I can’t tell you how much fun it was to again be the tournament director for a championship tournament. As regular readers are aware, in July I was the director for the Pacific Coast Region’s 12 and Under National Qualifier, held in Tracy where I work. Those of you who participate in the younger age groups realize that due to the limited number of berths offered at ASA National Qualifiers, participation is limited in these events, and mine was no different with only six teams playing for the one berth to nationals.

It’s embarrassing for me to admit that it has been a few years since I have even attended a tournament for any age division under the 16’s, and most of my knowledge on the ability of the lower divisions was based entirely on information I obtained from posts on various websites, and my memories from the past when I was much more active in attending such tournaments. But in watching this event, I can easily say that the level of play is much improved over what I remembered.

The finals for this event came down to the undefeated Bomb Squad and the Corona Angels ’96, who had lost an earlier game to the Bomb Squad. Both teams were from Southern California, which was not a real surprise. I also realize that while these were two quality teams, both had failed to qualify in the So Cal Championship event, meaning that there were other teams out there, that might be a be a little better than these two. But, these two teams were of high quality, and the Angels showed some great heart, winning the championship game and then double dipping the Bomb Squad in the “if” game to earn the berth.

While I’m accustomed to seeing great pitching and hitting, the thing that impressed me the most, and I don’t recall seeing much of in my past viewing of these age division, was the excellence in defensive technique. Not defensive skills, but the precision in the relays and both teams’ willingness to attempt throw backs behind the runners and pickoffs. I don’t remember seeing that level of play back in the days my daughter played at that level. It was a great experience for me to witness this event, and I look forward to some more exciting softball next year when I get to host the 14 and Under Western Nationals here in Tracy.

Another Dominating Year
Each year after nationals, I write a story that is really a report card on the success of the west coast, specifically California at ASA Nationals. Every one in this sport is aware that different regions of the country annually state that “This is our year” come national time, and while there is no doubt that play across the country is improving, each year California once again proves itself as the force in youth fast pitch softball.

The 10 and Under division had been a little problematic in the past, as California had struggled to maintain a grip on many of the top spots at nationals. And while non-California teams did take 5 of the 6 fourth through seventh positions in 2008, California reclaimed their dominance by sweeping the top three spots this year. Congratulations to Team Smith – Blue on taking the championship.
The 12 and Under event was an even a more dominating performance by the left coast. Five of the top six spots were from California. Corona Angels ’95 took top honors, going undefeated. In the 14 and Under national, the story was the same, California also took five of the top six spots, led by the Lakewood Ladies-Black who also went undefeated.

The 16 and Under division was kind of a mixed bag, and might be considered the “gateway” age division considering what happened at the two 18U nationals. California teams took just three of the top six spots led by the Lady Magic from Elk Grove, CA who finished undefeated. While most California softball fans care little about the 18 and Under “A” National, the state had been successful at this event the past few years. But not this year, as the top California team finished in 25th.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, a team from Florida took the 18 and Under Gold national title, with a California team finishing second. Three of the top six teams were from California, but this year, the sunshine state failed to take the top prize in the ASA youth fast pitch program. This is the first time since 2005 that a California team has failed to win this event.

So, what does all of this mean? Well, nothing really. Things are about the same in that California continues to dominate most age divisions except the 18 and Under “A”, and that there are some teams from Texas, Florida and Georgia that in any given year, can play at or near the level of the California teams. Congratulations to everyone that qualified and to those who won.

Foul Tips
I just had to give myself a pat on the back. My women’s softball team was lucky enough to win the ASA Women’s “A” Nationals in Salem, Oregon during the August 8-10 weekend. I’m now two for two in going to and winning nationals. We rule! * * * * Congratulations also to my cousin. His team finished fourth at Gold Nationals. I had the opportunity to see them qualify in Stockton earlier this year and I’m happy to see his team do so well * * * * As always, you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com * * * * and so the ball rolls.