Softball Is My Game

Hey Softballers, It’s hard to believe but we have put another softball season in the books! The 2012 USSSA Conference season proved to be the best we have had in its seven year existence. Never have so many different teams won conference events. I look for that trend to continue for the 2013 season and beyond. The talent pool has become deep and spread out over a number of solid programs, and that my friends is really good for the game.

Congratulations are in order for a number of our Easton Sponsored teams that had tremendous finishes to the 2012 season. Led by veteran player Josh Wiggs the American Legion/Easton armed forces team won the A division of their Worlds in Panama City Beach. I have watched our armed forces teams play many times and the competition is fierce and the skill level high. At the same time this was happening the USSSA Men’s A world series was being played at the Fortune Road Complex in Kissimmee, FL. This was one of the better tournaments I have watched in some time. Many games were decided by walk off hits and great defensive plays. R&M/Easton ran the table in a perfect 5-0 record to win this prestigious event. Two world titles in one weekend! Nice. As it turns out our Easton Teams would end up having an even better weekend at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. This was the site of the USSSA Men’s C, Women’s, and Men’s Major World Series. Enough Said/Easton after a slow start came all the way back through to capture the Women’s A Worlds. This group of women has been the cream of the crop at the Women’s game for years and has amassed a record and winning tradition that would easily rival that of any Men’s team in history. A true dynasty they have become! The competition was fierce in the men’s C and when the dust settled it was Manhattan Beer/Easton that held on for the title in a hard fought if game. A special shout out to my BP partner Brian Titus for taking the MVP honors in the C. That leaves the Super Bowl of softball! The USSSA Men’s Major World Series. The 16 teams this year were as deep with talent as I can remember. This lead to a bunch of great games and close finishes.

Laservision/Annihilation/ Supreme/Easton played our best ball of the year this weekend and held off a great rally by the awesome Resmondo softball team to win the title. Easton’s own Scott Kirby was the MVP and was great from April right through the end. I would call that a nice year for our Easton sponsored teams! Thank you to all of our Easton teams and best of luck in 2013.

Also congratulations to Team Easton for winning the manufacturers cup on the Long Haul Bomber Tour this season. Brian Wegman and I led from wire to wire and both made the finals in Miami. What a great new ballpark they have in Miami! If you get a chance catch a game there, you will not be disappointed. Congrats to Kevin Filby from Demarini for winning the individual title and beating the old man (me) in a hit off.

Make sure you are keeping your eyes open for the latest line of Easton slow pitch bats that will be coming this winter/Spring. We have revamped the already awesome line from this season and can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store for 2013 and beyond! Best of luck to all of you as you put your 2013 teams together. Stay healthy and I will see you at the yard soon!

By: Brett Helmer

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!

THE USSSA MOBILE APP

  • USSSA on the App Store
  • USSSA on the Play Store
  • Explore upcoming & past events
  • Get updated schedules, scores & standings
  • Book and manage your event lodging
  • Stay informed with important event updates
  • Find your fit with custom event apparel
  • Easily view & navigate to event venues