish on Sundays at Conference events. The pitching rotation of Tommie Baugh and former Linedrive pitcher Billy Barrett will probably be a 50/50 split. The team will need to stay healthy as they do have a number of older players.
#9 4 The Fallen/Miken/Evo9x (AZ) (A)
Pilar Amaya
Jason Baxter
Geno Buck
Josh Carter
Denny Crine
Charles Cunningham
Isaac Gonzalez
Brandon Gooding
Cody Hynes
Jim Kulovitz
Nate Newman
Dustin Roberts
Nick Sansone
Greg Zayas
Len Anderson – Wounded Veteran
Steve Farr – Assistant Coach
Jaime Fregozo – Coach
Schedule:
Las Vegas Major
Hall of Fame Dual
Seattle Dual
California Major
Smoky Mountain Classic
Portland Major
Michigan Last Chance
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: 4 The Fallen has assembled their best team ever in their third year in the conference. Former Laservision pitcher Geno Buck leads the way with Long Haul Bomber champ Denny Crine and new pickups Charles Cunningham (Sonnys), Isaac Gonazalez and Josh Carter from Famous, and Jason Baxter and Dustin Roberts from Nordkap. 4 The Fallen will again honor wounded warriors in their traditional flag ceremonies with their charity www.4-thefallen.org and you can support the charity and the team by purchasing Miken equipment, bats, and 4 The Fallen apparel through their website.
They need to win half of their games against the 'A' division and handle 'B' teams regularly in order to take the next step towards being an elite 'A' team in 2015.
I slipped Sonny's in here eventhough they are not playing conference, they do have 8 USSSA events listed on their schedule. This is where I would have ranked them if they had joined.
Sonny's (WY) (A)
Aaron Martinez #3
Brian Faria #9
Carl Blank #17
Chris Terry #19
Dan Bean #4
Jason Kreider #29
Jonathan Wheeler #11
Lex Ramirez #7
Matt Pesso #10
Nick Price #6
Sammy Christensen #13
Westy Guill #12
Julio Salazar #23
Manager/Sponsor – Sonny Pilcher #15
Schedule:
Las Vegas Major
Corky's
Texas Legends
Combat Dual Seattle
Vegas ASA
Battle in the West
Smoky Mountain Classic
Rocky Mountain Major
USSSA 'A' World
Super ASA
ASA 'A' World
Outlook: Sonny's always seems to have pretty good chemistry and they usually take care of business at the smaller USSSA events. They are one of those 'A' teams that can and will beat the big Major teams on occasion. Sonnys added Classic Glass players Chris Terry, Jonathan Wheeler, and Nick Price. They also added pitcher Dan Bean who played ASA with them a year ago, and they picked up pair of California sticks in Jason Kreider and Julio Salazar.
#10 Taylormade/TM Sports/Diamond & Ice/Mizuno (VA) (A)
Stacy Mizelle
Travis Rawls
John Zorich
Chris Calcutt
Brian Logan
Derrick Roland
Rick Leith
Brian Floyd
Clif Williamson
Stacy Bolton
Brandon Jonas
Jackie Corn Jr
Blake King
Chyenne Brooks
Billy Moran
Sponsor Travis Taylor
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Dual
Columbus, Ohio Major
Maryland Dual
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Michigan Major if needed for points
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: Taylormade returns one of the best defensive center fielders in the game in Brian Logan (worth the price of admission to watch), and brings back pitcher Brandon Jonas who led Tmade to a runner up finish in the 2011 Major World Series after losing their first game. They give veteran hitter Stacy Mizelle his first shot at conference play but will rely on the youth and energy of middle infielder Billy Moran, rookie of the year first baseman Blake King, and up and comers like Jackie Corn Jr and shortstop Clif Williamson. Taylormade should have an improved season over 2013 and should compete for a Sunday finish at the 'A' Worlds.
#11 Slattery Logistics/BWW/Buzini Sports/Miken (MO) (A)
Chad Loudon and Billy Maggard
#1 Brent Lacy
#2 Bob Hankins
#3 Ken Leach
#4 Chad Loudon
#5 Andrew Miller
#6 Colby Hughes
#8 Jason Williams
#9 Brady Bascle
#11 Jake Mays
#14 Kyle Pearson
#21 Justin Stuart
#25 Chris Smith
#35 Tim Bowser
#66 Billy Maggard
Sponsor/Coaches
Dave Meyer – Slattery Logistics
Steven Gentry – Buffalo Wild Wings
Tjay Busin – Buzini Sports
Jeff Lohrmann – Gametime Sports
Adam Peterson – Miken
Schedule:
Houston Major
Hall of Fame Dual
Mike Turney Memorial, KS
Chicago Major
Indianapolis Major
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Michigan Last Chance
Outlook: Apparently Slattery was bumped to 'A'. Slattery Logistics is a new sponsor to the conference but the team has 8 players from the 2013 'B' World Championship team! Throw in three of FBI's better hitters from last year Ken Leach, Bob Hankins, and Tim Bowser and you have the recipe for a great team! Billy Maggard put on a show at last years Major home run derby and is one of the hardest hitters in the game. Also watch for the lock down infielders SS Chris Smith and MI Jason Williams. Slattery is led by veteran pitcher Chad Loudon and a veteran management staff.
#12 Combat/Blockers/Prime Time Design/Batters Brigade (WA) (A)
Adam Rockoff and Shawn Jones were key late offseason pickups
Mark Bizzell
Bruce Blocker
Dennis Browning
Jimmy Deaton
Dan Dillingham
Dave Garcia
Frank Griffin
Landon Helm
Robert Hendrend
Francois Henry
Nate Holcomb
Chris Hoshaw
Shawn Jones
Dave Moore
Pat Paschal
Adam Rockoff
Joey Smith
JR Crockett
Dean Stevens
George Phillips
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Classic
Columbus Major
Seattle Dual
Maryland Dual
Indianapolis Major
Smoky Mountain Classic
Last Chance Major
USSSA A Worlds
Conference Championships
Major World Series
Outlook: This team is an interesting combination between players from the great northwest like former Combat left handed outfielder Joey Smith and big Pat Paschal. They also have Combat factory hitter Franck Henry from Team Canada and former Demarini/Dirty pitcher Shawn Jones. The team is rounded out with a number of Florida players in the infield with Robert "Dirty" Hendren at SS, Dave Garcia up the middle, and the steady Dave Moore at third base. Throw in some power with Nate Holcomb, Landon Helm, and Dan Dillingham, and top it off with the late offseason addition of Adam Rockoff and you have yourself a new 'A' team! This team has some power and pitching, but will struggle against top 'A' teams. If they take care of the 'B' teams they play (a big "if") and get at least one hot run in one of the big points tournaments then they should make the Major world series.
#13 Fence Brokers/Buzini Sports/Worth (AR) (A)
3 Chris Walker
33 Jason Bridges
15 Manny Reynolds
7 Spencer Foley
21 Zach Keene
12 Dennis Shrum
31 Joey Powell
0 Rob Stewart
5 Brad Wallace
8 Pat Burton
23 Mike Wilson
31 Roland Pennington
25 Tim Howard
17 Kevin Kull
16 Brandon Jones
24 Matt Rush
11 Matt Snyder
99 Alex Henry
1 Bobby McGhee
Schedule:
Euless Major
Arkansas Major
Smoky Mountain Classic
USSSA 'A' Worlds
Outlook: Chris Walkers FBI team returns to the conference with some veteran major players added to the roster in outfielder Tim Howard and infielder Dennis Shrum. They also have some great young players in shortstop Pat Burton and former Combat pitcher Alex Henry. The team rejoins the 'A' ranks and should do well in the Texas and Arkansas conference events but may need some more power for the 'A' Worlds. This team would have to add to the schedule to be eligible for post season play (besides 'A' worlds).
Rankings continue below these poll results where the fans on Oldscout voted for best 'A' Conference team.
Poll was taken before we realized Slattery was bumped to 'A'
Poll Results: Who is the best Conference 'A' team?
Line Drive Sportz/R&M Metals/Easton (A) MI 30% 63
Red's Astros/Louisville Slugger/Team Rhino (A) IN 24% 50
Team Albicocco/The Scene/Easton (A) NY 19% 39
Baugh Ford/ Doerflinger / National Pawn / Easton 11% 24
Combat/Blockers/580 Graphics/Batters Brigade (FL) 5% 11
4 The Fallen/Miken/Evo9x (A) AZ 5% 10
Taylormade/TM Sports/Diamond & Ice/Mizuno (A) VA 5% 10
Fence Brokers/Buzini Sports/Worth (A) AR 1% 3
#14 ASP Nation/Dynasty/Reset/Easton (TX) (B)
Jason Magnum, Josh Wiggs, Stuart Snell, and Matt Kainer
Josh Wiggs
Jason Magnum
Cam Byars
Greg Millsaps
Tommy Melton
Chad Folsom
Mike Cervantes
Lyf Nimmo
Stuart Snell
Ben Dunn
Nick Mitschke
Chris Potts
Matt Kainer
Ethan Stuckly
Lee Trawick
Manager: Donnie Munford
Coach: Jeremy Moody
Coach: Dwayne "Spanky" Phillips
Stats: Shea Adams
Sponsors:
ASP NATION–LYF NIMMO
RESET/BACAS
DYNASTY–GREG MILLSAPS (ANGEL IN THE SKY)
EASTON–BRETT HELMER
Schedule:
Houston Major
Hall of Fame Dual
Euless Major
Atlanta Major
Maryland Dual
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Louisiana Major
Conference Championships
USSSA 'B' World
USSSA Major World Series
Outlook: This team is a merger between the ASPNation.com team from Texas and Dynasty one of the top 'B' teams from 2013. The team goes into the 2014 season with heavy hearts as one of their main sponsors, Greg Millsaps, was tragically killed in a car accident in the offseason. The team will try to win the 'B' World in his honor and are the #1 ranked 'B' team to start the season. They have one of the great young infielders in the game Tommy Melton, an exciting defensive center fielder in Ben Dunn, and the best power of any 'B' team in the game with Jason Magnum, Josh Wiggs, Stuart Snell, and Matt Kainer.
ASPNation has a great shot at a Sunday finish at the 'B' Worlds and should hang tough against most 'A' teams during the regular season. Pitcher Cam Byars has another year under his belt and is a workhorse on the mound. Mitschke, Cervantes, and Folsom are some other names we could be hearing for years to come. Their schedule should allow them to win some conference events this season.
#15 Precision/Easton (IL) (B)
Unofficial Roster and Schedule
Matt Rear
Keith Laski
Jeff Keske
Seth Burgmeier
Ryan Thiede
Justin Wicinski
Mark Holstein
Andy Vitcak
Chris Geron
Mike Jacobson
Bryan Porter
Frank Fracek
Gary Lofton
Ryan Kvasnicka
Andy Brown
Bill Wax
Todd Ankney
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
The Dudley
Indianapolis, IN
Maybe Smoky
Cincinnati, Ohio
Michigan Last Chance
B Worlds
Conference Championships (if qualified)
Major World Series (if qualified)
Outlook: Precision from Chicago will start their second year in the conference and made some big offseason pickups in Chicago native Ryan Thiede who played with Laservision and pitcher Andy Vitcak who played for Backman/Shoppe a year ago. Throw in third base pickup Matt Rear from Linedrive and a team full of young up and coming players with a veteran manager in Todd Ankney and you have another top 'B' team. Precision can compete for a World title and look to play both ASA and USSSA. Precision should qualify for the Major World Series again in 2014.
#16 OC Swats / Miken / Premier Athletics (CA) (B)
Mike Brambilla
Frankie Deaver
AJ Montano
Matt Fox
Eli Aguilar
Allen Samuel
Robert Sena
Trevor Young
Dave Nowak
Carlos Vasquez
Andre Magalion
Ed Vega
Ryan Mcclanahan
Manager – Henri Nuber
Coach/Player – Johnny Gallegos
Schedule:
4/4-4/6 USSSA Conference – Las Vegas
4/24-27 USSA Conference Duel I – Orlando
4/24-27 USSA Conference Duel II – Orlando
5/16-17 USSSA Conference – Euless, TX
5/30-6/1 USSSA Conference 1st Dual – Kent, WA
5/30-6/1 USSSA Conference 2nd Dual – Kent, WA
6/13-6/15 USSAA Conference 1st Duel – Glen Burnie, MD
6/13-6/15 USSAA Conference 2nd Duel – Glen Burnie, MD
6/29-6/31 USSSA Conference – Perris, CA
7/4-7/6 USSAA Conference – Little Rock, AK
7/18-7/20 USSSA Conference – Cinncinnati, OH
8/1-8/3 USSSA Conference – Aurora, CO
8/15-8/17 USSSA A World Championship – Orlando, FL
9/12-14 USSSA B World Championship – Orlando, FL
Might add Portland
Outlook: OC Swats returns to the Conference with an upgraded team and some new young talent in Matt Fox and power hitting infielder Mike Brambilla. Veteran pitcher Robert Sena, Miken Long Haul bomber Eddie "the kid" Vega, and long time Major utility man Johnny Gallegos have all been added to the team. OC Swats is Californias best shot at a World title in 2014. They already have won over 20 straight games in pre-season tournaments. The entire infield can play shut down defense led by Carlos Vasquez and Frankie Deaver. Manager/sponsor Henri Nuber has been putting great teams on the field for more than 20 years.
#17 Pure Romance/Chic's Bar&Grill/HeadlinesApparel.com/Easton (OH) (B)
Brandon Bellamy INF (PRI)
Steve Edwards INF (PRI)
Jimmy Carter INF (PRI)
Rocky Staton INF (PRI)
Roger Drake P (PRI)
Roger Bias P (PRI)
Ben Cosgrove OF (PRI)
Jason Gardner OF (PRI)
Dan Feichtner UTL (PRI)
Jon Jamison UTL (PRI)
Jason Ferguson UTL (Linedrive)
Mike Rogers OF (GTL/R&M)
Butch Castor OF (3rd Street)
Shane Hatfield INF DNP
Nick Cicchinelli – Sponsor (Pure Romance/Chic's Bar&Grill)
Brett Helmer – Sponsor (Easton Sports)
HeadlinesApparel.com – Sponsor
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Classic Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
Indianapolis, Indiana
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati, Ohio
Michigan
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA 'B' World
USSSA Major World
Outlook: Let me know if the roster or sponsors needs corrected. PRI as they are known returns as a B+ team. They added infielder Jason Ferguson from Linedrive, and outfielder Mike Rogers from GTL, as well as the return of veteran Shane Hatfield who last played with Shoppe in 2012. Jon Jamison is a professional hitter that does big damage on the baseball sized fields. Middle infielder Rocky Staton is a gamer. And Jason Ferguson returns to his home area team after a couple of solid years in 'A' ball. PRI qualified for the Major World Series in 2013 and look to take the next step towards a 'B' World title in 2014. Last years manager Mike Foulkes is now with Shoppe.
Schedule:
Hall of Fame Classic Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
Indianapolis, Indiana
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati, Ohio
Michigan
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships
USSSA 'B' World
USSSA Major World
Outlook: 3rd Street adds a big name pitcher in Shane Spicer and pickup veteran bats in former Reds Astros players Steve Kingsolver and Doug Martin. They did lose power hitting catcher Brad Tabler. 3rd Street has an outside chance at a Major World Series berth and also a Sunday finish at the 'B' Worlds. It will be interesting to see how the 3 veteran pickups transition to a 'B' team. They also added Ryan Disbennett from Bellas and center fielder Drew Thieken is always entertaining on the defensive side.
#19 Broughton Pharm/Next Level Sports/Bland Roofing/Easton/Turk Automotive (GA) (B)
Shaun Bridger and John Dutch
Shaun Bridger #7
Sean Greer #12
Jason Snider #4
Wes Parker #11
K.R. Eaton #1
Larkin Grant #21
Josh Purvis #9
Evan Jarman #15
Eric Byrum #2
John Dutch #37
Todd Hilton #23
Trenton Simms #3
Chivas Clark #4
Derek Bowen #10
Benjamin Beasley #17
Sponsors:
Broughton Pharm
Next Level Sports
Bland Roofing
Easton Sports
Turk Automotive
Schedule
Conference Affiliate March 21-22 Columbus, GA
Conference Affiliate March 29-30 Valdosta, GA
USSSA Hall of Fame Classic-Dual Event April 24-27 Kissimmee, FL
2nd Annual Columbus BATS Major May 9-11 Columbus, OH
Peach State Classic May 23-25 Marietta ,GA
USSSA Bash on the Chesapeake-Dual Event June 13-15 Glen Burnie, MD
46th Smoky Mountain Classic July 11-13 Maryville, TN
15th Cincinnati Men's Major July 18-20 Cincinnati, OH
USSSA B World
Conference Championships
USSSA Major World
Outlook: Broughton is a mix of the 2012 Down2EarthSports team that won the 'B' Worlds (Bridger, Clark, Hilton, Byrum, and Greer), a pair of ex-Head Hunters players (Eaton and Parker), and the return of veteran outfielder and former major player John Dutch. This is a new team that should have good chemistry and get off to a quick start. With that core of D2E players they should be a threat for a deep run at 'B' Worlds. This is a team with a lot of underrated players who play best with a little chip on their shoulders. Ranking them down at #19 might just be the motivation they need. 🙂
#20 OI Livingston/Scott's Lawn Care/Midwest Whitetail Adventures/Worth GA (B)
Tony Elrod #O1
Carlton Griffin #22
Jason Gilfillan #12
Blaine Bolin #21
Matt McCraw #1
Jamie Hancock #13
Adam Tennyson #10
Aaron Tennyson #2
Tyler Driskell #17
Jake Rushing #3
Mike Martin #15
Dylan Davidson #20
Jonathan Scott #25
Jesse Scott #OO
Robert Knoblauch #77
Coach/Sponsor
Mikey Olive
Sponsors
Wes Livingston
Scott Chesney
Mark Knight
Todd Allen
Mike Cornell
Schedule:
HOF Dual
Columbus, Ohio
Atlanta
Maryland Dual
Smoky
Cincinnati
Conference Championships
USSSA 'B' World
Major World Series
ASA 'B' National
Outlook: The old Headhunters team from 2013 makes a couple of quiet but effective pickups. They add former Dirty and Precision pitcher Tony Elrod. Infielder fielder Matt McCraw and Dylan Davidson from S&S Landscape. And Jason Gilfillan and Blaine Bolin who played with D2E and other teams in the past. Their biggest pickup though is infielder Robert Knoblauch who burst on the scene (pun intended) with Albicocco a year ago. Throw in Carlton Griffin and the Scott brothers among others and you have yourself a nice squad that could easily finish between 15 and 25 in the Conference point standings. Now that I have placed this team 20th, I'm feeling a little nervous that I should have bumped them up higher…
#21 VTS/S&S Landscaping/EVO9X (MA) (B)
Steven Allen OF
9 Jason Arraiol IF/OF
10 Tony Flores IF/OF
21 Chris Goyette C/EH
3 Jeffrey LaHair SS
16 Michael McGoogan 1st/P
5 John Myler IF
24 Robert Nash IF
7 Michael Padovani OF
66 John Redihan C/EH
Terry Rosenbalm II IF
2 Jeffrey Roxby IF
17 Scott Sunderland C/EH
23 Brian Titus P/1st
20 Joe Venturini OF
VTS – John Redihan Coach
S&S Landscaping – Scott Sunderland Manager
Schedule:
April 24-27 Hall of Fame
May 13-15 Columbus Major
May 16-18 Connecticut Affiliate
June 13-15 Bash on the Chesapeake Dual
July 11-13 Smoky Mountain
July 18-20 Cincy
August 8-10 Last Chance Detroit (if needed)
A Worlds
Conference Championship
B Worlds
Don't forget to play the Free VTS Sports NCAA Bracket Give Away! Get your bracket in and win slowpitch bats and other prizes!
Outlook: After their 4th place finish in the USSSA 'B' Worlds in 2013, VTS moves to the Conference with a lot of roster turnover. They picked up outfielder Steve Allen who played with Albicocco a year ago. They picked up the young infielder from Florida – Jeff Roxby, and former PRI infielder Terry Rosenbalm. They also picked up S&S Landscaping manager Scott Sunderland, shortstop Jeff LaHair who was one of the leading hitters in the league a year ago, and former 'C' MVP and Baugh Ford pitcher Brian Titus. Add this to returning veterans player/sponsor John Redihan and pitcher Mike McGoogan and you have yourself an interesting 'B' team that could compete for a Sunday finish again at Worlds.
#22 B&B/Diamond & Ice Sports/BMW Insulation/MH (NC) (B)
Eric Bunn- #14 – IF
Matt Bunn- #21-OF
Paul Winner – #17-P
Timmy Mickey – #13-C/DH
Willis James – #1-IF
Edmond Locklear – #22-IF
Cory Franklin – #15-C/DH
Mike Craven – #33-P
Brett Thomas – #18-OF
Jessie Maloney – #19-IF
Bill Rhew – #11-IF
Justin Walker – #00-OF
Rich Rocobaldo – #23-IF
Coaches/Sponsors
Barry Bunn – # 20 – Head Coach/Sponsor
Chris Alphin – #20- Asst. Coach
Barry West – #24- Stats/Sponsor
Mark Katz – Sponsor – Diamond & Ice Sports
Schedule
Outlook: B&B made that incredible run at USSSA 'B' Worlds at the end of 2013 where we got to see their true talent. Pitcher Paul Winner returns along with center fielder (the other) Matt Bunn, middle infielder Bill Rhew, and sluggers Tim Mickey, Cory Franklin, and Jess Maloney and most of the other starters. Edmund Locklear at third base has shown he is one of the most underrated players in the game, and shortstop Willis James is coming off a 'B' World Offensive MVP. Lets see if this team can pick up where they left off. They have an aggressive schedule which could actually hurt them, but team chemistry and momentum can go a long way and we know they have the horses to hit at the big Fortune Road fields at the end of the season.
#23 Xtreme/Miken (MN) (B)
Matt McGowan
Dan Skelly
Mark Harvanko
Alex Bremer
Kyle Decker
Chris Bauer
Andrew Lehman
Eric O Connell
Seth Brown
Justin Barber
Dustin Palm
Aaron Lewicki
Craig Arndt
Todd Newton
Adam Peterson
Coaches
Dan Bergeron
Dave Bremer
Scorekeeper
Mary Bistodeau
Sponsors
Xtreme Cut and Design
Miken Sports
Conference Schedule
Hall of Fame Classic (Kissimmee, FL)
2nd Annual Columbus BATS Major (Columbus, OH)
Windy City Invitational (Joliet, IL)
32nd Annual Dudley/Budweiser (Brooklyn Center, MN)
46th Smoky Mountain Classic (Maryville, TN)
Miken Last Chance (Sterling Hgts, MI)
Outlook: Xtreme is a steady 'B' team with a good core of experienced players. At times they look like the best team in the 'B' division and at other times they do not and often within the same tournament. Going into details about a given player isn't what this TEAM is about. They win and lose on momentum and chemistry and have a good mix of veterans and young talent. A safe bet to wind up within +3 or -3 spots from their initial pre-season ranking of 23.
#24 MPT Rentals / Mizuno Roster (NJ) (B)
Justin Mucciarelli and Daniel Kirkwood will lead the defense up the middle for MPT Rentals
Scott Langford #23
Daniel Kirkwood #8
Alejandro Castellon #20
Justin Mucciarelli #14
Brandon Blake #1
Kyndrich Doggett #32
Shawn Zipperer #34
Tyler Smith #29
Greg Senna #21
Alex Martinez #16
Tony Wargo #9
Richard Guillad #5
Kenny Donelson #13
Todd Simo #7
Anthony Sorrentino #3
Player / Coaches
Mark Carucci #2
Steve Forgus #27
Tom Tvrdik #11
Sponsors
MPT Rentals, Inc.
Carucci Safety & Equipment, Inc.
Slow-Pitch-Softball.com!
Mizuno
Schedule:
HOF Dual
Seattle Dual
Maryland Dual
Smoky
Cincinnati
Michigan
Conference Championships
USSSA 'B' World
Major if qualified.
Outlook: Another one of the top 'C' teams from 2013 moves up to Conference and adds a half a teams worth of those always tough Florida free agents. Outfielder Daniel Kirkwood comes over from the defunct Demarini team, infielder Scotty Langford from Taylormade, infielder Brandon Blake from GTL, and Shawn Zipperer, Kyndrich Doggett, and Alejandro Castellon have various amounts of Conference experience. As for the MPT regulars, the big names there are the longtime New Jersey native pitcher Justin Mucciarelli, and a slew of young talent led by outfielder Kenny Donelson and I think it was Tony Wargo who I was told might be an up and coming hitter to keep an eye on. MPT has an interesting schedule playing all 3 duals and the other big tournaments throughout the second half of the season. This could end up really good or really bad for a young team with lots of enthusiasm and swagger, but to end up good in the points they would have to knock off some big 'A' teams at some big tournaments.
Don't forget to get your own customizable team site at Slow-Pitch-Softball.com!
#25 Bad Draw / Hangrite (NC) (B)
Brandon Perry and John Robinson are two of the big pickups for Bad Draw
Leon Bass
Freddie Bynum
David Byrum
JD Coates
Nick Floyd
David Forbes
CJ Jacinto
John Robinson
Corey Rogerson
Brandon Perry
Brent Powers
Mark Urbain
Keith Whitman
Coaches:
Tim Taylor
Robert Jones Jr (Coach Jones)
Toby Williams
Brandon Cashwell
Sponsors:
Wesley’s Housing Center
Hangrite
Tentative Schedule:
Hall of Fame Dual
Peach State Classic
Windy City Invitational
Bash of the Chesapeake
Smoky Mountain Classic
Cincinnati Major
Last Chance
B World
Outlook: This is my sleeper 'B' team. This is a team that finished top 10 at the 'C' Worlds last year and has moved up to the Conference. They have players with lower conference experience like David Byrum, Nick Floyd, Jacinto, and Brent Powers. Then they brought in some sticks with journeyman slugger John Robinson and former Combat outfielder Brandon Perry. The key though may be the addition of former T&R Stucco and Team 454 manager Tim "Tiny" Taylor. Tim has a way of getting the most out of his players and they recently went 6-0 to win a local upper level SSAA event. I have ranked this team #25 but believe they could finish as high as #16. Looking forward to seeing this team play.
Manager Tim Taylor
#26 Classic Glass/Easton (CA) (B)
Dameon Smith
Donald Hollingsworth Jr.
Steven Lopez
Jason Romero
Tyson Steele
Filip Washington
Tyler Espland
Adam Alva
Rego Nieto
Tommy Formosa Jr.
Kenneth Paysinger Jr.
Brandon Traylor
Sponsor Tom Formosa Sr.
Sponsor Tommy Formosa Jr.
Sponsor Brett Helmer
Coach Charles Dyson
Coach Donald Hollingsworth Sr.
Schedule:
Sin City Classic – Las Vegas, Nevada
Hall of Fame Dual – Kissimmee, Florida
Combat Major – Kent, Washington
Glen Burnie Major – Maryland
Battle of the West – Perris, California
DeMarini Classic – Portland, Oregon
ASA B Nationals – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
USSSA B World – Kissimmee, Florida
Outlook: Classic will play all 3 dual events this year as they expand their schedule east of the Mississippi. Traditionally they have been successful in the past racking up computer points in the Western events. This year they will take a crack at both the ASA and USSSA 'B' Worlds. Classic finished 9th in the computer rankings a year ago and won 1 conference event and placed second twice. Classic lost good players off of last years squad but replace them with power hitter Tyson Steele, third base glove man Rego Nieto, former Famous center fielder Tyler Espland, and one of the best hitters in the game in Steven Lopez among other changes. Classic could definitely finish inside the top 20 in 2014 and score enough points to qualify for the World Series if they got on a roll.
#27 Primetime/Easton (GA) (B)
IRA BROWN
RASHARD BROWN
EARL BRYANT
TRE CAMPBELL
EVERETTE DANIELS
LEE DANIELS
DENNIS DAVISON
DONTA FRAZIER
RONALD GRACE
JERBLONSKI JENNINGS
ANTROINE MACK
DAVID MORROW
STERLING PARKER
REGGIE PATTERSON
JARVIS RIGGINS
DAMIEN SMITH
WILLIAM WEAKLEY
MICHAEL WILLIAMS
NEKEYMA WRIGHT
Conference Schedule:
Hall of Fame Classic
Columbus, Ohio
Atlanta, Georgia
Maryland Dual
Smoky Mountain Classic
Michigan Last Chance (maybe)
USSSA 'A' World
Conference Championships (maybe)
USSSA 'B' World
USSSA Major World Series (maybe)
Outlook: Primetime added one of the best defensive players in the game in infielder Tony Mack. They also return most of their starters from 2013 and a team that won the 2013 BSC and WSL championships if I recall correctly. Primetime has all of the big points tournaments on their schedule and will have an outside chance at making the top 16 in points and qualifying for the world series. If everyone steps up their game a half a step this team could surprise us.
Suburban Mechanical- Matt Lavender
Clutch- Justin Rosas
Larry's Tire/CMT- Larry Cole
Combat Sports- Don Cooper
Coach- Josh Onstott
Manager- Tracey Flack
Manager- Jeremy Coulter
Outlook: P&P 333 tries to shake off a really poor 2013 season. They return a core of players led by veteran catcher Brian Puckett, infielders John Zocco and Kenny Geiersbach, pitcher Todd Fairbanks and player/sponsor Josh Onstott. They picked up 1st baseman Shannan Green, infielder Justin Geiner, and the young shortstop Zach Hartle from last years Detroit Elite team among others. P&P burst on the scene a few years back with the 2011 'C' World title I believe it was. Then moved up to the conference in 2012, opening at the Hall of Fame Classic with that huge upset of Jean Shoppe in their first game. They followed that up with deep runs in the losers bracket at a number of tournaments. Then in 2013 they fell flat in their sophomore season. P&P has a solid team that just needs to get back to winning softball and as we always say in the Conference, you really can't take an inning, an at bat, or a pitch off. Back to the basics here.
#29 West Coast New Breed (WA) (B)
Sean Boldt, Chris Arredondo, Clay Smitherman
CHRIS ARREDONDO #28
BRIAN ATCHISON #10
SEAN BOLDT #12
JOSH BOYD #7
DANNY CONNELL #47
JONNY GASTINEAU #23
GEO MILLER #6
COLE PATTERSON #15
MICHAEL POWERS #54
SCOTT ROCKWELL #24
ROLANDO RODRIGUEZ #14
CLAY SMITHERMAN #42
MARCUS THORNTON #8
AARON POYSKY #18
RYAN LEKNESS #25
NICK UTLEY
JOSE SANCHEZ #33
KERM STRICKLIN #40
Schedule
MARCH 3/28,30 KING OF THE NORTHWEST USSSA RAC
APRIL 4/4,6 SIN CITY – CONFERENCE USSSA LAS VEGAS, NV
APRIL 4/24,27 HOF DUAL – CONFERENCE USSSA KISSIMMEE,FL
MAY 5/2,4 CONFERENCE AFFILATE USSSA PORTLAND,OR
MAY 05/30-06/01 SEATTLE DUAL – CONFERENCE USSSA KENT,WA
JUNE 6/20,22 THE DUDLEY USSSA BROOKLYN CNTR,MN
JULY 7/18,20 CINCINNATI MAJOR – CONFERENCE USSSA CINCINNATI,OH
JULY 7/25,27 DeMARINI CLASSIC – CONFEFRENCE USSSA PORTLAND,OR
AUGUST 8/8,10 LAST CHANCE – CONFERENCE USSSA DETROIT, MI
AUGUST 8/29-9/1 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS USSSA KISSIMMEE,FL
SEPT 09/12,14 B WORLDS USSSA KISSIMMEE,FL
SEPT 09/17,21 WORLD SERIES? USSSA DISNEY
Outlook: Jose Sanchez and Kerm Stricklin, two of the best game managers and talent evaluators in the softball nation, have put together a new young 'B' team with players from the Northwest and sprinkled in a few veteran free agents from California like 1st baseman Sean Boldt formerly of Famous, infielder Chris Arredondo formerly of OC Swats, and the power hitting lefty from Texas Clay Smitherman. If the team gells, it does have the schedule capable of propelling them to a top 5 'B' team. I may regret slotting this team #29 but the conference can be a humbling force for a young team that will build towards a 2015 run and surprise some teams in 2014.
#30 ChecKing/S&S/Worth (CT) (B)
Dennis Abbate. OF
Charlie Baumgartner C/EH
Barry Diggs OF
Jon Encarnacion IF
Jon Gagne OF
Jeff LaHair IF
George "Goose" Legierse C/EH
Jeff Medeiros 1B
John Myler IF
Mike Padovani OF
Nicholas Pappacoda Jr. IF/OF
Chris Perez 1B/C/EH
Brian Titus P
Justin Valenti IF
Joe Venturini OF
Sponsor/Manager Jimmy "DOGS" Consiglio
Sponsor/Manager Scott "Stump" Sunderland
Coach Phil Schlacter
Conference Tourneys
-HOF Dual
-Columbus Major
-CT Affiliate
-Maryland Dual
-Smoky
-Cincinnati Shootout
-Last Chance Michigan
-A Worlds
-Conference Championship
-B Worlds
Outlook: ChecKing/Worth jumped into the Conference at the last minute. They are a veteran group that added Baumgartner, Belding, and Encarnacion from TYJA. Checking plays out of the Northeast and is always a tough out at the 'B' Worlds. This team could surprise some higher level teams and wind up in the top 30 in the computer rankings.
#31 AZM/3n2/Easton/Classick Sports (AZ) (B)
Pitcher Marcus Henninger and midle infielder Mike Tarwater
KERMIE THOMPSON
MARCUS HENNINGER
JOSH MOORE
BRIAN KNIGHT
MIKE TARWATER
JOSH SERDY
NICK ROBERTSON
RONNIE NOYOLA
BRYAN LANG
MARIO GRANADOS
FAUSTINO DELGADO
TRAVIS CANTU
DAXTON MAMUYAC
RON SARTIN JR.
RON SARTIN COACH/SPONSOR
MIKE THOMPSON ASST. COACH
Schedule:
2/08/14 SOUTHWEST INVT. PHX, AZ.
4/04/14 USSSA CONF. LAS VEGAS
4/26/14 CACTUS CLASSIC PHX, AZ.
5/16/14 USSSA CONF. EULESS, TX.
5/30/14 USSSA CONF. KENT, WASH. (DUAL 1)
5/31/14 USSSA CONF. KENT, WASH. (DUAL 2)
6/27/14 USSSA CONF. PERRIS, CA.
7/01/14 USSSA CONF.(aff)Gilbert,AZ. BLD
8/01/14 USSSA CONF. AURORA, CO.
8/09/14 AZ. STATE TOUR. GILBERT, AZ. BLD
9/12 14 B WORLDS KISSIMMEE, FL.
Outlook: AZM joins the 2014 Conference out of Arizona. They have always been strong up the middle with underrated pitcher Marcus Henninger and the athletic middle infielder Michael Tarwater. Now they add some conference experience in outfielders Nick Robertson and Mario Granados who may have something to prove, and former 4 The Fallen pitcher Daxton Mamuyac as well as veteran stick Bryan Lang. This team will play a western schedule and will try to position themselves for a Sunday finish at the 'B' Worlds. If the pickups are focused and can gell with the AZM regulars they have an outside shot at a deep 'B' run.
#32 Vivid (TX) (B)
Jonathan Kilburn
Conway Waddy III
Nathan Uranga
Austin Peacock
Rodney Fail
Scott Perkins
Taylor Albrecht
Paul (PJ) Garcia
Antwon Gates
Jeff Whitman
Ross Borkowski
Brett Melton
Mike Wrenn
Anquanius Frazier
Mike Ortiz
Ryan Kuntz
AJ?
April 11-13 Space City
April 24-27 HOF
May 16-18 Euless
June 6-8 Dallas Affiliate
July 4-6 Bush Pepsi
July 26-27 Cajun Classic
July 11-13 Smokey
August 8-10 Last Chance
ASA Super Series
May 9th – Dallas
May 31 – Kansas City
August 15th – B Nationals OKC
August 22 – ASA Super Nationals Fort Worth
September 26 – ASA A Nationals OKC
Outlook: Vivid is a young team in its 2nd Conference season. Like most teams they should play better the closer they are to home, and they also have a couple of Florida players like Mike Wrenn and Brett Melton with extensive Conference experience. Mike Ortiz is from P&P 333 and pitcher PJ Garcia is from California and pitched for Famous a year ago. Player/Sponsor Jon Kilburn and manager Jeff Whitman have their work cut out for them and a big schedule ahead of them.
#33 TG Brand (MI) (B)
10 Matt Tucker
22 Ryan Morrow
55 Frankie Andriola
18 Adam Sorrell
9 Bryan Weeks
1 Tyler Kostelic
8 Dale Roe
20 Tony Payne
24 Ryan Noe
2 Josh Masden
28 Adam Kaminski
13 James J Sparrow
33 Joe Dorton
5 Brian Lakes
11 John Radich
3 Justin Green
12 Aaron Rubio
Coach: Dale Dorton
Coach: Bob Roose
Schedule:
March 21-23: Columbus, OH
April 11-13: Houston, TX
April 24-27: Kissimmee, FL (Dual)
May 9-11: Columbus, OH
June 6-8: Joliet, IL
June 13-15: Baltimore, MD (Dual)
June 27-29: Indianapolis, IN
July 11-13: Maryville, TN
July 18-20: Cincinnati, OH
August 8-10: Detroit, MI
Outlook: TG Brand returns for their third year in the Conference where they have definitely struggled. They picked up PRI infielder Ryan Noe, veteran left handed stick Dale Roe and a few others but lost infielder Jeff Payton who went to Baugh Ford. We will get an early look at TG as they are playing the GSL in March, Houston and the Dual in Florida in April. We will know quickly if these guys are ready for the 'B' division but cudos for stepping up.
#34 Cash House/Dave Nager/Louisville Slugger (OH) (B)
Allen Dina- OF
Rusty Dodge- OF
Kevin Raisor– OF
Matt Rogers- OF
Tom Crump- IF
Eric Galon-IF
Ryan Kinnick- IF
Bob Lawson- IF/coach
Archie Pemberton– IF
Ryan Roppel– IF
Steve Zemanek– IF
Rueben Miller- P
Matt Miller– P
Rob Whitehouse- IF/Manager
Billy Wood- Coach
Kevin Thompson- Backer
Tentative Schedule:
4/24- Dual Orlando, FL.
5/9- BATS Major Columbus, OH
6/6- Windy City Joliet, IL.
6/27- Circle City Indianapolis, IN
7/11- Smoky Mountain Classic Maryville, TN.
7/18- Cincinnati Major
8/8- Last Chance Sterling Hts, MI.
USSSA B States, regionals and worlds for sure
Outlook: Cash House returns to the Conference for the 2nd year, this time as a 'B' team. They picked up the big man Archie Pemberton from P&P 333, and former Cooper pitcher Matt Miller. They recently lost SS/P Marce Porcello (ouch). I believe this team will struggle against upper 'B' and 'A' level teams. Eric Galon who was one of the top onbase hitters in the Conference a year ago and Alan Dina and player/manager Rob Whitehouse have many years of experience will lead the way. A good year would be for this team would be to crack into the top 30 and build for 2015.
#35 Cooper/Shattered/Yuengling/Easton (OH) (B)
Bryan Daniel OF
Josh Kirsten OF
Tyler Collins OF/INF
Mike Ditmer INF
Jesse Solomon SS/OF
Justin Evans MI
Joe Van Culin INF
Eric Heinrich 1st
Danny Rickman P/INF
Rich Kohlbacher C/EH
Chris Riddle INF
Mike “Squ” Malesko C/EH
Brian Ankney OF/INF
Dave Potter C/OF
Shane Dancer P
GM/Sponsor Mike Cruea
Coach Phil Watkins and Myles “ChiliMac” McPherson
Sponsors:
Rob VanMetre (Yuengling)
Shattered Shirts (Shawn Childs)
Cooper (Mike Cruea)
Easton (Brett Helmer)
Tentative Schedule
April 24-27 USSSA Hall of Fame Class Dual Kissimmee, Florida
May 9-11 2nd Annual Columbus BATS Major Columbus, Ohio
June 6-8 Windy City Invitational Joliet, Illinois
June 27-29 Circle City Show Indianapolis, Indiana
July 11-13 46th Smoky Mountain Class Maryville, Tennessee
July 18-20 15th Cincinnati Mens Major, Cincinnati, Ohio
August 8-10 Last Chance Major
USSSA B Worlds
Maybe USSSA A Worlds
Outlook: Cooper won 6 tournaments including the Ohio 'C' States and the prestigious USSSA 'C' Worlds. They went 30-12 against 'C' division opponents in 2013 and step up to Conference play in 2014. The roster looks like it has many returning players from the World title run plus among others veteran Mike Malesko from the old Columbus Pipe teams and pitcher Shane Dancer. Looking at the schedule there could be some short weekends for Cooper if they don't get over the "hump" for new teams which consists of breaking through with an upset win against the 'A' and 'B' teams they will face early in the big tournaments they have on the docket. Often you hear teams from other parts of the country say that its easy for a new 'C' or 'B' team from the midwest (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) area to get into the conference because they can drive to so many tournaments. This is true, but the downside is that all of the tournaments have all of the top 10 teams in them so there is a lot of short weekends while the new team tries to break through and become an established team. Very few do. Good luck to Cooper and cudos for stepping up.
#36 Midwest Hearing/Easton (MO) (B-TBD)
ERIK AMATO
CHRIS BALDRIDGE
JUSTIN BENNETT
TERRY BREWSTER
AARON BUTTS
CASEY GARTEN
MARK HERRINGTON II
BILL HYATT
TIM JONES
NICK MILLER
PAT PRICE
BLAKE RENNER
TROY SIMONEAU
TROY ST. CLAIR
BILL VANCE
BRYCE WOODS
Tentative Schedule:
3/8 Wichita March madness
3/29 Tulsa
4/4-4/6 Vegas major
4/12 Wichita April thunder
4/25-4/27 Florida major
5/2-5/4 KC major
5/16-5/18 TX major
5/31 Wichita riverfest
6/14 OKC
6/28 Tulsa
7/4-7/6 Arkansas major
7/19 KC Hooters
8/2 Colorado major
World Tourney TBD
Outlook: I ranked Midwest Hearing, a new 'B' team, last among the 'B' teams simply because I don't know them. It looks like this team from Wichita, Kansas is stepping up and has laid out a nice schedule that will give them a shot to go deeper into tournament weekends. Again, no disrespect to this team for the lower 'B' ranking, I just do not know them. They did finish 9th at 'C' Worlds in 2013 and won 6 smaller tournaments.
Rankings continue below these poll results where the fans on Oldscout voted for best 'B' and 'C' Conference teams.
Poll Results: Who is the best Conf 'B' team? (first number is the number of votes)
53 OC Swats/Miken/Premier Athletics (B) CA
51 ASPNation/Dynasty/Reset/Easton (B) TX
50 Pure Romance/Chic's Bar&Grill/HeadlinesApparel.com (B) OH
38 Xtreme/Miken (B) MN
38 MPT Rentals / Mizuno (B) NJ
30 3rd Street/Louisville Slugger/Weller/MOJO (B) OH
21 West Coast New Breed Alliance (B) WA
26 Classic Glass/Easton (B) CA
25 Slattery Logistics/BWW/Buzini Sports/Miken (B) MO
18 Precision/Easton (B) IL
18 P&P 333/Suburban/Clutch/Larry's Tire/Combat (B) MI
18 Vivid (B) TX
17 Cooper/Shattered/Yuengling/Easton (B) (OH)
15 VTS Sports/S&S Landscape/Combat/Reebok (B) MA
13 Bad Draw / Hangrite (B) NC
11 TG Brand (B) MI
11 Cash House/Dave Nager (B) OH
9 B&B/Diamond & Ice Sports/BMW Insulation/MH (B)
6 Broughton Pharm/Next Level Sports/Bland Roofing/Easton (B) GA
5 Primetime/Easton (B) GA
5 OI Livingston/Scott's Lawn Care/Midwest Whitetail (B) GA
2 All American Athletics/Demarini (B)
2 AZM (B) AZ
Here are the results from the 'C' poll over on theoldscout message board:
Poll: Who is the top 'C' team in the Nationwide Conference USSSA?
20% JOCO/ADIKTIV/EASTON (C) TX
15% Worsham Athletics/ECA/G&K Properties/Combat (C)
13% Nightmare/Louisville Slugger (C) MO
12% H. Auto/Easton/Hooters MOA (C) MN
12% Tailgaters/Boys/B&E/Easton (C) PA
11% Above All Landscaping/GWS (C) (TBD) (NJ)
8% Detroit Elite/Easton (C) MI
4% LA CLASSIC/WORTH/BWW – (C) LA
3% K&G/Wilson/Louisville Slugger (C)
1% Wilson & Smith Recycling / C.G.R / Miken (C) MD
Of course the rankings below are SoftballCenters rankings.
#37 H. Auto/Easton/Hooters MOA (MN) (C-TBD)
Mike Nelson
Allan Ouellette
Brandon Newman
Nick Peterson
Scott Eischens
Joe Ehnstrom
Tim Nielson
Pat Ellwanger
Ryan Allanson
Colin Baartman
Curt Stewart
Dirk Updike
Matt Alvarado
Dustin Boone
Manager:
Bob Hortenbach
Coaches:
Jim Kuntz
Steve Long
Scott Meyer
Sponsors:
Hortenbach Auto (Le Sueur, Minnesota)
Easton Sports (Brett Helmer)
Hooters Mall Of America (Bloomington, Minnesota)
Schedule:
Las Vegas
HOF Duals
At least 4 other Conference events
Outlook: A solid conference team returns for their second year with a lot of the same players that started out 2013 with that shocking upset of Laservision. Don't look for another upset like that one but quite possibly this team could show some more consistency and end up in the 'B' division before its all said and done. H. Auto in my opinion is the top 'C' team in the nation to start the season.
#38 Worsham Athletics/ECA/G&K Properties/Combat (NC) (C-TBD)
KJ, Biershenk, and Tindell (above)
Tony Henry(Reds-Wosham)
Matt Tindell(DEI Easton)
Joshua Biershenk(DEI Easton)
Kevin Johnson(Taylormade)
Christopher Knox(Worsham)
Dustin Hester(Worsham)
Jason Walker(Worsham)
Tommy Mathis(Worsham)
Jason Martel(Briggs/Mossyoak)
Henry Team(Worsham)
Jason Newlin(Fla/Ga Lawmen)
Matt Michael (WC Cazzi)
Bruce Black(Worsham)
Zack Dellinger(Worsham)
Chris Cobb(Gasit/Worsham)
Player Coach Steve Hildebran(Worsham)
Brandon Jones(Worsham)
Sponsor Cecil (Sonny) Worsham
Vince Grigg(G&K)
Johnathon Craig
Equipment Don Cooper (Combat)
Schedule
April 24-27 HOF Kissimme Fla
May 23-25 Peach state Atlanta GA,
June 13-15 Glen Burnie MD
July 11-13 Smoky MTN Classic Maryville Tenn
July 18-20 Cincinnati Ohio Major
USSSA Major and USSSA C&B World
Outlook: Worsham had a lot of success as a 'C' team in non-USSSA events in 2013. They join the conference and add some solid 'B' players to the roster and a top pitcher in veteran Kevin Johnson who pitched for Taylormade a year ago. There is no question that if Worsham is in the 'C' division at the end of the year they will be a top seed for 'C' Worlds. I believe this team over shot on the schedule and will find it tough to win more than one game in a row at tournaments like the HOF Dual, Maryland, Smoky, and Cincy majors. But the team is a welcome new addition to Conference USSSA.
#39 Detroit Elite/Easton (MI) (C-TBD)
Frank Aleksandrovicz, Mychael Evans, and Tom Luna
Shane Massey of
Ryan Emery of
Nick Stark of
Mychael Evans of/p
Doug Shannyfelt of/p
Tim Caird. Inf/ sponsor
Jesse Wozniak inf
Andrew Knope inf
Charlie Anderson inf
Dave Stroud inf
Thomas Luna c/ah
Darian Love inf
Frankie Aleksandrowicz inf
Kevin Lambert inf
Joe Flis COACH
Joe Colville Ast coach
Tournaments
Florida dual
Columbus
Chicago
Cinci
Indy
Last chance
C worlds
Outlook: Detroit Elite has a number of the core members of last years Trust team. The offense will be led by Frankie Aleksandrowicz and Tom Luna. The versatile Mychal Evans returns for his second year in conference and they have added conference veterans Doug Shannyfelt who played with Bellas a year ago and former Linedrive shortstop Charlie Anderson. This team has a lot of higher level experience on the team and should start the season near the top of the Conference 'C' division.
Outlook: The longtime GSL team adds some USSSA Conference to their schedule. They recently lost their big left handed hitter in Buddy Wolf who went to play for Reds Astros. But Tailgaters will be just fine in the 'C' division and will be led by veteran pitcher Doug Kosmerl, shortstop Zach Messer, and player/sponsor Bill Lewis.
#41 Nightmare/Louisville Slugger (MO) (C-TBD)
Kirk Stafford – Pitcher
Nolan Fogel – infielder
Scott Short – infielder
Trey Gothard – infielder/outfielder
Justin Hall – infielder
Shawn Wrinkle – infielder
Toby Letak – infielder
Todd Otto – infielder
Corey Tapp – outfielder
Cory Newman – outfielder
Evan Gallmeier – outfielder
Kelly Hartman – C/AH
Al Kennon – Pitcher/AH
David Jones – Manager/Coach
Benjamin (Bengie) Ramos – Coach
Fogle Enterprises – Sponsor
Louisville Slugger/Dennis Turner-Sponsor
Schedule:
April 11-13 8th Annual Space City Classic, Houston, Tx
April 24-27 Hall of Fame Dual Event, Kissimmee, Fl
May 2-4 Worth/Mike Turney Memorial, Shawnee Mission, Ks
May 16-18 Affiliate Tournament, Blaine, Mn
May 23-25 Peach State Shootout, Atlanta, Ga
June 6-8 Stockyard Shootout, Mansfield, Tx
June 20-22 32nd Annual Dudley/Budweiser Brooklyn Center, Mn
July 4-6 34th Busch/Pepsi Softball Classic, Sherwood, Ar
July 25-Aug 15th NSA, ASA, USSSA State’s
August 29-31 Conference Championship
September 12th-14th USSSA Class B Worlds
Outlook: Nightmare returns to the conference with some pickups in left handed hitter Charles Key and former FBI outfielder Cory Newman. The team has some entertaining players like veteran pitcher Kirk Stafford and outfielder Trey Gothard along with some new young talent that could surprise.
#42 Above All Landscaping/GWS
Jason “JBIRD” Hoynowski CF
Jesse Campanelli SS
Chris “Nippleopolous” Montenegro 3B
Patrick “ Rip” Riporti C/DH
Clint Murray 1B/DH
Brian “BG” Garner 1B/P/IF
Bobby McMinn LF
Billy Aker RF
Eric Eickhorst OF/IF
Roy VanArsdalen C/DH
Tyler Pickunis OF
Steve Cromer 2B
Ryon Rabon OF
Willie “Copy” Allen Middle
Russ Banasiak P
Sponsors:
Joe Benanti Above All Landscaping, Inc.
Eric Eickhorst GWS Contracting
Bar Code Shack
Managers/Coaches:
Brian “Doc” Kildea
Jerry Vitale
Joe Benanti
Denielle Vitale
Tentative Schedule:
April 11-13: Space City Classic
April 24-27: Florida Duals
May 16-18: Connecticut Affiliate
May 23-25: Peach State
June 13-15: Maryland Duals
July 11-13: Smoky’s
July 25-27: Cajun Classic or Maryland Affiliate
August: North East National
September: B or C Worlds
Outlook: All Above dipped their toe in the Conference waters a year ago in the Maryland and Cincinnati Majors. They are led by veterans Chris Montenegro and Patrick Riporti from the ABS days, hardnosed pitcher Russ Banasiak, and the return of slick fielding middle infielder Willie Allen who formerly played with Sinister. This is another team that will upset some teams on Friday night and in the losers bracket.
#43 JTF/Louisville Slugger (USA) (C-TBD)
Clayton Shaw US Army
Michael Dochwat US Army
Marshall Woods US Army
Jason Hopper US Air Force
Jose Nunez US Army
Eric Querry US Army
Ryan Jones US Army
Thomas Fuss US Army
Dane Miller US Army
Lenny Myers US Air Force
Richie Adams US Army
Henry Collins US Army
Mario Coronado US Army
Jeff Scheel US Army
JR White US Army
Brandon Oden US Army
Vinnie Higgins US Army
George Martinez US Army
Kris Auger US Air Force
Chad Malin US Air Force
Chad Agustin US Army
Coach Danny Bond
Sponsors Dennis Turner Louisville Slugger
USSSA Conference Schedule:
22-23 March Affiliate Columbus, GA
04-06 April Louisville Slugger Sin City Classic Las Vegas, NV
02-04 May Worth Mike Turney / Memorial Shawnee, KS
23-25 May Peach State Classics / D2E Atlanta, GA
06-08 June Affiliate Dallas, TX
04-06 July 35th Busch/Pepsi Classics Little Rock, AR
18-20 July 15th Cincinnati Men’s Major Cinny, OH
14-17 Aug USSSA Military Worlds PCB
Outlook: An all military team that isn't playing many of the big tournaments. Should be a good opportunity to get their feet wet in the Conference but I wouldn't expect a high ranking or a lot of points scored. But they should have a large following of fans across the world as all of the players are active duty military.
#44 Wilson & Smith Recycling / C.G.R / Miken (MD) (C-TBD)
Charles Nicholson Manager
Christopher Isennock DH, Pitcher, Catcher
Dustin Mitchell CF, SS
Christopher Picking Utility
Francis Fornoff Utility
Joseph Durso LF
Derek McLeod Utility
Christopher Jarboe Utility
Greg Rush 2B
Mel Bowen Catcher, DH, Outfield
David Camp Pitcher
Adam Warfield 3B
Glen Jenkins SS
Donald Meyett RF
Ryan Fant MI
Richard McArdle Coach
David Wilson Catcher, 1st, DH
Keith Arnold Coach
David Hopkins Coach
Robert Geyer Pitcher , DH
Outlook: I recognize some veteran Conference names like Donald Meyett, David Camp, Greg Rush, and Adam Warfield from past teams like Angle Inn and Diamond Blade. Infielder Ryan Fant has some Conference experience as well. Looks like a solid team from the east that could provide some tough first round games for the upper level teams.
#45 JOCO / ADIKTIV / EASTON (TX) (C-TBD)
Above, Raley Vincent, Dee Hornesburger, and Ray Gurley Jr.
#1 DEE HORNESBURGER – OF
#5 CASEY BROWN – CF
#4 ADAM BARBERI – IF/OF
#10 TAYLOR LOBB – 3RD
#3 CHARLIE DUNN – MI
#22 RALEY VINCENT – RF
#7 MIKE WESTFALL – 2B/IF
#14 DAVID PRAHM – 1st
#11 RAY GURLEY JR. – P
#17 STEVE FORD – C
#2 MATT POWELL – SS
#18 DANIEL ARTERBERRY – 2B
#8 TYLER RUTHERFORD – LF
COACH/UTIL – #13 AL FERRERI
COACH – #44 TROY STANLEY
SPONSOR – #63 DARIN MAYVILLE – JOCO QUALITY PAINTING
SPONSOR – #7 MIKE WESTFALL (ADIKTIV SPORTS)
SCHEDULE:
March 1/2 North vs South San Antonio, Tx.
March 15/16 Brett Helmer Classic Mansfield, Tx
April11-13 Space City (Major) League City, Tx.
April 24-27 Hall Of Fame (Dual) Orlando, FL.
May16-18 Texas Legends (Major) Euless, Tx.
May 29-June1 The Combat Major (Dual) Kent, WA
June 7-8 Conference Affilate Mansfield, Tx.
July 4-6 Pepsi/Busch Major Little Rock, AR
July 19-20 Battle Of The Rings Mansfield, Tx
July 25-27 Cajun Classic (Major) Carencro, LA
August Texas State Tournament TBD
Sept Conference Championship TBD
Sept World Series Orlando, Fl
Outlook: JOCO is a new conference team from Texas with a few players from neighboring states who have upper level experience. The team is led by pitcher Ray Gurley Jr. The offense should come from Dee Hornesburger and Taylor Lobb, with power coming from Gurley, Prahm, and Ford. On the defensive side look for Daniel Arterberry and Raley Vincent. This team will probably struggle in the big tournaments but fair well in Texas.
#46 LA CLASSIC/WORTH/BWW (LA) (C-TBD)
Brent Chappell #1
Craig Upton #2
Blake Jones #6
Dustin Fleming #7
Mitch Chappell #8
Blake Sherrill #9
Jarred Ledbetter #11
Blake Terrell #15
Jay Arthur #16
Clint Harris #16/12
A.J. Downs #21
Glen Cupit #24
Marty Whitlow #29
Timothy Dow #34
Travis Harrell #50
Stan Wilson #88
Mitch Best #99
Bubba Tatum Manager / Sponsor
Jarvis Chappell Manager / Sponsor
Marty Whitlow Player / Coach
Dustin Fleming Player / Coach
Mike Cornell Worth
Steve Cohen Worth
Schedule:
Houston USSSA
Dallas ASA
Dallas USSSA or Twitty ASA
Dallas Affiliate
McQuade ASA
Arkansas USSSA
Smoky USSSA
Cajun Classic USSSA
Last Chance USSSA
ASA B National, OKC
ASA Super, Fort Worth
USSSA Conference Championships ?
USSSA C World Tournament ?
Outlook: LA Classic has a lot of roster turnover from their team that had a decent regular season in 2013 at the C and D levels. Most notably they add Chaps players in the Chappell brothers and Clint Harris. Looks like they may have added some Sportscenter players as well. A solid 'C' team that could surprise some teams in the Texas/Louisiana/Arkansas events.
#47 K&G/Wilson/Louisville Slugger (IN) (C-TBD)
Kyle Morgan OF
Fred Lawson INF
David Lykins C/EH
Billy Dennis C/EH
Eric Arthur OF
Justin Smith INF
Justin Harrison INF
Drew Smith OF
Travis Tindell INF
Rodney Falls INF
Chris Edwards P
Randy Lawson P
Gary Leffler P/INF
Rob Likens Manager
Karl Knight Coach/Sponsor
Curt Huey Coach
Andy Wilson Sponsor
Dennis Turner Louisville Slugger
Conference Schedule:
USSSA Bats Columbus OH
Windy City Joliet IL
Circle City Indianapolis IN
Smoky's Maryville TN
Cincy Major Cincinnati OH
Last Chance Sterling Heights
"C" Worlds Orlando FL
Outlook: A battle hardened 'C' team from Indiana with what appears to be a lot of roster turnover. Should do better in the Columbus, Indiana, and Cincinnati Majors getting ready for 'C' worlds. Looks like they added former Red's infielder Fred Lawson and Cash House pitcher Chris Edwards.
#48 CROSSFIT RDU – (NC) (C-TBD)
Adam Keith MI
Phillip Smith 2B
Brian Massey SS
Josh Benton 1B
Johnny Baker 3B
Steve Johnson C DH
Bobby Snow C DH
Travis Holloman OF
Tyler Almond OF
Dustin Burris OF
Mickey Curry P
Dwayne Davis P
Chris Brock P
Josh Collins IF
Coach Willie Medlin
Asst Coach Johnny Dixon
Asst Coach Craig Smith
Sponsor Crossfit RDU – Steve Johnson
Sponsor Craig Smith
Schedule
Orlando Duals
Atlanta
Glen Burnie
Smokys
Outlook: Another new Conference team from North Carolina. RDU was one of the top 'C' teams in the nation a year ago. They should have a shot at the top 40 but will have to fight through those long "dual" tournament weekends to do so.
#49 B&B Drywall/Easton (MO) (C-TBD)
CHRISTOPHER COUSSENS #27 1st/3rd
SCOTT PICK #22 C/DH
TRAVIS HULBERT #3 CF/INF
MIKE BROWN #55 2nd/P
DOUG TRIPP #29 OF/DH
JAMES BUTTERFIELD #16 1st/DH
WES NEWELL #6 P/Catcher
JOE SKYLES #4 MI/SS
KYLE MALLOW #10 OF/IF
BRANDON ONEAL #11 SS/OF
BARRY FENTIMAN #2 RF/CF
JASON TRAMMEL 3B
ZANE TRAMMEL LF
BOBBY ONEAL -B&B Drywall – Manger/Sponsor
Tentative Schedule:
APRIL 24-27 CONFERENCE DUAL – FLORIDA
MAY 2-4 KC MAJOR, Shawnee, KS
MAY 16-18 TEXAS LEGENDS EULESS, TEXAS
JUNE 6 – 8 WINDY CITY, JOLIET IL
JUNE 20 – 22 DUDLEY, BROOKLYN CENTER , MN
JULY 4-6 BUSCH CLASSIC – LITTLE ROCK AR
AUGUST 1-3 ROCKY MOUNTIAN, DENVER CO ?????
AUGUST 29-SEPT-1 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP, FL ?????
SEPT 18-21 C – WORLD FLORIDA
Outlook: B&B Drywall is a new conference team from the midwest Missouri/Kansas area with a few players from some of the old DMC teams? it looks like. They also picked up the Trammel brothers from ASPNation and Texas. We don't know a lot about this team and we will get our first look at the dual where there should be about 40 conference teams!
Bobby Oneal the sponsor/manager once sponsored the great Hooters/B&B/Drywall 'AA' and 'A' teams of the 1990's.
#50 Naildriver/Great Lakes Xpress (MI) (C-TBD)
JJ Schimizzi
Dave Patterson
Ali Jouni
Ben Rogowski
Addison Turk
Michael Newsted
Ryan Bertoia
Roberto Sosa
Paul Wineski
Nick Demers
Nathan King
Clinton Miller
Spencer Turner
Ryan Kett
Mike Duda
Casey Robrahn
Managers – Mike Rosenthal and Brian Hasiak
Schedule:
Columbus, Ohio
Joliet, Illionis
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Possible tournaments:
Atlanta, Georgia
Glen Burnie, Maryland
Indianapolis, Indiana
Cincinnati, Ohio
Outlook: Another new team from Michigan with a team full of new conference players. A lot of unknowns led by veteran manager Mike Rosenthal. This team won a lot of local 'C' and 'Open' tournaments in 2013.
#51 Slayer/ RSC/ AlphadawgSports/ Combat (OH) (C-TBD)
Jamie Adams
Richard Jones
Rob Ballinger
Buddy Welsh
Anthony Vangrinsven
Shawn Rogers
Andy McCoppin
Brandon Sisson
Matt Petrov
Shaun Johnson
Joey King
Danny Engle
Corey Jackson
Travis Urshel
Adam Paridaen
Mike McCoppin / Sponsor
Daryl Ohair / General Manager / Sponsor
Joel Kintner / Head Coach / Sponsor
Joe Bisinger / Assistant Coach / Sponsor
Sponsors
Combat Sports – Don Cooper/ Rick Baker
Rowe Sports Complex
Alpha Dawg Sports
Kintner Athletics
KB Contracting
Tentative Schedule 2014
March 22 – Derby City Showdown (Louisville, KY)
April 12 – NSA Border Wars (Owensboro, KY)
April 26 – Show No Mercy (New Albany / Georgetown, IN)
May 9 – USSSA Columbus, OH Major
May 23 – USSSA Tri-State Conference B/C NIT Dual (Cincy, OH)
June 6 – USSSA Joliet, IL Major
June 13 – USSSA Glen Burnie, MD Major Dual
June 27 – USSSA Indianapolis, IN Major
July 11 – USSSA Maryville, TN Major
July 18 – USSSA Cincy, OH Major
August 8 – USSSA Sterling Heights, MI Major
August 16 – USSSA Tri-State Champ / USSSA Ohio C State Dual (Cincy, OH)
August 29 – USSSA Conference Champ (Kissimmee, FL) or USSSA C Nationals (Milford, OH)
September 6 – USSSA A Corporate World (Dayton, OH)
September 18 – USSSA C World (Kissimmee, FL)
September 27 – GSL B World (Columbus, OH)
Outlook: This team played a number of conference events in 2013. They will have to step up their game to crack into the money paying points positions. Maybe the 52 ranking will provide motivation?
#52 WSC/Sportsmanshop (WI) (C-TBD)
Outlook: The WSC team returns as the 53rd conference team. I am ranking them last as I have not reviewed a roster yet. The Jacobs brothers will be a part of the team and everyone knows they love this game. Good luck!
#53 All American/Demarini (OR) (C-TBD)
No roster
2014 Conference Make Up (53 teams):
4 Major Teams
9 'A' Teams
23 'B' Teams
17 'C' Teams
2013 Conference Make Up (47 teams):
4 Major Teams
8 'A' Teams
20 'B' Teams
15 'C' Teams
2012 Conference Make Up (41 teams):
4 Major Teams
9 'A' Teams
21 'B' Teams
7 'C' Teams
2011 Conference Make Up (38 teams):
4 Major Teams
10 'A' Teams
20 'B' Teams
4 'C' Teams
2010 Conference Make Up (34 teams):
2 Major Teams
11 'A' Teams
15 'B' Teams
5 'C' Teams
1 'D' Team
Sick