Among the members of the 2011 AAU champions, Chicago/NY USA, was veteran David Boys, who announced before the tournament that the 2011 AAU International tournament would be his “last rodeo”.
Time will tell, of course, and many think that he has plenty of game left. But if it is indeed his last tournament, he goes out, in fitting fashion, as a winner.
Boys started his ISC World Tournament career in 1989 with the Decatur Pride. David went on to play the next three years with perennial powerhouse Sioux City Penn Corp winning a ISC World Tournament and two ASA Major titles with them.
In 1994, Boys went back to Decatur and played 2 more seasons with the Pride, winning back-to-back ASA Majors. From there, he was on the the Tampa Smokers, from 1996 to 1999 winning two more ISC World titles (’96 and ’99), and another ASA Major. He came full circle back to Decatur in 2000, winning yet another ISC World title in St. Joe MO.
Then, he was off for his “Canadian tour” — Victoria in 2003 and Calgary from 2003 to 2005.
After a nearly five year layoff, Boys returned to the Decatur Pride for one more run, during the 2009 season.
All told, Boys played on 12 championship teams, 4 at the ISC and 8 at the ASA Majors, earning a handful of All World and All American awards along the way. Boys also played in an ISF World Championship and two Pan-Ams.
And now, he adds the 2011 AAU International Tournament title.
Coming around third towards home, indeed.
I can still recall as I snapped the photo the joy on David Boys’ face as he was greeted by Pride Manager, Denny Bruckert, while rounding third base with his teammates awaiting him at home plate. It still remains one of my most treasured and telling photos. And I believe I shot it either in Sioux City or Kimberly. Perhaps David or Denny could verify which location. In any regard, they are two of the finest sportsmen to ever grace a fastpitch field.