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Long Haul Trucking back in the majors

By Don Bowman

Long Haul Trucking will be back in the major ranks for the 2008 season, after team sponsor John Daniels made some huge moves in the off-season. Home run legend Hank Garris and long ball specialist B.J. Fulk are among the big names playing for manager Teddy Larson (Bayport) this season. Larson, is a Minnesota USSSA hall of famer, trying his luck with a scorebook for the first time. “JD” also mixed in some local talent, in keeping 2007 LH stars Geno Buck, Anthony Dress and Adam Peterson.

Expected local stops for the Long Haul juggernaut include the Dudley Classic (June 20-22) and the Fireman’s (July 18-20).

Little Canada to welcome top teams

The Easton/Hooters/Rockets women’s class “B” softball club, who won the 2007 USSSA World Championship in Florida last September, will headline a talented list of who’s who of women’s softball teams in the Little Canada Tuesday Night Women’s Open League. Also expected to compete are class “A” national powerhouses Thunderboltz and MN Ice.

There will also be some other very top notch women’s class “B” and class “C” teams participating as well!

Fireman’s Tournament field set

Softball entrepreneur Jeff Barnes’ Bloomington Fireman’s Tournament is already filled in mens play on July 20-22! The tournament gets bigger and better every year. There still is a glimmer of hope for a women’s team and co rec team to gain access, interested parties should contact Jeff ASAP!

Two top softball teams disband

Two of the very best men’s softball clubs in the state have disbanded. The aforementioned Long Haul men’s class “A” ASA national champions as well as the J&H/Combat men’s class “B” USSSA champions are no longer.

Contractor’s Capitol a force in 2008

Contractor’s Capitol out of Minnesota will be a much improved ball club this year, and will have a legit chance to win a national championship at the mens “B” level this season. Among the quality additions are recently retired-recently unretired Dan Yochum, Geno Burdick, Shawn Gallery, Dustin Palm and Lenny Cunitz. If this team stays focused and has leadership on the field, they could be dangerous! The team also plans to compete in the very competitive USSSA “Conference” Tournament Series, which only includes the very top teams from across the land.

Mosquitoland Classic back again

The SPA Mosquitoland Classic, one the top senior men’s softball tournament qualifiers in the midwest, is slated for May 29-June 1 in Little Canada. Teams from all over the midwest are expected to compete, with divisions offered in men’s 50’s, 55’s, 60’s, 65’s, 70’s+ brackets!

For registration information, call Jerry Otto Jr. at 651-483-3368.

Team openings available

Speaking of openings, men’s class ‘D” Monday night openings still exist for Little Canada (call 651-766-4041) and on other nights at BeBops in Blaine (call 763-754-2424), give ‘em a shout.

Kuyath to have hip surgery

USSSA/ASA Hall of Famer, “Swinging” Dick Kuyath is expected to under go hip surgery soon, we wish Dick the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

Local ump works NCAA tournament

Keith Cook, a highly regarded fast pitch umpire from St. Paul, was selected to work the prestigious NCAA Louisville Slugger Division I Fast Pitch Tourney in Kentucky last week!

Fastpitch associations to be active

There will be a LOT of competition involved for youth fastpitch softball tournaments in 2008! The NADA (North American Fast Pitch Association), the ASA (Amateur Softball Association), the AFA (American Fast Pitch Association) and the USSSA (United States Sports Specialties Association) will all be very active this season!

Dehkes to co-manage top team

Billy Dehkes (White Bear Lake) will be co-managing another of the top men’s ball clubs in the land as well, as he will run the Fencebrokers/Worth/Titan Apparel Club. Bill, co owner of the Titan Apparel/Supreme Sports Company (White Bear Lake) also will have Ryan Zenk of St. Paul rostered on his club.

Dudley Earlybird registration info

The longest running men’s/women’s qualifier in the state is now accepting registrations for the 23rd Annual Dudley Earlybird USSSA National Qualifier, April 26th/27th in Blaine and Little Canada. Divisions offered are mens D-E, women’s C-D, and co rec C-D. For info call 651-490-0045.

Your 2008 hot uniform colors

Local uniform providers claim the “hot” uniform colors for 2008 will be red/navy and red/black this season!