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2006 Softball-n-Hawaii Tour
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Story by Ed Rose & Mike Walker
Over the 2006 Memorial Day
weekend the Florida Senior Sports
Association (FSSA) http://www.floridassa.com/ in conjunction
with Hawaii USSSA hosted its fourth Softball-n-Hawaii Dream Tour.
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Double
Play Softball |
Hollis
Appraisals |
This year’s nine (9) day and
night trip was unique in that we had one FSSA
team from Florida and another FSSA
team from California in the tournament, stated Ed Rose, Executive Director,
FSSA. As in the past this years event was held on the beautiful island of Maui.
USSSA Hawaii State Director, Bob Straub organized the men’s 40+ tournament. The
two FSSA teams (pictured above) were
sponsored by Hollis Appraisals out of
Jacksonville, FL, and Double Play Softball out of Southern California (2005
LVSSA - AAA Division World Tournament Winners in Las Vegas).
Tournament play began
Saturday morning 5/27/2006 with a three per team pool play. Each team was then
bracketed for single elimination play on Sunday based on their pool play
record. Both FSSA teams met in pool
play with Hollis getting the victory over the Double Play team in a tight
defensive game. Both teams played well all weekend long with the Double Play
team playing solid defense to keep all their games very close. In the end it
was the Hollis team that played for the championship against the local Maui favorites
(Team Rookies) with Hollis holding off the much younger and quicker Rookies for
the championship.
The Double Play team was
composed of players from the regular tournament team and some Florida players
to help round out the squad, to include: Paul Smit, Larry Lorin, Mike
Boatright, Richard Iritano, Rick Watson, Rich McKeel, Richard Mosley, James
Pigott, Noel Lesley, and Clarence Marker.
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Tournament Opening Ceremonies
The tournament started
Saturday morning with opening ceremonies that included a very inspirational
traditional Hawaiian blessing, chants and the sounding of the "pu"
shells. Sharing the values and culture
of Hawaii was a highlight for the FSSA softball teams and their families. The
ceremonies were sponsored by the Maui branch of the Hawaii Recreation &
Parks Association, an organization of recreation professionals in Maui.
During the opening
ceremonies, awards were presented to several participants. Wayne Brown was
presented with a plaque and Rolex watch by Ed Rose, Executive Director FSSA for
Wayne’s participation in every FSSA tour since 2002. Wayne has even brought
family and friends in the past. Wayne stated that he will continue his
participation and plans on going with the FSSA to New Zealand for next years
Softball Carnival from March 17-27, 2007. See FSSA New Zealand information at: http://www.floridassa.com
Ed Rose (pictured Left) Making Presentation to Wayne
Brown
Audie Hollis was presented
with a plaque and Rolex watch for his sponsorship and support of this and past
FSSA tours. Audie is the best sponsor and is one of the greatest persons
I’ve every had the fortune to know, stated Ed Rose. Audie has participated
in the last three Hawaii Softball Dream tours and plans on joining the FSSA in
New Zealand next year as well. See FSSA New Zealand information at: http://www.floridassa.com. Audie joins
Ralph Mueller, Woody Bell, and Winky Blackman as the golden members of the FSSA
Sponsorship program.
Pictured left to right, Ed Rose, Bob Straub and Audie
Hollis
Ed Rose also presented Bob
Straub, USSSA Hawaii State Director, with a Rolex watch for his years of
support to the FSSA program and organization of this tournament each year
specifically for the FSSA teams. Thanks to Bob our travelers have enjoyed not
only Hawaii but softball played with true sportsmanship and friendship!
Most of the FSSA players
were accompanied by their wives, family and/or friends, however several of the
team members came solo simply so they could participate in the
softball tournament and other activities. This years activities included a
sunrise Bike Ride down Mt. Haleakala,
Snorkeling adventures, Helicopter tours, ATV tours, Luau, Horse Back riding,
Hiking, Site-Seeing adventures, Golf, Day Trip to Oahu and the Arizona
Memorial, and Beach activities which complimented the teams stay prior to the
tournament.
2006 FSSA Tour Players and Their Families
Ed Rose, Executive Director, FSSA believes that the FSSA has found the perfect formula for those who dream of somehow combining a great family vacation with playing softball. The way the FSSA has organized this annual event is an excellent balance of site seeing and softball for all. All FSSA travelers quickly adopted the "Aloha" spirit, which is the friendship trademark of the Islands.
The Hollis Appraisals and Double Play teams started practicing on Tuesday morning and
played an exhibition game that evening at War Memorial Softball Complex.
Several other practices were undertaken prior to the tournament on Saturday.
Even though it was the Hollis Appraisals team that won the tournament, it was the Double Play
team members who were the inspirational team of the tournament. They played
hard every game and with solid defense and timely base hitting, they showed the
Hollis boys the formula for beating the young guys!
At the conclusion of competition on Sunday, a
wonderful “hilite” (celebration) was provided by Hawaii Recording Artist
Richard Ho'opii and his three grand daughters who danced several hulas. A plate
lunch was served to all participants as a Mahalo (Thank you) for the
sportsmanship shown over the course of the weekend.
Ed Rose Presenting Rolex Watch to Tournament MVP Gary Ballet
During lunch, Ed Rose, Executive Director FSSA and Bob Straub, Hawaii USSSA State Director presented team awards and the MVP of the tournament award to Gary Ballet (Hollis Appraisals) for his sparkling defense and for leading the team in hitting with a .733 average.
Tournament coordinator Bob Straub (pictured left) in conjunction with Ed Rose (pictured
right) developed a memory of a lifetime event for the Hollis Appraisals and Double Play players.
Players and their wives were given orientation to
maximize their free time allowing them to fully appreciate the Island's many
breath taking adventures. We provided what most softball players would consider
the ultimate vacation. They play softball in one of the most magnificent
locations in the world and they treat their partners to once-in-a-lifetime
adventures that they probably will never see anywhere again.
While some of the players and their wives experienced the 7th highest rated SPA
in the WORLD. It makes me feel great when the players wives come up and
say, this has been the best vacation of my life ....... Ed Rose
The FSSA continues to make lasting friendships with
softball players and locals at these events.
Next year the FSSA tour goes even further west to play softball, New
Zealand, in the very 1st ever offered. I never thought
I would go to maui once, now I’ve been four times and the forth time was better
than the others, stated Ed Rose. In fact, I am already missing
the fact that we aren't going back to Maui next year (2007) because of our New
Zealand tour. However, I would really like to find at least 10 players
interested in going to play next May in Maui so we can keep our consecutive
Maui tour streak alive! Anyone interested? If so, then contact me at 321-254-1495 or by email: edrose@cfl.rr.com as soon as possible so we
can plan another adventure!
FSSA WORLD VINTAGE SOFTBALL CARNIVAL – ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND
March 17-27, 2007
Confirmed: the 1st FSSA World Vintage Softball Carnival in
Rotorua, New Zealand… Nine (9)
Games Guaranteed for All Teams!!!!
Welcome to the
latest on the FSSA World Vintage Softball Carnival, Rotorua, New Zealand, March
17 to 27, 2007.
The Inaugural FSSA World
Vintage Softball Carnival is confirmed
with enthusiastic responses from teams throughout the world.
The Rotorua Softball Association Inc has agreed to assist with hosting the
Carnival. Slow Pitch New Zealand Inc is into the Carnival and has provided
staff to help with the organization of the Softball Carnival.
The FSSA Vintage Softball Carnival, March 17-27, 2007 will provide a week of
great competition, good fun, great friendship and hosting that will be second
to none.
Designed for all players
over the age of 35, (men and women in every age bracket) the FSSA World Vintage
Softball Carnival caters to Slow-pitch and Fast-pitch Men's, women's, co-ed
teams, their officials and supporters will be welcomed and placed in the grade
of competition that suits their age, ability and fitness.
No need to come
with a team either, we are accepting individuals who are willing to travel with
us and enjoy the destination along with all the activities associated with our
trip. We will also make sure you get to play as much softball as you want if
you choose to play!
Take a chance for a trip to one of the safest, friendliest countries in the
world and enjoy the opportunity to play international softball in an exciting
and unique destination.
Anyone and everyone interested in attending next years FSSA Tour in New Zealand
needs to contact Ed Rose, Executive Director FSSA immediately because space is
truly limited on this trip! Call NOW!! 321-254-1495 email: edrose@cfl.rr.com
or check our website for more details at: http://www.floridassa.com
FSSA Softball-n-Hawaii wants to pass along a very special “Thank You” to JJ Sports, our official online Sporting Goods Store. Where you can shop online, get the best softball equipment available, save money while doing it, and get free shipping.
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