We hear that the field of teams for the 2004 Portland DeMarini Rose Cup tournament is set at 14 teams, including three of the top 10 ranked teams in the world (#1 Broken Bow, #6 Victoria and #10 Vancouver Grey Sox), and five of the top 20 (add #13 Portland DeMarini and #17 Team Rainey). The tournament, set for June 26-27, 2004 is headed up by Portland DeMarini’s Tom Ree, one of the most gracious hosts in all of fastpitch. In addition to the beautiful setting at the Owens Softball Complex, players and fans will find plenty to do in “the Rose City”.
The Rose Cup tournament has become one of the premier events on the west coast and will play host this year to the following teams:
1. Portland Demarini
2. Larry Miller Hogs
3. Castlewood
4. Team Rainey
5. Broken Bow
6. Linus Software Stealers
7. Vancouver Grey Sox
8. Leafs
9. Victoria Travelers Inn
10. Olympia Merchants
11. Meralomas
12. CR Adidas
13. River City Rockers
14. Bodle Chiropractic
British Columbia always seems to have some of the finest fastpitch teams around, including two world class teams, Victoria Traveler’s Inn and the Vancouver Grey Sox. Another team to watch is the Linus Software Stealers, who have Dan Valachy and Darren Strang on their pitching staff.
The Rose Cup tournament will once again have the # 1 ranked team in the world, with Broken Bow Spirit of Amsterdam, NY confirmed. Last year, it was #1 ranked St. Joe’s Frontier Casino Players, winning the tournament, over runnerup Team Rainey. Rainey’s Travis Price was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher, quite a feat considering that pitchers like Michael White, Doug Middleton, Colin McKenzie and Nick Underhill were also there.
For the second year, Fastpitchwest will serve as the official website for the tournament and will be providing reports and updates throughout the tournament, as well as broadcasting a half dozen or so selected games. Check the website for Rose Cup for the schedule of games and broadcast schedule which is due out soon.