February 2012 Texas ASA Insider

Texas ASA Insider

The Newsletter of the Texas Amateur Softball Association • Vol. 4/No. 1 • Feb. 2012

2012 marks 60th anniversary year for Texas ASA

Spring workshop lays plans for big year A

LTHOUGH TEXAS ASA commissioner Rodney Cobb couldn’t attend the opening of the Texas ASA spring workshop, Jan. 13-15 in Killeen, there was no reason to worry. Everything was in good hands, thanks to the members of the Texas ASA, and especially former Texas ASA state commissioner Glenn Morrison, who filled in admirably for Cobb and started the program Saturday morning with introductions and a welcome to Killeen. Cobb, who was busy with health issues regarding his mother-in-law, did manage to attend the concluding day of the workshop on Sunday at the Shilo Inn and Suites Hotel. By then, however, the workshop attendees, who numbered close to 150, had heard various informative presentations and were given up-to-date information and procedures to help them do a better job in 2012, which will mark the 60th year of the Te x a s A S A . The workshop was divided into three training sessions with various topRon Radigonda ASA Exec. Director ics covered in

each session. In 2011, the Texas ASA had another outstanding year, with 10,069 total team registrations, 6,885 adult team registrations, 1,533 JO registrations (3,785 total JO teams, including individually registered) 22,515 individuals, and 2, 067 umpires. “This day in time those are good numbers,” said Jack Aaron, Texas ASA executive director. The workshop is held once a year, usually in January, and brings together district commissioners and their staffs representing the 29 Texas ASA districts, One item of business at the January workshop was the Texas and kicks off the Shootout ASA Championship Series, open to all ASA men’s softball season for C, D and E, women’s and co-ed D slow pitch teams the members of the the workshop. ”Our annual Texas ASA Texas ASA, which was incorporated in 1952. meeting in Killeen was another success— Perhaps Drew Wells, Stephenville business as usual,” Wells said. “I felt this district commissioner, best summarized (Please see SPRING MEETING pg. 2)

State meeting set Oct. 18-20 in San Marcos REMEMBER TO MARK Oct. 18-20 down on your calendar. That’s when the Texas ASA will hold its annual meeting at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos. The room rate is $134 for king suites and $149 for double-queen suites. This includes a complimentary hot breakfast every morning of the meeting. There will be a complimentary Happy Hour each evening from 5-7 p.m. To make your reservations, contact Julie Siggers at [email protected] or call (281) 910-2977.

Texas ASA Insider/February 2012

Inside *

Comments From the Commish..2 Dist. 25 Profile ......................... 3 The Umpires Scorecard............. 4 News Briefs ............................... 4 Tips to the Top (JO column) ...... 6 2012 Texas Shootout Series ..... 7

Comments From the Commish RODNEY COBB Texas ASA Commissioner

ASA staff efforts at our workshop helped to get our 60th year off right

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HIS IS A HISTORIC YEAR in the history of the Texas Amateur Softball Association. It’s our 60th year of operation, and we are optimistic that this year will be one of the best, if not the best, in our six decades of service to the people of Texas. I am all ready encouraged by the start of this year, even though I had to miss the start of our annual workshop in Killeen because of a family health is-

sue regarding my mother-in-law. I didn’t worry, though, because I knew things were in good hands, thanks to former state commissioner Glenn Morrison, who filled in for me admirably and made sure our program went off without a hitch. Drew Wells, our Stephenville commissioner, is correct when he says: “The thing about Texas ASA that makes our organization a unique group is our sense of loyalty. We are a family, loyal to one another, to

Without (our district commissioners and staff) we wouldn’t have the organization we have today and will continue to have in the future. SPRING MEETING (from page 1)

meeting, in particular, set a new stanard in terms of the dissemination and sharing of information with the general body. The members of the ASA national staff present at the meeting provided additional insight with the governance of our sport. The association gave thanks to executive director Ron Radigonda, membership director Craig Cress, and the “technical giant behind it all,” Steve Walker. What makes the Texas ASA a unique group is its sense of loyalty, Wells continued. “We are a family, loyal to one another, to our teams, umpires and participants. We do not take for granted the people we Craig Cress serve, and ASA Membership Dir. Page 2

we are mindful that we are a service organization. This attitude is rooted deep in our organization and stems from our leadership with folks like Jack Aaron and Bill Williams.” Radigonda, who has been executive director of the ASA since 1998 and is the former Sacramento commissioner, told the group, “I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you. Texas ASA is No. 1 because of you and will continue to stay No. 1 because of you.” Radigonda and Cress gave various presentations to the group, including ASA Code changes, equipment standards, and ASA insurance, and they answered questions from the audience when needed. Walker discussed the Texas ASA registration program, with Mike Cappa and Richard Merritt going over the Texas Shootout Slow Pitch Series. Although this program wasn’t held in 2011, Merritt and Cappa are optimistic that the series will be held in 2012 for teams in Texas

our teams, umpires and participants.” That can’t be said about all of the associations within the ASA, and especially one as large as the Texas ASA. I’m just glad it can be said about the Texas ASA, which is mindful that it is a service organization and has a commitment to the people we serve in addition to the people within the organization. The foundation for our organization was established many years ago by such people as W.W. (Bill) Kethan, former Texas ASA commissioner; Jack Aaron, current Texas ASA executive director; Ronnie Isham, former state commissioner; and Bill Williams, Texas ASA president. What they established many years ago has been continued through the years. I am optimistic that when it is time for me to retire from the ASA, there won’t be any reason to worry. We have up and coming younger people who are involved in the Texas ASA, and they will assume greater responsibility in the organization as the years pass by and they move up in leadership roles. I wish to extend my appreciation to all of our district commissioners and their staffs. Without them, we wouldn’t have the organization we have today and will continue to have in the future. I wish each of you nothing but the best in 2012, as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. and the other metro associations within the region. Merritt also gave a session on hosting a state tournament. Texas UIC Richard Crocker discussed the state tournament umpire selection process as well as giving a state umpire rules clinic, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Texas JO commissioner Doug Parker discussed a myriad of topics ranging from the ACE program, background checks, adding players to rosters, eligibility of pick-up players, and filling out national forms for eligibility. Dist. 18 (Killeen) and the Killeen Parks and Recreation Department sponsored a hospitality room Saturday evening at the spring workshop for members of the Texas ASA. Dist. 18 commissioner Darryl Brunson coordinated the well-received hospitality room. Sunday morning Cobb greeted the group and his smile indicated he was happy with how the meeting went over the weekend. He knew he didn’t have to worry. Things were in good hands. o


TEXAS ASA DISTRICT IN FOCUS District 25 • Tyler

East Texas district annually registers 400+ adult teams

[Each issue of Texas ASA Insider will feature one of the Texas ASA districts. In this issue of the newsletter, District 25 (Tyler) is profiled.]

2011 TOTALS: Adult teams-161 JO teams-14 Umpires-44 Individual registrations-162

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER: Van Jordan 6226 Huntington Tyler, TX 75703 Home: (903) 509-3466 Work (903) 531-1377 [email protected]

He remained with the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department until retiring in 2008 as athletic director. Now retired, he has more time for his two granddaughters, Arden (4) and Madeline (1). He and his wife, Candy, have been married for 35 years and have one daughter, Vandy, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Jordan says his two biggest thrills in softball were umpiring the 1993 ASA Women’s Slow Pitch National Championship in Midland, and winning the Tyler City Men’s Open Slow Pitch title in 1994 playing for The Gravy Sucking Pigs. He has served as District 25 commissioner for 12 years after a nine-year stint as district UIC and deputy commissioner. He also is a member of the Texas ASA executive board. Jordan said that District 25 will continue to foster and develop the game of softball and annually registers more than 400 adult teams, 50 youth teams and 50 umpires. “We look forward to hosting the Texas ASA 16-under State Championship Tournament,” Jordan said. The tournament is set for this summer.

JO COMMISSIONER: Van Jordan

VAN JORDAN, 58, is as passionate about softball today as he was when he was umpiring intramural fast pitch at Tyler Junior College. He started playing boy’s fast pitch in the mid-60s and reluctantly converted to slow pitch in the late 70s.” Jordan finished his college education in 1976, graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B.A. in speech education. For the next 12 years he worked in radio and television and retail before starting his career with the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department in 1988.


Anthony Springer 5621 S Broadway #133 Tyler, TX 75703 Home: (903) 372-5073 Work (903) 372-1188 Fax (903) 705-4909 [email protected] THE 46-YEAR-OLD SPRINGER has had a varied career in sports as anybody. Growing up in California, he starred in football, baseball and track at Clovis High. He later was named to the United States Junior Olympic Team and competed in South Korea and Taiwan. While residing in Los Angeles, and

Anthony Springer

attending Santa Monica College, he competed for the renowned Santa Monica Track Club. Besides track football and baseball, Springer has competed and coached softball for 27-plus years. As a player he played third base, first base and pitcher. In 1996, he was named to the USSSA AllWorld Team. He also has been selected to six Texas ASA All-State teams. Although he hasn’t umpired any ASA nationals, Springer has been an umpire for 21 years and in 1991 was named Umpire of the Year. For the past decade, he has been involved with the Rose Country Girls Softball Association and currently is its president. The Rose Country Association is an ASA non-profit league that encourages the growth of youth fast pitch softball and has grown from 225 participants to more than 600 participants in the past three years. The group has completed three fields at Faulkner Park. In 2002, Springer formed the Sneaky Cleats fast pitch team, which has grown to 11 teams. He is the director of the organization and also coaches the 16-under team, which placed ninth out of 172 teams in the 2011 ASA/USA 16-under National (Please see DISTRICT 25 pg. 5) Page 3

The Umpires Scorecard Richard Crocker Texas ASA Umpire-in-Chief

ASA training paid off in 2011 with 14 state umpires selected for nationals

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E THE BEST YOU CAN BE. We would hope the umpires within the Texas ASA would be the best they could be in 2012, which is our 60th year of operation. In 2012, the Texas ASA registered more than 2,000 umpires, and we anticipate registering at least that number or more this year. Whether we do or not depends on the success of our district umpire-in-chiefs and their staffs. We had a well attended rules clinic in Killeen during our annual workshop, so I am encouraged we can at least equal or exceed what we registered last year. The Texas ASA provides the training you need to advance in your umpiring career by attending either an

advanced camp or one of the state umpire schools. There will be an advanced fast pitch camp in Waxahachie, June 19-24. This is a camp you won’t want to miss. Enrollment will be limited to only 60 people, so don’t delay if you are interested in participating in this camp. Contact James Villarreal (972-937-7330, extension 182) if you want to sign up. The enrollment fee is $400 and the camp is designed to help bring out the best in your umpiring ability—a way to enhance your umpire career and “be the best you can be.” The camp emphasizes mechanics and umpire techniques. Besides the advanced fast pitch camp, Texas will hold three state umpire schools in February in College Station, McAllen and McKinney. Contact the umpire-in-

In 2011, we had 300 umpires nominated from 21 districts with 149 umpires selected for 177 assignments, totaling 31 championship events.

chiefs in those districts to attend one of those schools. Attending an advanced camp or one of the state schools can help you progress in your umpiring career. Ultimately you could end up working one of the Texas state tournaments or one of the ASA National Championships. We are now accepting nominations for state tournaments. We are accepting nominations for state tournaments now thru March, so I don’t have numbers to share yet. But, here’s what we had for the 2011 season: 300 umpires nominated from 21 districts, 149 umpires selected for 177 assignments (some umpires selected to work multiple tournaments), total number of championship events: 31. We had 57 umpires nominated from Texas to work four ASA Nationals scheduled in Region 7 and one out of state event. Fourteen umpires were selected. Congratulations to them. In 2013, Region 7 has been asked to provide the hospitality for the ASA National UIC Clinic in Oklahoma City. We are asking each of the Texas districts to donate $100 to help pay for this hospitality. The money should be sent to Dist. 18 UIC, Darryl Brunson, 206 Cottonwood, Harker Heights, TX 76548. We want to do an outstanding job as we provide the hospitality for the more than 500 umpires from throughout the United States who will come to OKC in 2013. I wish you all the best in 2012 and let’s make our 60th year a year to remember for all of our teams and umpires.

Texas ASA Newsworthy Briefs

BESIDES BEING Dist. 35 commissioner, James Villarreal is president-elect of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. He will serve as president-elect for two years before officially beginning his term of office in September 2013. Former Texas ASA members who have served as president of TAAF include Ronnie Isham, who was TAAF president from 1989-91. Isham is now director of national teams for USA Softball in Oklahoma City.

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TEXAS ASA ASSOCIATIONS are encouraged to enter the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pinch, Hit & Run competition for boys and girls in four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Competition is held at the local level (March 1 to mid-May), sectional level (mid-May to early June) and MLB Team Competition (June weekends). In 2010, McKenzie Winkler of Moody, Texas, was one of the national champions crowned For additional information, contact

Dist. 13 commissioner Sherry Foutch at [email protected]

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ANACONDA TRUMP representative Bill Plummer, who attended the Texas spring workshop, said that Anaconda Trump would again provide the balls for the Texas Slow Pitch State Tournaments and awards, which have yet to be named. ”The Texas ASA is a committed, dedicated group,” said Plummer. ”Anaconda Trump is proud to be involved with such a quality organization.”


DISTRICT 25 (from page 3) Championship. Twice, 2003 and 2004, he has been named Coach of the Year and has been a member of the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association since 2005, attaining the One Star Master Coach level and working to increase his overall coaching knowledge. In 2005, Springer was named District 25 JO commissioner, and in 2010 he gave up his position in the corporate world (general manager for an aftermarket BMW company for 26 years) to seek a fulltime coaching position. He currently is the head softball coach and assistant volleyball coach at Brook Hill School in Bullard, TX, and also gives pitching and hitting lessons. He’s proud of the fact that he’s raised more than $1 million to promote girls’ softball in the past four years. He and his high school sweetheart, Gayla, have been married for 25 years and have three children: Ty (19); Kristi, a.k.a. Coco (16); and Kasey (14).

UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF Allen Steele 12572 CPR 2293 Tyler, TX 75707 Home: (903) 566-5159 Work (903) 566-8550 Fax (903) 566-8736 [email protected]

Allen Steele

IN HIS EIGHTH YEAR as District UIC, Steele is hoping to increase the number of registered umpires in 2012. “Our numbers have been down the last couple years, so we are going to try to add a few this year. We have a pretty good crew of umpires here,” said Steele, the owner of Steele Plumbing Company, which has six employees. Steele has been an umpire and involved with the Texas ASA for 20 years, having worked seven ASA nationals— mostly fast pitch. Steele says working


these events and being the UIC at some Texas State tourneys have been the highlight of his umpiring career. The 49-year-old Steele and his wife have two children: a son, Robert (23); and a daughter, Jennifer (19).

DEP. DIST. COMMISSIONER Dan Ross 1110 Green Briar Trail Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765 903-954-9007

Gerald Palafox

Dan Ross

A FORMER PLAYER and umpire, Ross has been involved with the Texas ASA for the last three years. He was a member of the Southern Oaks Baptist Church team that won the state tournament in the late 80s. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University located in Nacogdoches. Ross majored in business and “playing softball on a very regular basis.” Ross started out playing modified pitch and slow pitch, then after suffering a shoulder injury (right shoulder), he switched to slow pitch, playing shortstop and second base. He has been in the insurance industry since 1981. Dan has two children: Kelci Ross Meadows, 26, who is an eighth grade teacher in Whitehouse; and son Michael, 24, who is a recent graduate of HardinSimmons University in Abilene with a marketing degree.

DEP. DIST. COMMISSIONER Gerald Palafox 200 Front Street Tyler, TX 75702 (903) 531-1377 (903) 531-1372 (fax) [email protected]

A FORMER SLOW PITCH PLAYER from

1976 to 1994, Palafox was a member of four base championship teams while serving in the military from 1976 to 1979 playing the outfield, third base and catching. He played in the Italy Military Tournament and qualified for the Europe Military Tournament. After returning to the states, he continued to play softball (pitcher and second base) and qualified for the Texas State tourneys each year from 1980 to 1994. A graduate of Angelo State with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Kinesiology, Gerald has a Master’s degree in sports management from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He started coaching baseball and football in 1994 with stops at Sweetwater ISD, Reagan County ISD, and Copperas Cove ISD before coaching college at Angelo State, Cisco Junior College, Texas A&M Kingsville, Hardin Simmons and Texas College. Besides coaching football, he was the strength and conditioning coach. He coached baseball and then was the head softball coach at Texas College from 2007-2009. Currently the city of Tyler athletic coordinator, Gerald oversees the ASA city league. Married, he and his wife have two sons, Jonathon, 30, and Michael, 28. Jonathon played football at Angelo State when Gerald coached there and later signed with the Buffalo Bills. He later played in NFL Europe and won a world championship (World Champion XIII) with the Amsterdam Admirals in 2005. Gerald says his biggest thrill in softball was being named head coach at Texas College and building it into a winning team. His goal is to make District 25 of Tyler the leading organization of the softball world. o Page 5

Tips to the Top Doug Parker

Texas Junior Olympic Commissioner

Pixie 8-under Division 1 program one of several changes for new season

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S WITH ANY SOFTBALL season, there are changes nationally as well as locally. In 2012, the Texas ASA, which marks its 60th year of operation, has made changes to its Junior Olympic program, which last had 422 JO teams competing in Texas state tourneys. The Texas ASA has added a Pixie eight-and-under Division 1 program,

which is for players from more than one league or town, and is chosen for the team without the benefit of some type of draft. The teams can have out-of-district players and the teams are not part of a league. Division 2 is for teams comprised of players from a single league who were chosen through some type of league draft procedure. Out-of-district players are

In 2011, we had 300 umpires nominated from 21 districts with 49 umpires selected for 177 assignments, totaling 31 championship events.

ineligible. The Texas ASA has also increased the number of games for teams competing in state tourneys (10-and under through 18-and-under) from a twogame guarantee to a four-game guarantee, with two games in pool play and two games in double elimination. Besides the changes within the state, there are changes within Region 7, including reinstating the Class B Regionals. In addition, there will be for the first time a 10-under girls’ fast pitch Hall of Fame qualifier, which will be held May 5-6 at Gateway Park in Fort Worth, with between one and four teams advancing to compete in the 10-under qualifier at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. The deadline to enter the 10-under qualifier at Gateway is April 28, and entry fee is $325. Besides the 10-under qualifier, a Class C fast pitch invitational for rec teams will be held in Abilene, June 22-24. We had a pretty good year considering the economy. I anticipate this year will be better, and especially in the 16-and-under and 18-and-under divisions because Fort Worth is hosting Class B (18-and-under, Aug. 1-5) and Class A (16-and-under, Aug. 1-5) Southern Nationals.

2012 TEXAS REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS Division 10-under A&B 12-under A&B 14-under A&B 16-under A&B 18-under A&B Gold Regional

10-under A 12-under A 14-under A 16-under A 18-under A

JO Fast Pitch Regional Qualifiers Site Alvin, TX Ft. Worth San Antonio Woodlands Dallas Waxahachie

Dates 5-25/27 6-2/3 6-1/3 6-1/3 6-1/3 6-22/24

Contact Danny Webb (979-730-7120) Brenda Grubbs (817-392-7695 Jennifer Alvarado (210-207-3114) David Drude (713-591-7000) David Devine (214-281-8557) James Villarreal (972-937-7330)

JO Fast Pitch National Qualifiers Lufkin Ft. Worth San Antonio Killeen Dallas

6-8/10 6-8/10 6-8/10 6-8/10 6-8/10

Mike Akridge (936-633-0250) Brenda Grubbs (817-392-7695) Jennifer Alvarado (210-207-3114) Brett Williams (254-401-8861) Dave Devine (214-281-8557)

JO Fast Pitch Hall of Fame Qualifiers

10-under 12-under 14-under 16-under 18-under Gold Regional (2) Gold Southern Region 7

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Ft. Worth Houston Houston Temple Temple Houston Dallas

5-4/6 5-25/27 5-25/27 5-25/27 5-25/27 6-8/10 6/15/2017

Brenda Grubbs (817-392-7695) Stoney Burke (281-723-3033) Stoney Burke (281-723-3033) Linda Grisham (254-760-0623) Linda Grisham (254-760-0623) Stoney Burke (281-723-3033) Dave Devine (214-281-8557)


Texas Shootout offers five classes of play to ASA registered teams

Championship Series to boost slow pitch play

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O INCREASE PARTICIPATION in slow pitch, the Region 7 is offering this year the Texas Shootout ASA Championship Series (double elimination), with five different classes of play open to all ASA registered teams. The classifications include men’s Class C, D and E, women’s slow pitch and co-ed slow pitch Class D. The three men’s classifications and the women’s slow pitch will be held July 28-29 at the Houston Sportsplex with the co-ed slow pitch Class D scheduled at Houston Sportsplex the weekend of August 4-5. Teams can win from $1,640 to $2,400 depending on the number of teams in each division, as well as championship rings for first place, watches for second place and T-shirts for third and fourth places. Teams can enter by paying the $300 entry fee prior to July 23, and payment can be made on line at http://www. texasshootoutasas.com/ Brackets will be posted on line and sent to the teams via email shortly after the draw, no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, July 24. ASA/USA rules as listed in the 2012 Official Rules of Softball ASA Code and Region 7 guidelines

Co-ed slow pitch teams (like the one above) along with several men’s and women’s slow-pitch classes will get a chance to compete in double-elimination tournament play this season as part of the Texas Shootout ASA Championship series in Region 7.

will be used in the event. Games will have a limit of 55 minutes. Balls will be provided by the Texas Shootout ASA Championship Series (Worth 52 Core/300 compression) and bats banned by any of the softball associa-

tions will not be allowed. Directors of the Texas Shootout ASA Championship Series are Stoney Burke ([email protected]), Mike Cappa ([email protected]), and Richard Merritt ([email protected]). o

Nationally noted pitching instructor Tim Timmons passes away at 68 RALPH LEROY (TIM) TIMMONS, a nationally acclaimed fast pitch instructor, passed away Jan. 8 from leukemia. Timmons, who was 68, taught for many years out of Houston. Born Sept. 23, 1943, in St. Louis, MO, Timmons compiled a record of 334-37 pitching in the Class A division of the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Leagues from 1967-1978, and had seven first place finishes in the Los Angeles City Championship Tournament, and one first place in the California State Championship. Although not having a strong arm, Timmons learned how to make the softball move, learning to throw the rise ball from the late legendary Eddie Feigner, the change-up from the former Orange Lionette and ASA Hall of Famer Nancy Welborn, and the drop ball from Joe Barraza. He taught himself how to throw the


curve ball and the screwball. At age 65, Tim could still spin the curve and rise balls. He began to teach others after he had mastered the various pitches. He began instructing part-time in 1968 and had taught full-time in Houston since 1988. His enthusiasm for the sport and his desire to develop scholarship athletes culminated with him and his partner, Michael Loy, launching Collegiate Access, Inc. in October 2011. It has been said that if a person can affect just one person for good, then a legacy has been started and the ripple effect for future good can be immense. “I don’t think he knows how many thousands of athletes came through Tim’s influence, but the ripple effect is really more like a tidal wave,” said Dan Rodriguez, Texas District 43 JO commissioner. ”Tim was one of softball’s biggest supporters and best

Tim Timmons

teachers of the game. Anyone who came into Tim’s life at some point said, ‘Tim’s the best.’ I don’t think I can improve on that simple thought.” Tim is survived by daughters, Kim and Tammy; grandchildren, Kylee, Katyn, Kayla, Natalie, and Sam; and a greatgranddaughter, Julian. o Page 7

Texan joined by other former Dist. 13 stars at Cameron University

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Foutch named Lonestar Conference Hitter of the Week

ONIA FOUTCH, WHO PLAYED softball in Texas District 13, has gotten off to an impressive start in her first year at Cameron University in Lawton, OK. She was recently named Lonestar Conference Hitter of the Week in mid-February. Cameron compiled a 4-1 record in the recent Desert Stinger Tourney in Las Vegas, and Foutch led the way with a .636 batting average (7-for-11),

Sonia Foutch

including scoring six runs and driving in eight runs. She had three extra-base hits including two homers and hit safely in all games. Sonia is a junior at Cameron after beginning her career at Western Oklahoma College. On the season, Foutch is hitting .467, with six hits in 15 at bats and eight walks. She is leading the team in average (.467), RBI (8), slugging (.933), walks (8) and on-

Micah Foutch

Misty Dooley

Houston’s Stoney Burke ‘turns’ triple play in 2011 with award at ASA National Meeting

STONEY BURKE, HOUSTON ASA com- program. His JO program remains solid, missioner, has long been retired as a with an increase of 83 teams in 2011, while player, but he turned a triple play in 2011. his umpire program consistently registers Specifically, the 69-year-old Burke earned in excess of 500 umpires. the ASA’s Triple Play Award He will be using a new at the ASA National Council computerized online system meeting last November in for scheduling umpires, Myrtle Beach, S. C. with the umpires picking the The award is for increasdates they want to officiate ing adult teams, Junior instead of being assigned by Olympic teams and uma scheduler. pires. He was one of two “We are looking forward ASA commissioners to reto using this system,”said ceive the Triple Play Award. Burke. ”Umpires will be Hawaii’s Don Meinel was able to go online and pick STONEY BURKE the other Triple Play recipithe games they want, cutting ent. straight to the chase.” This was the first time Burke has won Burke also attended the recent JO the award during his three years as Hous- Workshop in Oklahoma City and praised ton commissioner. Now that he is retired the event. ”It was the best workshop after working for various law firms con- they’ve ever had,” said Burke. ”Some of ducting administrative law hearings and the speakers were out of this world.” assignments in the insurance field, Burke Burke also is involved with the Texas will have additional time to concentrate Shootout Slow Pitch Series and is option improving the Houston ASA. mistic that this event will be a big success Burke says he “already has four to five in the 2012 season. “We are hoping to get leagues” that have changed over to ASA, everything online soon and get started,” and he is working to improve his adult he said. o

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base percentage (.625). Sonia isn’t the only member of her family on the team. Her sister, Micah, is a first baseman majoring in psychology and trails her sister in batting (.429). She received All-District All-Academic honors all four years of high school (Denton Ryan), and was named Offensive Player of the Year by her team during her senior year. She bats and throws left-handed. Also on the Cameron team is Misty Dooley, who also played in Texas District 13 and plays the infield and outfield at Cameron. In the recent tourney she had a two-run double in a five-run fifth-inning 9-6 win over Colorado School of Mines. She is a psychology/nursing major. The 5-7 freshman also graduated from Ryan High School in Denton and was named Defensive Player of 5-4A and first-team All-Area in 2010. Dooley is hitting .308 through Cameron’s first seven games (5-2). o

Cobb, Merritt represent Texas at Februay 3-4 JO Workshop in OKC RODNEY COBB, TEXAS ASA commissioner, and Richard Merritt, District 19 commissioner (San Marcos) represented the Texas ASA at the Junior Olympic Workshop Feb. 3-4 in Oklahoma City. Also attending was Houston ASA commissioner Stoney Burke. “I certainly enjoyed the JO workshop,” said Cobb.”I picked up some good pointers that should be helpful.” Burke said that he was pleased with the quality of the workshop and was most impressed by the speakers’ presentations. About 120 people attended. Members from the 76 local ASA associations took part in a series of instructional and informational sessions on youth softball hosted by the ASA National Office. The workshop was sponsored by Bollinger and Markel Insurance.


2012 Texas ASA State Tournament Schedule 2012 Texas ASA Adult State Tournaments Tournament Men’s B Slow Pitch Men’s C West SP Men’s D West SP Men’s E West SP Men’s C South SP Men’s D South SP Men’s E South SP Men’s C North SP Men’s D North SP Men’s E North SP Women’s, all classes Men’s Church SP Men’s 35-over SP Men’s Industrial SP Co-ed SP Men’s Hispanic SP Men’s African American SP Men’s FP Women’s FP

Date July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 20-22 July 13-15 July 27-29 July 27-29 July 27-29 TBA TBA July 27-29 July 27-29

Host City TBA Wichita Falls Wichita Falls Wichita Falls San Marcos San Marcos College Station Lufkin Lufkin Lufkin San Marcos TBA Longview Stephenville Wichita Falls El Paso TBA College Station College Station

2012 Texas ASA Youth Fast Pitch State Tournaments Tournament Pixie 6/8-under West Pixie 6-under South Pixie 8-under South Pixie 6/8-under North 10-under Class A Girls 12-under Class A Girls 14-under Class A Girls 16-under Class A Girls 18-under Class A Girls 10-under Class B Girls 12-under Class B Girls 14-under Class B Girls 16-under Class B Girls 18-under Class B Girls 10-under Class C West 12-under Class C West 14-under Class C West 10-under Class C North 12-under Class C North 14-under Class C North 10-under Class C South 12-under Class C South 14-under Class C South


Date June 1-3 May 25-27 June 1-3 June 1-3 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17

Host City Abilene Galveston Beaumont Mt. Pleasant College Station Killeen Longview Tyler Harker Heights College Station Texas City Lufkin The Woodlands Missouri City Midland Midland Midland McKinney McKinney McKinney Lake Jackson Lake Jackson Lake Jackson

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