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MILL MOUNTAIN STAR LEADS TEAMS
TO EXCITING NEW SENIOR SOFTBALL VENUE

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA - Coming to the ISF Senior World Cup, if so, a 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around will welcome your team to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your softball weekend in the Roanoke Valley which is rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theater or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony.  Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. If you are a railroad buff or enjoy being reminded of life in the "good old days" you will certainly enjoy the Link Museum in the old N&W Passenger Station.

For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. When not playing ball there's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia location.  If you have family members considering their higher education choices, you might want to visit Hollins University, Roanoke College and/or Virginia Tech while visiting the area.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY & CITY OF MANASSAS
TO  HOST 20^th WORLD-CLASS  SENIOR SOFTBALL  EVENT

PRINCE WILLIAM, VIRGINIA  -  Fifteen years ago, Prince William County government officials recognized the significance of the economic growth derived from sporting events and initiated plans to allow the County to become a participant in the sports tourism industry.  This year the ISSA World Championships will mark the 20^th world-class senior softball tournament to be held in the area and the boost to the local economy is understood and appreciated by the business community.

The success of the ISSA World Championships and the longevity of the event have caused the area to be now known as the "Senior Softball Capital of the World."  Players often simply refer to the event as "Manassas."  And people around the world have come to associate Manassas with this special annual senior softball tournament.

This year the World Championships will be held on the weekend of August 15-17.  Tournament information, including entry forms can be copied from the ISSA website and the Prince william County/Manassas CVB is in the process of mailing tournament packets to previous participants and new requests.  It is recommended that teams secure their hotel accommodations early to take advantage of availability and best rates.

As previous attendees know, Prince William/Manassas is located in an area rich in our Nation's history and is an ideal destination for the softball participants.  When not on the softball diamonds, it is only a short drive to visit the Nation's Capital and the many attractions to be found there.

VIRGINIA BEACH IN OCTOBER ALERT

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA  -  The ISSA staff is currently finalizing plans with softball officials at Virginia Beach, VA to hold a new event, the ISSA Winter Nationals on October 3-5, 2008.  Greg Thomas, ISSA Assistant Executive Director, is currently working with the ASA Tidewater District staff to complete the details for a great event that can be enjoyed by the teams at the end of the year.  The Winter National will allow players who will meet the age requirement for 2009 to participate with a team. It in effect gives teams the opportunity to get organized for the coming season and begin to develop the "team chemistry." An ocean beach destination in October can offer much for the players; 1) Virginia Beach is recognized worldwide for its beach amenities, 2) hotel rates are at the off-season level and 3) the City has an outstanding new 8-field complex as well as other tournament quality fields in the area.

Once the details are finalized, the tournament information will be posted on the ISSA website so stay tuned.

Each month SportsBreak will spotlight individuals, teams and groups who together represent “senior softball.”  Around the Country seniors have organized to be involved in our sport, some at a fun-filled recreational level while others like the challenge of competitive tournament softball, some do both.  All are important and meet the need of the participants to remain active and ageless.  If you know of a special individual, team or organization we want to hear about them.  You have a personal story to tell, send it to us at issa@seniorsoftball.org.  Just email us the article for inclusion in one of our future e-newsletters.  Photos are welcome and will be used if possible.  You can use this link to add your family and friends to our mailing list to receive this e-newsletter if you wish.

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LEGENDARY LADIES

ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA  -  If the Florida Legends men's senior softball team is playing in a tournament, then you can be sure that the Legends' Ladies will be there too!  They've been supporting their husbands and significant others since 1989 when the team first formed, so you'll recognize a lot of them – not by any bells or whistles or obnoxious yelling – but by their positive cheers of encouragement and their knowledge of the game.

The camaraderie on the team has played a major role in the success of the Legends over the years.  While lots of teams have wives who "allow" their husbands to go to tournaments or they might even travel along with them, many enjoy the shopping and traveling experience more than sitting at the ballpark for hours on end.  But not so with the Legends¼.  whether it's sharing a word of encouragement to a husband who can't seem to buy a hit, or a thumbs up for a great defensive play, these gals are always there doing their best to be supportive.  (And yes, they still manage to find the shopping malls, too....but after the games!) 

The gals are invited to come to team meetings and offer their comments – whether the night before the game or in the post game analysis.  Like most senior teams, the whole team usually stays at the same motel, and they try to have some type of a team social event one night while they are at the tournament – whether it's a pizza party, a bar-b-que around the pool, or a special dinner at a restaurant.  All of the women share the responsibility of planning and carrying out these special events.  And of course there is the necessary work of securing good (and affordable) lodging for the team, finding out when we play, providing directions to the motels and fields – all of which has been done for many years by Kathy Giovanini, wife of former Legends coach, Lou Giovanini.

Perhaps the most unique experience that many of the Legends players and wives experienced over the years occurred in the spring of 2007, going to Rotorua, New Zealand to play in the World Vintage Softball Tournament.  Eight of the guys and 7 of the gals were able to experience this fantastic trip.  It was quickly noticed by the teams from New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia what a unique team this was – none of the other teams brought along as many fans as we did and none cheered any louder!

The 2008 team schedule has just been determined and you can be sure of seeing these Legendary Ladies supporting their guys at the ISF Senior World Cup in June in Salem, VA as well as eight other tournaments!

AN  OFFICIAL  AND A  GENTLEMAN

LANEXA, VIRGINIA - This sleepy little village in rural southern Virginia somewhere between Richmond and Virginia Beach is the home of one of the Nation's leading softball officials, Charles E. Moss, Sr. Charles began his umpire career in 1979 after taking a training class and soon began officiating high school and local league games where he became a "sought after" game official. He organized the Eastern Officials Association after being appointed an ASA District Commissioner in 1982 and has since umpired many softball tournaments at the district, region, State and National levels.  He has worked many ASA National Tournaments and served as UIC for the ASA Senior National Tournaments at sites throughout the Country.  He was appointed UIC for the International Senior Softball Association in 1996 and has made a major contribution to senior softball ever since.  Now 68 years old, Charles and his wife, Barbara still live in New Kent County, Virginia where he is a building contractor and serves on the County's Parks and Recreation Commission.

Charles has participated in a number of umpire schools and training classes every year and is recognized as one of the top officials in the United States. This extensive training was brought to senior softball when he joined with ISSA to assist in the management of  the ISSA World Championships in 1996 and later the ISF Senior World Cup in 2002.  He has developed umpire training and certification programs to develop a corps of officials with an in-depth knowledge of senior softball.  In recent years he has made senior softball the main focus of his professional softball career.  He was inducted into the Central Virginia ASA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category in 1999 and was the first umpire inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2002.  Charles has served as an ISSA delegate to the National Senior Summit since 2001.  He is one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in the sport of softball today particularly regarding senior softball rules and game mechanics but perhaps more important he is best at dealing with the senior players.  There is no one better when it comes to conflict resolution on the field.  His umpire clinics deal not only with the senior rules and umpire mechanics but also how to work with the senior players to make their National Tournament experience the best that it can be.

NOT EVERYTHING STAYS IN VEGAS

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA  - There is this lady in Las Vegas with a passion, she simply loves the sport of softball and wants to make sure that everyone, particularly the senior women in this Country get the opportunity to participate.  Connie Stewart is now retired from the military where she had an equal passion for many years to serve her Nation.  Now much of that energy is devoted to the women's  senior softball program and today she is passionate about reaching out  helping the women around the Country get involved in the sport.  So who is this lady?  SportsBreak caught up with Connie recently and here is her story in her own words. 

"In 1977 at the young age of 26, with two children and no basic work skills, I decided to pursue an education and serve my country so I enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Fresh out of basic training I went Direct Duty to Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu HI.  Because the weather is so nice in Hawaii all the time I was convinced to start playing the game of softball.  Trying to learn the game I decided I wanted to pitch. I was told by one coach that I would never make it as a pitcher!  Well no one challenges me with the fact that I can't do something!  After experiencing the game, and playing on several women's leagues and co-ed leagues downtown, I decided to try out for the Hickam Air Force Base Varsity team.  I was not only selected to the team, I was selected as their starting pitcher.

This opportunity and team allowed me to play in several overseas locations.  One year our team traveled to Japan for the Armed Forces Tournament where I was featured in the "Stars and Stripes" magazine for pitching a 1-hit game to become the champions.

I was then transferred to Randolph AFB, San Antonio TX.   My first day signing into the base I received a call from the Varsity Coach and was told to report to the field that evening.  I then played two games to make the Varsity team at this base.  I was also selected to be the starting pitcher. 

Four years went by and I was transferred again, this time to Hill AFB, UT.  As the starting pitcher for this Varsity team I was selected and requested to report to Air Force Training Camp in Southern Florida.  After two grueling weeks (ha ha) of nothing but softball I was selected to represent the Air Force team of which I did proudly!

Time to move again and this time I was fortunate to be transferred back to Hickam AFB HI where my career in softball started.  Playing in many overseas tournaments and Armed Forces tournaments I was fortunate enough to finish my Air Force Softball career where it began.  I was then transferred to Nellis AFB, NV and took early retirement from the armed forces.

I continued to play softball in many downtown Las Vegas leagues until I was old enough, in the senior women's program, to begin getting involved in Senior Softball.  I was then instrumental in getting the women's senior teams from Vegas accepted into the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA).  I was elected to be the 50 division women's representative in LVSSA.  I was later elected as the Secretary for LVSSA.

As the women's representative for LVSSA I became involved in the Senior Softball Women's Advisory Board (SSWAB) for the Summit.  I was later selected as the Vice Chair of the Board and I'm now serving my second year as the Chair of the SSWAB.

Two years ago I was selected as one of the SS-USA/SSWC Women's Directors for the program.  I still serve in this capacity.  I am honored to be associated with such a great organization and to be a part of building the Senior Women's Program.

Married to my husband Jeff, we both keep extremely involved in the sport.  Jeff serves as the ASA Adult UIC for Southern California and is also extremely involved in Senior Softball World Series (SSWS/NASCS) and NAGA.  Now a certified ASA umpire I also umpire for various local leagues.  We are both passionate about the sport and senior softball. I just want people to be aware of two things; 1).that I loved serving my country in the Air Force and 2) that I love representing the women in Senior Softball...I just simply love this sport!"

Thank you Connie.  The senior softball community appreciates your hard work and your passion to make our sport the best.  (And a word to the wise, don't let that grannysoftball moniker fool you, this granny is a go-getter.)

NICE GUYS ARE WINNERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

LACEY, WASHINGTON  - Back in 1946 when Leo Durocher coined the phrase, “Nice guys finish last,” he evidently did not know athletes like many of those participating in senior softball today.  Most senior players enjoy the camaraderie with their opponents and look forward to renewing old friendships and making new friends at each event.  One such player that stands out in this regard is Ron Mattila who resides up in the far northwest corner of the Country.  Ron began playing slow-pitch softball back in 1969 at the age of 27 when the new softball sport was catching on in the Northwest. He has played softball from that time to the present. 

While many of Ron's old teammates did retire from the game when they reached their 40s, Ron kept playing and a friend of his introduced him to senior softball when he was 52 years old.  Years later, Ron now feels that playing senior softball has been a real blessing in his life.  "I have met many new friends throughout the country while participating in the senior circuit.  One player in particular became a good friend of mine, Mike Dove from the east coast.  We had many enjoyable moments competing on different teams.  We did have one bond in common; we both love our God, Jesus Christ.  We lost Mike to cancer a few years back.  I know he is in a great place watching the game of softball."

Over the years Ron has played on several teams in the Northwest.  His main senior team is WE Ruth Realty.  He has been WE Ruth's left fielder for the past 10 years.  " I do enjoy the competition and the friendships that are formed with both teammates and competitors.  I feel both teams are winners when we are playing the game. I have been accused of being just a "recreational player" by my peers.  To me that is a great compliment.  I enjoy the game win or lose."

And that thing about nice guys finishing last, Ron debunks that, he has won it all and had the privilege of being selected for many honors with the game of softball.  He was chosen All American in the ASA national tourney in Memphis.....made All Tournament status in two National USSSA tourneys.....selected All American in the SPA in Texas one year.....and was selected MVP at last October's Championship tourney in Phoenix where his Ruth Realty team won the final game of the SS-USA Grand Slam.  This May 4, 2008, he has been selected to be inducted into the Pierce County Hall of Fame for Softball.  "It is a real honor to be put in the same status with fellow ballplayers."

Ron sums up his senior softball experience this way, "once again, awards, rings, patches and any other accolades do not hold a candle over the camaraderie and the friendships I have gained over the years of senior softball.  I do need to add my wife's name to my friends in this game.  JoAnn has been a great supporter of senior softball.  With her at my side at the tourneys, Senior Softball becomes an even more rewarding experience."

THOMAS ENGINEERING TEAM RECOGNIZED
FOR 30 YEARS ON THE FIELD

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - The Thomas Engineering Softball Team from Manassas, Virginia was recently inducted in the Central Virginia ASA Softball Hall of Fame in the Team Category.

The Manassas team was honored for its remarkable success over 30 seasons.    In 1978 RB Thomas, Jr., a Nokesville, Virginia resident and owner of the Thomas Engineering consultant engineering firm in Manassas organized his first slowpitch league team in a league composed of County government agency teams. Over the next couple years the team transformed from an "employee only" team to a competitive league and tournament team and has since went on to win thirty-six (36) National and World Championships.  At Manassas the team won numerous County League championships, capturing the Senior League title eleven consecutive years. 

The team has moved up in age classifications as a core group of its players reached the  corresponding age.  They moved to the Senior Division in 1994 and have been one of the dominant senior teams in the United States since.  The team's best years came in 1995 (50 Div.), 2000 (55 Div.) and 2003 (60 Div.).   In each of those years it was generally recognized as the Number One senior team in the World at their age division. The senior teams were always a bunch of Christian athletes who became a great support group for each other and many other senior softball players throughout the Country.  Thomas Engineering played at the highest skill level (Major or Major Plus) offered at each of the Nationals that it entered and has become known Nationally as one of the top teams in the Country wherever it goes. In 2004 the Thomas Engineering senior team was inducted into the Washington DC Metro Softball Hall of Fame in the Team Category for a decade of achievement (1994 - 2003) in the Senior Division of softball and has been recognized twice by the Virginia General Assembly.

OLD BONES STILL CREAKING

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - There is this old codger down in Florida, and like many of the old geezers down there, has been a ballplayer from as far back as he can remember.  Way back then he was living in Manhattan and planning to become Joe DiMaggio's replacement, but when he realized the hopelessness of that particular dream, he settled down to play the game of softball.  Rudy Strauss loved all phases of the sport and participated for more than a half century. But now, he can no longer play due to a vision problem, which he says is okay, "I've had my day.  I must say, I enjoyed it all immensely."

Rudy joined the Florida Half Century in 1986 while playing for the Sunrise L's, (50's). He soon had to take the team over when the manager resigned and shortly after, renamed it the Gold Coast Eagles. When he turned 60, he handed that team over to younger players and started a 60's team which he named the OLD BONES.  The team stayed together for the 60's, then the 65's, and finally into the 70's.

Through all those years that Rudy  played and managed, his teams were never considered in the same breath as any of the top Nationally rated teams of the day. He and his teammates enjoyed the comradery and had fun, they were strictly a recreational team which was fine with Rudy.. However, there was one year at the Florida State Championship when Rudy's team won their bracket in the 60's and had to play against the Florida Legends for the title. They  were "goners" in the very first inning, but enjoyed the experience of playing against a team like that. Rudy remembers the experience to this day, "they were gentleman all, including their fine manager, Lou Giovanini."

Rudy became Secretary of the Florida Half Century in the early 1990's and started communicating with the players via email as FIFTYBALL.  About a year or two after that, he began using FIFTYBALL as a means of reaching people with his computer to provide the information they needed to be fully informed.  The FHC League was split in those years with the 50's and 60's each having a separate organization, and it was quite a chore for the Secretary to have to send a great bulk of information, tournament schedules, new rankings, write ups and all the rest out via US Mail to all those teams. Only the managers were receiving the info, but with email, Rudy then was able to reach all of the players as well, and it worked out very, very nicely.

Rudy resigned his position with the Florida Half Century near the end of 2006 but he could not retire FIFTYBALL@aol.com.   So if anyone ever needs help with a senior softball matter or needs to find a place to play in Florida, I bet old FIFTYBALL can steer you in the right direction.

THE PUDDIN IS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

ELKRIDGE, MARYLAND  -  Sadly, a true softball legend, Jim "Puddin" Price, passed away in late 2007. Jim was the architect and field leader of the powerhouse Fergies teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Prior to that he managed the Betty & Jakes and Montgomery Automotive senior teams to numerous National championships. In his younger years, Jim was an accomplished athlete himself.  He played minor league baseball and distinguished himself on the Maryland softball diamonds.  With that experience, Jim knew the ball players in his region and brought many top athletes into the senior game.  One such player, Andy Zitnay recalls his introduction to senior softball, "when I turned 47 I got a call on New Years Day during the bowl games.  I didn't know Jim at the time, I had played against him in the 80's but never really knew him. So he says, Andy, how old are you?  I say 47, and he says I'll call you back. The next New Years Day, I get a call from Jim, same question. I answer 48 and he says I'll call you back. Finally in 1996 when he asks again and I say 49, he invites me to be on his Fergies roster for the senior games that year so I can play in the National Senior Games in 1997. That started an 11 year joy ride with Jim and senior softball."

At the World Series in Detroit in 1996, Jim talked to Steve Ferguson about combining Jim's Montgomery Automotive team with Steve's Fergies players. The next year, the new combined Fergies team began a winning streak that included 15 National Championships from 1997 through 2003 when the Fergies sponsorship ended.  Puddin's health finally forced him out of the game he truly loved.  He "set the bar" for all the competitive senior teams in the East and his contribution to the game will be felt for many years to come.

The core of the Fergies team that Jim and Steve built is still together and includes: Don Clatterbough, Andy Zitnay, Tom Dommel, Larry Seckel, Billy Rice and Phil Biedronski. 

Since 2005, this group has played under the Turn Two sponsorship of Carson and Donnie Chavis, along with other co-sponsors. The winning tradition has continued with 16 National Championships won in the 3 years since Turn Two took over sponsorship.

LOCAL NORTHERN VIRGINIA LEAGUE SUPPORTS
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT PROGRAMS

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA  -  Teams come to the ISF Senior World Cup and other National tournaments via many routes, one being the way many tournament players who are also regular players in the Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) league to keep their skills sharp in a four-games-a-week program that runs from April through October. It also runs an indoor workout program over the cold winter months.With legs and arms in shape, NVSS players form the nucleus of many tournament teams based in Virginia and elsewhere in the East. While it no longer sponsors tournament teams, players in NVSS have for many years formed their own teams in tournament age groups ranging from 50s to 75s. While some NVSS players also join teams from other areas (depending on association rules), predominately NVSS-based teams have won a number of tournaments and national championships over the years.NVSS is one of the largest senior softball leagues in the Country and is open to women as well as men, with skill levels determining team assignments for both genders. Many of the women in NVSS are active in the nationally-known Golden Girls program that has won many national tournaments.

NVSS is about to begin its 29th year, drawing players from cities and counties in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. plus a number who make their way across the Potomac River from suburban Maryland. In 2007, its over 400 players were organized into 25 teams divided into three skill-level conferences, based on abilities not just age. They play a 60-game season of 7-inning double-headers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from mid-April to early August. That is followed by Fall Ball, a 30-game season during September and October, with each season having its own double-elimination playoffs.NVSS is currently gearing up for the 2008 season and welcomes new players who live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Information on NVSS can be obtained from its web site, www.nvss.org, or by contacting its membership chairman, Ted Brown, at 703-913-0028.

OUR OPINION  - SAFETY FIRST

ISSA EDITORIAL - EQUIPMENT  STANDARDS - Those players who participate in the ISF Senior World Cup and the ISSA World Championships know that our events are played using the current edition of the ASA Rule Book including the bat and ball standards set forth therein.  The ASA is the National Governing Body for the sport of softball in the United States and their rules govern all divisions including the senior division. 

We all watched as the equipment manufacturers developed bats and balls that if used changed the integrity of the game.  In just a short time,  unchallenged, the manufacturers began marketing bats that created real safety issues for the sport, made ball parks unsafe and placed park visitors and parked cars in jeopardy and made the classification of teams very difficult to manage.  The equipment changed the game, the integrity of the sport was lost and millions of players hung up their "spikes."  Since,  the ASA equipment standards have been developed after several years of study and testing in an attempt to restore the game.  It is astounding to see that recently some of these manufacturers have set out to exploit a new market, the senior softball player and have successfully persuaded some senior associations to approve these high performance bats.  The senior division is the last group of players that should use these high performance bats.  Almost everyone that plays the game understands the danger that these so called "senior bats" pose for the defense particularly the pitcher.  Pitchers are coming to the game dressed in "body armor," players are overheard saying "someone is going to get killed," and associations and tournament directors are adopting all kind of formats, game management controls and rules in an attempt at addressing the issues particularly safety because these high performance bats are being allowed.  Groups and leagues allowing the "senior bats" have instituted all sorts of these new rules and formats designed to deal with the higher batted ball speed (and distances).  You would think that officials would address the root cause of the player concerns?

We cannot control what others do but we can try to do what we believe is the responsible thing for us and our participants. Everyone agrees that the high performance bats place the pitcher at a much higher risk of serious injury or death.  Softball fields were not designed and constructed for the use of such equipment and when used the games often become homerun derbies.  And our National Senior Team Rating System is skewed when teams are using high performance bats.  They simply create an uneven playing field by widening the gap between the top teams in a division and those less strong.  We are often amazed to hear a manager say he supports the use of high performance bats for seniors then turns around soon thereafter and appeals his rating saying that he does not have the homerun power to compete.  Accordingly, we agree with and support the ASA Bat Certification standards for the senior game and believe that it is in both the players and game's best interest.