Candrea And Mendoza To Lead European Clinics To Assist In Education And Development

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. —- The Amateur Softball Association announced today that two-time Olympian Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) and two-time USA Softball Olympic head coach Mike Candrea (Tucson, Ariz.) will lead softball clinics in London and Italy in the coming weeks to help spread education and development of the sport. Through efforts from the ASA, Softball UK, the Italian National Softball Program, and the United States Olympic Committee International Grant program, the clinics will take place in London from September 19-21 and in Tirrenia, Italy from September 24-25.

“I am thrilled to be a part of these clinics in Europe,” said Mendoza. “Spreading the sport of softball is one of my personal goals now that the Olympics are over and I think this is a great start. London and Italy have been so responsive and we are excited to get over there, meet the athletes and continue their development of the sport of softball.”

ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda and Softball UK Executive Director Bob Fromer have been at the forefront ofplanning theclinics and have expressedtheir gratitude as well as the international necessity for hosting these types of events.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to send one of our finest Olympians and Olympic coaches to Europe to assist in the development of players and coaches,” said Radigonda. “These types of clinics will enhance the universality of softball and will help promote the return of softball to the Olympic program in 2016.”

“The key to softball’s reinstatement to the Olympic program lies in Europe, and in making as many European IOC members as possible aware of softball and aware of all the reasons why it deserves to be in the Games,” added Fromer. “The fact that such high-profile figures as Mike and Jessica are coming to the UK and to Italy to run these clinics should attract attention to the sport and to the reinstatement campaign. With just over a year to go until the IOC meets in Copenhagen, the more events that can draw attention to softball in Europe and show the sport in a favorable light, the better the chances that the vote will be different than in 2005.”

The International Softball Federation, through its ‘Back Softball’ campaign, is working diligently to reinstate softball on the Olympic program and clinics like this will continue to assist in their efforts. Log on tohttp://www.backsoftball.com/to learn more about the campaign.

The London clinic will consist of fast pitch and slow pitch components over the three-day event.

The slow pitch element will be a clinic led by Mendoza on outfield defensive skills to be delivered at the Greater London Softball Mixed League All-Star Day on Saturday, September 20 at Finsbury Park. It is designed for both male and female outfielders with a reasonable level of playing experience from the GLSML, the GB Slow pitch Team and the Irish Slow pitch Team.

The fast pitch elements of the clinic will be presented by Mendoza and Candrea to between 30 and 40 players aged 11-17from Great Britain youth and Academy teams and to coaches from Britain, Israel, Belgium and Holland. These sessions will cover such topics as skill progression, game management, practice planning and communication between players and coaches.

“We’re tremendously excited about having people like Mike Candrea and Jessica Mendoza, who are at the pinnacle of world softball, come to the UK to help our young players and our coaches learn more about the game,” said Fromer. “The overwhelming softball format in the UK is slow pitch, and we’re trying to develop fast pitch softball by getting girls playing in schools and then in our Academies and our national youth teams. Our numbers are small but growing, and these clinics will give our efforts a big boost.”

USA Softball Director of National Teams, Ronnie Isham, will also conduct a special session for Great Britain team managers on the evening of September 20.

After the clinics in London, the U.S. delegation will continue on to Tirrenia, Italy for clinics on September 24-25 at the same Olympic Training Center they visited during the 2004 pre-Olympic tour. On September 24, the day will begin with a clinic for under-19 athletes before an afternoon offense and defense session including Italian National team members and Elite Club Team Players. In the evening, Candrea will instruct on conducting practice and coaching skills while Mendoza will reiterate the importance of team communication.

On September 25, the camp will continue in the morning with on field observation from Candrea of coaches conducting practice and skills while Mendoza does hitting and defensive drills with junior players. The clinic will close out in the afternoon with a series of skill develop stations for National team and Elite Club players.

Log on to http://www.usasoftball.com/ for blog updates and photos of the clinics in Europe.

ASA Announces USA Softball National Coaching School For November

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today the official date of the first USA Softball Coaching School presented by Liberty Mutual Group. Hosted and locally sponsored by Maryland- D.C. and Piedmont ASA, the Coaching School will take place November 21-23 at the Mattapeake Elementary School in Kent Island, Md.

The school will consist of first hand instruction from the 2008 U.S. Olympic softball team coaching staff and their daily preparation for international competition. The school will be limited to only 250 coaches and cost is $175.00 before October 1 and $200.00 after.

Coach Mike Candrea will also host a ‘Hitting Clinic’ in conjunction with the coaching school. The clinic will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as Session #1 and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Session #2. Each session will have a maximum of 64 students. Once the clinic is filled there will be no walk-ins accepted. Cost of the hitting clinic will be $200.00 per player for five hours of instruction. Each participant will receive a clinic shirt, snacks and water.

For more information, please contact Jack Hutcherson at jocommish@mddcasa.org.

ASA Seeks Commissioner for the Central California ASA local association

Oklahoma City, OK—-The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) is seeking applicants for the position of Commissioner for the Central California ASA local association.

The ASA Commissioner should be an individual who is interested in serving as the principal liaison between the local association and the ASA National Office. Those interested in the complete duties of an ASA Commissioner may review them on the ASA website at www.asasoftball.com under the About ASA section and ASA Code Article 305.

A panel will interview and make their recommendation of an interim commissioner to the ASA Board of Directors for confirmation. If a qualified candidate is not appointed by the next ASA Council Meeting, the Board of Directors will make a recommendation to the entire Council regarding whether or not the association is to be merged with another.

The ASA was founded in 1933 and has evolved into the strongest softball organization in the country. The growth and development of the association led the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to name the ASA as the National Governing Body of Softball, pursuant to the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.

Those interested in serving as the ASA Commissioner for the Central California local association should forward a resume to:

Amateur Softball Association

c/oCraig Cress, Director of Membership Services

2801 NE 50th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73111

ccress@softball.org or fax: 405-424-3855

Résumé’s must be received at the National Office by September 19, 2008. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Craig Cress, Director of Membership Services for the Amateur Softball Association.

ASA Announces USA Softball National Coaching School For November

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today the official date of the first USA Softball Coaching School presented by Liberty Mutual Group. Hosted and locally sponsored by Maryland- D.C. and Piedmont ASA, the Coaching School will take place November 21-23 at the Mattapeake Elementary School in Kent Island, Md.

The school will consist of first hand instruction from the 2008 U.S. Olympic softball team coaching staff and their daily preparation for international competition. The school will be limited to only 250 coaches and cost is $175.00 before October 1 and $200.00 after.

Coach Mike Candrea will also host a ‘Hitting Clinic’ in conjunction with the coaching school. The clinic will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as Session #1 and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Session #2. Each session will have a maximum of 64 students. Once the clinic is filled there will be no walk-ins accepted. Cost of the hitting clinic will be $200.00 per player for five hours of instruction. Each participant will receive a clinic shirt, snacks and water.

For more information, please contact Jack Hutcherson at jocommish@mddcasa.org.

NFCA Hall-of-Fame Coach Joins Texas Elite Sports

The Texas Elite Sports Association is pleased to announce that NFCA Hall-of-Fame Coach Dianne Baker has joined the Texas Elite Softball family and will be coaching the Texas Elite Baker 16U. Coach Baker, who retired following the 2005 season after 30 years of coaching, built Texas Woman’s University into one of the top programs in NCAA Division II.

Baker returned to her alma mater after a 17-year stint as the head coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Stephen F. Austin State, where she led the Ladyjacks to an NCAA Division II National Championship in 1986.

Baker’s coaching honors also include being named the 1999 and 2002 LSC South Coach of the Year, 1986 NCAA Div. II National Coach of the Year, 1985 and 1986 Regional Coach of the Year, and the 1984 Gulf Coast Conference (GCC) Coach of the Year.

Baker’s teams have won the 1986 GCC title, 1990 Southland Conference title and the 2002 LSC South Division title. Baker was inducted into the SFA Ladyjacks Hall of Honor in 1987. She has coached 26 All-Americans and one Olympian, Sandy Green, a left fielder on the 1996 Canadian Olympic Team.

Coach Jeff Filali states, “In everything that she approaches, whether it be to correct a batter’s swing or give a speech, Baker does it with all that she has and the best of her ability.”

One of the nation’s leading softball instructors, Baker is the author of two best selling books, “Winning Softball Drills” and “Winning Softball Practice Manual and Drills”. She has also had numerous articles published, and is the featured instructor in 18 softball videos.

In 2004, Baker became Schutt Sports National Promotions Manager for Softball/Baseball. In 2000, Baker was given the NCAA’s Silver Anniversary Award, one of the Association’s highest honors. The long-time coach is also a member of both the Stephen F. Austin and Texas Woman’s University Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame in 1998.

Gold Coast Hurricanes Crowned 2008 GOLD Champs

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Gold Coast Hurricanes, of Plantation, Fla., were crowned Sunday as 2008 ASA GOLD Girls’ Fastpitch National Champions.

The Hurricanes finished 7-0 in the tournament after defeating the Corona Angels – Tyson, of Corona, Calif., 6-5 in the Championship Game.

The Angels, 7-2 in the tournament, started off the scoring with a Melinda Macias, of Chino, Calif., RBI single to left field in the second inning. The Hurricanes responded in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a Kelly Smiley single down the left field line. Two more runs in the inning scored after the Angels shortstop, Morgan Stuart, committed an error. The Hurricanes scored again to take a 4-1 lead in the third off a squeeze play initiated by Mary Kate Smith, of Tampa, Fla.

The Angles big inning came in the top of fourth. Macias hit a triple to left field to knock in two more runs for the Angels. Destinee Martinez, of Corona, Calif., continued the scoring with a 2 RBI double to left field. The Hurricanes responded in the bottom of the inning with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Lauren Heil, of Pembroke Pines, Fla. to even the score at five.

The score remained deadlocked until the bottom of the seventh. With a runner on third base and one out, Chelsey Trotto, of Lantana, Fla., hit a soft grounder to second base that allowed the runner to score and ending the game.

The Gold Coast Hurricanes finished the 2007 National Championship in third place.

Before being whittled down to two teams, the 2008 National Championship field was composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams returned from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

GOLD Enters Championship Weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Fresh teams are climbing the Order of Finish at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium for the 2008 ASA GOLD Girls’ Fastpitch National Championship.

For the first time in seven years, the OC Batbusters will not be one of the top four teams in the championship. The defending national champions Worth Firecrackers also fell Friday in bracket play.

In a rematch of the 2003 championship game, the Batbusters, from Santa Ana, Calif., and the Shamrocks, from Vienna, Va., squared off in an elimination game. With the bases loaded in the eight frame, Diondra Fryer, from Sterling, Va., hit a game winning single to centerfield to send the Batbusters home.

The Firecrackers, from Hunting Beach, Calif., fell 9 -7 to Sorcerer Gold from Concord, Calif. Trailing 9 – 5 entering the final period, the Firecrackers got two quick runs to narrow the gap. With the tying run on first, starting pitcher Jessica Moore forced the Batbuster batter to weakly ground out to the pitcher, earning the save after coming out after 3+ innings of work.

Saturday will be a marathon for the remaining losers’ bracket teams. They must win three or four games in one day to face off for the National Championship. On the winners’ bracket side of things, a win secure a spot in the Championship game(s).

The 2008 National Championship field is composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams are returning from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

All remaining games played will be broadcast live over the Internet using Gametracker and all games played on the stadium field will have a live camera to follow the action.

For live game tracking, boxscores, end-of-day recaps, and more information pertaining to the GOLD National Championships, visit gold.asasoftball.com.

GOLD Teams Prepare for Elimination Day

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Comebacks and underdogs took over the first day of bracket play at the 2008 ASA Girls’ 18-under GOLD Fastpitch National Championship.

The winners’ bracket was whittled to 16 teams as teams from across the country prepare for the first day of eliminations at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

The beginning of the day saw last year’s top teams and perennial contenders being sent to the losers’ bracket. Defending champions Worth Firecrackers, from Huntington Beach, Calif., fell in their first double elimination game to the Oklahoma Babes, from Midwest City, Okla. Kimberly Eubank led the way for the Babes with 3 RBI. The Babes lost their second game of the evening to the Corona Angels – Tyson 2 – 1.

In the late games at Hall of Fame Stadium, the LA United, from New Iberia, La., and Georgia Elite, from Douglasville, battled through eleven innings of play to determine a winner. Sara Sikes, of Douglasville, Ga., provided the winning hit of the game by hitting a hard ground ball to the shortstop, giving the Elite a 2 – 1 edge.

Thirty-two teams return to Hall of Fame Stadium, fighting for their right to remain in National Championship tournament. By the end of the day, twenty-four teams will begin traveling home with eight more leaving after the first two sets of games Thursday morning.

The 2008 National Championship field is composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams are returning from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

All remaining games played will be broadcast live over the Internet using Gametracker and all games played on the stadium field will have a live camera to follow the action.

For live game tracking, boxscores, end-of-day recaps, and more information pertaining to the GOLD National Championships, visit gold.asasoftball.com.

GOLD Championship Enters Double Elimination Play

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The best youth softball teams in the country wrapped up two days of Pool Play in the 2008 ASA Girls’ 18-under GOLD Fastpitch National Championship.

Starting Tuesday, teams will battle it out in a double-elimination tournament to determine the National Champion.

Each team played two games, some at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla., and at Wild Horse Park in Mustang, Okla. to prepare for the rigors of the days ahead. The records for each team during pool play are located below.

Teams can play up to four games a day in hopes of reaching the National Championship games August 10.

The 2008 National Championship field is composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams are returning from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

All games played at the Hall of Fame Stadium Complex will be broadcast live over the Internet using Gametracker and all games played on the stadium field will have a live camera to follow the action.

For live game tracking, boxscores, end-of-day recaps, and more information pertaining to the GOLD National Championships, visit gold.asasoftball.com.

Gold Pool Play Records:
Arizona Hotshots Gold – Gatti 1-1
Atlanta Vipers – Vallery 1-1
Atlanta Vipers Gold – Seamon 1-1
AZ Desert Thunder 2-0
Beverly Bandits 2-0
CA Grapettes Gold 2-0
Cal Lite 0-2
Californina Cruisers 18 Gold 1-1
Coloraodo Stars Gold-Hayner 0-2
Combat Panthers 1-1
Corona Angels – Adishian 1-1
Corona Angels-Tyson 2-0
East Coast Elite 18U Gold 1-1
EastCobbBulletsGold 2-0
FLORIDA GOLD2-0
Georgia Blitz 0-2
Georgia Elite 0-2
Georgia Fire 18 Gold 1-1
Gold Coast Hurricanes 0-2
GT Shockers Gold 1-1
Indiana Magic Gold 18U 0-2
Katy Heat Gold 1-1
KC Peppers 2-0
LA United Gold 1-1
Lady Sharks – Barrera 1-1
Miami Valley Xpress 18 Gold 0-2
Michigan Finesse 1-1
MN Irish Gold 0-2
New Jersey Breakers 1-1
Northwest Bullets Gold 1-1
OC Batbusters 2-0
OK Attack 0-1-1
Oklahoma Babes Gold 0-2
Omaha Quakes Gold 0-2
Oregon Silver Bullets 0-2
Polar Crush 1-1
San Jose Sting – Perales 1-1
SD County Breakers 1-1
Shamrocks 1-1
So Cal Athletics 0-2
So Cal Choppers 2-0
So Cal Diamonds 1-1
So Cal Explosion 1-1
So Cal Pumas 2-0
Sorcerer Gold – Phil 2-0
St.LouisChaos. 1-1
Sudden Impact Gold 1-1
Team North Florida 1-1
Texas Blaze Gold 1-1
Texas Fusion Gold 0-2
Texas Glory Gold – Shelton 1-1
Texas Impact Gold 1-0-1
Tulsa Eagles 1-1
Tulsa Shootout Gold 1-1
TX Eclipse Gold 1-1
TX Express Gold 1-1
TX Magic 1-1
TX Storm DeMarini 1-1
TX Travelers Gold – (Marks) 0-2
Valley Breeze 1-1
Wagner’s Gold 1-1
Washington Lady Hawks – D’Amico 2-0
Washington Ladyhawks 18 Gold-Miller 2-0
Worth Firecrackers 2-0

ASA 18-Under GOLD Set To Start This Weekend!

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Sixty-four teams are making their arrivals in Oklahoma City for this weekend’s 2008 ASA Girls’ 18-under GOLD Fastpitch National Championship.

The tournament featuring the best youth softball teams in the country begins Sunday, August 3 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. The national championship wraps up August 10.

The Worth Firecrackers, from Huntington Beach, Calif., may have some early tests en route to defending their 2007 title. They could potentially face the OC Batbusters, from Santa Ana, Calif., in the third round of the winners’ in a rematch of the 2006 and 2007 championship games.

The Firecrackers could also potentially face 2007 5th place finisher, the Corona Angels – Tyson, from Corona, Calif., in the second round of the winners’ bracket.

The bottom half of the bracket also features 2007 3rd place finisher Gold Coast Hurricanes, from Plantation, Fla.

The 2008 National Championship field is composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams are returning from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

All games played at the Hall of Fame Stadium Complex will be broadcast live over the Internet using Gametracker and all games played on the stadium field will have a live camera to follow the action.

For live game tracking, boxscores, end-of-day recaps, and more information pertaining to the GOLD National Championships, visit gold.asasoftball.com.

Nominate Your ASA Coach by 8/31!

Each year, parents across America put their children – some 1.2 million of them – in the hands of youth softball coaches. Many of these mentors face tough expectations: teaching the game of softball, ensuring players safety, providing equal playing time, and guiding their team to victory. But when a youth softball coach, the assistant coaches, league administrators and the entire softball community place character, sportsmanship and the young softball athletes’ well-being before wins, they demonstrate a level of responsibility that deserves recognition.

Liberty Mutual, together with ASA Softball, is looking to recognize and celebrate youth softball coaches who embody the principles of Responsible Coaching. Between now and August 31st, people are encouraged to visit ResponsibleSports.com/award and nominate their favorite youth softball coach.

“The Responsible Sports program celebrates the dedication and selflessness of youth coaches who give of themselves to teach our children the rules of sport and fair play, and, in many cases, the rules of life,” said Greg Gordon, Senior Vice President, Manager, Consumer Marketing at Liberty Mutual. “It also provides parents and coaches alike with a common platform to align community-sport priorities and expectations. The result is thousands of compelling and uplifting stories of the positive sporting environments that have been created for young athletes across America.”

Ron Radigonda, Executive Director, ASA/USA Softball said, “The coaches in the ASA program are the backbone of youth softball. With the help of Liberty Mutual and the Responsible Sports program, we are proud to pay tribute to their success both on and off the field. Not only do they teach the fundamentals of the game, but more importantly they can help build other core values like team work, character and self esteem that will last players for a lifetime.”

In September, an independent judging committee will be reviewing all nominations and selecting one winner per state from all submitted nominations. Winning coaches will receive a $250 gift card, a personalized Responsible Coaching trophy, and recognition on ResponsibleSports.com. Softball winners will also be featured on ASASoftball.com. Your softball coach could be one of the lucky winners! Nominations close August 31st.

For more information, visit ResponsibleSports.com/award

Field Set for ASA Girls’ 18-Under GOLD

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The 64-team field is set for the 2008 ASA Girls’

18-Under GOLD Fastpitch National Championship, the Amateur Softball Association announced today. This tournament continuously displays the best talent in youth softball with USA Softball legends Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, and Jessica Mendoza among others making appearances at the GOLD Championships.

The Worth Firecrackers, from Huntington Beach, Calif., are looking to defend their 2007 title against the best youth softball teams in the country August 3 – 10, at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

The field is composed of teams from every ASA region and 22 different states. Thirty-five teams are returning from the 2007 edition of the double-elimination national tournament.

All games played at the Hall of Fame Stadium Complex will be broadcast live over the Internet using Gametracker and all games played on the stadium field will have a live camera to follow the action.

The GOLD National Championship returns to a double-elimination bracket after a winner-takes-all format the previous two years. The tournament draw will take place July 28 beginning at 11 a.m. central time. Draw updates will be posted after each region is drawn.

ASA to participate in MLB Pitch, Hit & Run

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Amateur Softball Association is pleased to announce that softball athletes who play ASA have advanced as National Finalists in the 2008 Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run competition. The girls listed below range in age groups from 7-14 and will compete in the event using their softball skills on a National stage. The National Finals will take place today Monday, July 14 at 3:15 p.m. (EDT) as part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Yankee Stadium in New York.

They represent six difference ASA Local Associations and are thrilled to represent the sport during this outstanding weekend. Raelynn Nichols of Valrico, Calif. who qualified in the 13-14 division is nervous about the competition but thrilled to visit NYC and see the MLB game. She will be attending with her mom Patricia.

“It was just really exciting to advance,” 13-year-old Nichols said. “I have never been to a MLB game and this is a dream come true and something I have always wanted to do. Playing ASA with the 14-Under Florida Fire has helped me a lot because they push me harder to be better. I can’t wait to walk around and visit Times Square.”

Each of the athletes qualified through regionals hosted by ASA local associations including Arizona, Central Florida, Indiana, Maryland/DC (& Piedmont VA), Northern California, Ohio, Sacramento, Southern California, Texas, and West Central Florida.

“We were honored to be selected as a hosting spot for this event,” said Tony Galloway, Central Florida ASA Commissioner. “It was quick to plan with the short notice but we pulled off a great event. One of my board members had done the baseball side of it so it was easy for him to do the softball side. We had a pretty good turn out and everyone was extremely interested to come back next year. It was outstanding to see one of our girls, Alexis Peri of Satellite Beach, Fla., make the finals in NYC and attend the All-Star game in Yankee stadium.”

“Its exciting that is this the first year and we were on the ground floor and our kids didn’t have to go very far,” said Carlton Benton, West Central Florida ASA Commissioner. “We did the finals on Sunday of the State Tournament so it worked out really well. The parents that volunteered were a huge help and I am excited to hear about the New York trip from Raelynn (Nichols) when she returns.”

Below is the list of Softball Qualifiers for the event:

2008 National Finalists – 7/8 year old division

Alexis Yates – Folsom, CA

Representing the San Francisco Giants

Alexis Yates was crowned the Super Regional Champ in Sacramento, CA after posting the fastest 7/8 year old base-running time in the country. Primarily a second and third basemen, Alexis plays for the Sluggers in Folsom, CA, where she batted .764 this year with 13 doubles. She also plays volleyball and soccer, recently scoring 12 goals in 3 games at a select soccer tournament. Alexis also excels in the classroom, currently ranking at the top of her class.

Kaitlyn Anderson – Tucson, AZ

Representing the Arizona Diamondbacks

Kaitlyn Anderson plays for Team Velocity back home in Tucson, AZ. She first advanced by winning the Local Competition offered by Tucson ASA, and then won the Arizona ASA Super Regional, hosted by the City of Maricopa. A 4’6” pitcher and center fielder, Kaitlyn batted .550 this year with 2 home runs. She’s a straight-A student at Mesquite Elementary, and when she’s not playing softball, Kaitlyn enjoys riding bikes and watching her sister’s softball games.

Alexis Peri – Satellite Beach, FL

Representing the Florida Marlins

The All-Around Champion from the Central Florida ASA Super Regional in Orlando, Alexis Peri is a pitcher and shortstop on her Viero Suntree Little League baseball team. Although she’s only 8, Alexis plays all three of her sports – baseball, basketball and soccer, in a 10 & under league. She also plays all three of her sports against the boys. Alexis feels that her strongest skill in the Pitch, Hit & Run is the base-running.

2008 National Finalists – 9/10 year old division

Hannah Foster – Dothan, AL

Representing the Atlanta Braves

The only 9/10 year old competitor to go a perfect 6-for-6 in the pitch competition at her Super Regional, Hannah Foster used a strong pitching performance in the Alabama ASA competition to propel her to the National Finals. A pitcher and first basemen for the Dothan National All-Stars and the Lower Alabama Heat travel team, Hannah began playing at the age of 6 years old. Hannah also excels in basketball and soccer, while making straight-A’s at Northside Methodist Academy.

Taylor Brown – Fillmore, CA

Representing the Los Angeles Dodgers

Taylor Brown was the Fillmore Girls Softball Local Competition Champion before prevailing at the Southern California Super Regional in Bellflower. A 4’3” second basemen for the Fillmore All-Stars, Taylor started playing softball at the age of 4. Taylor lists her strongest skill as the base-running and she used that ability to post the fastest 9/10 year old Super Regional time of the 2008 season. She also made the all-star team in soccer and basketball, while carrying a 4.0 GPA at Mountain Vista Elementary.

Rebecca Boesen – Bradenton, FL

Representing the Tampa Bay Rays

A second basemen for the Palmetto Pride, Rebecca Boesen hit .540 this year with 5 home runs and 62 stolen bases. Rebecca won the Local Competition hosted by Manatee West Little League and had the best 9/10 year old softball hitting score of the season at the Super Regional in Orlando. Rebecca is a member of the Honor Roll at Gable Elementary and has been named the MVP of every tournament she has played in this season.

2008 National Finalists – 11/12 year old division

Sydney Roumeliotis – Paramount, CA

Representing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Sydney Roumeliotis plays ASA softball in Southern California and has hit 5 home runs this year. She used those hitting skills at the Pitch, Hit & Run Super Regional where she posted the highest softball hitting score of any 11/12 year old competitor in the 2008 season. A pitcher and first basemen, Sydney plays for the 14 & under Bellflower All-Stars at the age of 12. She began playing softball at the age of 4 and also excels in basketball and volleyball.

Savannah Loomis – Roseville, CA

Representing the Oakland Athletics

A winner of the Sacramento ASA Super Regional, Savannah Loomis is a left-handed first basemen and pitcher for the Roseville Heat. Savannah batted .525 with 3 home runs this year from the third spot in the batting order. Also swift on the base paths, Savannah posted the fastest base-running time of the season for the 11/12 year old softball division. She is also strong in the classroom and was on the Honor Roll for the entire year at Silverado Middle School.

Alicia Portillo – Maricopa, AZ

Representing the Arizona Diamondbacks

Alicia Portillo earned a trip to the National Finals by winning the Arizona ASA Super Regional hosted by the City of Maricopa. Although she is only 12, Alicia plays second base and pitcher for the Casa Grande Heat 14 & under tournament team. Her team recently qualified for ASA tournaments in Oklahoma City and Las Vegas. Alicia also plays for the Maricopa Wells Middle School softball team and was named MVP.

2008 National Finalists – 13/14 year old division

Kelsi Chilcote – Poway, CA

Representing the San Diego Padres

Kelsi Chilcote posted the highest 13/14 year old softball hitting score of the season en route to winning the Southern California ASA Super Regional. Kelsi posted a .382 batting average this year with 7 home runs for the Poway Diamonds softball team. Although she did not begin playing softball until the age of 11, Kelsi was recently credited with hitting the longest home run in her league. Kelsi also plays soccer and holds the shot put record for her middle school.

Raelynn Nichols – Valrico, FL

Representing the Tampa Bay Rays

A pitcher and second basemen for the Florida Fire fast pitch softball team, Raelynn Nichols advanced to New York by winning a Local Competition in Valrico and a Super Regional in Winter Haven. Raelynn batted .376 this season with 10 stolen bases and lists the base-running as her strongest skill in Pitch, Hit & Run. She was also a High Honor Roll student this year and the only sixth grader to play for the Mulrennan Middle School volleyball team.

Jackie LaPointe – Ellicott City, MD

Representing the Baltimore Orioles

Jackie LaPointe was the only 13/14 year old competitor in the country to post a perfect 6-for-6 in the pitch competition at her Super Regional. A pitcher and outfielder for the Patriots softball team in Ellicott City, Jackie actually considers the base-running to be her strongest skill in Pitch, Hit & Run. Jackie will represent her favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles, during the National Finals at Yankee Stadium. She also excels in the classroom, making the Honor Roll and winning the Presidential Academic Excellence Award.

Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run is a grassroots program that was initiated in 1996 to provide youth across North America with an integrated competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball and softball skills. Free to boys and girls between the ages of 7-14, this year’s Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run program had more than 600,000 participants through more than 4,000 local competitions. The program features local, sectional and team championship competitions, culminating at the National Finals.

In addition to the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run National Finals, the 24 finalists will make a special trip to DHL All-Star FanFest, an interactive baseball theme park and the largest baseball fan event in the world.

DHL All-Star FanFest will take place from July 11-15 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

Gatorade Workout Day is the second day of 2008 MLB All-Star Week events at Yankee Stadium. All-Star Week culminates with the 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15.

The 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game being held at Yankee Stadium in its final season, will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. (EDT). ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage that will also be available on XM Satellite Radio, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage.

Two more advance to GOLD

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Two teams are one step closer to the 2008 ASA Girls’ 18-under GOLD Fast pitch National Championship after reaching the final two spots in the 2008 Hall of Fame National Qualifier. The Texas Glory – Shelton, from McKinney, Texas and the Sudden Impact, from Chappell Hill, Texas earned their ticket over the weekend’s competition.

The best 64-teams in the country will square off August 3 – 10, at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, for the 2008 ASA Girls’ 18-under GOLD Fast pitch National Championship.

The Texas Glory – Shelton, from McKinney, Texas, qualified by moving undefeated through the bracket and capturing the first spot out of the Oklahoma City national qualifier.

The Glory had to defeat qualifiers from the 2007 National Championship en route to a birth. In the third round, they bested Southern Force, from Johnson City, Ill., 3-2. The Glory battled through another 2007 qualifier in the Mustangs, from Wichita, Kan., before prevailing 4-1.

The Sudden Impact, from Chappell Hill, Texas, took a slightly longer route to Oklahoma City. After losing 7-5 in the winners’ bracket semi-finals to the Katy Heat, from Katy, Texas, the Sudden Impact found themselves having to win three games in about six hours to earn the second automatic berth.

The Sudden Impact reached the losers’ bracket finals by defeating the OK Jitterbugs, from Oklahoma City, 9-2 and Mustangs 1-0. That set up a rematch with the Katy Heat, with the Sudden Impact prevailing 5-3.

Both teams join the growing list of teams qualified for the 2008 National Championship in Oklahoma City. Qualifying for the tournament wraps up this Sunday with seven tournaments determining the final 16 spots.

Field filling up for 18-Under GOLD

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — More than 32 teams have booked their reservations to the ASA Girls 18-Under GOLD National Championship, filling out half of the field for this year’s competition.

Twelve qualifying tournaments from around the country have selected 37 representatives for the August 3 – 10 tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

Defending champion Worth Firecrackers, from Huntington Beach, Calif., and 2007 runner-up and five-time champion OC Batbusters, from Santa Ana, Calif., have already qualified.

The states of Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, California, New Jersey, Arizona, Virginia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Illinois and Washington are already represented with more looking to join the fray.

Thirteen qualifying tournaments remain to decide the final 27 participants.

In a precursor to the national championship, sixty-four teams from around the country will meet July 11 – 13 in Oklahoma City for the 2008 GOLD National Qualifier. Teams will compete at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium and Wild Horse Park for the opportunity to face off against the best club teams in the United States.

For a complete listing of remaining qualifying tournaments and national championship information, visit gold.asasoftball.com.

Tampa Mustangs take HOF 18-Under Crown

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Tampa Mustangs captured the ASA 18-under Hall of Fame tournament over the weekend recording an 8-1 overall record. Battling through the loser’s bracket, the Mustangs earned a berth to the 2008 ASA/USA Softball 18-U Class A Girls Fast Pitch National Tournament in Moline, Ill. July 27-August 3. Click here to see the bracket.

Through the first three games, the Mustangs didn’t allow a run as they defeated the Roswell Orange Crush 12-0, the Indiana Mayhem 1-0, and the Broken Arrow Diamondbacks 4-0. The KC Whitesox of Kansas City, Mo. halted the Mustangs in game four with a 3-2 defeat. Dropping to the bottom half of the bracket, they bounced back with a 10-2 thump over the AZ Hotshots of Chandler, Ariz. before taking a 6-1 decision of the Lilburn Fire of Lilburn, Ga. to stay alive.

On Sunday afternoon in a must-win situation, the continued to roll with a 5-1 win over the Tucson Scramblers of Tucson, Ariz. pushing the Mustanges into the championship round with again their only loss, the KC Whitesox. Redemption rang true when on Sunday evening, the Mustangs defeated the Whitesox 6-4 in game one and 5-1 in game two to capture the tournament title.

Four of the top five finishers in the 18-Under Hall of Fame Tournament had previously qualified for the National Tournament before coming to Oklahoma City. So the eight teams who earn berths to the 2008 USA/ASA Girls Class A 18-Under Fast Pitch National Tournament in Moline, IL will be:

Lilburn Fire from Lilburn, GA

Arizona Hotshots from Chandler, AZ

Indiana Earthquake from Evansville, IN

Missouri Firestix from Neosho, MO

OK Firebirds from Tulsa, OK

Oklahoma Thunder from Tulsa, OK

KC Freeze from Kansas City, MO

TBD

ASA Softball Equipment Advisory

I saw this post about equipment on the ASA website. I thought people may be interested. so I am posting it for you here.

Dear ASA Family,

In an effort to limit some of the hearsay surrounding the myriad of questions relating to equipment (specifically bats and balls), we would like to offer what’s written below as an official update and hope that each of you find it useful as we start approaching the summer playing season.

Our committee, the ASA’s Equipment Testing & Certification Committee, is recommending to the ASA Board of Directors that no sunset clause or other provision that could eliminate the use of all previously approved composite bats be adopted in 2009 or over the course of the next few years. A portion of our committee’s decision making process was based on the 90+ percent satisfaction that was recorded on the last long range planning committee survey on your overall satisfaction with the current state of the game in terms of equipment performance. To reiterate our position, no immediate “expiration date” of current composite bats is presently planned to be recommended by our committee. Bat manufacturers will still be allowed to design composite bats for use in ASA sanctioned competitions.

This subject has been at the core of many rumors that have surfaced since the ASA required that all ASA certified bats be subjected to an accelerated break-in (ABI) process prior to initial certification. This new test requirement imposed by ASA should minimize the potential banning of bats produced by bat manufacturers because these bats will be tested at their peak performance upon initial certification rather than rely solely on random compliance testing. To be clear, bats currently in the marketplace will continue to be subject to random auditing by ASA to ensure the standards adopted by ASA are followed and that bats are not made differently than when they were initially certified. As all of you know, the ASA operates in a very democratic process so all of this is subject to the possibility of a rule change that could be proposed by one of our 260+ voting members during the ASA National Council Meeting held annually in November. The adoption of any rule requires 60% approval by the ASA voting council.

As manufacturers continue to make bats that exceed our standards, we expect the cottage industry of bat doctoring to continue. To that end, the ASA has recently filed a lawsuit against five individuals across the United States aimed at curbing this practice. As many of you know, we were successful in our last round of lawsuits resulting in a $100,000 judgment and we expect similar results this time around.

In other equipment news, during the ASA’s Equipment Testing and Certification Committee’s most recent meeting (April 24-27), the committee took action involving the establishment of a standard regulating the dynamic stiffness of softballs at 7,500 lbs/inch when tested under the most current proposed ASTM test method. This standard will better control the use of multi “C.O.R.” softballs and should bring more consistency to the softball marketplace without lowering the current static compression of 375 lbs/inch. Please note, static compression and dynamic stiffness are completely different measurements so these numbers should not be compared.

We don’t expect the above change in ball specs to disrupt the marketplace whatsoever but it could lead to the development of a non approved ball list if manufactures continue to elect to develop softballs that don’t meet the specifications of this new ASA testing parameter. Also, we are not going to require the manufacturers to change the current ASA markings on softballs to avoid other confusion in the field.

Several manufacturers have developed alternative softballs using different C.O.R./static compression and dynamic stiffness measurements in an effort to provide alternative products used at various divisions and classifications of ASA play. As these products undergo further scrutiny in the lab and in ASA field testing, we will continue our efforts in finding the ideal ball bat combination to preserve the integrity of the game.

The committee also conducted a field test during its most recent gathering which, among other things, compared bats that have been altered using a common accelerated break-in technique called bat rolling. The first bat that was rolled was a popular bat currently in the marketplace and the second bat was a bat that will be produced and sold starting July 1. The batted ball speeds for the new bat that is going to be manufactured beginning July 1 was clearly lower than the current bats on the market further validating the ASA’s new testing requirement that all bats must be fully broken-in prior to gaining initial certification.

The bat barrel compression testers that have been developed by Easton Sports in partnership with the Sporting Goods Manufacturer’s Association (SGMA), should be available to all local associations that purchased them by mid-June according to the latest reports from Easton. These testers will be shipped to each location as soon as they arrive in Oklahoma City and will be accompanied with instructions for their use at the local league level. We encourage each local association to, at a minimum, follow the language contained in the ASA Code, Article 510 M 06 if a bat is found to be altered and used during the course of an ASA sanctioned game.

If you have any questions or comments about this letter or questions relating to our equipment committee, please feel free to direct them to me or the ASA National Office staff/committee representative, Kelly McKeown, kmckeown@softball.org.

On behalf of the entire ASA Equipment Testing & Certification Committee, we wish you the best of luck with the remainder of 2008 and look forward to seeing you in Oklahoma City this fall during the annual convention.

Regards,

Dick Gulmon

Alabama’s Charlotte Morgan Named USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week

The Amateur Softball Association announced today that Alabama’s Charlotte Morgan (Moreno Valley, Calif.) was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week for her efforts during the week of March 31- April 6. Leading the No. 3 Crimson Tide to a 4-0 weekend, the sophomore pitcher led from the circle and at the plate tossing back-to-back complete games while hitting .538 (7-for-13).

“It is really an honor,” Morgan said. “Every time our team takes the field, our goal is to find a way to win, and I will do whatever it takes to help us accomplish that goal. I love being able to contribute both at the plate and in the circle – just anything that will help us win.”

On Wednesday, the Tide started the week with a 4-0 win over Samford where Morgan had a 2-for-3 outing. Over the weekend, they then took a three-game sweep over a then No. 10 LSU. In the opening game of a doubleheader on Saturday, Morgan blasted a three-run, walk-off shot in the bottom of the 10th inning that completed an impressive comeback win for the Tide. In game two, she recorded all five innings in the 8-0 run rule loss and was also 2-for-3 from the plate with one RBI. In the final game on Sunday, she saw another 2-for-3 outing with two RBI while tossing seven innings with four strikeouts.

For the week, Morgan hit .538 (7 for 13) for the week with two home runs, three doubles, three runs scored and six RBI. She posted three multiple-hit games and two multiple-RBI games. She reached base at a .600 clip while slugging 1.231 for the entire week and 1.400 against No. 10 LSU.

“Charlotte did a little bit of everything for us this weekend, and we are excited to see her rewarded for her efforts,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. “Every time we needed a big hit she came through, and in the circle she was in complete command of a very dangerous LSU lineup over the final two games.”

This is the first time Morgan has received the honor of USA Softball Player of the Week.

ASA Hall of Fame and USA Softball Partner with Sports Museum of America

The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the U.S., announced today a partnership with the Sports Museum of America (SmA).

Opening in May 2008, the Amateur Softball Association, USA Softball and theNational Softball Hall of Fame and Museumnow joins over 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, National Governing Bodies, Museums and other sports organizations across North America as a Founding Sports Partner of the Sports Museum of America (SmA), http://www.thesportsmuseum.com/. Scheduled to open in New York City in May 2008, SmA is the Nation’s first and only museum to celebrate all sports under one roof. Filled with original films, state-of-the-art interactives and an iconic collection of memorabilia, SmA will richly showcase the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture through great sports’ stories of courage, education and triumph.

“We are so pleased to be partnered with SmA in this endeavor to celebrate softball, especially the 2004 Olympic team,” said ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda. “We are honored to be among this elite group of sports to be recognized and it shows how the growth of softball is continuing every day from the youth leagues to the highest level.”

“The Sports Museum of America is very pleased to have the Amateur Softball Association, USA Softball and theNational Softball Hall of Fame and Museumjoin our more than 50 exclusive sports partner organizations to create the first comprehensive museum of sports,” says Founder and CEO Philip Schwalb. “Fans have a special and personal relationship with softball that begins in the backyards, and the city streets and playing fields all across the country. Everyone knows softball holds a unique place in American sports culture, and we’re delighted to be sharing softball’s tremendous legacy — from Dot Richardson to Jennie Finch to the stars of tomorrow — with our millions of visitors. We’re particularly proud to include Lisa Fernandez, Dot Richardson and Jennie Finch among our prestigious Honorary Board of Trustees. We’ll also excite our fans about the NationalSoftball Hall of Fame and Museumin Oklahoma City and encourage them to visit there for the ultimate celebration of softball.”

Under the terms of the partnership, ASA/USA Softball will provide archival softball materials, such as home plate and first base from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games; dirt from the field in Athens, a 2004 ESPY Award, 2004 Authentic Batting helmet, Stacey Nuveman’s gold medal game catcher’s mask and chest guard, a head wreath from Cat Osterman from the medal ceremony in Athens, etc. Other memorabilia pertaining to the history of softball and of interest to the projected one million worldwide annual visitors to SmA will be sent on a rotating basis. Likewise, joint promotional efforts will be undertaken by both partners, and SmA will make an annual donation to support the Amateur Softball Association, USA Softball and theNational Softball Hall of Fame and Museum.

SmA is widely anticipated to be a vibrant new addition to the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan by significantly increasing commercial and tourist activity in the area.

Tickets for the Sports Museum of Americawent on-sale on Friday, April 4, 2008. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit http://www.sportsmuseum.com/

Mendoza Elected President for the Women’s Sports Foundation

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) is pleased to announce that USA Softball Women’s National team member Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) was recently elected President for the Womens Sports Foundation. She is currently serving as president-elect and will begin her reign as president in 2009.

Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women’s Sports Foundation is a charitable educational organization dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.

“Over the years we have been very fortunate to have strong, dynamic leaders at the Women’s Sports Foundation and Jessica Mendoza is a shining example of what is really great about women’s sports and the future direction of The Foundation,” said Billie Jean King, founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “Jessica is one of those special athletes who is already involved in giving back to her sport and the community while she is still active. That passion, and her ability to connect so well with current and young athletes, will help her and the programs and organizations that benefit from the Women’s Sports Foundation as we move ahead in 2009.”

Mendoza has a long history with the Women’s Sports Foundation as she has been a member of the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees since 2005, served on the Finance and Legal Committee and Athlete Relations Committee as well as is a Board member of the National Education Association. She also helped kick off GoGirlGo! Programs in Chicago and San Antonio, Texas, which helps inner-city girls get active, stay healthy and learn skills such as leadership, confidence, body image and self-esteem.

“It is an incredible honor to be elected President of the Women’s Sports Foundation. The Foundation has been the leader in providing opportunities for girls and women in sport through grants, research, and advocacy of women’s rights (Title IX). The Women’s Sports Foundation has personally been my mentor and inspired me to do more for those who have little. Whether it be a young girl in a disadvantaged area who does not even realize she loves sports because she has never been given the chance to play, or the high school basketball player who dreams of playing in college but none of the local schools even offer the sport for women. Or the young woman who wants more than anything in the world to play softball for a living, but there is no one to give her the support or the voice to make this a reality. These are the stories of girls and women that the Women’s Sports Foundation makes a difference in every day.”

“I have been blessed to make it to the Olympic level of my sport, and my goal as President is to not only get more elite athletes involved in giving back, but to create even more opportunities for girls and women to play sports — so everyone has a chance to play. “

Mendoza will serve as President-elect until she takes office in 2009.

For more information on the WSF, please log onto www.womenssportsfoundation.org.

Alabama’s Montalvo named Player of the Week

The Amateur Softball Association announced today the selection of Alabama’s Kelley Montalvo (Miami, Fla.) as the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of March 3-9. The junior third baseman led the Crimson Tide to a 3-1 week hitting .778 as Alabama captured two wins over a then No. 4 Tennessee.

Going 7-for-9, Montalvo scored nine runs over the weekend and recorded six RBI in four games. She also recorded a hit and scored a run in all four games, including two doubles and was 2-for-2 in stolen bases. She set a career high with three walks in the win against UAB and tied her career highs for hits (3) and runs scored (3) in the Tennessee 8-0 win on Saturday. On Sunday, she again had thee runs scored in the 13-2 five inning run rule over the Lady Vols.

“The three of us (coaches) firmly believe she (Montalvo) is the best third baseman in the country,” said UA head coach Patrick Murphy. “She has been on a tear this season. She is one of the most exciting players we have ever had and she is definitely a fan favorite.”

This is the first USA Softball Player of the Week honor for Montalvo.

Megan Gibson selected Player of the Week

The Amateur Softball Association announced today the selection of Texas A&M’s Megan Gibson (Spring, Texas) as the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of February 25 – March 2. On the weekend, Gibson improved to a perfect 12-0 in the circle , contributed four RBI and set several Big 12 Conference records.

Gibson made four starts, working 27 scoreless innings and posting a 0.00 ERA in the circle. Gibson earned wins against No. 14 Houston, No. 19 DePaul, Florida State and NC State, all of which were NCAA Tournament participants in 2007. Gibson logged 30 strikeouts over the week. The senior dropped her overall ERA from a 1.12 heading into this week to a 0.73 and increased her innings without an earned run to 31.1 innings.

“I am really honored to be named the USA Softball Player of the Week. I think our entire team played really well against Houston and in the NFCA Leadoff Classic. My job was easy because I knew I could count on having a solid defense behind me on the mound,” said Gibson. “My catcher, Erin Glasco, did a nice job of calling pitches and mixing up our speeds and Amanda Scarborough was helpful in going over scouting reports before each inning in the dugout. I’m really looking forward to getting to play at home in front of the 12th Man at the Aggie Softball Complex this weekend.”

At the plate, Gibson hit .300 with four RBI and launched a homerun to help her cause on the mound. The homerun against No. 14 Houston was her 48th-career homerun, which crowned her the Big 12 career leader in homeruns. Gibson’s two doubles on the week put her in a tie for the Big 12 lead. The senior also leads the Big 12 conference in walks (18) and shutouts (7). She is second in ERA (0.73).

“This is a big honor for Megan. She is one of the most complete players in the game. There are only a hand-full of players in the country that I can think of who can do it all like Megan,” said Texas A&M Head Coach Jo Evans. “This past week she was on fire, in total control on the mound. Megan was not afraid to go right after hitters. She wasn’t flawless, but she knew what she had to do to win ballgames. I am proud of her work ethic and the competitiveness she displays in wanting to get better.”

UCLA’s Selden named Player of the Week

The Amateur Softball Association announced today the selection of UCLA pitcher Anjelica Selden (Vacaville, Calif.) as the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of February 18-24. The senior had a part in four of the Bruins’ five wins at the Palm Springs Classic, producing a 3-0 record, a save and 38 strikeouts in 22 innings.

“I feel very honored and flattered to have received this award,” said Selden. “I’m thankful that I have a great team and great defense behind me. It felt great to get five wins last weekend in Palm Springs, especially with them all coming against some of the top competition in the country. We have a young team and it is wonderful to see us doing so well. We have worked very hard to come together as a team on the field and that is our goal, to come together and play well as a team offensively and defensively.”

After picking up a save against Massachusetts on Friday, Selden followed that with a 13-strikeout performance in a two-hitter against No. 18 Georgia. On Saturday, Selden did not walk a batter and struck out seven, limiting No. 13 Baylor to four hits.

“I am very proud of Jelly’s performance this weekend,” said UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “She is focused and determined to get this team back to Oklahoma City and she led the Bruins this weekend with great confidence.”

On Sunday, Selden set a new career high for strikeouts in a seven-inning game with 17 against No. 3 Northwestern, giving up just four hits. Selden struck out the side three times in the third, fifth and seventh and fanned the final four batters of the game.

Selden improved to 7-1 on the season with 78 strikeouts in 52 innings and only four walks on the season. This is the second time Selden been honored as the USA Softball Player of the Week as she was honored as a freshman in 2005.

ASA Presents JO Service Awards

The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of softball, is pleased to recognize the continued service of commissioners, coaches and player-representatives in the ASA Junior Olympic program.

Forty-five participants at the Junior Olympic Workshop, held Feb. 15 – 16 in Oklahoma City, were honored for their longevity and service to the ASA Youth softball divisions.

Jim Shuffield, the Arkansas Junior Olympic Comissioner, was saluted for 40 years of commitment to the Junior Olympic program.

In all, the 123 participants of the workshop account for 1,012 years of Junior Olympic experience.

Attendees of the workshop, which wrapped up Feb. 16, discussed changes to ASA code and rules, tournament, bracketing, national championships, the ACE Coaches Program, and marketing. Bollinger Insurance, Team Hotline, and D-4 Sports also presented several unique services available to teams.

Cochran named USA Softball Collegiate National Player of the Week

The Amateur Softball Association announced today the selection of Arizona State centerfielder Kaitlin Cochran (Yorba Linda, Calif.) as the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of February 11-17. Batting .650 for the weekend, Cochran led the No. 2 Sun Devils to a perfect 8-0 weekend performance.

“This award is exciting and surprising especially with how well some teams played last weekend,” said Cochran. “It’s an amazing and great honor to be named USA Softball Player of the Week. You always read about the players of the week and see how amazing their stats and weekends went, and it’s a huge honor to be grouped into the category of great players that have received this award.”

The 5’9” junior was 13-for-20 over the weekend including five doubles, two triples and two home runs. She was responsible for 11 RBI as ASU was perfect including five games that ended in run rule victories.

“Kaitlin’s statistics speak for themselves, and she works extremely hard for all of them,” said Arizona State head coach Clint Myers. “She’s never satisfied with what she does on the field, she’s always trying to better herself. Even last weekend she had a great weekend and we’ve already talked about how to better the things she did last weekend. She is a phenomenal player who never ceases to amaze us every week with the things she does on the field and in a leadership sense for the rest of the team. It’s always a wonderful honor to see one of my players awarded for their hard-work and effort.”

Highlighting the former All-American’s performance was a 3-for-3 performance in the 12-1 defeat over Memphis. She tallied a double, a home run and three RBI in the victory. She was responsible for at least one RBI in six of the eight wins and also stole two bases.

This is the first time Cochran been honored as the USA Softball Player of the Week and she was among the Top 50 Watch List for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.

Alabama is No. 1 in ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Amateur Softball Association announced today its ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Poll and it was a close battle for No. 1 but Alabama clinched the top spot with 10 first-place votes. After going 2-3 this past weekend, the previous No.1 Arizona fell to No. 10, its lowest ranking since the poll started in 2003.

Alabama (10-0) outscored opponents 58-12 at the Hampton Inn Crimson Classic to earn its second-ever No. 1 finish. The Crimson were ranked No.1 on May 8, 2007.

It was a close battle for second and third but Arizona State (10-1) came in at second with three first place votes. They dominated competition at the Kajikawa Classic with a 7-0 record including five run-ahead victories. Despite having one-more first place vote than Arizona State, Northwestern is third in this week’s poll. Just five points away from second, Northwestern went 3-0 at the Kajikawa Classic.

Arizona (2-3) made the most dramatic fall as they fell from No. 1 to No. 10 for its lowest ranking in the history of the poll. They opened their season at the Kajikawa Classic with losses to ranked opponents Texas A&M and Northwestern.

New to the poll this week are Houston at No. 20 who is also making its first-ever appearance in the Top 25 as well as San Diego State who slid in at No. 25 after receiving votes last week.

ASA announces top 50 watch list for the 2008 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla – The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, has selected its initial “Watch List” for the seventh Annual USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award. This award, which is considered one of the most prestigious honors in women’s collegiate softball, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players across the country. Past winners of this award include UCLA’s Stacey Nuveman, Florida State’s Jessica Van der Linden, three-time winner Texas pitcher Cat Osterman and 2007 winner Monica Abbott of Tennessee.

The 2008 Preseason Watch List is comprised of 50 players representing 34 schools and 14 different NCAA Division I Conferences.

The ASA will announce the 25 finalists on April 9. A player does not have to appear on the initial watch list to be considered as a Top 25 finalist, but once the Top 25 is named the remaining finalist must be selected from that list.

Just days before the start of post-season play, a list of 10 finalists will be named and released on May 7. The final three finalists will be announced May 21 while the winner of the 2008 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award will be announced prior to the start of the 2008 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

2008 USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List

Name – School – Year – Position – Hometown
Callista Balko (Arizona) – Senior – Catcher – Tucson, Ariz.
Brandice Balschmiter (Massachusetts) – Junior – Pitcher – Manasquan, N.J.
Chelsea Bramlett (Mississippi State) – Sophomore – Catcher/Infield – Cordova, Tenn.
Savannah Brown (Georgia Tech) – Senior – Catcher/Third Base – San Diego, Calif.
Katie Burkhart (Arizona State) – Senior – Pitcher – San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Tonya Callahan (Tennessee) – Senior – Infield – Holden, Mo.
Ashley Charters (Washington) – Senior – Infield – Beaverton, Ore.
Kaitlin Cochran (Arizona State) – Junior – Outfield – Yorba Linda, Calif.
Krista Colburn (UCLA) – Senior – Outfield – Mukilteo, Wash.
Meagan Denny (Texas) – Senior – Pitcher – Crowley, Texas
Lauren Eckermann (Oklahoma) – Senior – Pitcher – Brenham, Texas
Cristi Ecks (South Florida) – Junior – Pitcher – Manassas, Va.
Angela Findlay (Michigan) – Sophomore – Outfield – Lockport, Ill.
Samantha Findlay (Michigan) – Senior – First Base – Lockport, Ill.
Rachel Folden (Marshall) – Senior – Catcher/Utility – Baldwin Park, Calif.
Megan Gibson (Texas A&M) – Senior – Pitcher/First Base – Spring, Texas
Alissa Haber (Stanford) – Sophomore – Outfield- Newark, Calif.
Whitney Haller (Georgia Tech) – Junior – First Base – Marietta, Ga.
Molly Hill (Nebraska) – Junior – Pitcher – Wayne, Neb.
Dani Hofer (LSU) – Junior – Pitcher – Safety Harbor, Fla.
Becca Heteniak (DePaul) – Sophomore – Pitcher – Simi Valley, Calif.
Tiffany Huff (Tennessee) – Sophomore – Catcher/First Base – Saugus, Calif.
Carley Hughes (UNC Wilmington) – Junior – Catcher – Pittsboro, N.C.
Annie Kinsey (Pennsylvania) – Senior – Second Base – West Hills, Calif.
Sam Marder (Ohio State) – Sophomore – Catcher – Calabasas, Calif.
Cambria Miranda (Oregon State) – Senior – Second Base- Camarillo, Calif.
Taryne Mowatt (Arizona) – Senior – Pitcher – Corona, Calif.
Kara Nelson (Illinois State) – Sophomore – Third Base – Moline, Ill.
Stacey Nelson (Florida) – Junior – Pitcher – Los Alamitos, Calif.
Emily Nichols (Iowa) – Senior – Catcher/Infield – Portland, Ore.
Chrissy Owens (Alabama) – Senior – Pitcher – Miami, Fla.
Lauren Parker (Alabama) – Junior – Infield – Port Neches, Texas
Nicole Pauly (Northwestern) – Sophomore – Infield – Palatine, Ill.
Missy Penna (Stanford) – Junior – Pitcher/Utility – Miami, Fla.
Melissa Pura (Cal Poly) – Junior – Shortstop – Salinas, Calif.
Brette Reagan (Baylor) – Junior – Third Base – Magnolia, Texas
Amanda Renth (Missouri) – Junior – Infield – Mascoutah, Ill.
Samantha Ricketts (Oklahoma) – Junior – First Base – San Jose, Calif.
Kate Robinson (Hawaii) – Senior – Pitcher/First Base – Honolulu, Hawaii
Killian Roessner (LSU) – Senior – Catcher – Manasquan, N.J.
Brittany Rogers (Alabama) – Junior – Outfield – Dacula, Ga.
Amanda Scarborough (Texas A&M) – Senior – Pitcher/First Base – Magnolia, Texas
Anjelica Selden (UCLA) – Senior – Pitcher – Vacaville, Calif.
Kirsten Shortridge (Baylor) – Sophomore – Pitcher/Outfield- Keller, Texas
Holly Tankersley (Louisiana-Lafayette) – Senior – Designated Player – Kirbyville, Texas
Angela Tincher (Virginia Tech) – Senior – Pitcher – Eagle Rock, Va.
Jessica Valis (Houston) – Junior – Shortstop – Shiner, Texas
Sandy Vojik (DePaul) – Senior – Utility – Riverside, Ill.
Kim Waleszonia (Florida) – Junior – Utility – Fontana, Calif.
Tammy Williams (Northwestern) – Junior – Infield – Roscoe, Mo

2008 Softball Bat License Agreement from ASA

Not sure if you have heard any of the rumors regarding ASA floating around… Here is what has been passed on to us from a softball bat manufacturer.

Manufacturers recently received the 2008 License Agreement from ASA and have to sign it, and
submit it by the end of January. There is some uncertainty in the marketplace, as there is any time there is a change, or rumored change to the bat regulations.

1. There is no NEW Standard for ASA Bats. The ASA 2004 Certified Mark continues to identify bats as approved for ASA Championship Play. It is unlikely that ASA will make any formal announcement on “changes to the Standard”.

2. The ASA Standard still requires bats to perform below 98 mph, so the “speed limit” DOES NOT change.

3. To address industry concerns with altering/enhancing performance of existing composite models in the market place, whether through normal use, or methods used by individuals or so-called “Bat Doctors”, ASA has implemented an ABI or “Accelerated Break-In” component to its certification process to ensure composite bats continue to meet the Standard during their
useful life. This “ABI” protocol will be used only on composite bats.

4. Any existing composite models that meet the Standard but might be at risk under the ABI protocol will be phased out of production. Effective July 1, 2008, manufacturers will no longer sell such models. Manufacturers will have until October 1, 2008 to replace consumers’ bats with these models. This ensures that for the 2008 softball season, manufacturers will be able to honor any warranties on these models for the benefit of the consumer..

5. For clarification, since these models meet the ASA 2004 Standard, they will continue to be allowed for use in ASA Championship Play beyond the 2008 season for as long as their useful life. Further, dealers can still continue to sell the balance of their inventory of these models after the July 1, 2008 date. ASA will continue to monitor and test these models to determine whether a “grandfather” period would need to be defined. At this time, there is no “cease use” date for players and no “cease sell” date for dealers on these models.

ASA has taken steps to maintain the integrity of the game for the majority of the players and we applaud these efforts.

As I stated this was taken from an email I received from a bat manufacturer. I just thought I would share it with you.