A look back at the 2017 USSSA Hall of Fame Classic tournament report!
2017 Nationwide Conference USSSA
Hall of Fame Classic
Kissimmee, Florida
April 20-23
Resmondos Kevin Bazat hits against Dan Smiths LC Watson in the championship of the 1st Dual
Link to the SoftballCenter picture album of the HOF #1
Link to the SoftballCenter picture album of the HOF #2
2017 HOF #1 bracket and standings link
2017 HOF #2 bracket and standings link
Dan Smith started rolling at the end of the 1st Dual and was the upset winner!
Love the throwback Red, Blue, and White jerseys this team wore.
The Hall of Fame Classic Major is a dual tournament event with the first tournament starting at 8 AM eastern on Thursday morning and ending Friday evening and the second tournament starting Saturday morning and ending early Sunday afternoon. The tournament featured 36 teams from all over the country including 35 teams from Conference USSSA. Both tournaments were played in beautiful weather at the Osceola County Stadium and surrounding baseball fields as well as a few games over at the Fortune Road Athletic Complex. The first tournament started with some big upsets as Seminoles an 'A' team from Oklahoma knocked off the Racks/Sonny's (WY-M) Major team 17-16 in the stadium at 8 AM. Seminoles Brandon Raines had 4 extra base hits in the game and Racks had the bats in their hands at the end of that one but only mustered 1 run. Another upset was Bad Draw (NC-B) knocking off Newbreed (WA-M) Major team 21-20. There were some minor upsets as well as Bay Area Legends (CA-A) knocked off JBL/Tailgaters (OH-AA) 31-16, Pure Sports (SC-A) beat TG/HDLNS (OH-AA) 17-9, and Steel Sports (TX-A) outslugged TDB/TMSports (NC-AA) 42-40 over at Fortune Road where they used the "bad batch" stadium balls on the 310-325-325-325-310 fences. And Backman (IN-M) just did hold off a 7th inning charge by non conference 'B' team Beetech 17-15.
In the round of 16 Steel Sports beat Seminoles 29-12 in a battle for big conference points between two 'A' teams who are not normally expected to make it that far into the tournament. Xtreme (MN-AA) run ruled Pure Sports. Killbombers (TX-AA) made it past Bad Draw 22-15. Precision (IL-AA) bested rival Worth Astros (IN-AA) 25-11. And the Major teams Resmondo, Smash It Sports/Albicocco, Backman, and Dan Smith all won fairly easily.
In the final 8 Resmondo jumped out to a 16 run top of the first inning against Steel Sports and won 33-6 on the Stadium although Steel had a triple play in the game. Resmondo two hitter Greg Connell was 5-5 in the game with 4 home runs! Smash It Sports/Albicocco annihilated Xtreme 38-7 as SIS hitters Jason Branch, Andy Purcell, Luis Reyna, Kevin Filby, and Lee Payne all reached base safely in every one of their at bats. Backman held off Precision 16-12 holding Precision scoreless in the 7th. And Dan Smith beat Killbombers 18-17 in extra innings back on the OHP-2 baseball field – Killbombers had a chance to win in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs and runners in scoring position.
So four of the heavyweight major teams met in the final 4 of the winner's bracket of the first dual event on Friday morning in the stadium with its 330-390-410-390-330 dimensions. First Resmondo and Smash It Sports/Albicocco went at it. At the end of 6 innings Resmondo led 20-18 and then Travis Clark and Scott Kirby homered, and BJ Fulk hit an RBI triple and Brad Reckart added an RBI single giving Resmondo a 24-18 lead going to the bottom of the 7th. In the final frame SIS/Albicocco could only manage a two out homer from Andy Purcell and Resmondo had the big win 24-19. Offensive MVP Brian Wegman was 4-5 in the game with a homer and a triple and Resmondo out homered Smash It 9 to 7. In the other semifinal played at 11 AM Friday morning, Dan Smith scored 3 runs to take a 16-15 lead on Backman on a Casey Rogowski single in the bottom of the 6th. In the top of the 7th Backman's Steven Lloyd hit a "no doubter" home run to give them a 17-16 lead as Dan Smith left fielder Colby Hughes made a number of nice plays on the fence to keep Backmans offense held down. In the bottom of the 7th Dan Smith would come back with a clutch double by Donnie Hammonds and a hit from Brian Zirkle tied the game and Chris Greinert won it in walk off fashion with a bases loaded line drive single. Outfielder Donnie Hammonds was 4-4 in the game with a homer and two doubles.
Dan Smith was the surprise team then in the winner's final against the heavily favored Resmondo. Dan Smith came out firing on all cylinders as they scored 6 in the 1st inning, 5 in the 3rd, and 6 more in the 6th. Middle infielder Kyle Pearson for Dan Smith who was 4-5 in the game had an inside the park homer against a Resmondo outfield shift which made it 26-15 in the top of the 7th and Resmondo would not score in the 7th.
In the loser's bracket Premier an Ohio 'B' team knocked off 'AA' teams SIS/Thunder and OC Swats in low scoring games with the wind blowing hard over on OHP-1. TG Brand/Easton a MI-A team knocked off 'A' teams AllOut and Bay Area Legends over at Fortune Road. Baugh Ford knocked off 3 straight opponents by 3 runs or less, beating Pure Sports on a Carlton Griffin walk off hit 33-32, and then beating Classic Glass late Thursday night 27-26 using the gloves late in that one. And Racks who lost their first game of the tournament won 4 in a row to finish tied for 7th. Newbreed who lost their first game won 5 in a row to finish tied for 5th. Worth Astros won 4 in a row in the loser's bracket including a nice 19-8 win over Racks to finish tied for 5th as well. Two of the better games of the tournament were the loser's bracket quarterfinals at 1 pm on Friday as Worth Astros lost 10-8 to Backman on poor base running with the wind blowing in on OHP-1 and Smash It Sports/Albicocco beat Newbreed in probably the longest game of the tournament on a walk off 3 run homer by Andrew Collins with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th! Newbreed and SIS both had some poor outfield defense in that one that cost both teams.
The rest of the games then moved to the stadium late Friday afternoon where Backman jumped on Smash It Sports/Albicocco 23-2 and won by the 30 run rule in 4 innings 32-2. SIS was tired after that long battle against Newbreed and took a beating mustering just 4 hits and 1 homer. Backman pitcher Andrew Vitcak was 4-4 with 2 HR, and leadoff man Steven Lloyd was 5-5 with 4 doubles. Jeremy Yates who was one of the few lefties hitting homers into the wind had 3 homers over the fence and an inside the parker.
In the loser's bracket finals Resmondo was up on Backman 13-12 after 5 innings. Then Lee Powers hit a 3 run homer to give Backman a 15-13 lead in the top of the 6th and a Vitcak homer made it 19-13. But in the bottom half Resmondo scored 10 runs to go up 23-19. In the top of the 7th Jo Jo Bennett for Backman tripled to left field, Powers singled, Stovall hit one off the fence in left center 390 feet for an RBI triple, Orlando Castillo hit a fly ball scoring Stovall to make it 23-22, and Brett Rettenmeier hit a linedrive solo homer to tie it at 23-23. But Resmondo needed just one run in the bottom of the 7th and won on a Brian Wegman walk off double after a Kevin Bazat double and an intentional walk to Greg Connell (final 24-23).
1st Dual Championship – Dan Smith who would have to be beaten twice went up 25-15 on Resmondo after 4 complete innings. Hughes, Bynum, Durick, Matusik were leading the charge for Dan Smith and their new found stadium offense. Resmondo would close the gap as the bottom of the order set the table for Bryson Baker who hit a grand slam to close the gap to 6 in the top of the 5th. But Dan Smith held on to win 28-25 and get their first tournament of the season. Colby Hughes their leadof hitter was 4-5 with 3 homer's and a triple in the game. Dan Smith picked up 290 Conference points for the win and showed they could hang with the top teams by beating Resmondo twice in the tournament.
The highest finishing 'AA' team was Worth Astros 5th. The highest finishing 'A' team was Baugh Ford and Steel tied for 9th. The highest finishing 'B' team was Premier/Easton tied for 13th.
Smash It Sports/Albicocco's Andrew Collins hits a bomb vs Newbreed in the winner's final of the 2nd Dual
Dual #2 went a little more according to plan in the first round as most of the favorites won. Killbombers used a 21 run 6th inning to steal a win from Money/Miken back on OHP-5. As I walked around watching the early games on Saturday I witnessed Chad Loudon the pitcher for Killbombers and the Xtreme pitcher Dirk Updike stabbing some nasty hot shots up the middle. And although the higher classed teams won most all of the games in the 1st round, the 2nd round was full of upsets. SIS/Thunder shocked Resmondo 26-25 over on the smaller OHP-3 field. OA Apparel beat Backman 27-26 on a walk off homer by John Williams who was 5-6 in the game with 2 big homer's. Pure Sports an 'A' team won their second game in a row over 'AA' teams TDB and Worth Astros. Xtreme run ruled Racks. And Newbreed survived a scare from Precision and Dan Smith survived a scare from Classic Glass. So with 3 of the 6 Major teams already in the loser's bracket before the final 8 the upsets continued in the 3rd round as Xtreme beat Dan Smith on a walkoff single by Lyf Nimmo as the team scored 9 runs to win in the bottom of the 7th!
The rest of the winner's bracket played out with Smash It Sports/Albicocco cruising through with run rule victories over OC Swats, Pure Sports, Xtreme, and Newbreed to go undefeated going into Sunday. Andrew Collins going 4-4 with 2 home runs in the winner's bracket championship game against Newbreed. And Newbreed had made it to the winner's finals by run ruling OA Apparel and waited for the loser's final after losing to Resmondo by the run rule late Saturday night.
In the loser's bracket one entire side was clogged with Major teams as Backman eliminated Dan Smith, and Resmondo eliminated Backman on a walk off homer by Kyle Pearson to make it to Sunday. On the other side of the loser's bracket Worth Astros spent most of the day on the field beating Baugh Ford, OC Swats, SIS/Thunder, Racks, and scoring 5 in the bottom of the 7th to tie Xtreme and 8 in the bottom of the 8th to beat Xtreme at 1:40 AM in the morning to make it to the Sunday loser's semifinal against Resmondo where they were trounced 26-5. So Worth Astros finished 4th, the highest finishing 'AA' team…again. In the loser's final Resmondo vs Newbreed neither team totally took control of the game but Newbreed pulled out a nice 26-16 win to advance to the championship. Adam Rockoff had 4 home runs in the win.
The championship game was played after I had to leave for the airport but Smash It Sports/Albicocco who really found their rhythm in the 2nd dual controlled the game the entire way and won their 2nd tournament of the season by the run rule 26-11 over Newbreed. MVP Luis Reyna was 4-4 in the final game with and inside the park homer. Andy Purcell and Ryan Harvey each hit 2 home runs, and Don Dedonatis Jr was 3 for 4 with 2 inside the park home runs including a grand slam.
The highest finishing 'A' team was Pure Sports 9th. And the highest finishing 'B' team was Premier and Bad Draw tied for 17th.
I have been calling out some of the unsportsmanlike conduct this year and this week to be fair is no different. The manager for Backman went over the top arguing with one of the conference umpires in their closely contested game against Resmondo late Saturday night. The umpire did not recognize that he was trying to get thrown out and no matter what he did he did not get thrown out. That being said the umpiring was very well done for the tournament and I hope the unsportsmanlike conduct gets dealt with quickly by tossing the offenders, regardless of who they are, when this happens in the future. There were players tossed for throwing bats and even a player tossed for arguing the strike zone after the game. When you get ejected after the game you have to sit out one game.
The competition and parity was there as Major teams lost to AA, A, and B teams and there were not as many run rules as in past years. The wind and the big baseball fields had a lot to do with the scores as well.
The tournament had great weather, dramatic finishes, many great upsets, a full contingent of Conference umpires, and it showed all of the teams what their needs for the rest of the season are. Conference USSSA continues this Saturday, April 29th in Indianapolis, Indiana with the Circle City Classic!
MVP Luis Reyna of Smash It Sports/Albicocco hits a home run hitting
I had an early flight but grabbed this photo off the livestream on my iphone of the final game of the Dual #2
Team Breakdown:
36 Teams Overall
35 Nationwide Conference USSSA Teams
6 Major Teams
12 'AA' Teams
10 'A' Teams
8 'B' Teams
Resmondos Kyle Pearson hits a walk off homer to beat Backman late Saturday night on OHP-2
Sunday morning Resmondo's Bubba Mack hits against Newbreed in the loser's final of Dual #1
Saturday, OA Apparels Johndre the Giant Williams hits a walk off base hit to beat Backman
One of the best games was Precision in red vs Newbreed in blue back on OHP-3
Newbreed won 39-38 on a walk off homer by Steve Whaley
Wind on the Stadium blew from RC towards the 3rd base dugout most of the 4 days
The "Grudge Match" – Worth Astros takes on TG/HDLNS on OHP-1
The two teams broke apart from Red's Astros in the offseason.
Clasic Glass hits against BeeTech back on OHP-3 with the high right field fence
OHP-2 with its high left field fence
Worth Astros Justin Aldora gets a game winning hit in the bottom of the 8th to beat Xtreme.
The game ended at 1:40 AM Sunday morning and Reds came back from a 5 run deficit in the 7th and an 7 run deficit in the 8th to win.
Their prize was 10 points and an 8 AM meeting with Resmondo that didn't go so well.
The hardest place to hit a home run in all of softball. OHP-1 with its 35 foot high net and field dimensions of
332-390-407-390-328. The high net extends almost all the way to center field.
And the wind almost always blows in on that field from LC or left field.
OHP-5
Stro checks a bat
GQ coded balls were the true stadiums which were used most of the time on the baseball fields.
Fortune Road used the "bad batch" stadiums which were flying pretty well.
Oldscout pollers said Resmondo would win
Video Highlites brought to you by:
Hall of Fame Dual #1 video clips
Hall of Fame Dual #2 video clips
Long Bombers of the Week
Long bombers of the week we'll give to Ryan Harvey, Kyle Pearson, Chris Greinert, and Steele Lewis from the right side of the plate. They hit some creatures.
From the left side especially on the stadium there were not that many hitting bombs but Jeremy Yates was still hitting them and Buddy Wolf hit some long ones.
Hall of Fame Classic #1 Major Awards and Final Standings
| Player Tournament Awards | Players Name | Plays For |
| Tournament MVP | Loyd Watson | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| Offensive Tournament MVP | Brian Wegman | Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/Special |
| Defensive Tournament MVP | Casey Rogowski | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Brad Reckart | Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/Special |
| All Tournament Team | Brian Zirkle | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Chad Durick | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Jeremy Yates | Backman/S&S/Dr.Pepper/Louisville Sl |
| All Tournament Team | Travis Clark | Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/Special |
| All Tournament Team | steven Lloyd | Backman/S&S/Dr.Pepper/Louisville Sl |
| All Tournament Team | Andrew Vitcak | Backman/S&S/Dr.Pepper/Louisville Sl |
| All Tournament Team | Jason Matusik | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Kyle Pearson | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Freddie Bynum | Dan Smith/Menosse |
| All Tournament Team | Kyle Pearson | Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/Special |
| All Tournament Team | Brandon Dillon | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Bubba Mack Iii | Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/Special |
| Place | State | Team | Team Class | Wins | Losses | Ties | Runs Scored | Runs Allow | Avg Runs | Avg Allow | Avg Diff | Max Runs | USSSA Points |
| 1 | CAN – San Jose | Dan Smith/Menosse | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 6 | 0 | 0 | 118 | 88 | 19.6 | 14.6 | 5 | 28 | 300 |
| 2 | FLS – Winter Haven | resmondo/o.a.apparel/h.auto/special | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 5 | 2 | 0 | 180 | 122 | 25.7 | 17.4 | 8.28 | 35 | 225 |
| 3 | IN – Aurora | backman/s&s/dr.pepper/louisville sl | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 5 | 2 | 0 | 137 | 80 | 19.5 | 11.4 | 8.14 | 32 | 200 |
| 4 | NY – Rochester | smash it/albicocco/miken/worth | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 4 | 2 | 0 | 143 | 106 | 23.8 | 17.6 | 6.16 | 38 | 175 |
| 5 | WA – Tukwila | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 5 | 2 | 0 | 200 | 145 | 28.5 | 20.7 | 7.85 | 39 | 155 |
| 5 | IN – Indianapolis | worth astros / k&g / klutch | USSSA-Mens-AA | 5 | 2 | 0 | 137 | 108 | 19.5 | 15.4 | 4.14 | 39 | 155 |
| 7 | WY – Casper | racks/sonny's/athlon/easton/cutter | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 4 | 2 | 0 | 96 | 80 | 16 | 13.3 | 2.66 | 27 | 130 |
| 7 | TXN – Frisco | killbombers / demarini / gs sports | USSSA-Mens-AA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 93 | 20 | 18.6 | 1.4 | 29 | 130 |
| 9 | GA – Peachtree City | baugh ford/adiktiv/worth/miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 3 | 2 | 0 | 109 | 121 | 21.8 | 24.2 | -2.4 | 33 | 110 |
| 9 | MN – Medina | Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 62 | 66 | 15.5 | 16.5 | -1 | 24 | 110 |
| 9 | IL – Chicago | precision/3rd st./gbrand/easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 84 | 25 | 21 | 4 | 38 | 110 |
| 9 | TXS – corpus christi | steel sports/powerhousesportz/mike | USSSA-Mens-A | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 111 | 25 | 27.7 | -2.7 | 42 | 110 |
| 13 | OH – Morrow | Premier/Easton | USSSA-Mens-B | 3 | 2 | 0 | 43 | 43 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 0 | 20 | 170 |
| 13 | MI – Flint | TG Brand.Easton | USSSA-SPMensConfTBD | 3 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 110 | 20 | 22 | -2 | 27 | 70 |
| 13 | CAN – San Jose | Classic Glass / Easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 71 | 81 | 17.7 | 20.2 | -2.5 | 26 | 70 |
| 13 | MO – Branson | Nightmare/Miken | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 78 | 80 | 19.5 | 20 | -0.5 | 35 | 70 |
| 17 | AR – Bryant | Fence Brokers Inc/Worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 2 | 2 | 0 | 71 | 72 | 17.7 | 18 | -0.2 | 27 | 140 |
| 17 | FLS – Miami | BeeTech | USSSA-Mens-B | 2 | 2 | 0 | 103 | 86 | 25.7 | 21.5 | 4.25 | 37 | 40 |
| 17 | CAN – Castro Valley | Bay Area Legends/Miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 50 | 57 | 16.6 | 19 | -2.3 | 31 | 40 |
| 17 | OK – Tulsa | seminoles/tps/nacsf.inc/miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 42 | 76 | 14 | 25.3 | -11. | 17 | 40 |
| 17 | SC – Charleston | Pure Sports/HB | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 58 | 66 | 19.3 | 22 | -2.6 | 32 | 40 |
| 17 | NC – Greenville | bad draw/b&b/broughton/baf/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 53 | 60 | 17.6 | 20 | -2.3 | 21 | 140 |
| 17 | OH – Hamilton | TG/HDLNS/BHR/EASTON | USSSA-Mens-AA | 1 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 52 | 14.6 | 17.3 | -2.6 | 23 | 40 |
| 17 | CAS – Yorba Linda | OC Swats / Semper | USSSA-Mens-AA | 1 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 62 | 13.3 | 20.6 | -7.3 | 35 | 40 |
| 25 | MI – Dearborn | rebel sports/game on/dirty/hangrite | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 52 | 10.3 | 17.3 | -7 | 16 | 140 |
| 25 | NY – Wading River | sis/thunder/miken/worth/vulcangrips | USSSA-Mens-AA | 1 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 27 | 9.33 | 9 | 0.33 | 17 | 40 |
| 25 | TXS – Houston | ALLOUT/KLUTCH/WORTH | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 64 | 17 | 21.3 | -4.3 | 22 | 40 |
| 25 | FLS – Haines City | wileys supreme/miken/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 69 | 78 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 32 | 140 |
| 25 | TXS – Conroe | money/miken/asp/a&a/51210sports | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 33 | 51 | 16.5 | 25.5 | -9 | 24 | 40 |
| 25 | GA – Macon | Primetime/Easton | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 42 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 8 | 40 |
| 25 | KY – Richmond | reds/cornerstone/buffalowings&rings | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 50 | 16 | 25 | -9 | 22 | 40 |
| 25 | NC – Charlotte | tdb/tmsports/midwestwhitetailadv/mi | USSSA-Mens-AA | 0 | 2 | 0 | 46 | 56 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 40 | 40 |
| 33 | PAW – Pittsburgh | maroadi transfer/sis/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 52 | 10.5 | 26 | -15. | 19 | 140 |
| 33 | OH – Kent | jbl/tailgaters/all in/b&e/worth | USSSA-Mens-AA | 0 | 2 | 0 | 41 | 58 | 20.5 | 29 | -8.5 | 25 | 40 |
| 33 | NC – Hendersonville | worsham athletics/bf cattle/athon/m | USSSA-Mens-B | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 33 | 7.5 | 16.5 | -9 | 12 | 140 |
| 33 | TXN – Gladewater | oa apparel/broughton/kbi/easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 0 | 2 | 0 | 52 | 56 | 26 | 28 | -2 | 32 | 40 |
MVP L.C. Watson – pitcher from Dan Smith
Resmondo outfielder Brian Wegman was Offensive MVP
Defensive MVP 1st Baseman Casey Rogowski from Dan Smith
Hall of Fame Classic #2 Major Awards and Final Standings
| Player Tournament Awards | Players Name | Plays For |
| Tournament CO-MVP | Luis Reyna | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| Tournament CO-MVP | Nicolas Santana | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| Offensive Tournament MVP | Jeff Flood | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI |
| Defensive Tournament MVP | Andy Purcell | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Dennis Rulli | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Don Dedonatis Iii | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Jason Branch | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Andrew Collins | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| All Tournament Team | Dale Brungardt | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI |
| All Tournament Team | Adam Rockoff | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI |
| All Tournament Team | Davis Bilardello | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI |
| All Tournament Team | Chente Granados | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI |
| All Tournament Team | Ryan Harvey | Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth |
| Place | State | Team | Team Class | Wins | Losses | Ties | Runs Scored | Runs Allow | Avg Runs | Avg Allow | Avg Diff | Max Runs | USSSA Points |
| 1 | NY – Rochester | smash it/albicocco/miken/worth | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 6 | 0 | 0 | 155 | 58 | 25.8 | 9.66 | 16.1 | 44 | 300 |
| 2 | WA – Tukwila | NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 5 | 2 | 0 | 117 | 110 | 16.7 | 15.7 | 1 | 28 | 225 |
| 3 | FLS – Winter Haven | resmondo/o.a.apparel/h.auto/special | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 7 | 2 | 0 | 242 | 131 | 26.8 | 14.5 | 12.3 | 36 | 200 |
| 4 | IN – Indianapolis | worth astros / k&g / klutch | USSSA-Mens-AA | 6 | 2 | 0 | 194 | 177 | 24.2 | 22.1 | 2.12 | 31 | 175 |
| 5 | MN – Medina | Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon | USSSA-Mens-AA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 105 | 85 | 21 | 17 | 4 | 31 | 155 |
| 5 | TXN – Gladewater | oa apparel/broughton/kbi/easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 102 | 131 | 20.4 | 26.2 | -5.8 | 31 | 155 |
| 7 | WY – Casper | racks/sonny's/athlon/easton/cutter | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 4 | 2 | 0 | 104 | 104 | 17.3 | 17.3 | 0 | 35 | 130 |
| 7 | IN – Aurora | backman/s&s/dr.pepper/louisville sl | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 4 | 2 | 0 | 122 | 101 | 20.3 | 16.8 | 3.5 | 29 | 130 |
| 9 | CAN – San Jose | Dan Smith/Menosse | USSSA-SPMensMajor | 2 | 2 | 0 | 73 | 72 | 18.2 | 18 | 0.25 | 28 | 110 |
| 9 | TXN – Frisco | killbombers / demarini / gs sports | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 69 | 74 | 17.2 | 18.5 | -1.2 | 26 | 110 |
| 9 | SC – Charleston | Pure Sports/HB | USSSA-Mens-A | 2 | 2 | 0 | 65 | 94 | 16.2 | 23.5 | -7.2 | 31 | 110 |
| 9 | NY – Wading River | sis/thunder/miken/worth/vulcangrips | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 83 | 99 | 20.7 | 24.7 | -4 | 27 | 110 |
| 13 | IL – Chicago | precision/3rd st./gbrand/easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 75 | 78 | 18.7 | 19.5 | -0.7 | 33 | 70 |
| 13 | OH – Hamilton | TG/HDLNS/BHR/EASTON | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 81 | 79 | 20.2 | 19.7 | 0.5 | 38 | 70 |
| 13 | CAS – Yorba Linda | OC Swats / Semper | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 92 | 108 | 23 | 27 | -4 | 40 | 70 |
| 13 | CAN – San Jose | Classic Glass / Easton | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 71 | 64 | 17.7 | 16 | 1.75 | 24 | 70 |
| 17 | MI – Flint | TG Brand.Easton | USSSA-SPMensConfTBD | 2 | 2 | 0 | 72 | 80 | 18 | 20 | -2 | 30 | 40 |
| 17 | MO – Branson | Nightmare/Miken | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 111 | 104 | 27.7 | 26 | 1.75 | 38 | 40 |
| 17 | OH – Kent | jbl/tailgaters/all in/b&e/worth | USSSA-Mens-AA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 95 | 85 | 23.7 | 21.2 | 2.5 | 30 | 40 |
| 17 | OH – Morrow | Premier/Easton | USSSA-Mens-B | 2 | 2 | 0 | 68 | 81 | 17 | 20.2 | -3.2 | 37 | 140 |
| 17 | NC – Greenville | bad draw/b&b/broughton/baf/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 93 | 95 | 31 | 31.6 | -0.6 | 33 | 140 |
| 17 | CAN – Castro Valley | Bay Area Legends/Miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 44 | 13.3 | 14.6 | -1.3 | 23 | 40 |
| 17 | NC – Charlotte | tdb/tmsports/midwestwhitetailadv/mi | USSSA-Mens-AA | 1 | 2 | 0 | 60 | 59 | 20 | 19.6 | 0.33 | 29 | 40 |
| 17 | GA – Peachtree City | baugh ford/adiktiv/worth/miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 57 | 58 | 19 | 19.3 | -0.3 | 29 | 40 |
| 25 | FLS – Miami | BeeTech | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 48 | 13.3 | 16 | -2.6 | 22 | 40 |
| 25 | FLS – Haines City | wileys supreme/miken/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 64 | 79 | 21.3 | 26.3 | -5 | 26 | 140 |
| 25 | NC – Hendersonville | worsham athletics/bf cattle/athon/m | USSSA-Mens-B | 1 | 2 | 0 | 36 | 42 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 18 | 140 |
| 25 | TXS – corpus christi | steel sports/powerhousesportz/mike | USSSA-Mens-A | 1 | 2 | 0 | 66 | 75 | 22 | 25 | -3 | 23 | 40 |
| 25 | TXS – Houston | ALLOUT/KLUTCH/WORTH | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 38 | 64 | 19 | 32 | -13 | 27 | 40 |
| 25 | OK – Tulsa | seminoles/tps/nacsf.inc/miken | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 26 | 40 | 13 | 20 | -7 | 15 | 40 |
| 25 | TXS – Conroe | money/miken/asp/a&a/51210sports | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 37 | 39 | 18.5 | 19.5 | -1 | 25 | 40 |
| 25 | GA – Macon | Primetime/Easton | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 55 | 11.5 | 27.5 | -16 | 14 | 40 |
| 33 | KY – Richmond | reds/cornerstone/buffalowings&rings | USSSA-Mens-A | 0 | 2 | 0 | 45 | 53 | 22.5 | 26.5 | -4 | 25 | 40 |
| 33 | PAW – Pittsburgh | maroadi transfer/sis/worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 49 | 7.5 | 24.5 | -17 | 9 | 140 |
| 33 | AR – Bryant | Fence Brokers Inc/Worth | USSSA-Mens-B | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 37 | 15.5 | 18.5 | -3 | 21 | 140 |
| 33 | MI – Dearborn | rebel sports/game on/dirty/hangrite | USSSA-Mens-B | 0 | 2 | 0 | 46 | 61 | 23 | 30.5 | -7.5 | 29 | 140 |
Smash It/Albicocco SS Luis Reyna was co-MVP
Smash It/Albicocco CF Nic Santana was co-MVP
Jeff Flood from Newbreed was Offensive MVP
Smash It/Albicocco pitcher Andy Purcell was Defensive MVP
Team by team notes brought to you by:
1st Place Smash It/Albicocco/Miken/Worth/DirtySportsWear
Conference Major from NY
Total Record: 10-2
1st Dual: 4th 4-2
2nd Dual: 1st 6-0
Average Finish: 2.5
Wins: Premier B, Classic Glass AA, Xtreme AA, Newbreed M, BeeTech B, OC Swats AA, Pure Sports A, Xtreme AA, Newbreed M, Newbreed M
Losses: Resmondo M, Backman M
Smash It Sports/Albicocco joins Racks as the only 2 teams with 3 tournament scores over 200 points. Whatever seemed to be off with them in the first tournament was quickly corrected in the 2nd as they took full advantage of the other upsets going on in the tournament to cruise to the victory in the 2nd dual. 10-2 over all for the 4 days and only those two glaring losses to their arch rivals Resmondo and Backman as the only blemish on an other wise successful weekend.
Branch was a machine. Purcell was hitting his homers to left. Dillon got hot with the long ball. Collins had that huge 3 run homer to beat Newbreed in Dual #1 with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th. Reyna was MVP, Dedonatis was diving all over the place and hustling on the bases, Harvey had a 4 homer game, Rulli at almost age 50 was still getting it done at second base, and the rest of the team chipped in when they needed to.
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Championship Sunday Lineup:
Jason Branch
Andy Purcell
Brandon Dillon
Andrew Collins
Erik Kanaby
Dennis Rulli
Luis Reyna
Ryan Harvey
Nic Santana
Don Dedonatis
Cory Briggs
Rulli and Branch
Harvey and Dillon
SS Dedonatis and 1B Erik Kanaby
3B Cory Briggs and backup pitcher Jeff Graus
2nd Place Resmondo/O.A.Apparel/H.Auto/SP Tank/RDD/Easton
Conference Major from FL
Total Record: 12-4
1st Dual: 2nd 5-2
2nd Dual: 3rd 7-2
Average Finish: 2.5
Wins: TG Brand tbd, Nightmare AA, Steel A, Smash It M, Backman M, Premier B, TG Brand tbd, Precision AA, Pure Sports A, Backman M, OA Apparel AA, Worth Astros AA
Losses: Dan Smith M, Dan Smith M, SIS/Thunder AA, Newbreed M
Resmondo didn't get a win on the stadiums after offseason talk about how their lineup was so dominating on the big fields. They never truly got in a great offensive rhythm and lost to 4 teams ranked outside the top 3 in the pre-season rankings including 'AA' SIS/Thunder. There is some cause for concern but lets re-evaluate after the Smoky.
Resmondo gets the solid points they needed, they beat SIS/Albicocco their rival once and got some big offense out of Brian Wegman and Kyle Pearson in particular. The team looks healthy but is still looking for that first tournament victory…
Resmondo Brett Helmer/manager – "Other than showing some heart In the second tournament by winning 6 in a row after the early loss, I would consider the Dual to be an epic failure for us. No reason to not have won one or both events. The offense never really got rolling and we bunched outs all week. Overall happy with the defense, my outfielders ran their tails off for 16 games without much rest, same with the pitching and infield play. More points would have been nice mainly for better game times in future events, but ultimately I could care less what seed we are at The Major or who is in our side of the bracket. If we do our job, it won't matter. No injuries or roster moves to report! Thank you to our sponsors!"
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Last Lineup:
Bryson Baker
Greg Connell
Brian Wegman
Kyle Pearson
Travis Clark
Scott Kirby
Bubba Mack
Buddy Wolf
BJ Fulk
Mike Umscheid
Kevin Bazat
The chat room kept asking about Travis Clarks bat.
It is the SmashItSports.com exclusive Travis Clark Easton Vet
Greg Connell and Bubba Mack
Reckart made all tournament and Buddy Wolf was a fresh stick for the 2nd dual as he had to work 1st dual
Mike Umschied climbs the wall in CF. Connell and Wegman in the same lineup. They have won the last 3 batting titles.
3rd Place NEWBREED/GTS/DEMARINI
Conference Major from WA
Where in the world is Donald Hollingsworth?
Fans say let him go to Classic Glass and move on, you have a GREAT team!
Fans like to see him running around the outfield and dropping bombs!
Total Record: 10-4
1st Dual: 5th 5-2
2nd Dual: 2nd 5-2
Average Finish: 4.0
Wins: Reds A, Seminoles A, Nightmare AA, Precision AA, Killbombers AA, Seminoles A, Precision AA, SIS/Thunder AA, OA Apparel AA, Resmondo M
Losses: Bad Draw (B), Smash It M, Smash It M, Smash It M
Newbreed won 10 games and besides the first game hiccup against Bad Draw they only lost to Smash It Sports… They handled all of the 'AA' teams they played and even beat Resmondo on Sunday to get to the Dual #2 championship game. Rockoff was in high swing homer mode. Brungardt and Bilardello were strong and Gastineau and Flood were setting the table.
Newbreed's Ryan Lekness – manager – "Highlights were Mooch breaking his toe after getting hit in the 7th game of the first tournament then coming out and playing 7 more in the second bracket helping Newbreed make it to the championship game on Sunday. Davis Bilardello with a walk off 2 run homer to win against a tough Precision team. Winning a low scoring defensive game 9-8"
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Championship Sunday Lineup:
Gastineau
Bilardello
Rockoff
Flood
Whaley
Granados
Utley
Terry
Mucciarelli
Brown
Cordova
Newbreed SS Steve Whaley, MI Jeff Flood, and 2B Chente Granados
Leadoff and CF Jon Gastineau and 2 hitter and left fielder Davis Bilardello
Catcher Adam Rockoff had that high home run swing going
3B Dale Brungardt
P Justin Muciarelli and 1B Victor Cordova
4th Place WORTH ASTROS / K&G / KLUTCH
Conference 'AA' from IN
Total Record: 11-4
1st Dual: 5th 5-2
2nd Dual: 4th 6-2
Average Finish: 4.5
Wins: Money A, TG/HDLNS AA, Premier B, Steel A, Racks M, Primetime A, Baugh Ford A, OC Swats AA, SIS/Thunder AA, Racks M, Xtreme AA
Losses: Precision AA, Backman M, Pure Sports A, Resmondo M
Worth Astros (for some reason I want to call them Red's) won 11 games and finished in both tournaments as the highest 'AA' team. They had 2 wins over Racks and were 4-1 in class. The team seemed to have great chemistry once again. Bill Pinkham the "fireplug" was a warrior on the mound. Josh Kirsten at leadoff was feeding into the big bats of Chad Mullins and Josh Riley. The team played from 2 PM straight until about 1:40 AM Saturday/Sunday and still came back Sunday morning at 8 AM to play Resmondo!
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Travis Dale
Josh Kirsten
Chad Mullins
Josh Riley
Steve Edwards
Keith Martin
Rob Roop
Justin Aldora
Ricardo Lizcano
Brian (not Brad) Farrar
Bill Pinkham
Chad Mullins and Josh Riley batted 3 and 4
Herb thought the strike zone vs Resmondo was a little small and sure enough he found a dime back there…
Worth Astros SS Ricardo Lizcano and pitcher Bill Pinkham
Tied 5th Place Dan Smith/Menosse
Conference Major from CA
Total Record: 8-2
1st Dual: 1st 6-0
2nd Dual: 9th 2-2
Average Finish: 5.0
Wins: Rebel B, Bay Area A, Killbombers AA, Backman M, Resmondo M, Resmondo M, TG Brand tdb, Classic AA
Losses: Xtreme AA, Backman M
Winning the first dual tournament and doing it by beating Backman, Resmondo, and Resmondo back to back to back was HUGE for this team! They broke through after a lack luster start in their first 3 games and showed they belong in the conversation. Chris Greinert with that big two out hit to beat Resmondo the first time. 100+ people played the pickem game and not one picked Dan Smith to win so that shows you how unexpected this was.
The big bats of Matusik, Durick, Formosa, Greinert, Rogowski, and Hammonds proved big on the baseball fields. Colby Hughes moved to leadoff and got the job done. Bynum, Pearson, Guill, and Zirkle getting the extra base hits. The infield defense finally coming around with the additon of Bynum at shortstop. It all came together in a big way with a big win.
It was great to see Dan Smith with their throw back uniforms back at the top!
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Championship Friday Lineup:
Colby Hughes
Jason Matusik
Chad Durick
Joey Formosa
Kyle Pearson
Casey Rogowski
Freddie Bynum
Donnie Hammonds
LC Watson
Westy Guill
Brian Zirkle
Greinert was in most of the time and Yeilding as well.
Leadoff hitter and outfielder Colby Hughes
OF Jason Matusik and 2B Chad Durick
IF Joey Formosa and OF Donnie Hammonds
SS Freddie Bynum and 3B Frank Yeilding
LF Westy Guill and the original MI Kyle Pearson
GM Pat Dalsanders, Hector Pagan, and Dan Smith
Tied 5th Place Backman/S&S/Dr.Pepper/Louisville Slugger
Conference Major from IN
Total Record: 9-4
1st Dual: 3rd 5-2
2nd Dual: 7th 4-2
Average Finish: 5.0
Wins: BeeTech B, OC Swats AA, Precision AA, Worth Astros AA, Smash It M, Worsham B, Nightmare AA, TG/HDLNS AA, Dan Smith M
Losses: Dan Smith M, Resmondo M, OA Apparel AA, Resmondo M
Backman didn't make the finals of either tournament after winning both a year ago. They were 2-3 vs Major teams and Resmondo had their number. Backman seemed to experiment with a couple different lineups which is good and their athleticism is evident as well as their speed on the bases. In talking with a number of fans they didn't feel Backman had the necessary power. Part of that is because Kennington is still recovering with a bad back and part is because they lost Harvey. But Haglund was one of the few lefties hitting homers at the stadium and I thought the defense and pitching were good. It just wasn't Backmans weekend and losing their last game on that walk off to Resmondo hurt because they could have made a run on Sunday.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Lloyd
Yates
Kennington
Stovall
Haglund
Schulte
Castillo
Bennett
Rettenmeier
Powers
Vitcak
Kevin Kennington pinch hit but is still not fully back until Chattanooga. JoJo Bennett hitting.
Backman Andrew Vitcak was All Tournament in Dual #1. Yates and Lloyd discuss where to eat after the game.
Tied 7th Place Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon
Conference 'AA' from MN
Total Record: 5-4
1st Dual: 9th 2-2
2nd Dual: 5th 3-2
Average Finish: 7.0
Wins: Primetime A, Pure Sports A, Allout A, Racks M, Dan Smith M
Losses: Smash It M, Racks M, Smash It M, Worth Astros AA
Xtreme had a nice little run in the 2nd dual beating Racks and Dan Smith back to back and losing in extra innings to Worth Astros. The team has a near perfect blend of power, base hitting, role players, and defense for the 'AA' division.
Xtreme Coach – "After a mediocre showing in Las Vegas we were looking to pick up some momentum in the Florida Dual. With the addition of 6 new players to our 2017 roster we have been searching for the right combination to be successful. We got off to good starts in each of the 2 tournaments starting 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, with some good moments both offensively and defensively. While that was encouraging, we still recognize and understand that we have a lot of work to do as the competition throughout the Conference is stronger than ever."
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Baartman
Smith
Ellwanger
Nimmo
Palm
Skyles
McGowan
Letak
Newman
Bremer
Cornett
Updikes pitching was also a big part of their success.
Dirk Updike was back pitching and doing a nice job with the stick after his injury in Vegas
Tied 7th Place Racks/Sonny's/Athlon/Easton/Cutter
Conference Major from WY
Total Record: 8-4
1st Dual: 7th 4-2
2nd Dual: 7th 4-2
Average Finish: 7.0
Wins: TDB AA, Bad Draw B, TG Brand tbd, Xtreme AA, Bad Draw B, Bay Area A, Classic Glass AA, Killbombers AA
Losses: Seminoles A, Worth Astros AA, Xtreme AA, Worth Astros AA
Racks played 12 more games and somehow never did play another Major team? That is unbelievable. Some of the stats are coming in. Argen Dodds hit 7 HR in the first Dual and Alexis Ramirez had a .720 onbase percentage. Keith Laski their shortstop pulled a hamstring. In Dual #2 Dodds hit 7 more HR and Jordan Spaulding had an .800 onbase percentage.
Racks actually leads the Conference in points now because of their success and the fact they have played 4 tournaments while most others have played 3. If Racks and Pure Sports only had 3 tournaments Racks would be in 3rd behind SIS/Albicocco and Resmondo.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Lopez
Spaulding
Snell
Dodds
Laski
Faria
Ramirez
Steel
Mcclanahan
Howard
Cano
8th Place Killbombers / Demarini / GS Sports
Conference 'AA' from TX
Total Record: 5-4
1st Dual: 7th 3-2
2nd Dual: 9th 2-2
Average Finish: 8.0
Wins: Reds A, Bad Draw B, Baugh Ford A, Money A, TG/HDLNS AA
Losses: Dan Smith M, Newbreed M, OA Apparel AA, Racks M
Killbombers had solid finishes in both tournaments and won the games they were supposed to win. They had Dan Smith on the ropes in the first dual as they were the home team and it went to extra innings but they came up short. They came from way down to beat Money, Steele Lewis was a machine again for them, Loudon and Cooper are doing the pitching, they added Tommie Melton in the infield, and Pokraka, Magnum, and Gonzalez are big bats that can carry a team. And yes I watched Vivid #13 get a solid hit.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Pokraka
Tommie Melton
Lewis
Magnum
Gonzalez
Williamson
Pack
Crump
Sullivan
#4 (listed on book)
Loudon/Cooper
Killbombers in their CDZ Apparel uniforms
Isaac Gonzalez hits a walk off single to beat Money
10th Place Precision/3rd St./GBrand/Easton
Conference 'AA' from IL
Total Record: 4-4
1st Dual: 9th 2-2
2nd Dual: 13th 2-2
Average Finish: 11.0
Wins: Baugh Ford A, Worth Astros AA, Bay Area A, Bad Draw B
Losses: Backman M, Newbreed M, Newbreed M, Resmondo M
Precision didn't pull any big upsets although they lost a tough one to Newbreed 39-38 on a walk off homer. All 4 of their losses were to Major teams so they won the games they were supposed to. They had some new faces and were missing a lot of their infielders.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Hoynowski
Kessler
McCollum
Tabler
Rear
Anderson
Houseman
Kannenberg
Bean
Burkel
Abraham
It was great to see Matt Rear back for Precision after his injury last summer
Tied 11th Place Baugh Ford/Adiktiv/Worth/Miken
Conference 'A' from GA
Total Record: 4-4
1st Dual: 9th 3-2
2nd Dual: 17th 1-2
Average Finish: 13.0
Wins: Money A, Pure Sports A, Classic Glass AA, Money A
Losses: Precision AA, Killbombers AA, TG/HDLNS AA, Worth Astros AA
Baugh Ford had a great weekend for an 'A' team and scored big points towards an outside shot at making the Major World Series. They were 3-0 vs rivals in the 'A' division and 1-4 vs the 'AA' division and won a couple of close games. Tommie Baugh was a warrior on the mound after playing through a shot to the groin… This is a conference battle tested group.
Baugh Ford's Carlton Griffin – Player – "Our team played well in both Dual events and had several close games. We pulled out great victories against Classic Glass and Pure Sports (we were down 26-9 and came back to win 33-32). In the second dual we lost to TG and Reds both by 1 run in the last inning. "Offensively Matt McCraw led us all weekend, Chad Folsom hit some big homeruns and Ryan McRory anchored the bottom of the lineup. All 3 guys hit over .700 for the weekend. Defense – Tommie Baugh led the team defensively and battled all weekend and kept playing despite getting hit several times. The outfielders played great all weekend. Sidebottom and McCraw locked it down up the middle. We will be in Chattanooga next. We have no significant injuries to report."
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Tied 11th Place Classic Glass / Easton
Conference 'AA' from CA
Total Record: 4-4
1st Dual: 13th 2-2
2nd Dual: 13th 2-2
Average Finish: 13.0
Wins: SIS/Thunder AA, BeeTech B, Steel A, Premier B
Losses: Smash It M, Baugh Ford A, Dan Smith M, Racks M
Classic Glass started with a big win over Thunder and gave Dan Smith a run for their money in one game. But they won every other game and couldn't put a streak together. Overall though a solid weekend. Pitcher Brandon Jonas was only able to make the second tournament.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Lipman
Goodman
Larsen
Brambilla
Gilliland
Fox
Montano
Espland
Smith
Traylor
Newman
Tied 11th Place Pure Sports/HB
Conference 'A' from SC
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 17th 1-2
2nd Dual: 9th 2-2
Average Finish: 13.0
Wins: TG/HDLNS AA, TDB AA, Worth Astros AA
Losses: Xtreme AA, Baugh Ford A, Smash It M, Resmondo M
Pure Sports took it to the 'AA' division winning 3 of their 4 games against them. They are a legit contender for one of those last spots at the Major. Buckshot was a warrior on the mound as he got drilled a number of times and they picked up a second pitcher Mike Verbasco from the old Checking team to help down the road.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
ST/Migues
Carr
Filoteo
Mackey
Lester
#7
Alston
Wright
Plaisance
Tindell
Zintak
Pure Sports Middle Infielder Andrew Filoteo is off to a hot start
Tied 15th Place Nightmare/Miken
Conference 'AA' from MO
Total Record: 4-4
1st Dual: 13th 2-2
2nd Dual: 17th 2-2
Average Finish: 15.0
Wins: Allout A, FBI B, Rebel B, BeeTech B
Losses: Resmondo M, Newbreed M, OC Swats AA, Backman M
Nightmare couldn't come up with a big win and finished middle of the pack. This team has a lot of potential and should fair well at the smaller events on their schedule.
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Tied 15th Place OC Swats / Semper
Conference 'AA' from CA
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 17th 1-2
2nd Dual: 13th 2-2
Average Finish: 15.0
Wins: OA Apparel AA, Nightmare AA, JBL AA
Losses: Backman M, Premier B, Smash It M, Worth Astros AA
OC Swats was up and down during the weekend. 3-1 vs fellow 'AA' teams is promising. The big bats in this lineup are always a threat.
Trending Up!
Random Stadium Lineup:
Campbell
Genter
Roberts
Blackburn
Malloy
Amaya
Oliveira
Simms
Winner
Wilson
Waterman
OC Swats sluggers Mike Mallory and Robert Blackburn
It was great to see OC Swats 3rd baseman JD Genter back in action after a couple year off
Tied 15th Place Premier/Easton
Conference 'B' from OH
Total Record: 5-4
1st Dual: 13th 3-2
2nd Dual: 17th 2-2
Average Finish: 15.0
Wins: FBI B, SIS/Thunder AA, OC Swats AA, Rebel B, Wileys B
Losses: Smash It M, Worth Astros AA, Resmondo M, Classic AA
Premier played great small ball and pulled out 5 wins including 3-0 vs teh B division and 2-2 vs the AA division. A bunch of unknowns playing with a lot of passion.
Premiers – Kevin Forwith – "Premier/Easton playing to a .500 record was a surprise for the our first conference event. Our offense struggled against the conference pitching however our defense was outstanding. Premier/Easton will head to the Circle City Major for our second event and we hope to have a better showing."
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Evans
Smith
Norton
Morrison
Aschcraft?
Lack
#4
Hinken
#55
Foster
Lakes
#2/#11
Premier pitcher Brian Lakes held 4 opponents under 10 runs
Tied 15th Place TG Brand.Easton
Conference 'B' from MI
Total Record: 5-4
1st Dual: 13th 3-2
2nd Dual: 17th 2-2
Average Finish: 15.0
Wins: Wileys B, Allout A, Bay Area A, Maroadi B, Steel A
Losses: Resmondo M, Racks M, Dan Smith M, Resmondo M
TG Brand took advantage of some teams over at Fortune Road and came away with 5 wins. Very impressive. Much like Premier they are relatively unknown.
TG Brand.Easton's Jonathon Golich, Manager – "Despite having one of the youngest teams in the conference, it was a good weekend for us. We'll continue to grow tournament after tournament and that growing process will continue in Indianapolis next weekend."
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Evans
#10
Franklin
Hughes
King
Geiner
Kincaid
Mullen
Greer
Payne
Paul
Tied 15th Place TG/HDLNS/BHR/EASTON
Conference 'AA' from OH
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 17th -2
2nd Dual: 13th -2
Average Finish: 15.0
Wins: Primetime A, Baugh Ford A, TDB AA
Losses: Pure Sports A, Worth Astros AA, Killbombers AA, Backman M
The "varsity" TG team didn't do much better than the "JV" and managed just 3 wins. A slow start for a team that will get many more opportunities to succeed this year.
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Faron Miller pitching for TG/HDLNS
Tied 17th Place Steel Sports/PowerhouseSportz/Miken
Conference 'A' from TX
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 9th 2-2
2nd Dual: 25th 1-2
Average Finish: 17.0
Wins: TDB AA, Seminoles A, FBI B
Losses: Resmondo M, Worth Astros AA, Classic Glass AA
Steel was kind of quiet this week and didn't do a whole lot except for that big 2nd round win over Seminoles catapulting them to a 9th place finish in the first dual.
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Cridland
Malay
Williams
Beal
Ballard/Shay
Vasquez
Mitchell
Brock
Hulbert
Lapoint
Hensley
Steels left side again was Vasquez, Malay, Brock
Tied 17th Place SIS/Thunder/Miken/Worth/VulcanGrips
Conference 'AA' from NY
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 25th 1-2
2nd Dual: 9th 2-2
Average Finish: 17.0
Wins: Worsham B, Reds A, Resmondo M
Losses: Classic Glass AA, Premier B, Newbreed M, Worth Astros AA
Thunder went 0-2 in the first dual but came back in the second and beat Resmondo for a signature win.
SIS/Thunder's Matt Zurawel-Pitcher – "Coming off of a great start in Vegas, we looked to build and improve our performance down in Florida. We had a bit of a slower start than we hoped but also saw ourselves come together and battle back for a top 10 finish in the 2nd leg of the Dual. We are confident in each other and our coaching to make another great run in Chattanooga!"
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Thunder has two quality pitchers Losson White and Matt Zurawel
Tied 17th Place Bad Draw/B&B/Broughton/BAF/Worth
Conference 'B' from NC
Total Record: 2-4
1st Dual: 17th 1-2
2nd Dual: 17th 1-2
Average Finish: 17.0
Wins: Newbreed M, Allout A
Losses: Killbombers A, Racks M, Racks M, Precision AA
Bad Draw had that huge upset of Newbreed but that was about it.
Bad Draw/B&B Brandon Cashwell Sponsor – "We had a decent week in Florida considering the tough task of playing against a major team in three of our first four conference games. We have a very young team with six players under 26. We are very tight–knit, and our chemistry is going to be an advantage to us as we face growing pains throughout the season. We leave Florida confident as we head to Chattanooga in 2 weeks."
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Danny Lopez is back pitching for Bad Draw
Tied 17th Place Bay Area Legends/Miken
Conference 'A' from CA
Total Record: 2-4
1st Dual: 17th 1-2
2nd Dual: 17th 1-2
Average Finish: 17.0
Wins: JBL AA, Seminoles A
Losses: Dan Smith M, TG Brand B, Precision AA, Racks M
Bay Area did not have the Florida magic they had a year ago when they upset Smash It Sports in the stadium.
Trending Even
19th Place OA APPAREL/BROUGHTON/KBI/EASTON
Conference 'AA' from IL
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 33rd 0-2
2nd Dual: 5th 3-2
Average Finish: 19.0
Wins: JBL AA, Backman M, Killbombers AA
Losses: OC Swats AA, Wileys B, Newbreed M, Resmondo M
OA put on a show in the stadium vs Backman. That game is worth watching when the archives come out.
OA Apparel Sponsor/Pitcher Jason Wilkins – "This weekend got off to a rough start for OA Apparel. We committed several errors and the offense was sluggish in the 1st dual. The 2nd dual went a little better for us. The defense showed sparks of brilliance while our offense carried us. Next we are headed to Indy."
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Messer
Manganarro
Williams
Washington
Lunda
Stewart
Bowser
Powers
Andrews
Potts/Barber
Byars/Wilkins
Johndre the Gian Williams and Tim Bowser had some big hits in OA's upset of Backman
Tied 21st Place BeeTech
'B' from FL
Total Record: 3-4
1st Dual: 17th 2-2
2nd Dual: 25th 1-2
Average Finish: 21.0
Wins: Maroadi B, Wileys B, Wileys B
Losses: Backman M, Classic AA, Smash It M, Nightmare AA
BeeTech needs more sponsorship so they can travel to some more Conference events. Another talented Florida team doing well playing up.
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BeeTech scored 7 in the bottom of the 7th to try and upset Backman
Tied 21st Place SEMINOLES/TPS/NACSF.INC/MIKEN
Conference 'A' from OK
Total Record: 1-4
1st Dual: 17th 1-2
2nd Dual: 25th 0-2
Average Finish: 21.0
Wins: Racks M
Losses: Steel A, Newbreed M, Newbreed M, Bay Area A
Seminoles shocked the tournament with an 8 AM win Thursday morning over Racks but it looks like the adrenaline left after that.
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TD Thrash crushes one for Seminoles
Tied 21st Place TDB/TMSports/MidWestWhiteTailAdv/Miken
Conference 'AA' from NC
Total Record: 1-4
1st Dual: 25th 0-2
2nd Dual: 17th 1-2
Average Finish: 21.0
Wins: Primetime A
Losses: Steel A, Racks M, Pure Sports A, TG/HDLNS AA
I don't even remember seeing TDB so I couldn't even get a picture. A rough weekend for them.
TDB Donnie Munford – Gen Mgr – "Not pleased how we performed for the Dual but not disappointed in the effort! We will put in the work and look for brighter days and finishes. We have work to do on both sides of the ball and I am confident our guys will do that. As far as I know we came out injury free, except for our pride. We will be heading to Chattanooga, Tn. in 2 weeks for our next event. Our roster is under observation."
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Tied 25th Place ALLOUT/KLUTCH/WORTH
Conference 'A' from TX
Total Record: 1-4
1st Dual: 25th 1-2
2nd Dual: 25th 0-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins: Maroadi B
Losses: Nightmare AA, TG Brand tbd, Xtreme AA, Bad Draw B
A good team still searching for the "it" factor.
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Tyler Green started the season with Dan Smith is now back with AllOut.
Who knew he could pitch.
Tied 25th Place Fence Brokers Inc/Worth
Conference 'B' from AR
Total Record: 2-4
1st Dual: 17th 2-2
2nd Dual: 33rd 0-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins: JBL AA, Rebel B
Losses: Premier B, Nightmare AA, Worsham B, Steel A
Beat JBL but a short weekend overall.
FBI's Michael Wilson, MGR – "This team has 4 conference veterans and the remainder of the team is new to the conference. There is a lot of talent on the team that will have to gain their conference experience as we play. After 3 tournaments and 12 conference games together they are quickly learning that every inning is meaningful on both offense and defense at this level. Home run management and defense have been the keys to how we do. We are learning that doing those well keeps us in games and has resulted in some excellent wins and not doing them well has hurt us and we have not been able to overcome those faults consisently. We should be better as the year goes on as the players gain more experience."
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Tied 25th Place JBL/Tailgaters/All In/B&E/Worth
Conference 'AA' from OH
Total Record: 2-4
1st Dual: 33rd 0-2
2nd Dual: 17th 2-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins: Maroadi B, Worsham B
Losses: Bay Area A, FBI B, OA Apparel AA, OC Swats AA
Lost some close games early and never came up with a quality win. By quality I am not saying anything bad about their opponents but meaning a win against a team of equal or higher classification.
JBL's Tom Bradley – Manager/Sponsor – "We didn't meet our expectations this weekend. We have to get healthy and work on setting our line up from there. Next up for us is Chattanooga and Columbus, IN back to back weekends."
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JBL's Chris Hoffer
Tied 25th Place MONEY/MIKEN/ASP/A&A/51210SPORTS
Conference 'A' from TX
Total Record: 0-4
1st Dual: 25th 0-2
2nd Dual: 25th 0-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins:
Losses: Worth Astros AA, Baugh Ford A, Killbombers AA, Baugh Ford A
Money competed in every single game. They lost that huge lead to rival Killbombers and two one run games.
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Tied 25th Place Primetime/Easton
Conference 'A' from GA
Total Record: 0-4
1st Dual: 25th 0-2
2nd Dual: 25th 0-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins:
Losses: Xtreme AA, TG/HDLNS AA, Worth Astros AA, TDB AA
6, 8, 14, 9 are game scores (mostly at Fortune Road) that will not even come close to winning games…
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Tied 25th Place Wileys Supreme/Miken/Worth
Conference 'B' from FL
Total Record: 2-4
1st Dual: 25th 1-2
2nd Dual: 25th 1-2
Average Finish: 25.0
Wins: OA Apparel AA, Reds A
Losses: TG Brand B, BeeTech B, BeeTech B, Premier B
Wileys went an incredible 0-4 vs their peers in the 'B' division but knocked off a 'AA' and 'A' team? They are a team of a history of playing up better than down.
Juan Resto – "The team played very inconsistent this weekend. While beating higher classed teams we still struggled with B teams. Being new to the level and conference experience, I feel we are learning what it takes to be successful. The potential to be a high end B team exists, we just have to find our formula to make it happen."
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Tied 29th Place Rebel Sports/Game On/Dirty/Hangrite
Conference 'B' from MI
Total Record: 1-4
1st Dual: 25th 1-2
2nd Dual: 33th 0-2
Average Finish: 29.0
Wins: Worsham B
Losses: Dan Smith M, FBI B, Premier B, Nightmare AA
Rebel Sports had that opening round win against 'B' rival Worsham but then put up a couple of low scores and never got back into the win column. They were missing at least 4 of their regulars.
Rebel Sports JJ Schimizzi – "Team played hard throughout both tournaments. Missing a few starters did effect us because we lacked depth this weekend. Big positive was that the teams chemistry is very good. Had a couple of tough losses that we can learn from. Seemed like we were always one hit a way from a big inning. Looking forward to Indianapolis this weekend."
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Tied 29th Place Reds/Cornerstone/BuffaloWings&Rings
Conference 'A' from KY
Total Record: 0-4
1st Dual: 25th 0-2
2nd Dual: 33rd 0-2
Average Finish: 29.0
Wins:
Losses: Killbombers AA, Newbreed M, SIS/Thunder AA, Wileys A
Reds competed in 3 of their 4 losses, just couldn't break through to get the 'W'
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Tied 29th Place Worsham Athletics/BF Cattle/Athon/Miken
Conference 'B' from NC
Total Record: 1-4
1st Dual: 33rd 0-2
2nd Dual: 25th 1-2
Average Finish: 29.0
Wins: FBI B
Losses: Rebel B, SIS/Thunder AA, Backman M, JBL AA
Worsham put up some low scores and struggled most of the week. The loss of Freddie Bynum to Dan Smith hurt.
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33rd Place Maroadi Transfer/SIS/Worth
Conference 'B' from PA
Total Record: 0-4
1st Dual: 33rd 0-2
2nd Dual: 33rd 0-2
Average Finish: 33.0
Wins:
Losses: BeeTech B, Allout A, TG Brand B, JBL AA
A young team for sure with a steep conference learning curve and too many single digit scores.
Maroadi Transfer Player/Manager – "I believe the nerves of being in our first conference tournament got the best of us a little bit! It was a great learning experience and will make us better as individual players and more importantly as a team!"
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Random Stadium Lineup:
Durso
Bilger
Farrar
Fyffe
Banks
Brown
Ross
McDuffee
King
Taylor
Nagy
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Some more pictures for you:
Osceola County Stadium and surrounding fields OHP1-OHP5
Field Dimensions (using google earth)
Osceola County Stadium OCS 336-390-410-390-330
Osceola Field #1 OHP1 – 332-390-407-390-328
Osceola Field #2 OHP2 – 320-385-400-380-325
Osceola Field #3 OHP3 – 305-370-390-373-313
Osceola Field #4 OHP4 – 330-390-406-390-330
Osceola Field #5 OHP5 – 315-364-372-364-315
Fortune Road #1 FRAC1 – 310-325-325-325-310
Fortune Road #2 FRAC2 – 310-325-325-325-310
Fortune Road #3 FRAC3 – 310-325-325-325-310
Fortune Road #4 FRAC4 – 310-325-325-325-310
The fields listed Frac1, Frac2, Frac3, Frac4 on your bracket are at Fortune Road Park
Lots of pitchers showing their tattoos on facebook after the Dual
Robo and his dad
The winner's final crew on Saturday night
Doc is the new UIC
Scotty Oneil was hit on the elbow by a backswing but kept on umping.
Late on Thursday night the sprinklers came on during the game
Saturday morning dew at the stadium
Field OHP-2, looks like maybe Baugh Ford and Racks.
This was the last picture I have before I left for my flight of the Osceola County Stadium where the conference has played for the last 11 years. The USSSA offices are down the right field line are moving to Viera, Florida as will the Hall of Fame Classic and Conference Championships from here on. The 5 baseball fields at the Viera complex will be 325-365-385-365-325 dimensions I believe they said. And the 4 softball fields are supposed to be 330. They are all going to be artificial turf.
I grabbed this picture off the livestream on my iphone. Pretty good view.
The Florida Fire Frogs of the Atlanta Braves farm system now play their games at Osceola Stadium
Yes its 1:45 AM on Sunday morning and we are still playing…
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