Men's & Boys' Fastpitch Headlines

ISC to play World Tourney in Rock Island in 2009 and 2011 - 11/19/07
The Quad Cities of western Illinois and eastern Iowa, will be the hosts for the 2009 ISC World Tournament (August 14 – 22) and ISC II Tournament of Champions (August 19 – 22).
Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities are comprised of Davenport and Bettendorf, IA and Moline/East Moline and Rock Island, IL. Combined, they have a population of approximately 400,000 and have excellent access by Interstate highways, I-80, I-74, I-88 and the I-280 belt route encompassing all the communities. Moline has a world class airport with excellent direct service to many cities. Approximate driving time to Quad Cities from some selected cities; Chicago – 3 hours, St. Louis – 4 hours, Des Moines – 1 ½ hours, Rockford, IL – 2 hours and Madison, WI – 3 hours.
For both Quad Cities residents and the ISC, returning to Quad Cities will be nostalgic for many as Rock Island, IL hosted the ISC World Tournament a then record 10 times, from 1961 to 1969 and again in 1973. All the tournaments were played in Rock Island’s Douglas Park.
The ISC has been working with Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission since October 2006 and in Kitchener this year, Quad Cities had two representatives attend the 2007 World Tournament in its entirety. Lynn Hunt, CVB Vice President and Milt Hand, Moline Parks & Recreation Director were each in Kitchener for half the tournament, Lynn for the first half and Milt for the second half.
For the first time, the two 2009 tournaments will be played in the same venue. Moline’s Green Valley Complex boasts two separate 4-diamond facilities with 6 of the 8 diamonds capable of playing men’s fastball. The venue has excellent parking and seating capability. The primary 4-diamond facility has a large, well appointed press box and the diamond separations provide ample space for auxiliary seating. They have hosted previous national championships in girls’ classifications and have the infrastructure of volunteers to accommodate the ISC.
The agreement contract also extends a 2011 hosting option to Quad Cities. They must exercise their option by February 2009. Otherwise, the ISC will seek other bidders for 2011 who will present their bids in Quad Cities in August 2009.
For more information about Quad Cities and surrounding areas go to www.visitquadcities.com
The agreement to have Quad Cities host us in 2009 was just recently reached so at this time, tournament directors nor headquarters hotels have been determined. This information will be released in the near future.
Earlier today, November 19, a media conference was held in Quad Cities to formally announce to their local media that the International Softball Congress is returning to their area in 2009.
From an ISC standpoint, we want to extend a special thanks to Joe Taylor, President/CEO of Quad Cities CVB and Sports Commission, Lynn Hunt(CVB Vice President) and Milt Hand (Moline Parks and Recreation Director). In addition, our thanks to ISC people who have been directly involved in meetings and discussions over the past year; Larry Koberg of nearby Walcott, IA who has served as tournament director for over 20 Iowa ISC Area Tournaments, Pat Sullivan, ISC Regional Commissioner from Dubuque, IA, Wayne Fisher, ISC Developmental Vice President from Iowa City, IA and Eric Wernke, coach of the Quad City Sox team, from Bettendorf, IA. Without the cooperation and involvement of all these people, this agreement would likely have not happened.

Open letter to Fastpitch from Peter Porcelli - 11/2/07

This last Monday, I stood before a judge and heard sentence pronounced upon me totaling 13 years in prison, which eliminates any chance I had for getting a camp which is devoid of walls, guns and violent criminals. According to the prosecutor, had not my wife made a “Magnificent” appearance speaking on my behalf, I would have received more time as the judge was clearly moved by her appeal. She tearfully asked for mercy, pointing to our nearly 18 years of faithful and devoted marriage and the dual parenting of our two children, ages 13 & 9 who are both straight A honor students and have never had any behavioral problems. You can imagine how I felt as she wept on the stand.

I wish to address the softball world that I have had the privilege to be part of going on 19 years with 17 consecutive ISC world tourney’s attended, until last year when conditions precluded my being permitted to attend.

With regard to my problems with the law, I wish to state for the record and once and for all, possibly contradicting what some of my friends, including the so-called ones, who might make it look like I am shirking responsibility, that I DEFINITELY DO take full responsibility for the events that have resulted in my having hurt my family, a number of customers, and many in between, employees included. I made a very poor choice in how I had my company managed when I went to Victoria in 2002, electing to go with a certain company to do my sales.

Unfortunately they grossly misrepresented my product, a debit card with a Mastercard logo which was the first debit card you could go shopping with at stores instead of strictly an ATM. It was such a good product it could have been easily marketed successfully honestly, but as it worked out, the greedy people, loaded it up with misrepresentations and I got closed down in August,2002.

As most of you know, I was indicted in March of this year, I pled guilty and agreed to cooperate to both help myself and also to assist in the indictment of the person they consider the lead dog of the sales company. He did this sort of thing to at least eight other companies, I never used anyone else but him. To learn more look up Kyle Kimoto & Assail, Inc..

It is my fault I am in trouble, nobody else’s. As things got worse I looked to avoid the truth and that was a combination of stupidity and arrogance on my part. They say that getting an education in life is expensive. I suggest you check out the cost of stupidity and arrogance.

I would not even bother with writing about this to the fastball world except for the idea that while I am in the process of falling on my sword, I wish to address much unfinished business in the sport we all love.

I came on the scene in 1993 with much of the same arrogance and the know-it-all attitude along with any good intentions I had. I am not here today to speak about the successes, the friends, the accomplishments, and anything you all feel I did which might have been good.

I admit I did a horrible job of appreciating the sport we love, and I alienated many good people through my words, deeds and other actions. I shortchanged many in a lot of ways, and denied, avoided, and otherwise refused to take responsibility for that as well.

This continued throughout my continued participation until it peaked at some point. I would like to think I have changed my ways and tried to undo some of the damage I have caused as opposed to simply put it on a counterbalance with the good I have done.

But the most important part, is that I have yet to admit it openly, and leave no doubt as to my innermost feelings. They say actions speak louder than words, and to that extent I hope if some of you perceive a better effort from me more recently over the years, it is only good if I also give you the words I also owe, with no reservation: “I truly apologize to everyone I have hurt in any way.”

Top of my list is Todd Martin. Not because I did any more damage to him, I may not have even affected him, and hope I have not. But that is the name I think of the most, when it comes to ill will, if I am going to be honest with myself. There are many more, but this is not a litany and I wont go there. You know who you are.

I have been granted 60 days before reporting to finish rehab on my shoulder which was operated on in July, but I know the judge truly wanted to give my wife and family a break, so I will report after the Holidays, right after. I wish to publicly apologize to my beautiful wife, Nicole, my children Trey and Tiffany for all the pain and hardship I have brought them.

I was going to have a get-together before I leave for my closest friends, but I am up in the air about that, I do not wish to make them any more uncomfortable.

I will emerge from this a better man, I promise, much better. I am fortunate to have great health and family, the two most important things in life, so I am far from thinking I am done as a worthwhile human, but I know I have to prove that in the future.

A good friend of mine, Amir, called me last Friday, worried for me about my situation. Amir Sarhaddi, the man everyone loved and who only did good for his fellow man, never a hint of trouble from him. Saturday night, when stopping on the interstate highway at 3:00Am to see if he could be of assistance for an auto accident that had just occurred not involving him, for which the authorities had not yet arrived, was struck by a third vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind a wife and two children ages 8 & 11. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/30/Hillsborough/Stopping_to_help_at_a.shtml This sure puts my relatively small self-inflicted trouble in perspective. Horrible things happen even to those who don’t bring it upon themselves. How truly fortunate I am that God gives me a chance to make amends.

Thank you for taking the time, I regret the fact that the sport has been mentioned along with my name in connection with the legal woes. There are actually many out there outside the sport that think this sport loves me and they cannot understand why this is so. They are obviously misguided in their assumption that I am unconditionally loved as you are fair and intelligent as a group, you certainly are not deluded by me or anyone else. You are also the most wonderful group I have ever been associated with, probably the main reason none of us can ever truly walk away. God Bless each and every one of you. I am forever in your debt.

Most Sincerely,
Peter

California Fires hit home for Russ Snow - 10/07

Commentary by Bob
No matter whom you talk to or no matter whom you ask – the one answer that everyone gives when asked what fastpitch softball has offered them is: the great people you meet. Russ Snow is one of those great people in my fastpitch life. I first met Russ a long time ago at an ISC World Tournament somewhere. Being the publisher of the Fastpitch Chronicle newspaper afforded me an opportunity to meet thousands and thousands of great people. Russ is among the greatest. Tonight Russ is certainly in my thoughts.

At the NAFA Master’s Eastern Nationals Russ and I were able to connect again. He filled me in on his coaching experiences with the Great Britain program and we talked about each other’s lives since we’d last seen each other.

I left Rockford, Illinois on the final day of that NAFA event with a renewed passion for people in the men’s game. I’d lost a lot of something over the past couple of years. My main purpose for going to Rockford wasn’t to actually play as much as it was to see great friends I hadn’t seen in several years.

Today I received a message from Cindy. Russ’ ranch in California is right smack in the middle of one of those raging wild fires that torched the hillsides.

Here's an update from Cindy as of October 26th:
To dear friends and family,
Thank you for the calls and e-mals. I'll tell you what I know. Russ' ranch is in Highland Valley. The area has been hit badly by the fire. His folks' beautiful family home and ranch is only about 800 meters away from his place. Last night at 11pm Russ drove out to help his folks pack. At about 3 am he decided that they had to leave. No evacuation call had come. This morning, this is causing him great concern as he worries for his neighbours. The road going up to the ranch was completely on fire. Structures were burning on both sides of the road. Many of the homes that are familiar land marks were ablaze. The new house with the private Christmas Tree grove on the corner was on fire, the hill between the main road and Russ' ranch was on fire when he drove by.

He stopped and called Andy his closest neighbour and woke him up. Andy had packed at about midnight and fell asleep in his living room chair. Russ' call was the only thing that woke him. Andy believes Russ saved his life and we have no reason to doubt this.

The evacuation drive down the road to the 15 was very frightening. Russ said the heat inside his truck was incredible. The neighbour that followed him down the road by only 8 minutes had the tires blow out of her car. Lucky, her husband was following in another vehicle and picked her up. We believe the fire has now passed Snow's ranches, but there were two that went across that area, one that came up from the Wild Animal Park (which is currently safe but under threat again) and one that came from the east and Romona. The fires are now in the residentual areas off of West Bernardo Drive (Russ' exit off the 15).

We are simply waiting to hear news and get a chance to get in, but the fire is still huge, the freeways are closed and it continues to burn all around the area. The winds are blowing betwen 40 and 80 miles an hour, so there is no reassurance that it won't circle around and hit the area of the ranch again. We will keep everyone posted. We count our blessings today. All family members are safe. Nancy's horses were safely evacuated from the ranch in the San Pasqual Valley, John and Nancy have Pablo, their dog and one of their cats. (Yesterday, Russ had the kids up on the ranch and they picked up the last of Nancy's kittens and they are safe with us in Carlsbad. It is nice to remember what a happy day we had yesterday when 'Shortstop" and "Twilight" joined our family.) It is a day to be thankful, a day to wait and a day full of hope.

We will let you know what is left of the ranch when we get a chance to go up and see. Once again, thank you for your concern.
All my love,
Cindy

Update #2 from Cindy - October 28, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
Here is the update on the Snow ranches. Wonderful news! John and Nancy Snow’s beautiful home is safe. We are so very happy and are counting our blessings. Several of the houses near their home, including one on their private ranch road and four on their old ranch, across the street, are gone. We feel very fortunate.
Russ’ situation is different.
Tuesday morning, We waited until about 10am and then headed back up to his ranch in Highland Valley. Roadblocks were everywhere, but with Russ’ local knowledge and ability to charm Cal Trans employees, we got to his ranch about noon. There is no other way to put it, but “we took a hit”. Russ’ home is gone; his mobile home caught fire and melted. With it went most
of his personal items, he will miss among other things, his grandfather’s tackle box, a lifetime collection of reels and poles, his golf clubs, a Rolodex with his entire wood client list, his baseball card collection, photos and his wedding and world championship rings. He has retained his sense of humor and has told me that now he doesn’t have to go through his clothes and filing cabinets, this being the fastest “sort out” he has ever done. Business wise he is counting his blessings, despite the fact that the fire and the wind did do damage. On the plus side all of his vehicles and tools are safe.

On the down side, he lost all his wood for this season, about 200 cords piled and waiting to be sold, are ash. The fish also died, due to water pipe damage. The prospect of repairing the hundreds and hundreds of irrigate pipe leaks is almost beyond my comprehension. Any PVC pipe that was above ground melted. I asked him how many leaks he thought were out there and with a laugh he said, “somewhere between 300 and 1,000. I’ll be busy next week.”

The grove was on fire when we got there, but only in spot flash areas. There were literally hundreds of ash fires still burning on the mountain. The big firestorm had gone through the night before. Russ lost about 30% to 40% of his trees and probably about 80% of this year’s crop. The wind did equal damage to the fruit as the fire. Thousands of pieces of fruit were on the ground. Still, there were fruit and trees to save so we went to work putting out fires, clearing leaves and building firebreaks. We did our best to stop as many of the fires as we could, both on Russ’ ranch and on the properties bordering his land. When we left around 8pm ash fires still dotted the mountain but we had done our best.We returned “home” to our neighbor, Kim, who was feeding our children and my father, plus feeding and housing three other families who had been evacuated from the Fallbrook fire. Her kindness and care will never be forgotten.

Russ went out to his ranch again this morning, accompanied by buddy, Craig Heber. (Thanks Big Guy, we love you.) Much to Russ’ grief, he found that his nearest neighbor, Andy, whom he had woken the first night of the fire, lost his house during the night. When we left the evening before, the house was still standing with no sign of fire anywhere close. It only goes to show how dangerous those ash fires continued to be. As Russ drove up Highland Valley Road, he realized that somewhere between 20 to 30 homes, many of them historic and part of his childhood memories were gone. High school friend Steve Olsen, lost everything, his entire wood business, several big rig logging trucks, two family homes. Absolutely everything on the Olsen estate was turned to ash. The sadness Russ feels for his friends is of the deepest magnitude. Neighbors hearing that Russ had made it past the roadblocks were calling him for news throughout the day. Several times, Russ had to be the first person to tell his dear friends that their houses were gone. Russ’ attitude about his own property and business’ is incredibly upbeat. He is grateful for the things that he retained and is counting his blessings. Tonight he began making lists of the things he has to do. The work to be done on this one man farm is amazing, but he will be out there tomorrow fixing irrigation lines, dealing with downed power lines and taking care of his trees. Actually he will be out at his ranch AFTER he has gone down to Carlsbad High School, our closest evacuation centre, to see if there is anything he can do to help those who are less fortunate. I have never been so proud of him.

So, to all our friends and family, we are counting our blessings, first and foremost, for all of you, secondly, for our safety and the safety of our friends. Despite loss of property their has been no loss of life in Highland Valley. Finally, we are grateful for the property and the trees that survived and the opportunity to rebuild. Plus, Russ may drop a few strokes if he gets a new set of clubs.Thank you for your concern and warm wishes.

PS. I took several pictures on my phone, but the cables and the software to download the images were in Russ’ house, so when I figure out a way to download the stuff, I’ll send some images. PSS. To Peter, your two trees are still standing, will send picture. To Eric, your vineyard should be served with jam and butter. Sorry, pal.PSS. To those who have asked about the kids, they are doing great. They are giving their folks lots of hugs, plus all the local schools are closed until next Monday, so hey, life can’t be all that bad.

2008 Jack Grafmeier Invitational Fastpitch Tournament Dates Announced - 11/2/07

The 2008 Jack Grafmeier Invitational Fastpitch Tournament will be held at Sunset Park in Kimberly, Wisconsin on June June 6-8. The format will be round robin and should provide some great fastpitch entertainment for fans and players alike. The Jack Grafmeier Tournament is actually a Memorial Tournament to honor Jack, a one-time Wisconsin ISC Travel League Commissioner and curator for the ISC Hall of Fame. Jack Grafmeier did more for fastpitch in Kimberly than any person has every done. It's a fitting tribute to have a tournament of this nature named after him. For more information on the Jack Grafmeier Memorial Tournament contact Dave LeBlanc in Kimberly via e-mail or by phone. Those contact numbers are farm32@aol.com or by phone at 920-851-2349. LeBlanc has named Hank St. Claire as the Tournament Umpire in Chief for the event. Interested people can contact St. Claire at hstclaire@ameritech.com 216-533-520.

Vancouver Grey Sox sign Brian Ree and Kevin Rasmussen - 10/31/07

The Vancouver Grey Sox are pleased to announce the signings of infielder Brian Ree and catcher / outfielder Kevin Rasmussen for the 2008 season. Both Ree and Rasmussen were members of the 2007 edition of the Portland, Oregon DeMarini Merchants. Ree a resident of Gresham, Oregon and Rasmussen a resident of Everett, Washington are expected to provide open level experience and depth to the Grey Sox line up as we attempt to improve upon our recent result at the ISC World Tournament.

Vancouver Grey Sox sign Mike Piechnik for 2008 - 10/26/07

The Vancouver Grey Sox are pleased to announce the signing of veteran lefthanded pitcher Mike Piechnik for the 2008 season. Piechnik a resident of Victoria, BC spent the 2007 season with the Portland, Oregon Demarini Merchants. Highly regarded at the open level for his numerous accomplishments and fine pitching performances, "Peaches" is a most welcome addition to the Grey Sox program.

The veteran leadership qualities that Mike Piechnik possesses and positive influence it is expected he will provide to the entire Grey Sox team and in particular the pitching staff, made him a priority for the organization as we attempt to improve upon our 7th place finish at the ISC World Tournament, and defend the Softball Canada National Championship. More news and a schedule announcement will be forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead.

Larry Kancs
President
Vancouver Grey Sox
www.vancouvergreysox.com

Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery wins 2007 NAFA 50+ Masters World Series - 9/07

Rockford, IL – It wasn’t the normal way to win national title but the Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery men’s’ 50+ Masters team did it anyway with an interesting win over United Sports Academy of California in the NAFA 50+ World Series. The win avenged a round robin loss on Saturday night to the California contingent.

The Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery club opened the NAFA 50+ Masters with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Bowar Electric of Middleton, Wisconsin. Victor Flores started in the circle for the champions but suffered a calf muscle injury early on and as replaced by Lonnie Brooks. Brooks pitched well and got out of several tight spots en route to the win. Neil Jones took the loss but pitched well in holding off the big bats of the eventual champions.

They had a game off and then took on the California crew in that second round robin game that turned into a high-scoring affair early when USA jumped on them for a quick four runs in the first inning. The two teams battled back and forth for the #1 seed with USA claiming the win, 8-5. Russ Snow was the winning pitcher while Brooks took the loss.

On Sunday the Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery club took on Symba’s (Duck Creek Masters from the Green Bay, Wisconsin area in) another slugfest. Rick Ferry opened in the circle for Duck Creek while Lonnie Brooks got the ball for the eventual champions. The game was tight most of the way but Jeff Gaugler nailed a three-run homer in a pinch hitting role to open up a wider margin and The Chronicle Battery men went on to a 14-9 win.

The next opponent up was Cardinal Home Improvement of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Steve McFadden started in the circle for The Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery club and got relief help from Brooks who eventually got the win as the men in blue came back with an 8-4 win. They were trailing 3-0 as they headed into the sixth inning.

The championship game was played on two different fields, twenty minutes apart as the lights went out at Sportscore 1 right after the 6th inning had been played. The Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery club was ahead 9-8 as both teams were knocking the ball around pretty well. The teams packed up their stuff, moved to another complex 20 minutes away and waited for the slowpitch distances to be switched to fastpitch ones. They had to prepare the diamond, move the pitcher’s plate, move the bases in where they needed to be, chalk the field and then play ball.

The Fastpitch Chronicle/Ohio Battery went down without scoring in the top of the seventh and Brooks faced Unites Sports Academy in the bottom of the 7th. Brooks fanned the leadoff batter before the next USA batter reached first. When USA attempted to move the runner into scoring position the bunt was popped up and the runner at one was retired to set off a Fastpitch Chronicle celebration.

Shortstop Steve Betts (Indianapolis, IN) was named the Most Valuable player of the tournament and was joined on the All World Team by Lonnie Brooks, Jeff Gaugler and centerfielder Tim Kauffman.

Russ Snow of United Sports Academy was named the tournament Outstanding Pitcher.
For detailed results of the entire tournament and results from the 35+, the 40+ and the 45+ NAFA Masters tournament go to http://www.masters.nafafastpitch.com/east/50/bracket_results.htm.

“for Nick and me, it was a pleasure getting these guys together,” said Fastpitch Chronicle publisher Bob Tomlinson. “Nick was much more nervous than was I so winning it was pretty special for him. We’re happy for all of them.”

Tomlinson and the legendary Nick McCurry of Ohio Battery sponsored the club on the weekend and look forward to going back to Rockford in 2008 to defend their title.

“It was a fun weekend in Rockford,” said Tomlinson. “Getting to see so many of the people that subscribed to The Fastpitch Chronicle over the years was great. I had some great conversations in Rockford. I’ve said all along, since 2004, that I wasn’t going to disappear from the men’s’ fastpitch scene.”

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