Team USA blasts Canada in Border Cup title game

Softball and baseball’s favorite newspaper since 1987

By Don Bowman

That will teach those used Zamboni salesmen. Team USA smashed the Canadians 25-3 in the 2011 Border Battle title game in Oklahoma City, Okla., on July 23!

In a rematch from the 2010 game that saw the Canucks nip the red, white and blue, 30-29, Team USA came out with a vengeance to take their bitterness out on Team Canada, leaving no doubt who is the king of the world in slow pitch softball!

Dennis Rulli (CA), led the way with 4 RBIs/10 assists. His teammates smashed nine home runs, while backup pitcher and Red Wing native Geno Buck chipped in with hit off the bench, too. The key to this year’s lineup was the fact the team played with members of the Resmondo/Worth team, the No. 1 rated team in the country. Last year, Resmondo members sat out the series in a dispute, but fortunately this year they put all selfish matters behind them.

Rockets win a pair of titles

The Easton/Hooters/Rockets men’s class C powerhouse brought their traveling circus to the BeBops softball emporium (Blaine) this past weekend and came home with the bacon! The Rockets, gearing up for Worlds in Orlando later this summer, won both ends of the C/D NIT series.

Crystal Frolics this weekend

The fabulous 2011 Crystal Frolics Softball Tournament(s) heats up this weekend. You won’t want to miss it! Between the great games/payout, fireworks, beer tents and more, this tourney is guaranteed fun for everyone! Jim Wajda and his staff put on a GREAT show!

Anytime Fitness wins Firemen’s

Chaun (with a C) Demars and his Anytime Fitness ball club double dipped a very talented Sonny’s team out of Wyoming (ranked No. 7 nationally), to win the 2011 Firemen’s/Virg Ellrich Memorial Slowpitch Softball Tournament in Bloomington on July 14-17. Sonny’s, one of the premier teams in the country, left the field stunned as they began their long journey home back to cattletown USA. Meanwhile, heading into the post season, Anytime, BBS/TPS, and Nordkap, appear to be 1-2-3 in the state ratings.

Once again Jeff Barnes and his tourney staff, did a magnificient job in staging one of the best tournaments in the land, battling both heavy rains and hot-hot weather to get the job done!

Horner heads to Century

Former St. Paul Johnson head fastpitch coach Bobby Horner has been named the new head coach at Century Jr. College in White Bear Lake.

NAFA nationals this week in the Cities

NAFA (North American Fastpitch Association) are staging their 2011 youth fastpitch national championships in the Twin Cities are this weekend. The 10U will be in Bloomington, the 12U in Eagan and the 16U softball stars will be performing in Mounds View. Stop by and check out the action!

Fast Eddie Brandt retires

Area softball assigner “Fast Eddie” Brandt, retired on July 26, after working dillegently for St. Paul Municipal Athletics for nearly 35 years! His duties will fall into the capable hands of veteran umpire/assigner Jim Purinton, who will take over duties later this month. Eddie will stay busy as a major league baseball scout and part-time model for Fleet Farm.

Kittenball Classic this weekend

The Canadian Days Co Rec Kittenball Classic will be held July 30-31 at Spooner Park in Little Canada. A very festive time with bands, beer tents, rides for the kiddies and more. For info, call 651-766-4045. Fall doubleheader leagues are also being formed for men’s D teams on Wednesday and Thursday nights in Little Canada. For info on that all 651-766-4041!

Crystal Frolics this weekend

Jerry Otto Sr.’s Long Haul/Ancell men’s 55s team won a best two out of three series in Shawnee Mission, Kan., two weeks ago to win the 2011 SSUSA Midwest Invitational tournament. With the win, the team earns a chance to buy a berth in the Tournament of Champions tournament in Florida in February.