21st Annual Best of the West Tournament – Schedule and Info – June 4-5, 2011

Editor’s note:

Reflecting on Dave Blackburn’s near fatal traffic accident last August, and his courageous — and continuing — battle back, it gives me great pleasure to tell you this announcement and schedule comes directly from Dave. He will be in Santa Barbara on June 4-5, heading up the longest running men’s open fastpitch tournament in California, now in its 21st year, with Dave in charge for the last 13. (this year will be his 14th year)

Note that you can get all 2011 Best of the West information by using
the “drop down” menus at top of this or any page. Mouse over the word “Tournament” and let the menus for Best of the West and 2011 “drop down”.

From Best of the West Tournament Director Dave Blackburn:

Eight strong ball clubs will converge on the central California coastal resort city of Santa Barbara for the 21st Annual “Best of The West” Men’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

The longest running Open Tournament held in California returns to fields 1 & 2 of the softball complex at Elings Park on June 4 – 5. Each team will play a 3 game Round Robin schedule on Saturday June 4, and all 8 teams will qualify for a single elimination playoff bracket on Sunday June 5.

A berth in the 2011 ISC World Tournament will be handed out to the top finishing ISC Western Region ball club, using only their 2011 ISC submitted rosters.

“This is probably the most talented gathering of teams that we have fielded in our 20 previous years of running this Tournament,” said Dave Blackburn, Best of The West Tournament Director. “We will be showcasing the skills of lots of former ISC All-World players, and some who are even probable future ISC Hall of Fame inductees.”

The field will be lead by the defending “Best of The West” Champions and ISC World Tournament contender California Athletics of Salinas. The A’s feature flame throwing Canadian National Team pitcher Sean Whitten, a 2nd team ISC All-World selection in 2009. Argentina’s pitching phenomenon Lucas Mata, and USA National Team pitcher Travis Price joins Whitten on the A’s staff. Hard hitting Canadian Catcher / DH / 1B Darren Box is also a 3 time ISC All-World selection (01, 02, 03), as well as being named ISC World Tournament MVP (01). Five time ISC All-World selection Todd Budke, who lead the 2009 ISC World Tournament in batting average (.583), is also on the California A’s ISC roster, and is a deep threat against any pitcher.

The Italian Athletic Club (IAC) team out of Stockton, CA will also be very tough, and they feature young up and coming Canadian pitching star Tyson Barkman. Veteran hurler Matt Barnes backs up Barkman in the circle for IAC.

The Bakersfield Silverhawks boast Canadian Rob Schweyer as their top hurler, and young Canadian pitcher Andrew Putnam as his back-up. Hard Hitter Jeremy Tracy can also pitch, and the pickup of Canadian veteran Glenn Ormsby should help the Silverhawks offensive attack

The balance of the field is quite evenly matched, which should make for some great ball games.

Clyde Bennet is serving as the Umpire-in-Chief.

Jim Flanagan and Robert Hernandez are assistant Tournament Directors.

Paul Castillo and crew will be handling concessions at the park.

Fred Hanker, whose Bakersfield tournament reports were so popular, will be on hand with his iPad for game by game reports.

Ballparkradio will be broadcasting selected games in streaming audio. (Watch for a schedule of broadcasts, coming soon)

Click here to view Maddy’s Photos from last year’s Best of the West.

Pools

POOL A
California A’s
Liberty Fastpitch
Those Guys
Bakersfield Silverhawks

POOL B
California Builders
Pala Braves
Maccabi USA
Italian Athletic Club

Saturday June 4 Round Robin Schedule

Game 1 – 9:00 AM – Field #1
California A’s Vs Liberty Fastpitch

Game 2 – 9:00 AM – Field #2
California Builders Vs Pala Braves

Game 3 – 10:45 AM – Field #1
Those Guys Vs Bakersfield Silverhawks

Game 4 – 10:45 AM – Field #2
Maccabi USA Vs Italian Athletic Club

Game 5 – 12:30 PM – Field #1
California A’s Vs Those Guys

Game 6 – 12:30 PM – Field #2
Maccabi USA Vs California Builders

Game 7 – 2:15 PM – Field #1
Liberty Fastpitch Vs Bakersfield Silverhawks

Game 8 – 2:15 PM – Field #2
Pala Braves Vs Italian Athletic Club

Game 9 – 4 PM – Field #1
California A’s Vs Bakersfield Silverhawks

Game 10 – 4 PM – Field #2
California Builders Vs Italian Athletic Club

Game 11 – 5:45 PM – Field #1
Liberty Fastpitch Vs Those Guys

Game 12 – 5:45 PM – Field #2
Maccabi USA Vs Pala Braves

Sunday June 5 Playoff Bracket
Click here to view bracket

Game 13 – 8:00 AM – Field #1
3rd Place Pool A Vs 2nd Place Pool B

Game 14 – 8:00 AM – Field #2
3rd Place Pool B Vs 2nd Place Pool A

Game 15 – 9:45 AM – Field #1
1st Place Pool A Vs 4th Place Pool B

Game 16 – 9:45 AM – Field #2
1st Place Pool B Vs 4th Place Pool A

Game 17 – 11:30 AM – Field #1
Semi-Final
Winner Game 13 Vs Winner Game 15

Game 18 – 11:30 AM – Field #2
Winner Game 14 Vs Winner Game 16

Game 19 – 1:15 PM – Field #1
Championship Game
Winner Game 17 Vs Winner Game 18