It’s a Southwest Ohio tradition…running beyond 30 years now.
The 31st Annual Worth/USSSA “Memorial” Tournament remembered and honored four more softball notables who passed on in recent years.
This event, held each year on Memorial Day weekend at multiple softball complexes in S.W. Ohio, offer a minimum of seven games for all entrants and ceremonies at multiple loca¬tions for the families of the honorees.
This year’s honorees included Don Fields, Port William, OH; Dave Bergstrom, Dayton, OH; Mike Rohrer, Springfield, OH; Marion “Butch” Stephens, Middletown, OH; and Floyd Bedwell of Dayton, OH. Families of each honoree were on hand for short remarks and condolences from the larger softball community.
Don Fields may be best st remembered for his days as one of the most prolific basketball scorers in Ohio High School history. However, his first love was softball, where he played briefly at the professional level with the Cincinnati Suds and on numerous upper levels championship teams.
Dave Bergstrom started playing during his military days in the Air Force, both inside and outside of the country, stayed out of softball for many years but came back to enjoy playing with the Dayton Legends “Senior” teams.
Mike Rohrer played on numerous competitive teams in the Springfield, Ohio area and was fierce competitor on the field. He always thought of tournament play as “camping” with a part of the family.
“Butch” Stephens was a Legend of the Game in the Middletown, Ohio area, and was the head of a softball family that includes sons who played the game with great passion and enthusiasm.
Floyd Bedwell was among the most beloved of softball players and team managers in the Greater Dayton area for two decades. His players were devoted to him for his genuine warmth and passion for the game where he also served as a league director for a time.
This years’ event drew 48 teams in three categories of play and games were played at Armco Park in Lebanon, Kettering Field in Dayton, Davey Moore Park in Springfield, Flanagan Park in Sidney, and Fairfield Park in Fairborn.
Top finishers included Springfield’s Atrium/Shirtworks in the Men’s Elite (Gold) Division, Dayton Shamrocks in the Men’s Competitive (Silver) Division and Dayton’s Slugging Vets in the Men’s Recreational (Bronze) division.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World's Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
