Best of the West wrap up
By Bob Otto / Yucaipa, CA

What a gorgeous weekend it was at the ballpark. Great play by some quality
ball clubs at the Soboba Indian Reservation's sparkling facility. Everyone
new to the ball yard raved about its quality during the Best of the West.

Speaking of great play, the tournament had some gutsy pitching like we used
to see in the old days of two-man pitching staffs where the "horse" carried
the load and the number two man filled in.

Well, at Soboba we had a throw back to that in the performances of Dennis
Webb of Quest and Travis Price of Team Rainey. My hat goes off especially
to Webb. The 50-year-old youngster pitched all three Sunday single
elimination games with 35 total innings for the weekend. He was a one-man
staff due to his son Ryan's absence because of work commitments.

His attitude? A little sore, and a little too tired to get the usual pop on
the rise ball, but ready to go just the same: What a gamer.

And young Mr. Price, just 26, looked like he still had about three games
left in his tank after throwing a strong 4-hitter at Quest in the
championship game. What a stroke of luck for Rainey "discovering" Price
working out at a fitness club wearing a NAFA t-shirt. Just so happens the
very next day Rainey had a workout. They invited Price for a look-see, and
the rest is history. And Price has been a gold nugget performer all season,
says Rainey manager, Dale Lopes.

The ISC number 23 ranked Bucks suffered a major bump in the road on their
way to the ISC World Tournament, losing to Mexicali 1-0 in their Sunday
playoff opener. But Mexicali earned it.

Burly right-hander, Alejandro Villalobos, had his drop working, and the
Bucks pounded 17 of them into the ground for outs. Villalobos was pleased
with his performance after the game, "Because of who they are," he said
through an interpreter about the Bucks.  Villalobos has been a Mexican
national team pitcher, and hopes to make the squad again for the ISF.

Mexicali's offensive philosophy? Well, let's just say it might be a waste
of energy flashing the bunt sign. "We're known as a hitting team," said
manager Alberto Villalobos. "We like to hit the ball hard, we're not into
bunting. At the last Las Vegas tournament we hit 12 home runs."

  So much for little ball.

As the Bucks prepare for the ISC World Tournament (Aug. 9  17, Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada) 14-year World Tournament veteran, Aaron Owens, likes his
squad's chances.

"We're taking the right group of guys," said Owens. "We've been around long
enough to know what the ISC is all about. If we're overlooked, we can
surprise some people and win three or four games."

And the ISC pool play format? "It was more enjoyable last year for me,"
said Owen, who has seen service with the likes of H.I.S. of Houston, Page
Brake of Salt Lake City and the Long Beach Painters. "You get to play four
games, opens it up for more teams with a chance to win, and is more
appealing  it's not 0-2 for some teams and go home."

The Bucks are also headed for the ASA "A" national tournament in Lancaster,
Calif. Leading them in hitting with over .400 batting averages are Don
Clegg, Greg Oliver and John Pruneda, said Owens. "We've got a young group
who made the step up from B and C ball." They've also got Larry Ybarra back
after a year's play with the former Decatur, Illinois Pride.

Are plans in the works for a bigger and better Best of the West? Tournament
director, Dave Blackburn thinks the tournament could become a showcase
event at Soboba. "This is a magnificent softball complex," said Blackburn.
"Sort of like a Field of Dreams carved out of nowhere, a hidden gem in
southern California softball (that's) very conducive for holding
high-caliber men's fastpitch."

During the off season, Blackburn's goal is to convince more national teams
to come here "and prepare for the Pan Am's and ISF. We could hold a
five-day event here."

Running the ball yard rumor mill was that Soboba might build one or two
more ball diamonds. And, with the Soboba Casino (located within one mile of
the ball diamonds) said to be in the research stage of building a major
hotel, can a NAFA or ASA national tournament be far behind?

Team Calif. Masters started showing their age on Sunday, moving around just
a bit slower; although, Hice Stiles belted another home run off Quest's
Dennis Webb, and Pete Turner, who appears to be in peak physical condition,
launched one too.

Speaking of Turner. As the newly appointed ASA national team head coach,
most agree he's got his work cut out for him in turning the program around.
Especially developing young pitching capable of competing with the world's
major softball powers.

Blackburn again: "There was good parity in the tournament. All the teams
could beat each other."

Listen up Canadians: "I'd like to move the tournament up to April and get
some of the Canadian teams down here," said Blackburn of his future plans.

Regarding Canadians. Three impressive Canadian youngsters threw in the
tourney. Along with Rainey's Travis Price, the Barker brothers, Greg, 26,
and Sean, 24, were suited up with the Arizona Blackhawks. How did the
cold-weather Barker boys end up in sunny Victorville, California? Through
the Internet, of course.

"I met Kristy on the Internet in a chat room," said Sean. "We met (out of
cyber space), married and I moved here with her." And not long after, Greg
followed on Sean's heals from their home in Kanaloops, B.C.

Sean on facing Team California Masters. "It's neat playing against legends
of the game. It gave me the chance to prove to those guys that you can play
with them." And he did, pitching a 9-4 win in pool play. "They got six hits
in the first three innings, but two hits after that," he said. His most
impressive opponent?

"Stiles (Hice) has a really good, big swing and covered the plate so well,"
Sean said.

Also on hand were long time fastpitch veterans, Clarence Davis, Zane Smith
and Brian McNaughton. All three are still active in the game. Davis, 56, as
an umpire; Smith,  63, manages the Yucaipa Bombers, and McNaughton, 70, is
still pitching and running the Ronnie Ortega tournament. Between the three,
they have 117 years in the game, with McNaughton leading the way with 54.
And none are ready to retire yet, they say.

"I have a great love for the game," Davis said. "Just being a part of this
wonderful game continues to be my most memorable moment," said Smith. "

And McNaughton? He'll never quit playing, most who know him agree. And
because of fastpitch softball, "I've got to play in Europe, France, Italy,
Germany and England (while in the Marine Corps)," said McNaughton.

Ralph Trejio truly enjoys his return to the game, sponsoring the Yucaipa
Bombers, but he laments the decline of the sport. "Softball has changed so
much," said Trejio. "All the good teams (former Western Softball Congress
teams) are gone. Look at all the foreign pitchers. I've got two, and
everyone else has a Canadian or New Zealander."

Barker brothers part two: Keep an eye on the NHL for their younger brother
Dustin, 20, said Greg. "He plays in the WHL (Western Hockey League) with
the Regina Pats as a defenseman. He overshadowed me and Sean so bad that we
said 'we ain't playing that anymore.'"

See you next year in Soboba at the Best of the West.

Robert Otto
mailto:bobotto@gte.net

This & that at the Best of the West
By Bob Otto / Yucaipa, CA

[San Jacinto/Soboba]-July 28, 2002-The Soboba Reservation ballpark has to be one of the finest fastpitch softball facilities anywhere. Two gorgeous fields, plenty of shade to weather the plus 100-degree temps, and a swimming pool and playground for the kids.

And the grounds crew is superb. After each game they were on the field watering, dragging and lining. Truly a first-rate run facility. Not too long ago (mid1970s) this writer remembers playing on an all dirt field riddled with rocks, and a hole a foot deep in front of the pitching rubber. Fresh from lush green Minnesota, I thought this brown sandpit was the worst softball field I’d ever seen…but not anymore.

You wonder how do they do it. In a match up with the Santa Barbara Bucks, a young, talented, highly rated open team headed for the ISC World Tournament, Team California, a collection of over 50 masters players certainly looked overmatched (the key word looked) in their Saturday match up. But the old guys can still hit the ball.

“We haven’t given up that many runs in a whole tournament all year,” said Clyde Bennett, Bucks manager. But the Masters nailed his son Mark and Tony Hunhoff in an 11-10, nine inning win, led by Hice Stiles and David Chavez homeruns. The masters may not look as buff in their uniforms as the youngsters, but they can still hit the ball. And it doesn’t take long to prepare, said Stiles.

“It takes about 8 or 10 ball games to sharpen the eye,” said Stiles. “A tournament like this really helps us get ready (for ASA Masters national tournament play). You’re either going to get it back or not. Certainly one who has never lost it is shortstop Terry Canale. Outside of the gray flecks of hair, Canale can still run, field and slap hit with the best of the youngsters.

A couple of good-looking young throwers to keep an eye on are the Quest’s Chad Hardesty and Sean Barker of the Blackhawks. Both are hard throwers with pretty good stuff.

Helping out his dad, Tony Hunhoff, was Josh Hunhoff. The younger Hunhoff filled in well at both shortstop and second base for the Bucks, while his dad’s pitching will be counted on heavily if the Bucks are to crack the upper level of ISC teams at the World Tournament.

Don Dideon’s Quest are headed for the ASA “B: nationals in College Station, Texas. He laments the fact that the Lakewood (Calif) area is loaded with “C” rated teams, which doesn’t give his B/A squad much competition. Which accounts for a lot of seasonal travel to meet quality ball clubs. His pitching staff includes Dennis and Ryan Webb – a father / son pitching tandem and Hardesty. And with veterans Duane Fowler, Darin Garland, Brian Fowler, Dewy Thompson and Bruce Wilber, they could go deep in the nationals.

Good to see Glen “Rocket” Davis back on the mound for the Yucaipa Bombers. Davis’ signature grunt and tenacious attitude lets you know he’s the consummate competitor. Maybe doesn’t have all the movement and speed he once had pitching for ISC teams throughout the U.S., but the New Zealander – now living in Santa Maria, Calif – brings everything he’s got to the ball park. The Bombers are headed to the ASA 40-Over nationals. With Yo Yo Cruz, Fifi Jimenez and a host of former open level players from the San Bernardino area, they can’t be taken lightly.

Mexicalli showed up with nine players – make that nine sluggers. After his 9 – 7 win, Rich Woods of the Las Vegas Hitmen showed obvious relief after surviving their line drive hitting barrage. “They’ve always hit the ball,” is a common thread heard from teams playing them from north of the border.

Ralf Trejio, owner manager of the Bombers, has been in the game for a long time –most of it sponsoring teams in the former Western Softball Congress; once even taking a team on a softball swing to New Zealand. But in Yucaipa he and his family are better known for their fine Mexican restaurant off County Line road.

The Hitmen’s David Bell says he’s relinquishing managerial duties of his squad next season to spend more time with his children. But take heart, Bell a driving force in reviving fastpitch in Las Vegas, will still host his ever popular tournaments that attract teams from throughout the U.S., he said.

Just seem like it began yesterday, but the Best of the West is now in its 12th season said tournament director, Dave Blackburn. Blackburn will be heading to the ISC World Tournament and is looking forward to his popular web casts, which give fastpitch fans a play-by-play broadcast of key match ups. He also cited the Victoria Smokers as providing outstanding web casts this season.

[Editor's Note: It was just last month that I ran into veteran fastpitch greats including Hice Stiles, Cary Weiler and Terry Canale - three who played for Team California Masters in Best of the West..  Hearing about their win over the pre-tourney favorite, the So Cal Bucks, I couldn't help but think that Red must have had a hand in this one ;-)]

From Rocket man to family man
By Bob Otto / Yucaipa, CA

He can try to run from it, try to hide from it, or try blocking it out of his mind, but getting fastpitch softball entirely eradicated from his system is nearly impossible to do.

Glen “Rocket” Davis was born for fastpitch softball. The former New Zealander, who now lives in Santa Maria, California with his wife Tracy and two children for the past five years, admits that, yes, he does miss the game.

And from that fierce glare in his eyes as he stares in at a batter, and from his signature grunt as he fires a pitch to home plate, Davis has lost none of his tenacity.

But, instead of traveling across country every weekend, matching his explosive rise ball and devastating change up with the best hitters in the game, Davis is content to be a family man. And an occasional fastpitch pitcher.

“I miss it at times,” said Davis. “But, now I enjoy watching my daughter Hayley (age 8) pitch. She pitched for the first time this year, and I was more nervous watching her than pitching myself.”

With his daughter pitching, it would reason that Davis teach her the fine art of the sport. “No,” he said with grin. “Her granddad (Charlie Compton) coaches her.”

Davis has a second family reason to be a stay-at-home dad: his seven-month old son, named so as not to forget where he came from. “Zealand,” answered Davis with a chuckle, when quizzed about his son’s name.

Actually, said Tracy, after she and Glen couldn’t decide on a name, they turned to their daughter for help. “She named him Zealand,” said Tracy.

And does Tracy see telltale signs that her husband wishes to battle the best hitters, and hopscotch around the country making a name for himself while leading his team to tournament championships?

“No, Glen is happy just to play in a tournament like this (Best of the West) and see some of his old friends,” she said. “I think if he gets a few tournaments, he’s happy.”

Agreed Davis, “My traveling days are behind me,” he said. “I came over (to the U.S.) in 1983 and had a good go of it.” As confirmation, Davis said he turned down offers from two major level teams to pitch this season.

And with that, Davis has really settled into home life, buying a house, coaching softball at Hancock Junior College, and working in the building supply business.

But softball pitching never strays far from Glen and Tracy. Never quite out of either’s blood. Tracy, who along with her sister Heather, led the UCLA Bruins to college national championships, coaches softball and teaches math at Righetti High School, where she graduated. A school that has a steep tradition in producing world-caliber female softball pitchers.

“Tracy is the assistant coach with Richard Canejo, her high school coach,” said Glen. “There’s a long tradition of great pitchers there.”

That would include Tracy and Heather (Compton) and Jocelyn Forest who led the University of California Golden Bears to the NCAA title this past season.

Also on Tracy’s softball honors is her induction into UCLA’s Hall of Fame. “She was inducted with Troy Aikman…(in 1999),” said Glen.

Although he doesn’t wish to travel, Glen would still like to stay in the game – but on a local level. “There’s no ball up here,” he said. “They tried to start a city league, but it didn’t go. I would like to pitch maybe a few innings during the week (if there were a league).”

And he said he would like to give back to the sport. “If young players were pin pointed to me here or there, I could teach them (pitching),” he said. “Softball’s been my life. A lot of people helped me out. I’m willing to help out (too).

When asked how you overcome high school baseball players who regard fastpitch softball as a “girl’s game”, Davis said: “If only they could see some of the big boys pitch, they would play.

“Todd Budtke (current Farm Tavern and former professional baseball player) told me that he wished he had played fastpitch when he was younger, because after playing fastpitch, a baseball looks this big (Davis making a circle the size of a soccer ball).”

At age 36, “Rocket” is fit and in prime shape. But family-man shape, with just a few weekends during the season to meet old friends at the ball yard. Weekends to glare into home plate, grunt when he fires his pitches, and show that “Rocket” still has fastpitch softball in his blood.

[San Jacinto, CA - July 15, 2002]
Information provided courtesy of Tournament Director, David Blackburn

The 12th Annual "Best of The West" Men's Tournament
will be held at the two new fastpitch diamonds located at
the Soboba Sports Complex in San Jacinto, CA. This year's
tournament has a balanced field of 8 teams representing three
Western US states, and Mexico. The Tournament will be
held on the weekend of Saturday July 27 and Sunday July 28.

Dave Blackburn is Tournament Director and Roy Stout is
Umpire-In-Chief.

The eight teams in the Best of The West Tournament are :
 

Pool A

THE SOCAL BUCKS - Santa Barbara / San Luis Obispo, CA
Manger Clyde Bennett brings his strong club with a veteran
pitching staff lead by his son Mark Bennett, and Tony Hunhoff.
The offense is powered by 2B Greg Oliver, 1B Don Clegg,
and 3B Larry Ybarra, who spent last season with Decatur Pride.
Catcher Jerry Leavitt has two ISC World Championship Rings
during his days with The Camarillo Kings.
 

TEAM CALIFORNIA MASTERS - Northern and Southern, CA
This team of fastpitch veterans includes players like ISC Hall of
Famer Hice Stiles, US National Team Head Coach Pete Turner,
and the National Assistant Coach Mitch Munthe. Pitching staff
of Russell Snow and Carrie Weiler is capable of beating any team.
Many Master's National Championships have been won by the
members of this team.
 

ARIZONA BLACKHAWKS
This Native American fastpitch team possesses a fine young three
Man pitching staff of Sonny Perkins, along with brothers Spud and
Shaun Barker. General Manager Craig Peter always has a strong
squad, and has boosted it's schedule by joining Central California
Travel League for the 2002 season.
 

TEAM RAINEY - Orange County, CA
Shortstop Rodney Rainey powers the offense with teammates
1B / DP Dee Nieblas, and Catcher Tony Acedo. Additions of
brothers Cris and Tim Hunt has added speed and power to
line-up. Pitching staff of veterans Stan Grebek Jr. and Randy
Clay, was bolstered with the addition of young Travis Price.
 

Pool B

MEXICALI FASTPITCH - Mexicali, Mexico
These south of the Border fastpitch warriors always bring their
bats, and they aren't shy about unloading longballs off any
pitcher. The Mexicali Mexico Fastpitch Club is lead by
General Manager Victor Gorosave. Mexicali's young pitching
staff has improved greatly in recent years.
 

QUEST FASTPITCH - Lakewood, CA
General Manager Donnie Didion relies on the very capable
Father / Son pitching staff of Dennis and Ryan Webb of Las Vegas.
The Fowler Brothers, Dwayne and Brian, lead the offensive along
with Utility player Bruce Wilber and 1B / DP Dewey Thompson.
Posted 5-0 record at recent Central Cal Travel League Weekend.
 

CASA TREJO BOMBERS - Yucaipa, CA
Two guys both named Frank Jimenez lead the offense along with
3B Yo-Yo Cruz. Infielder Ralphie "Valadarez" Roybal adds timely
hitting to the Bombers. The Sponsor / GM Ralph Trejo Sr. has a
pitching staff with International flavor, featuring big right hander
Panfilo Valdez of Ensenada Mexico, and Kiwi Glenn "Rocket" Davis
who now resides in Santa Maria, CA.
 

LAS VEGAS HITMEN - Las Vegas, NV
Over the last 3 years GM / 1B / Pitcher David Bell has done an
excellent job in building up a renewed Men's fastpitch presence
in Las Vegas, with his LV HitMen team, and his popular Spring
and Fall fastpitch tournaments. CF John Brush and 3B Gordie Mark,
along with Tad Brooks and Ken Crawford lead the LV HitMen offensive attack.

Driving Directions to Soboba Sports Complex
(Improved Driving Directions to Soboba)

If you would like to call and get better Driving Directions,
from your area, the phone number at the Soboba Sports
Complex office is : (909) 654-1319. Try to make sure that
everyone who is driving there has this number, if needed.

If you wish to use a Web based source for custom
driving Directions, the address to use for the
Soboba Sports Complex is :

24335 Soboba Road
San Jacinto, CA 92581

From 60 Fwy - Pomona Area

60 East past the 215, Exit and go Right on Gilman Hot Springs,
Go Right on (79) Sanderson Ave.
Go Left on Ramona Expressway Heading East
Go Left at Lake Park,
Go Right on Soboba Road
Field #1 is on the left.
For field 2, take a left turn on Castile Canyon,
then right on the paved road into the parking
lot for The Soboba Sports Complex
 

From 91 Fwy - Corona / Anaheim Area

91 Freeway East, exit at Van Buren
Make a left to get to Van Buren after Exit
Go Right on Van Buren to the 215 South.
Exit at Ramona Expressway East.
Go Left at Lake Park,
Go Right on Soboba Road
Field #1 is on the left.
For field 2, take a left turn on Castile Canyon,
then right on the paved road into the parking
lot for The Soboba Sports Complex
 

From The Las Vegas Area

15 South to the 10 East, and Exit at Beaumont Ave.
Go Right to the Ramona Expressway.
Go Left on The Ramona expressway heading East
Go Left at Lake Park,
Go Right on Soboba Road
Field #1 is on the left.
For field 2, take a left turn on Castile Canyon,
then right on the paved road into the parking
lot for The Soboba Sports Complex
 

From The San Diego Area

15 North Exit at Winchester Road
Go Right on Winchester Road
Go Right on Domenigoni Parkway
Go Left on Sanderson
Go Right on Esplanade
Go Left on Ramona Expressway
Go Right on Lake Park
Go Right on Soboba Road
Field #1 is on the left.
For field 2, take a left turn on Castile Canyon,
then right on the paved road into the parking
lot for The Soboba Sports Complex

From Northern California Area

5 South to 210 East to 10 East and Exit at Beaumont Ave.
Go Right to the Ramona Expressway.
Go Left on The Ramona expressway heading East
Go Left at Lake Park,
Go Right on Soboba Road
Field #1 is on the left.
For field 2, take a left turn on Castile Canyon,
then right on the paved road into the parking
lot for The Soboba Sports Complex

Dave Blackburn
Director
2002 Best of The West
Men's Fastpitch Softball Tournament
310-266-7803
 daveb@virtvent.com

(Earlier Press Release)

The 2002 Best of The West Men's Fastpitch Tournament will  be held on July 27 - 28,  at the dual field Softball stadium located at the Soboba Sports Complex in San Jacinto, CA.

This Tournament will feature 8 teams with a 4-game guarantee.
Two round Robin pools will play on Saturday begiining at 9:00 AM,
and a single elimination playoff on Sunday beginning at 8:30 AM.
The Championship game will begin at 1:45 PM on Sunday July 28.

Entry fee is $300 / Team and is due by either June 15, 2001, or when the first 8 entries are sent in, whichever is first.

The Complex features a large swimming pool located between
the two fields, which will be available to players, family memebers,
and spectators to use throughout the Bst of The West Tourney.

The Soboba Sports Complex is located about one mile from
the Soboba Casino.  For a look at the Soboba Sports complex, click here to view photos from the April 20, 2002 tourney held there:  http://www.fastpitchwest.com/soboba/042002/page_01.htm

Please send Entry Fee check made out to Dave Blackburn to :

Dave Blackburn
1720 Pacific Ave, #106
Venice, CA 90291

Hotels are located about 15 minutes away in the city of Hemet.

Best Western - Hemet
2625 W Florida Av, Hemet
(909) 925-6605

Hemet Travelodge
1201 W. Florida Ave., Hemet
(909) 766-1902

Motel 6 - Hemet
(909) 929-8900
3885 W Florida Ave, Hemet

Super 8 - Hemet
3510 West Florida Ave, Hemet
 

Dave Blackburn
Best of The West - Tournament Director
ISC Commissioner - Streaming and Broadcasting
Cell:  310 - 266 - 7803
 daveb@virtvent.com

Saturday, July 27
Round Robin Pool Play

Game # 1
Field # 1
9:00 AM
Team Rainey Vs. Arizona Blackhawks
 

Game # 2
Field # 2
9:00 AM
Quest Fastpitch Vs. Yucaipa Bombers
 

Game # 3
Field # 1
10:45 AM
Team California Masters Vs. SOCAL Bucks
 

Game # 4
Field # 2
10:45 AM
Mexicali Fastpitch Vs. Las Vegas HitMen
 

Game # 5
Field # 1
12:30 PM
Team Rainey vs. SOCAL Bucks
 

Game # 6
Field # 2
12:30 PM
Quest Fastpitch Vs. Las Vegas Hitmen
 

Game # 7
Field # 1
2:15 PM
Arizona Blackhawks Vs. Team California Masters
 

Game # 8
Field # 2
2:15 PM
Yucaipa Bombers Vs. Mexicali Fastpitch
 

Game # 9
Field # 1
4:00 PM
Team Rainey Vs. Team California Masters
 

Game # 10
Field # 2
4:00 PM
Yucaipa Bombers Vs. Las Vegas HitMen
 

Game # 11
Field # 1
5:45 PM
Arizona Blackhawks Vs. SOCAL Bucks
 

Game # 12
Field # 2
5:45 PM
Quest Fastpitch Vs. Mexicali Fastpitch
 

Sunday July 28
Single Elimination Championship Play

4 Quarterfinal Games
Game # 13
Field # 1
8:30 AM
Pool A 2nd Place Vs. Pool B 3rd Place
 

Game # 14
Field # 2
8:30 AM
Pool A 3rd Place Vs. Pool B 2nd Place
 

Game # 15
Field # 1
10:15 AM
Pool A 1st Place Vs. Pool B 4th Place
 

Game # 16
Field # 2
10:15 AM
Pool A 4th Place Vs. Pool B 1st Place
 

2 Semi-Final Games
Game # 17
Field # 1
Noon
Winner Game # 13 Vs. Winner Game # 15
 

Game #18
Field # 2
Noon
Winner Game # 14 Vs. Winner Game # 16
 

Championship Game
Game # 19
1:45 PM
Winner Game # 17 Vs. Winner Game # 18