DELAWARE TEAM ALSO CELEBRATES HARRIET MAIR'S HOF HONOR

DALTON, GEORGIA – It was a double-scoop of enjoyment for the BLUE CHICKS at the 2012 SPA 65 AAA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in DALTON, GEORGIA.

Not only did the DELAWARE team win its first 65 AAA WORLD TITLE, but also saw teammate HARRIET MAIR inducted into the SENIOR SOFTBALL HALL-OF-FAME.

“It really was a great tournament for us,” manager JUNE SMITH said,”I don't know what our team was more excited about---winning the SPA WORLD TITLE or seeing HARRIET (MAIR) being inducted into the HOF – both accomplishments were very special to the BLUE CHICKS.”

While MAIR'S induction was already set prior to the tournament the BLUE CHICK”S Championship wasn't. As a matter of fact after their first pool game, the odds looked more like a two-and-gone scenario than a WORLD TITLE.

The FLORIDA GOLDEN GALS 65'S welcomed the BLUE CHICKS to pool play by hanging a 20-11 defeat on the “birds”.

“It wasn't a very good way to start the tournament,” SMITH said, “It was twice as bad sitting on the bench watching what was going on...sometimes we were wondering if we would ever get an out.”

“We didn't panic because we are usually a slow starting team and if you are going to have a bad game it is better to have it early and get it out of your system,” she added.

In their final two games in pool, the BLUE CHICKS get their act together..but just barely as they beat the 2011 SPA 65 AAA champs the DREAM CATCHERS 9-7 and the NORTH CHARLESTON PRIMETIMERS 11-10.

In their first game in bracket play it was more of the same as they barely got by the VIRGINIA GOLDEN GIRLS 8-6.  But after that it was all over but the crying for the rest of the 65 AAA field.

“When we reached the semi-final game against the CHATANOOGA CHARGERS we were more focused and played our game,”SMITH said, “We started making plays defensively and putting long innings together offensively.”

Determined not to falter in the finals as they did in 2011 when they took runner-up honors in the 65 AAA WORLDS, the BLUE CHICKS sent CHATANOOGA to the loser's bracket by an 18-8 count and finished them off in the title game 13-2.

The championship was especially sweet for SMITH and BARBARA SWEENEY, who were original BLUE CHICKS on the 50+ team which was started fifteen years ago.

“BARBARA (SWEENEY) and I started the team after we saw an article in the paper about senior softball,” SMITH said. “We called everyone we knew and we put a team together.”

“Just as important, if not more important was the work of PAULA KLEMM.” SMITH added, “PK kept this team together the past 15 years, while the other younger age group BLUE CHICK 50's team folded, she has been like a general manager for us. We are here today mainly due to the efforts of BARBARA and PK.”

The biggest hero in DALTON for the BIRDS was TOURNAMENT MVP PHYLLIS MEAD. According to SMITH, “.......she hit like crazy and made unbelievable plays on defense.” The left fielder also supplied a number of key hits throughout the tournament.

Selected to the ALL-AMERICAN team were BARB SWEENEY (RF), EDNA ALLEN (1b), JANET ROBINSON (LF/RF/2B), NOEL HAUSER and pitcher “CHARLY” NEILL-ROE.

SMITH received the 2012 SPA 65 AAA MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD and was very humble in her acceptance. 

 “Two others deserve part of this award,” SMITH said, “PAULA KLEMM couldn't attend the tournament due to an illness, but she is also deserving of this award. With PAULA not being here, LINDA VAN VALKENBURG stepped up taking over assistant manager's duties and was a great help throughout the tournament. She also deserves equal recognition.”

The other members of the SPA 2012 SPA 65'S WORLD CHAMPS are:

DORIS BROWN (SS), ELLEN CAVINS (SF), JANIS DILLARD (2B), MARIE KNABBE ( C ), BONNIE STRANG (2B), GAINELL TEASLEY (RC), DORCY WILKINS (P), LINDA VAN VALKENBERG (1B), and PAULA KLEMM (Manager).

The team which is self sponsored and only plays three tournaments a year all agreed this was a great year for the BLUE CHICKS.

“This has been a great year for us winning the WORLD TITLE and having HARRIET make the HOF,” SMITH said, “We take the game seriously when we are on the field, but for us there is more than just softball.” 

" We enjoy each others company and friendship,” SMITH added, “ that is what senior softball is all about, the camaraderie between not only the players on your team but also the other teams. This was just a great year for the BLUE CHICKS.”

TEAM WINS 2012 SPA 65 MAJOR WORLDS, DEDICATE WIN TO OTHERS

DALTON, GEORGIA – Wearing RED, WHITE and BLUE jerseys. The KY FILLIES left no doubt as to what was taking center stage for them at the 2012 SPA 65 MAJOR DALTON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT.

“We (KY FILLIES) believe we are so fortunate to live in such a great country such as this, we wanted to emphasis that point as we played in this tournament,” 2012 SPA 65's MAJOR'S MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR DIANA HARRIS SAID, “ We are also so proud and thankful of our men and women who serve in our armed forces to protect us all so we can participate in activities like this, that we wanted to dedicate our efforts in honor of their service to us all.”

The KENTUCKY team did the RED, WHITE and BLUE colors proud as they went undefeated (6-0) in both pool and bracket play to win their first-ever SPA WORLDS title.

“A few of us have been playing together for over thirty years, then starting as 45 year-olds as the "KY FILLIES,” HARRIS said, “We have won championships at HUNTSMAN, SENIOR OLYMPICS and smaller regional tournaments but this is the first WORLD TITLE we have ever won. It really feels great.”

The four ladies who along with HARRIS, who were part of the original KY FILLIES are  DIANE “WOODY” PERRY, WANDA DEVINE, ORLEANE "O" WATSON and SUE "MAC" MCGUIRE.

Prior to the start of the DALTON tournament the FILLIES  found themselves a little shorthanded as short stop CHERIE PARNELL was hit with a serious viral infection was unable to play. The team found themselves with only thirteen players and two were pitchers.

“Needless to say, we were not overly confident of our chances being short of players ” HARRIS said, “ We just told ourselves to just keep a positive attitude and play the game the best we could.

SURPRISE!! SURPRISE!!

Once the tournament started the team did not play like the KY FILLIES but more like the 1927 NEW YORK YANKEES MURDER'S ROW. They started with a 23-3 hammering of the CHATTANOOGA CHARGERS; followed by a 19-2 win over the GOLDEN GIRLS and finished pool play beating the GOLDEN GALS 65'S 16-12.

“That was unbelievable,” HARRIS expressed, “We have never hit like that.”

Some of the girls thought they played so well because HARRIS'S husband TONY stayed home and didn't come to this tournament. 

“We all love him dearly, but sometimes he is like a bad luck charm for us,” HARRIS joked.

The FILLIES disposed of the GOLDEN GALS 65's 16-14 in the first game, before beating the 2011 65 AAA WORLD CHAMPS DREAMA CATCHERS 16-8 and 10-9 for the title.

“The only disappointing part was the way we won the last game against DREAM CATCHERS,” HARRIS said, “We were ahead 10-9 in the last inning and they had two outs and two runners on base and they put in an ineligible pinch runner. It was an automatic out and we won the game, it isn't the way you want to win but a win is a win and we will take it.”

After being shutout in 2011 on individual tournament honors the KY FILLIES more than made up for it in 2012 with SEVEN receiving individual recognition.

Outfielder MITCH LUPA was selected as the 65 MAJOR TOURNAMENT MVP. Earning ALL-AMERICAN honors were WANDA DEVINE (1B), CHRISTINE GAUTHIER (P), SUE MCGUIRE (SF), DOROTHY NAUSS (P) and DIANA “ROCKY” SWIATALSKI (OF), DIANA HARRIS (OF/MGR) received the SPA 2012 65-MAJORS MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD.

Other members of the WORLD CHAMPION KY FILLIES are: LINDA HOWE (OF), JUNE MAY (2B), CHERIE PARNELL, DIANE “WOODY” PERRY ( C ), BARBARA SCHERER (3B) KAREN DARNELL (LF) and ORLEANE “O” WATSON (SS).

“It was just a tremendous feeling to finally win a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, especially since we dedicated our efforts to our armed forces  HARRIS said, “There was a lot of crying, screaming, hugging and such. We all play senior softball not for awards but for the love of the game but it was a nice feeling to see our combined efforts mean something extra.” 

VIRGINIA TEAM MAKES AMENDS FOR 2011 HEARTBREAKING LOSS

DALTON, GEORGIA – Two years ago, the Hamel's Women, which most of this team played for last year,  suffered the agony of defeat losing the 50 AAA championship to SERIOUS FUN 7-6 on a two-out two-RBI hit in the bottom of the seventh

There were no heartbreaks for the GOLDEN GIRLS this year as they roared through bracket play beating NY METRO'S DOUBLE PLAY 18-1 and LA SPORT 18-3 before disposing of NY METRO 15-11 in the title game to win the 2012 SPA 50 AAA championship.

“We (GOLDEN GIRLS) were very, very happy,” player/Manager KATHY COLLETT said, “After the way we lost last year, it was nice to go all the way this year. It was especially nice for a number of our players who had never won a championship ring before.”

But until DALTON, it looked like the snake-bitten routine from 2011 may continue all of 2012 since the best the team could do in tournaments in COLUMBUS, OHIO and VIRGINIA were third and fourth place finishes.

“We played good ball in all the tournaments, we just kept coming up a little short each time and we had to settle for third and fourth place finishes,” COLLETT said.

Even DALTON didn't start off that well for the GOLDEN GIRLS as they only went 1-2 in pool play losing to JOLICO SENIOR 50's (12-7) and the LADY LOOKOUTS (15-10) before beating NY METRO 15-10.

“We just don't seem to play very well on the first day,” COLLETT said, “The games were all close but we really didn't play very well at all.”

After that first day, head coach HAPPY GARRETT and assistant coach, Bill Poppler, had a little-heart-to-heart conversation with the girls.

“HAPPY really knows softball and he made some changes both offensively and defensively which really helped our performance and our confidence,” COLLETT explained, “His pep talk left us knowing we could really win this tournament if we put our mind to it and went out and played our game.” Happy's concept of playing to win by reducing the amount of players in the games during the double elimination play is what won us the tournament.

The title was the first-ever SPA NATIONAL for the GOLDEN GIRLS, who have been playing together for ten years. The team previously won the USSSA Worlds in 2003. Still on the roster from that original team are COLLETT, LORI GRIMM,  SYLVIA JONES, LYNN CHARLES and SHEILA GARRETT.

RHIAN (OF, .874), COLLETT (OF, .592), GRIMM (SS, .679, CO-RBI LEADER) and CHARLES (INF/1B .679, CO-RBI LEADER) were all named to the ALL-AMERICAN team. Also named to the squad was outfielder MARY MILLER, who sported a .711 average.

Tournament MVP honors went to JOY “PEACHES” PRIDE. The versatile infielder/outfielder batted a remarkable 1.000, served as a designated runner and played flawless defense.

GARRETT definitely earned and received the SPA 2012 50 AAA MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD.

Other members of the 2012 Champions are: TAMMY MAULL (P), CHRIS VOSS (P), LOUISE O'DONNELL (3B), SYLVIA JONES ©, SHEILA GARRETT (1B), NANCY ANTHONY (OF/2B), CARLA FIELDS (P), SONYA JOHNSON (OF), JOAN CLARKE (2B) and GLENDA COLEMAN(OF/C). Two players HAZEL PRIOLEAU and KATHY FETLERMAN were unable to attend the tournament due to prior commitments. The only person who was injured in the tournament was Joan Clarke, who tore her hamstring but still got up to bat one more time and hobbled to first base while bringing in enough RBIs to end the inning.

A unique feature to the self-sponsored team is their athletic versatility.

“All of us play year around in either basketball, volleyball, bowling and other sports.” COLLETT said, “We are also very close and get together for birthday parties, celebrations, Christmas and other events, we just enjoy each others company and do not limit our association with each other to the ball field.”

The team also does a lot of charity work in and around VIENNA, VIRGINIA and somebody must have taken notice.

“An anonymous ANGEL donated not only our entry fee but also three other GOLDEN GIRL'S teams (60, 65 and 70) entry fees,” COLLETT said, “That was a $3,000 donation and we have no idea who it was but we all certainly appreciated it.”

COLLETT, when asked if there was one message she would give to other woman who are considering playing senior softball, what would it be.

“Very simply.” she answered, “You don't stop playing when you get old, you get old when you stop playing.”

Well put!

DALTON, GEORGIA – The TENNESSEE SENIOR STARS 70'S used their 18-years of senior softball experience to finally get “serious” about their game and win the 2012 SPA (SOFTBALL PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION) 70's AAA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in DALTON, GEORGIA.

After struggling through pool play losing to FREEDOM SPIRIT OF FLORIDA (13-2), 70 MAJORS champions SPORTACULARS (14-13) before beating the (KY) THOROUGHBREDS 17-2, the TENNESSEE team came out smokin” in bracket play.

“We finally got serious about our game,” DONNA HACKNEY SAID, “Our first two games were against 70 MAJOR teams and we were a little nervous. We finally became more relaxed playing AAA teams and regained our confidence.”

The confidence showed in bracket play as the STARS beat the THOROUGHBREDS again, ironically by the same 17-2 score and followed it up with a 13-2 win over the (VA) GOLDEN GIRLS 70's by a 13-2 count.

Playing the GOLDEN GIRLS 70's again in the title game, it was a little closer but still a win with a 21-20 verdict. The hero was GOLDIE CALDWELL, who came off the bench to deliver a grand slam home run in the bottom of the seventh for the win. Shirley Pike also had a home run in the same game.

“We are really kind of proud, the way we came back from pool play and then winning the championship game on GOLDIE'S (CALDWELL) walk-off grand slam homer,” HACKNEY said.

Leading the charge for the TENNESSEE SENIOR STARS was tournament MVP GEORGIA JENKINS. Affectionately called “THE BABY OF THE TEAM”, the short stop had both a strong hitting tournament as well as shining on defense.

Selected to the ALL-AMERICAN team were RITA "RABBIT" GAWARECKI (OF), SHIRLEY GRIZZLE (P), PEG HAYS (2B), JUDY OSBORNE (SF) and WANDA SWEETON(LF).

Taking the SPA 2012 MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD was head coach TERRY COMPTON. Compton, who has been with the team for three years, is a former VANDERBUILT UNIVERSITY basketball star know as the KENTUCKY LONG RIFLE for his long-distance shooting.

Honors for the TENNESSEE ladies are not unusual since both HACKNEY (2009) and GRIZZLE (2011) were elected to the SOFTBALL-HALL-OF-FAME. Former player, the late MARY ARNDT was also elected to the HOF in 2008.

The other members of the 2012 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP team are: HELEN ARMSTRONG (RF), GOLDIE CALDWELL (INF/OF), PEGGY LEWIS (C/P), SHIRLEY PIKE (LC), ELLEN PREUETT (RF/C), GAIL RICH (1B), LOIS SMITH (3B), BECKY TROYANI (RF), JEAN SMITH (INF) and GALE HARRIS (ASSISTANT COACH/STATISTICIAN).

The team which was first organized 18 years ago is mostly self-sponsored and still has four originals from that initial team – GRIZZLE, HACKNEY, SMITH and PREUETT. As a side note, also on that first team was SPA NATIONAL WOMEN'S DIRECTOR JUDY LEE SCHREIBER.

“We are self sponsored and conduct a lot of yard sales, steak and spaghetti dinners, silent auctions and such but we also have a co-sponsor this year,” HACKNEY said, “DR. KAELIN of SPORTS MEDICINE has helped us greatly, we are really indebted to him.” Also helping raise donations were Coach Terry Compton, Assistant coach Gale Harris and player Wanda Sweeton.

In addition to winning DALTON, the TENNESSEE SENIOR STARS 70's won 2012 AAA titles at SPA tournaments in COLUMBUS (OH), PENSACOLA (FLA) and JACKSONSVILLE (FLA).

“We play SPA tournaments because we like the way the organization conducts its tournaments,” HACKNEY said, “ SPA is really “people conscious” and always does its best to make certain the players' interest and enjoyment come first.”

HACKNEY also explained what she thinks is the secret to her team's success.

“We have a never give-up attitude and always play to the end regardless of the score,” HACKNEY said, “Our togetherness is also a huge part of how we play.”

People are always surprised that we are still playing at our age.” she added, “We just feel as long as you are able to compete, you should do it”. Former Coach Renee Page always said “Don’t judge them until you come and see them play”.

And when you compete and win WORLD TITLES, that just makes it so much better.

TEAM LOSES FIRST BRACKET GAME, WINS NEXT FOUR

DALTON, GEORGIA – The OHIO CARDINALS found themselves with their backs to the wall at the 2012 SPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in DALTON, GEORGIA but recovered in time to win the 60 MAJOR title.

After losing the opening game in bracket play to 2011 AAA 60'S champs FUN BUNCH 13-7, the QUEEN CITY OHIO area team roared back to take the next four games and with it the 2012 WORLD TITLE.

“It can get a little scary after losing your first game and you know the next loss sends you home,”OHIO CARDINAL manager COLLEEN NEEDHAM said,” Once you lose the next game there is nothing you can do.”

Playing with a short roster, the CARDINALS beat the 2011 60 AAA runner-ups JOLICO SENIOR 60'S in the first loser's bracket game by scoring four runs in the seventh inning to nose out a 7-4 win.

That win led to a SUNDAY morning loser's bracket rematch with the FUN BUNCH.

A pair of singles by JAN WORLEY and BETTY BRENNER preceded a two-out RBI single by KATHY SOWERS to give the CARDINALS a 13-12 victory. The BIRDS followed it up with a 15-10 verdict over the previously undefeated GOLDEN GIRLS 60's to force an “IF” game for the championship.

“Those were three very close games against three very good teams,” NEEDHAM said, “But those are the games you have to win if you want to be the champions.”

In the title game it was SUE MINNICH's two-RBI double which was the deciding hit in the 12-10 championship game.

With the 2012 60 MAJORS CROWN to add to their tournament hardware, the OHIO CARDINALS achieved somewhat of a WORLD tournament hat trick. In 1998 the team won a  50's crown; in 2010 they added the SPA 55's title and this year it was the 60's MAJOR championship.

The CARDINALS have played in six tournaments this year winning four (HUNTSMAN, DALTON, PRESCOTT LOWER DIV) and adding a few  thirds ( COLUMBUS, PENSACOLA, JACKSON VILLE) to their impressive playing resume.

The team which was formed in 1998 still has ELEVEN originals on its roster: MARY BULLEN, JAN DETERS, MAUREEN FITZGERALD, MARILYN LOVETT, PEGGEY MEACHAM, SUE MINNICH, JUDY PEELE, TERRY SMITH, KATHY SOWERS, JAN WORLEY and COLLEEN NEEDHAM.

In regards to the individual awards given at tournaments, NEEDHAM is not a big fan of the “choosing” procedure.

“First off everybody who plays on a championship team contributes and in my mind is ALL-TOURNAMENT,” she explained, “and they give you four-or-five minutes to decide who the ALL-AMERICANS from your team are, Nobody needs a ribbon or award to say they played well, they all know if they played well or not, who needs a ribbon?”

Since NEEDHAM'S opinions have yet to be instituted, SPA ALL-AMERICANS selected the “old way” were:

PITCHER JUDY PEELE (7-1) was selected as tournament MVP based on not only for her pitching, but also her defensive play and timely hitting.

ALL-AMERICAN honors went to : MARY BULLEN (1B,.462); JAN DETERS (2B, .667, 13 RBI'S); SUE MINNICH (RF, .567, 14 RBI'S); KATHY SOWERS (LCF, .423 10 RBI, outstanding defense) and DONNA VARGA (RCF, .623 12 RBI).

NEEDHAM received the 2012 SPA MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR award.

Other members of the 2012 60 MAJOR WORLD CHAMPS are: BETTY BRENNER (AH/C), MAUREEN FITZGERALD (SF), BARBARA KRACK ( C ), MARILYN LOVETTE ( C ), PEGGY MEACHAM (SS), TERRY SMITH (LF) and JAN WORLEY (3B).

“We are a very close team,” NEEDHAM said, “ We are almost all local players, we do not make a habit of  recruiting across the United States. It is always nice to win anything when you can share it and the experience with your close friends and the DALTON win was a great experience for us all”.