Enviro-Vac Marauder 50’s Softball

St. George, Utah October 10-14: Enviro-Vac Marauder 50s were awarded the bronze medal in the 50 Majors In St. George, Utah playing against mostly Major Plus rated teams due to a shortage of major teams in this tournament. Highlights of the tournament included a win over the big budget and 5-time Super Major Champions, California A’s in the RR and eliminating one of the major teams from Oregon 18-0.

The Huntsman tournament attracted approx 400 teams playing in age groups 50 - 75 in divisions from B, A, AA, AAA & Major. 

Phoenix, AZ October 19-23:  The EV Marauders got out hit in the SSUSA-SSWC in Phoenix loosing two straight in the elimination round (both in extra innings) after scoring over 80 runs and going 3/1 in the RR to finish 4th overall. The only loss in the RR was to a California team who had last bats and used a “walk-off grand-slam” to do it. It became apparent early in this tournament that the team to hit last would probably win and that observation became prophetic in the elimination round leaving most of the club with an unsatisfied feeling that will probably serve them well in tournaments yet to be played.

It looks like I may need to revise my standard line from “we gotta’ score 20 runs to win” to “we gotta’ score 25 runs to win”. Not an easy task with the 5 run innings. 

The Phoenix tournament attracted 284 teams playing in age groups 50 - 80 and divisions from AA - Major Plus. 

The club is now preparing to defend their 2004 SSUSA World Champions title in Las Vegas November 17-20, 2005. 

Jim Klassen, Manager

Weather was ideal in both tournaments ranging from mid 80s to low 90s and the drive from Nevada / Utah to Phoenix was worth it with some eye popping scenery. Many of us spent a day or two site seeing in some of the many parks in Utah and included the Grand Canyon as part of our stop on our way to Phoenix. Some of the boyzzz also included a river rafting trip on the Colorado River… NOT ME… I can get all the excitement I need from looking at an umpire.