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00:00:00Well, it's good to see we are now at our final day, and it looks like most people have made
00:00:11it.
00:00:12So, congratulations for a great week.
00:00:15Hope everybody enjoyed it, learned a few things, had a good time, and we really appreciate
00:00:20everyone's participation each and every year at our national convention.
00:00:25At this time, I'm going to call up Sean Melvin to begin handing out some slow pitch awards.
00:00:43So, this year's Slow Pitch Complex of the Year award is going to go out to a complex.
00:01:05I had a very good year, but let's go back a year.
00:01:07March 30th, 2023, this park completed a renovation for the 2023 season.
00:01:15March 31st, 2023, the park was leveled by an EF3 tornado.
00:01:21The park was originally opened in the 1970s.
00:01:25The city, with a tremendous effort from the Parks and Rec Department, rebuilt the park,
00:01:32ground up from its first tournament on December 9th, 2023.
00:01:36The rebuild included lightning, lighting, fences, backstops, concession stands, reconditioned
00:01:42fields.
00:01:43In 2024, it hosted 38 events, 634 tournament teams, 6 benefit tournaments, leagues for
00:01:50slow pitch, fast pitch, kickball, flag football, baseball, and youth soccer, with over 130
00:01:58registrations for these sports.
00:02:00The park is made up of one baseball, six softball, two football, soccer, one cricket field.
00:02:06Other amenities, dog park, disc golf, skate park, and a BMX bike park.
00:02:12Started hosting USSSA events in the year 2000.
00:02:16This year's recipient of the Park of the Year, on top of winning this award, also won the
00:02:21cornhole protest last night, goes to Dupree Park in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
00:02:59Thank you for this award.
00:03:04Those cornhole bags in question definitely didn't help us out, as we were beat by Andy
00:03:09and Neal.
00:03:13Dupree's always been the place where everybody started playing slow pitch, and when it was
00:03:19taken out by the tornado, it was huge to get it back.
00:03:25The vision of Kevin House and his hard work, the maintenance crew in Jacksonville, they
00:03:32got it back running in about five months, and it was a lot of hard work.
00:03:39We appreciate that, and also want to just thank USSSA for their support, and Dupree
00:03:51Park has been USSSA Park from 2000 on.
00:03:54It was one of the very first in Arkansas to join them, and we just appreciate USSSA.
00:04:11So we have two Spark Plug of the Year awards in slow pitch this year.
00:04:16This individual asked to work in an area where USSSA had completely fallen off the map.
00:04:20He put in many hours selling himself and our program to local teams not familiar with us.
00:04:26This resulted with several quality events, state championships, and new teams coming
00:04:31to Viera for Worlds and our Challenge Cup.
00:04:34This individual, also being involved in the fast pitch, has plans to continue growing
00:04:38slow pitch in Wisconsin and the region in general.
00:04:42For his efforts, we want to recognize this year's Spark Plug of the Year to Victor Canales.
00:04:52Victor had a takeoff last night, so we'll make sure that he does get his award.
00:04:59Our second Spark Plug of the Year goes to a director who continues to evolve.
00:05:04He's a business-minded professional that connects with his athletes on a personal level.
00:05:10He's willing to go above and beyond to assist surrounding state directors and directors themselves.
00:05:17The last three years has traveled to several surrounding states, assuring the teams have
00:05:23a professional program to play.
00:05:27These two announce the second Spark Plug of the Year goes to Kelly Romano of Oregon.
00:05:58Thank you, oh boy, I wasn't expecting that, that's for sure.
00:06:08This year's been a blast.
00:06:09I just want to say thank you to Sean and everyone else.
00:06:15I mean, wow, I'm shocked.
00:06:18Yeah, three, what, I did four World Tournaments this year, Oregon, I worked with Idaho, worked
00:06:24with Washington, oh boy, thank you.
00:06:41This award goes to an outstanding director who bleeds orange like I do, and has dedicated
00:06:47his career towards the growth of slow-pitch softball in his state.
00:06:51He currently has the second largest GSL program in the country.
00:06:56The state director is never seeking recognition or acknowledgement for the hard work he puts
00:07:00in on a daily basis.
00:07:03Hard work is his nature.
00:07:06He often refers to me as a company man and just kind of stick it to me once in a while,
00:07:12but deep down inside, he's a company man too.
00:07:15He is a person I can always count on and bounce ideas off of.
00:07:20Our peers and his customers have a ton of respect for everything he's done, giving players
00:07:25the best product in his state.
00:07:282024 GSL director of the year goes to, from the state of Arizona, Bob Fuller.
00:07:54I'm short and sweet here, guy.
00:07:57First off, I've got to recognize a couple guys that gave me this opportunity.
00:08:02Without them kind of handing over their baby to me, I wouldn't have made all this possible.
00:08:07So Doug Stark, Elliott Clark, I owe you guys a lot.
00:08:12Fast forward to today, I've got to give a shout out to my staff, my umpires, we wouldn't
00:08:17be anything without you guys, you guys are rock stars.
00:08:20A bunch of years ago, I made a promise to my teams that I'd bring them the best competition
00:08:26and the best product possible.
00:08:28We're doing a pretty good job of it so far.
00:08:30So I bleed orange at the end of the day.
00:08:32Thanks guys.
00:08:41This year's recipient of the USSSA Slow Pitch Director of the Year will be going to the
00:08:45Challenge Cup Committee, which consists of the following members.
00:08:50Committee chairs Stroh and Kenneson, members are Jim Pilla, Tim Yamashita, Kirsten Zarm,
00:08:56Clay Dickey, Vic Rivera, Kelly McLemore, and Juan Martinez.
00:09:01The Challenge Cup Committee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in enhancing
00:09:06the USSSA program.
00:09:08The committee has introduced several key initiatives aimed at improving player experience and the
00:09:12overall success.
00:09:15The committee's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in their regular strategy sessions
00:09:20where they brainstorm and develop innovative ideas to keep the program fresh and engaging.
00:09:25Their commitment to excellence not only enhances the Challenge Cup program, but also has set
00:09:30a benchmark for other events.
00:09:32Stroh, I'd like to ask you to come up and accept this award on behalf of the committee.
00:10:04The real thank you goes to the directors.
00:10:08We just had a meeting on the Challenge Cup.
00:10:12This isn't possible without our directors believing in the vision.
00:10:19It's the Olympics of softball.
00:10:21It's not for everybody.
00:10:23Thank you to USSSA for the opportunity to start this event to begin with.
00:10:29And where it's going, we're not even close to finish, so thank you.
00:10:40Before I hand this off to baseball, I just want to say thank you to all the slow pitch
00:10:42folks this week.
00:10:44Had a great series of meetings, super excited for the continuous growth that we're seeing
00:10:48in the program, and really excited to see how 2025 goes and see everybody this time
00:10:54next year.
00:10:55At this point, I'll hand this over to Steve and Frank.
00:11:14These lights are bright.
00:11:17Our first award will be the Complex of the Year.
00:11:19This facility is a city-owned and operated facility.
00:11:23They have been extremely loyal to USSSA.
00:11:26They host their own events, and all our baseball events are sanctioned with USSSA.
00:11:30They've been a member of USSSA for 20 years.
00:11:36Extremely good partners, extremely loyal partners, running quality events.
00:11:41The facility has run over 1,650 teams in 2024, including state events, NITs, qualifiers,
00:11:48and global qualifiers.
00:11:50This individual that runs this event is the foundation of our West Tennessee area.
00:11:56Their facility has just been a perfect fit for USSSA and extremely loyal to USSSA throughout
00:12:04the years.
00:12:05At this time, I'd like to invite Ryan Blake up from West Tennessee Health Care Sports
00:12:09Complex to accept the Complex of the Year award.
00:12:32On behalf of the West Tennessee Health Care Sports Complex, I'm deeply honored to accept
00:12:35the USSSA National Complex of the Year award.
00:12:38First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Sports Complex
00:12:41staff.
00:12:42Their dedication and creativity ensure that every player, coach, and family who steps
00:12:46onto our field has a first-class experience.
00:12:48I also want to thank the City of Jackson groundskeeping team.
00:12:52Their commitment to excellence in maintaining our 17 fields across 70 acres ensures that
00:12:56our complex is always game ready.
00:12:58To our UIC Mike Woods and our umpires, thank you for managing our games with professionalism
00:13:03and integrity.
00:13:05To Mayor Scott Conger and the City of Jackson, thank you for believing in our vision of the
00:13:09Sports Complex and supporting us in every step of the way.
00:13:11Your investment in the facility has positioned us as a destination for thousands of teams
00:13:23across our region.
00:13:24A special thank you goes to our naming rights partner, West Tennessee Health Care.
00:13:29Your partnership with us from the very beginning has been instrumental in helping us grow and
00:13:33provide exceptional opportunities for athletes and their families.
00:13:37Finally, to our community and our countless visitors who choose to come to Jackson, Tennessee,
00:13:42thank you for your continued support.
00:13:44This award belongs to everyone that has contributed to the success of the Sports Complex since
00:13:48its opening in 2006, and it's a reflection of what can be achieved with hard work, collaboration,
00:13:53and a shared vision that comes together.
00:13:55Thank you to USSSA for this incredible honor.
00:13:58We are proud to represent our city, our partners, and the broader sports community.
00:14:02We look forward to many more years of success and service.
00:14:15Our next award is our Spark Plug of the Year Award.
00:14:18This award is going to go to an individual in a state that has been very, very challenging
00:14:22for USSSA baseball.
00:14:25This individual came into a market that has traditionally been very difficult to host
00:14:29events.
00:14:30He has taken the state from one event a year max to seven events in 2024 in his first year.
00:14:36For 2025, he already has 13 events posted, of which four have already happened that have
00:14:41been extremely successful.
00:14:46We are extremely pleased and proud of the work that this person has put in and can't
00:14:50wait to see where it goes from here.
00:14:52This individual is running non-sanctioned events.
00:14:55Lane Petrie from our office started making phone calls and tracked this individual down.
00:15:00It was one of the best phone calls that I think Lane has made because we have really,
00:15:03really struggled in this state.
00:15:05From the great state of Utah, I'd like to invite Will Hanson up here from Better Baseball
00:15:09to accept the Spark Plug of the Year Award.
00:15:25Yeah, I don't know what to say.
00:15:44I feel super welcome.
00:15:46I've never really won anything before.
00:15:50Anyway, I appreciate you guys.
00:15:53Looking forward to it.
00:16:08I'm going to apologize on this next one because I'm going to run through some numbers first,
00:16:15but with this next award, our Director of the Year Award, and we had some interesting
00:16:21discussions about this because where we're giving this award this year, these people
00:16:27typically don't like to be recognized, and there was a little bit of an argument.
00:16:31I'd say an argument.
00:16:32I was like, hey, I already turned it in.
00:16:34I'm sorry, so don't be mad at me.
00:16:38Team registered in 2024, number one in the organization with 3,041, which was up from
00:16:452,457.
00:16:47A number of events ran in 2024.
00:16:49Number one was 212, up from 183.
00:16:52Number of total teams and tournaments was number one, 11,844, which was up from 9,338.
00:16:59Teams paid online, number one, 10,342, up from 7,598.
00:17:05Total number of postseason entries, number two, 223, up from 199.
00:17:10Those numbers are from our Florida State Office.
00:17:13These individuals and Darrell Hanasek, Roger Miller, and Scott Rutherford worked tirelessly
00:17:17to help our program across the country and in the state of Florida.
00:17:21Told Steve that this is the group that needed to be recognized because we always, a lot
00:17:26of times, we don't want to recognize people that work day in and day out.
00:17:30These guys truly, truly, truly run the best state office in the country in terms of numbers
00:17:36for U-Triple-C Baseball.
00:17:38It's with great honor that our Director of the Year Award goes to the Florida State Office,
00:17:42and I'd like to invite Darrell Hanasek, Roger Miller, and Scott Rutherford up here to accept
00:17:46their awards.
00:18:15Appreciate it, and like Frank says, we're an office, we're a team.
00:18:19It wasn't just one of us doing this.
00:18:21We all have our part.
00:18:22Unfortunately, Scott's not here to share in the honor, and certainly Steve shouldn't go
00:18:26unnoticed in this either.
00:18:30We're just in a great state with lots of teams, and we've been fortunate to have a good staff.
00:18:35It's growing.
00:18:36We've got the boys over here now, and looking forward to more success in the future.
00:18:42So I'll step in for Darrell.
00:18:51Like I said, I've got to thank these guys.
00:18:53When I was offered the position as the National Baseball Director, there was no way I could have
00:18:57accepted that to lead baseball without these guys.
00:18:59When we decided to partner up, it really changed our business.
00:19:02It allowed me to take a step back, work more in the national role, and our company hasn't missed a beat.
00:19:07So, again, when we decided to do this, it was an interesting dynamic putting four guys in one office
00:19:12and partnering up.
00:19:14Sometimes it's like a WWE cage match, and sometimes it works great.
00:19:17But I love you guys, and I appreciate it.
00:19:19Thanks.
00:19:26We have one more award to present.
00:19:28It's a Community Service Award.
00:19:30This is an award that we look at within a program and in all of our sports,
00:19:35and it's a new award that the national office decided was very merited, and I agree.
00:19:45I was honored to be able to introduce this individual.
00:19:49This individual started an event for St. Jude's Benefit Tournament in 2019 in memory of his daughter, Kaylee,
00:19:56and donates approximately $30,000 to $40,000 a year every year from this event.
00:20:01Kaylee was a patient at St. Jude after being diagnosed with soft tissue cancer in her sinuses at a very young age.
00:20:08She would have been 25 years old this year.
00:20:13This individual is passionate about the cause and has been a champion for St. Jude's fundraising for years to help families.
00:20:18If you've ever been to his events, they're amazing, and it is really all about the cause for St. Jude.
00:20:25Unfortunately, this individual couldn't make it here.
00:20:27He had some emergency things that came up with construction and renovations in his full-time job
00:20:33and did not know that he was receiving this award, still does not know he's receiving this award,
00:20:37so hopefully when he sees this, he'll be excited.
00:20:40This award goes to Jimmy Greer from the state of Louisiana.
00:20:42At this time, I'd like to call Cindy Hall, our Fast Fish State Director, to accept Jimmy's award on his behalf.
00:21:09I know Jimmy is going to be extremely excited about this because this is very special to his heart.
00:21:16It's more about the event for him.
00:21:19It's about keeping his daughter's name alive, so this is going to mean a lot to him.
00:21:29All right, that's it for baseball.
00:21:31I want to thank all the baseball directors that came.
00:21:33I hope you guys had a great convention.
00:21:34I think we covered a lot of great topics.
00:21:36I'm really excited about the future and where we're heading.
00:21:38To all the directors of all sports, again, thank you for attending.
00:21:41I hope you guys all accomplished all your goals, and I look forward to it.
00:21:43We're going to turn it over to Fast Pitch now, Brian Heifel.
00:21:58The first award for us in Fast Pitch is the Complex of the Year.
00:22:02Since 2009, USSS Fast Pitch has been hosting the national championships along Alabama's Gulf Coast
00:22:08at the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley Sportsplexes.
00:22:12Over the 15 years of hosting the championship, there have been challenges,
00:22:15such as an oil spill, a hurricane, and a national pandemic,
00:22:20but these challenges did not stand in the way of the USSS Fast Pitch national championships.
00:22:26Every national championship during those 15 years was completed,
00:22:29and a winner was declared at the tournament's close.
00:22:32The city and its staff members go above and beyond to ensure that all the details are handled
00:22:36from pre-event to showtime coordination and execution of opening ceremonies,
00:22:41coaches' meetings, and skills competitions are just a few of the things that we depend on them for,
00:22:46and they make our national championship unique.
00:22:49It's a great example of a multi-city partnership with USSS,
00:22:52a partnership committed to creating a great experience for everyone.
00:22:57I'm proud to present the Complex of the Year award in Fast Pitch
00:23:00to Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Gulf Shores, Alabama.
00:23:04Here to accept this award is Michelle Russ.
00:23:07Congratulations.
00:23:30What an honor to be here to accept this on behalf of our cities and their facilities.
00:23:35But the real honor is to be able to work with James Baker, David, and their team
00:23:41to make a difference in young athletes' lives,
00:23:44but not only making a difference in their lives, making a difference in a local economy.
00:23:49What you all do matters, not just to those young athletes,
00:23:52but to the destinations where you bring your events.
00:23:55When we started in 2009, we started with one championship.
00:23:59We logged 700 room nights.
00:24:02That was a big deal in 2009.
00:24:04In 2024, we hosted four USSS Fast Pitch championships,
00:24:10generated 22,000 room nights from those events,
00:24:13and added $17 million economic impact to our local economy.
00:24:18That local economy, our business owners, families, tax dollars that help our cities run.
00:24:25So every one of you that run events across the country,
00:24:28you do make a difference to a lot of people.
00:24:31I'm proud to be a partner with USSS, and thank you again.
00:24:44All right, the next award up for us is the Spark Plug Award.
00:24:48Really excited to present this award this year.
00:24:51It's going to an individual who's got a tremendous passion for all things USSS Fast Pitch,
00:24:57but particularly our All-American Games program.
00:25:00In just a few short years, she's taken that program to new heights,
00:25:05reaching record-breaking numbers this past year in tryouts
00:25:09and having over 1,200 athletes at our Summer All-American Games program this past summer.
00:25:15She's got great energy and a love for what we do on a day-to-day basis,
00:25:19and she's slowly becoming a pretty good tournament scheduler, too.
00:25:24It's my honor to present the Spark Plug of the Year Award to Kim Hatcher.
00:25:47Well, I didn't expect that.
00:25:50I just want a big thank you to Ryan for giving a chance on what I felt like I was just a kid
00:25:56and giving me a program and really just making it grow.
00:25:59Thank you to Jen for being there every step of the way, to all my directors for letting me come in
00:26:04and just run a program and disappear in, like, six hours.
00:26:08So we have a great time.
00:26:10We're excited for the future and making it better for the kids.
00:26:14So thank you, guys.
00:26:24The next award is the Director of the Year Award.
00:26:27It's always a tough one for us in fast pitch to decide upon.
00:26:30We've got so many great directors out there that do a great job year in and year out.
00:26:35But this director, over the course of the last couple years, has gone above and beyond
00:26:41in any way possible to help us out.
00:26:43She's cultivating our program in new areas, assisting with our national programs,
00:26:48serving on subcommittees and helping with user acceptance testing,
00:26:52always just there to chip in and do anything when asked,
00:26:57and all that in addition to running a fantastic state program.
00:27:02It's a state program that this past year grew by over 500 teams and tournaments.
00:27:07I'm really happy to present this year's Director of the Year Award to Cindy Hall from Louisiana.
00:27:39Okay, so I don't have notes because I didn't expect this.
00:27:42But I tell Ryan and Andy and others this.
00:27:47I think in this business you cannot be successful as an individual all on your own.
00:27:54It's not a one-man show.
00:27:56So from the day that I decided to come from an organization
00:28:01where you were out on a limb by yourself and it was sink or swim,
00:28:07when I came to USSSA, Frank Griffin, the baseball group in Louisiana,
00:28:11immediately stepped in to help me.
00:28:14Through the years after that, whether it's Ryan, Andy, other regions,
00:28:21Darren Durack, Gordon Patterson, Julie, Lori, Tim, Eddie,
00:28:27a number of people are all there for a phone call and to help if I had a question,
00:28:33once you're having to handle anything.
00:28:35And then I have been totally blessed to have the absolute best people within my own state
00:28:42in each area to build their programs, run things flawlessly.
00:28:47My girls, Dina and Nikki, that work with me in the state office are phenomenal.
00:28:53They're my right and left hand.
00:28:54Couldn't do it without them.
00:28:55So I appreciate this very much.
00:28:58It's all a team effort.
00:29:00But the recognition that directors don't always get, it's nice to get sometimes.
00:29:04So thank you.
00:29:05The last award I'll be presenting this morning is a new award.
00:29:18It's the National Headquarters Director of the Year Award.
00:29:21And the National Headquarters Director of the Year Award is a new award.
00:29:25The idea behind this award is to honor someone within the organization
00:29:30that represents all three of the diamond sports with excellence.
00:29:34This person definitely does this.
00:29:37A quote from one of her slow pitch directors in her area.
00:29:40She's always willing to help whenever there's a question, especially IT related.
00:29:44She's a person of tremendous character, honesty, and integrity.
00:29:49And from baseball, willing to work with other divisions in USSSA to promote and open events
00:29:54and areas that she worked in and had a presence in for the benefit of USSSA,
00:29:59not just for fast pitch.
00:30:01She's a true team player.
00:30:03And I can speak directly from a fast pitch perspective, obviously.
00:30:07In all the years that I've known this person,
00:30:09I don't think there's ever been an interaction I've had with her
00:30:12where she doesn't have a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
00:30:16And that goes a long way in being successful in what we do.
00:30:21So I'm super proud to present the first ever National HQ Director of the Year Award
00:30:28to Julie Rodriguez from New Mexico.
00:30:31Applause.
00:31:02I'm like, Cindy, I'm going to cry.
00:31:06I did not expect this.
00:31:08I'm so blessed to have been given this opportunity.
00:31:12And there's so many people to thank.
00:31:16I treasure the relationship that I do have with all three sports.
00:31:22But it takes everybody behind us to make this successful.
00:31:28I want to thank Kevin for believing in me
00:31:31and giving me the opportunity many, many, many years ago.
00:31:37He says he's not fast pitch, but he lies.
00:31:41He walked that road with me for a whole year.
00:31:45Ryan, Andy, thank you for your support.
00:31:47And the region, the south region, it's amazing.
00:31:52Vic, Tommy, Bert, slow pitch can do what we do without you guys.
00:31:59Thank you to all of you.
00:32:01It's the best organization there is.
00:32:04And I bleed red.
00:32:06Applause.
00:32:14In closing, just on behalf of fast pitch, like Sean and Steve mentioned,
00:32:17I want to thank all of our fast pitch directors for a great week.
00:32:20Appreciate all that you guys do.
00:32:22Awesome work this week, and excited to see what 2025 brings.
00:32:27So have a great holidays, and we'll definitely look forward to a fantastic 2025.
00:32:32So with that, I'll turn it back over to Rick Fortuna.
00:32:44At this time, I'd ask for B.J. Larson to come up here
00:32:47and give his presentation of the UTSA Award of Recognition for Supporting Director.
00:32:52B.J.?
00:33:03Good morning.
00:33:04Thank you, Rick.
00:33:05In 2022, I asked our leadership if we could create a new award
00:33:09to highlight the efforts of some of our potentially unsung heroes.
00:33:12With the evolution of our association over the years,
00:33:15we're no longer a group of individual tournament directors
00:33:17going out there battling alone on a weekend.
00:33:19We've grown in number with directors that work in support of our state program,
00:33:22whether they be through tournament companies,
00:33:24assistant state directors, area directors, and such.
00:33:28These individuals dedicate themselves and display great passion
00:33:31and abilities to work every day to grow USSSA.
00:33:35This award is a recognition of those individuals and their contribution
00:33:38that may go unrecognized outside of their immediate areas.
00:33:41In fact, we have two individuals that have received this award
00:33:44as the supporting directors that have gone on to be named state directors
00:33:48almost immediately afterwards.
00:33:50It is my pleasure to be able to have this opportunity to recognize these individuals
00:33:54for their contributions and dedication to their USSSA program and sport.
00:33:58So I've got an award in each of the sports.
00:34:01First, we'll go through fast pitch.
00:34:04These two individuals have been with USSSA since 2017.
00:34:08Both serve as tournament directors in support of the Louisiana State Office
00:34:12and are very instrumental in their all-state program,
00:34:15state championships, and other large state events.
00:34:18They also have been very willing to help out at the national and regional level
00:34:21in support of their USSSA fast pitch program
00:34:24at events such as the Road to the Show in Oklahoma,
00:34:27the Southern Nationals in Texas, and the AAG at the Space Coast Complex.
00:34:31These two are a great addition to their state and their association.
00:34:35Please help me recognize Nikki Rivers and Dena Woldridge of Louisiana.
00:34:41Applause
00:34:47Applause
00:35:06Oh, I was really, really not expecting this.
00:35:09She's not the speaker, so I'll speak.
00:35:12I just want to say thank you all for all the opportunities.
00:35:15We've got to work with some really great people on all different levels.
00:35:18And for Cindy Hall for being a great boss and a great mom.
00:35:22Yeah, thank you.
00:35:25Applause
00:35:40All right, now to baseball.
00:35:42This individual has been with the USSSA since 2021.
00:35:45Beginning as a site director,
00:35:47he was immediately hired after the season to a full-time position
00:35:51in the Central Iowa Sports Office
00:35:53and given the title of Special Events Coordinator
00:35:56for CIS and the Iowa State Office.
00:36:00Since becoming a full-time employee, he's created and grown many new events
00:36:03within his state.
00:36:05He created an event called the Sandlot Games,
00:36:07which was the first individual registration event
00:36:10that allowed them to bring players in individually,
00:36:13draft them onto teams,
00:36:15and provide more opportunities to participate for kids in their area.
00:36:19He's also implemented a home-run derby circuit
00:36:22for both baseball and fast pitch within his state.
00:36:25This consists of multiple individual events
00:36:28that lead into one grand season-ending event,
00:36:31allowing kids to participate and compete in a fun and enjoyable event.
00:36:36Another major point of emphasis for this individual
00:36:39was the All-State Program.
00:36:41He was tasked with growing and enhancing the All-State Showcase
00:36:43and MVP Games in his state.
00:36:46In 24, he organized and ran the All-State Showcase
00:36:49with more than 3,000 total athletes
00:36:51and an MVP Games with over 2,000 athletes
00:36:54participating in those contests.
00:36:56Additionally, he's worked at the national level
00:36:58to promote and advance the All-American Games,
00:37:00and in 2024, he was able to send, from their state,
00:37:04the four smooth athletes to the event in Kansas City.
00:37:08His passion and dedication to growing these events in Iowa
00:37:11has been an integral part of the overall success of USSSA baseball
00:37:14and fast pitch softball in those areas.
00:37:16I've had the pleasure to work with him myself,
00:37:19and I can attest to his efforts and professionalism.
00:37:23The individual has a bright future,
00:37:25and so please help me recognize Austin Gilbert of Iowa
00:37:28for his outstanding contributions.
00:37:53Yeah, like everyone else up here, this was a big shock,
00:37:56so I want to just give a big thank you
00:37:58to my office, Central Iowa Sports,
00:38:00and the leadership.
00:38:02I've been exposed to several great leaders in this industry,
00:38:05and I just want to say a big thank you to them
00:38:08and to all the directors out here.
00:38:10Invest in the next generation.
00:38:12It's going to make a lot of difference,
00:38:14and I hope that's a big takeaway,
00:38:16that this award is something that I truly appreciate.
00:38:20So thank you all. Thank you.
00:38:33All right.
00:38:35Wrap this up.
00:38:37For slow pitch, this individual joined USSSA in 2021,
00:38:40and for anyone that has had the pleasure to work or interact with him
00:38:43can easily understand how he is one of the few
00:38:45that has actually already risen
00:38:47to the position of slow pitch director
00:38:49for his state of Georgia in just two short years.
00:38:52His dedication to a customer-first motto
00:38:54has served him and USSSA very well.
00:38:57He is always willing to travel to nearby states
00:38:59and help fellow directors execute their events
00:39:02and has proven himself a very valuable asset
00:39:04for the Southwest region.
00:39:06We've had the pleasure to have him involved
00:39:08in many conference USSSA events
00:39:10and various world events throughout the region and the nation.
00:39:13It is for these reasons that I would like to have you help me recognize
00:39:16Derek Stubbs of Georgia
00:39:18and his outstanding contributions to USSSA.
00:39:20APPLAUSE
00:39:49To God be the glory.
00:39:53Thank you. Appreciate it.
00:39:55APPLAUSE
00:40:04Thank you, BJ.
00:40:06And now I would ask Dave Morey to come up
00:40:09and give his presentations of the Official of the Year Awards.
00:40:12Dave.
00:40:18APPLAUSE
00:40:33First of all, I want to say thank you
00:40:35to everyone who participated last night
00:40:37in our fundraiser for St. Jude's.
00:40:39We raised, last night when we left, $3,020.
00:40:44APPLAUSE
00:40:46$3,020 in three hours.
00:40:48APPLAUSE
00:40:52That exceeded our goal from last year.
00:40:55But I wasn't satisfied.
00:40:57So I went to Kirsten last night and I said,
00:41:00can I do a split the pot tomorrow to raise some more money?
00:41:03I want to try and get to $3,500.
00:41:07Well, Wendy was standing next to us
00:41:09and Kirsten didn't know the answer,
00:41:11so she looked at Wendy and said, can we do that?
00:41:14Wendy said, how much are you wanting to raise?
00:41:17I said, I'd like to raise another $500.
00:41:20And Wendy said, how about I just write the check for $500?
00:41:24So now our total is $3,520.
00:41:29APPLAUSE
00:41:31Thank you, Wendy.
00:41:33If I would have known she was going to write a check,
00:41:35I would have asked for $1,000, but that's okay.
00:41:41To hand out our first awards this year for Fast Pitch,
00:41:45Umpire of the Year, and UIC of the Year
00:41:48is our national UIC, David Borges.
00:41:54APPLAUSE
00:42:11First of all, congratulations, John.
00:42:15Next year, Hall of Famer.
00:42:17APPLAUSE
00:42:23The 2024 season saw the largest change
00:42:26of how we, as UTRIP, conduct our officiating program.
00:42:32The introduction of three new major programs
00:42:35that the majority of you embraced,
00:42:37the inaugural National Umpire Camp,
00:42:39the Gypsy Team, and Video Replay,
00:42:42has created a new wave of national interest
00:42:45to be part of a UTRIP officiating team.
00:42:49We would like to recognize the following umpires
00:42:52from each region for their commitment
00:42:55and their body of work that made our program stride in 2024.
00:42:59From the Great Lakes, Indiana, Benji Spears,
00:43:03From the Great Lakes, Indiana, Benji Spears,
00:43:06Midwest, Missouri, Cameron Estes,
00:43:09From the West, Oregon, McKenna Dunn,
00:43:12From the South, New Mexico, Rick Crespin,
00:43:16Northeast, Pennsylvania, David Laurie,
00:43:20and from the Southeast, Scott Anderson, Mississippi.
00:43:28Our 2024 UIC of the Year, brought up by his father
00:43:31through the UTRIP officiating program,
00:43:33he has created a new culture of excellence
00:43:36that will propel his team as one of the best.
00:43:39He was given the opportunity to participate
00:43:42in multiple national events,
00:43:44and he took the task without fear.
00:43:47He even took, on the expense of flying across the nation,
00:43:52to cover an assignment that someone he recommended
00:43:56was unable to attend.
00:43:58It is with great honor to announce
00:44:01that the 2024 award will be staying right here in Texas.
00:44:05Oscar Ross.
00:44:07Applause
00:44:16Applause
00:44:38Okay, I just asked him do I have to speak
00:44:41because just like everybody else,
00:44:43hey, this is, I'm blessed, and I'm truly, truly blessed.
00:44:47I'm humbled.
00:44:49Thank y'all very much.
00:44:51Don, Vic, who, Darren DeRocque, plus my team,
00:44:56everyone who's been up here before,
00:44:58they said it, without the people that's been behind me,
00:45:02I would not have been able to do this.
00:45:04I'm going to keep pushing forward.
00:45:06I'm going to keep trying to do the best job that I can,
00:45:10and thank y'all very much.
00:45:12Applause
00:45:22Second award, 2024 umpire of the year.
00:45:25Always striving for perfection,
00:45:28this umpire embraced the 2024 season
00:45:31like perhaps no one else has ever done.
00:45:33Covering over 800 games,
00:45:36and participating in but not limited to
00:45:392 Power 50s, the All-State Games,
00:45:42the U-Trip World Series,
00:45:44Road to the Beach Nationals,
00:45:46Tennessee Nationals, Indiana Nationals,
00:45:49Iowa Nationals, WFC in Kansas,
00:45:52Northeast Nationals,
00:45:55All-American Games, where several umpires
00:45:58that went down due to the 110 heat,
00:46:01this umpire kept on jumping in and helping out.
00:46:04Also participated as an official
00:46:07in the WBSC Women's Championship in Canada.
00:46:11It was a great honor to announce
00:46:14the 2024 umpire of the year
00:46:16from Kissimmee, Florida, Maggie Bias.
00:46:19Applause
00:46:26Maggie Bias is working for us at this very time,
00:46:29accepting the award for her
00:46:31newly inducted Hall of Famer, Gordon Patterson.
00:46:35Applause
00:47:02Yeah, they're no more brighter than they were last night.
00:47:05I'm going to steal this away for just a second.
00:47:08Oscar, congratulations.
00:47:10I remember I worked with your dad,
00:47:12I roomed with your dad,
00:47:14and I remember when I said,
00:47:15Oscar's going to be at this World Series,
00:47:17he said, Oscar, then I saw his,
00:47:19man, you look a lot younger.
00:47:21Now I know why.
00:47:23Also, Mr. Maury,
00:47:26I'm going to challenge people.
00:47:28I'm going to get you another $500.
00:47:31I'm going to donate $50 to the St. Jude's.
00:47:36I'm going to challenge nine other people
00:47:37to come up with $50,
00:47:39or ten to come up with $25, whatever.
00:47:42Let's get that up to, what was it, $45?
00:47:45$4,000.
00:47:46$4,000. Let's do it for St. Jude's.
00:47:48Okay?
00:47:49Now, this is Maggie's moment.
00:47:51I've worked with Maggie for several years
00:47:53as a site director, tournament director,
00:47:56state director, regional director.
00:47:58You know, it's not very often you get compliments
00:48:00about umpires.
00:48:02It's usually complaints.
00:48:04Every single tournament I work at,
00:48:06I get at least one, if not two or three compliments
00:48:09about her efforts.
00:48:11She's tough, and she knows the rules.
00:48:14Some people don't like her because she's tough,
00:48:16but she's damn good.
00:48:18Congratulations, Maggie.
00:48:20You deserve this.
00:48:21I'm glad to take this and take it home with you,
00:48:24or you're going to take it, someone's going to take it,
00:48:26but she deserves this very much.
00:48:29Applause
00:48:41Last, I'd like to thank everybody
00:48:43for giving us the opportunity to move
00:48:45into a new direction
00:48:47with a fast-pitch officiating team.
00:48:50Andy, thank you so much.
00:48:52Ryan, great supporter.
00:48:55Guys, 2025 is going to be brighter than ever
00:48:58ever in our officiating team is second to none. Thank you.
00:49:10I think he's been hanging around with Don Briscoe too much because I keep telling him
00:49:15to keep it short and short and he always wants one more word, one more word. Speaking of
00:49:22Don Briscoe, for those that don't know, he is home and recovering. He was on video chat
00:49:28with us several times this week and he can't wait to get back out in the field after the
00:49:32first of the year.
00:49:35This next award is our GSL Slow Pitch Umpire of the Year. It's my honor to present this
00:49:40to a man that started five or six years ago just working leagues and weekend tournaments
00:49:46and he's moved up the ranks and now he's driving all over the country working all of our national
00:49:51events for both U-Trip and GSL. He works conference events. He's probably put more
00:49:58miles on his vehicle this year than Dave Borges has. He couldn't be here this weekend. He's
00:50:07an asset to our program. GSL Slow Pitch Umpire of the Year goes to Lou Ross out of Ohio.
00:50:14To accept his award is the State UIC Eric Slim Rice.
00:50:45On behalf of Lou, I just want to thank everybody. Thank you.
00:50:57The next award goes to our U-S-S-A Slow Pitch Umpire of the Year. Someone who I've gotten
00:51:03to know very well. Someone who takes his job very professionally. He works fast pitch and
00:51:09slow pitch both for U-S-S-A. He works high school sports. He'll do anything I ask him
00:51:16to do. He's the life of the party in the locker room whenever we need a joke or something
00:51:22to laugh at. He's from the great state of Georgia. He couldn't be here this weekend.
00:51:28My friend Steve Malani. We'll make sure that he gets this award.
00:51:40Umpire-in-Chief Award this year goes to a gentleman I met about six years ago. He's
00:51:48also quickly climbed the ladder. He handles all of our logistical things for all our world
00:51:57tournaments, for our conference events. He's made my job a lot easier dealing with all
00:52:03the hotel, the flights, getting the umpires to and from where they need to be.
00:52:12He's from Illinois. My friend Marshall Grissom.
00:52:33What a shock. First I want to say thank you to Dave Morey, Slim, Harry, and all of the
00:53:04other umpires I work with. They make my job so much easier, easy to work with. The tournament
00:53:17directors from the conference, all of them, including all the surrounding state directors
00:53:24in the Midwest make things so easy for me to do my job and to help in any way possible.
00:53:30Thank you again.
00:53:38We have two awards left. Here to present the National Service Award for Baseball is our
00:53:44National Chair, Frank Griffin.
00:54:01This year we had a very interesting process. I said, let's send out information to our
00:54:09directors and let's see what nominations we have. When I got them back and I was going
00:54:14through all of our nominations, I looked at this one individual and he just really, really
00:54:20stood out. This person started his umpiring career in 1997. He's worked at the youth,
00:54:25high school, and collegiate levels. After getting started as a volunteer umpire, he
00:54:29advanced as a member of his local U-Triple-C umpire chapter. He's been recognized by his
00:54:35peers as a top umpire and has over 20 years of experience as a U-Triple-C umpire. His
00:54:41passion for umpire is unmatched. He is currently responsible for recruitment and training of
00:54:45his U-Triple-C umpire association and in-state, with compromises of more than 600 umpires.
00:54:52With this, I would like to call up J.P. Richardson from the great state of Iowa to receive this
00:54:58recognition as our baseball umpire of the year.
00:55:00Applause
00:55:31Wow. First of all, it's hard when umpires, at the end of the day, they just want to go
00:55:37home and not be remembered, because that's the best compliment we can get, right? So
00:55:42Bob, I want to thank you for your vision. I've been working with Bob. I was one of the
00:55:4610 original umpires that he and Danny, back in the day, called and asked when he got started
00:55:52in Iowa if I'd come over and help out. And I didn't hesitate. And I'm glad I did. And
00:55:59I just want to share two things, two greatest things that happened this year because of
00:56:04recruitment, was I got to tell an umpire, too, that we didn't need to use him that weekend
00:56:11because we had some good recruitment coming in. And the other thing was not a college
00:56:18game, not a high school game, but was when a young man asked me to work a double header
00:56:24with him for the first time. And I got to strap on the gear and go work a 12-year-old
00:56:29game again and help out this young, eager umpire that went through our training process.
00:56:34So keep up the vision, everybody. The umpire's going up through the roof with you. Triple
00:56:38S-A. Thank you.
00:56:40Applause
00:56:46One last award that we started a couple years ago to recognize that umpire among all three
00:56:53sports who has dedicated his career to U-Triple-S-A with the longevity in things that he's done.
00:57:00And here to present this year's award is Strojan Kinison.
00:57:04Applause
00:57:24Before I present this award, I'd like to recognize anybody that's in this association that's
00:57:32been here more than 30 years. Could you please stand up? Please stand up. 30 years. Anybody
00:57:40that's been around 30 years or more. 30 years or more. That right there is the foundation
00:57:51that's been built out in this room. Let's give them a round of applause.
00:57:55Applause
00:58:02You also know that you've been around a while when you're standing up here giving an award
00:58:06out. This one here is humbling and is very personal to me. This gentleman has had an
00:58:14incredible impact on the U-Triple-S-A community and has dedicated his life to the sport of
00:58:20softball, baseball, and fast pitch developments of umpires. From his early days in the 1980s
00:58:27to his impressive tenure as an assistant national UIC and a National Hall of Fame member, his
00:58:33contributions have shaped the standards and professionalism in umpiring. His commitment
00:58:39to excellence, leadership during tournaments, and his ability to build a respected, experienced
00:58:45crew truly exemplified the qualities of a remarkable mentor. The bond from former players,
00:58:55coaches, and fellow umpires, being affectionately calling him dad, speaks volumes about the
00:59:04character and the respect he commands. In 2021, he decided to step away from the game.
00:59:12He turned his focus on his health as he took on the battle of cancer. His outlook was not
00:59:18good and the expectations of longevity was not good at all. In all honesty, it is by
00:59:28the grace of God I am standing here introducing and presenting this award to him. As he has
00:59:37made a full recovery, cancer-free, drinking lots of Bud Light, and his loyalty to this
00:59:43association is second to none, and has adapted to a mentor and a historian to our U-S-S-A
00:59:50members. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire many in the world of softball, baseball, and
00:59:56fast pitch. His journey is a testament to the resilience and supportive community he
01:00:01has fostered within the organization. He is now aged into being called Grandpa.
01:00:07Congratulations, Dale McGregor, on this well-deserved recognition.
01:00:42Wow, this is really unexpected. Since I retired years ago, should I say tried, but there's
01:00:58only one way to ever get to where I am right now, and that's having great people around
01:01:05you, and we learned this back in the early 80s and built a great tradition. I'm sitting
01:01:13over there with 160 years between us coming to conventions of four people, so it's a lot
01:01:21of dedication to the U-S-S-A, and that's what it takes is to have the heart. I appreciate
01:01:26that. Thank you.
01:01:28Thank you very much.
01:01:36Thank you, Dave. I finally get to raise the microphone when I come to the stand instead
01:01:48of Lauren. I appreciate that. Now I would like to ask Stacey Hobbs to come up and give
01:01:58the presentation of the National Headquarters Award of Excellence and also hand out the
01:02:03years of service pins. Stacey?
01:02:18How about that Dale McGregor? How old are you, Dale? 82? Good Lord, I hope I'm getting
01:02:24along with you when I'm 82. Man, that's impressive. I guess Bud Light's a real good
01:02:30conservative. Anyway, good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to the final day of the convention.
01:02:39We made it. It is my distinct honor to stand before you today as we recognize an individual
01:02:46who has exemplified the highest standards of excellence. Excellence is not merely about
01:02:52achieving goals. It's about going above and beyond, showing dedication and inspiring those
01:02:58around you to do the same. This recipient has shown exceptional skill, unwavering commitment
01:03:04and remarkable leadership in her state and beyond. Over the course of her time with USSSA,
01:03:10she has consistently gone above and beyond expectations and is creating a legacy in her
01:03:15state. Whether it's the attention to detail or overcoming obstacles, our recipient consistently
01:03:21demonstrates qualities of a true leader. She is someone who not only meets the highest
01:03:26standards but helps set those standards for everyone around her. Also, on a side note,
01:03:32she's the kindest person I know. It gives me great pleasure to present the National
01:03:38Office Award of Excellence to someone who has truly set the standard for us all, Miss
01:03:44Julie Rodriguez.
01:04:14Oh my gosh. Wow. This is such an honor. Again, thank you, Stacey. Thank you for this opportunity.
01:04:30Like I said, by far, we are blessed to have each other and to have this organization.
01:04:47Kevin, you mad, bro? That's a joke. Y'all come see me after the meeting. I'll tell you
01:04:55about it. It's pretty funny. Kevin does not think it's funny.
01:05:06This is going to go really quick. Craig's going to hand them out. We only have two.
01:05:11It's kind of a weird year, right? Let's see. The first one, actually, it is the first one.
01:05:21We have no fives, no tens, no 15s, no 20s, no 25s. Nope. We do have 125. And that is
01:05:28John Brandt. John Brandt? I know he was here earlier. Is he still here? Okay. All right.
01:05:36Hickey's going to grab it for him. And then this one's so cool. 35 years of service,
01:05:44Dale McGregor.
01:05:58Somebody buy him a Bud Light, please. Make sure he stays preserved.
01:06:07All right, guys, that's it. Thank you so much.
01:06:18And now I'd like to call Craig Scrivins to the podium.
01:06:29So we're working on getting back to announcing the convention for next year, 2025.
01:06:35We're not currently there yet, but we look to announce it by the end of the year.
01:06:40And as we go forward, like I said, this time next year, we'll be able to announce the 2026.
01:06:46But one thing that we're looking at is leaving a footprint and a legacy when we look at cities to take our convention to.
01:06:55So, like I said, we'll be communicating that by the end of the year.
01:06:59I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for making it a great week.
01:07:04Thank you to our national staff who keep us running this week in our regular operations, as well as taking on this mammoth task.
01:07:13So thank you very much. I'd like to recognize Kirsten, Stephanie, Alexa.
01:07:19You pulled up your sleeves and went to work in August on this convention.
01:07:24I know you created a committee and I'm not sure who's on that committee, but I know you guys took calls.
01:07:32And I want to thank you for doing a fabulous job. Your vision and execution has made this convention what it is today.
01:07:39So Stephanie, Alexa, Kirsten, please stand up to be recognized.
01:07:56Finally, to my fellow board member, mentor and friend, my dad said you could count your close friends on one hand.
01:08:05Maybe it's due to everything we've been through. Maybe it's because we share the same sleep schedule.
01:08:11But I want you to know you made that hand.
01:08:14Everyone in this room will continue to work hard as you've done in your 27 years.
01:08:19We will make sure USSS remains the leader in amateur sports.
01:08:24I know it's not the last time we will see you here, but it's my honor to welcome you back to the podium for your final adjournment.
01:08:31Please help me acknowledge our chairman of the board for his contribution to USSS and the legacy he's created.
01:08:39Rick Fortuna, come back up.
01:08:57Thank you, everyone. Thank you so much.
01:09:00I know you all will continue to keep your head down, fight the future so bright where everyone is headed.
01:09:05And as the very last time as your chairman, meeting adjourned.
01:09:30So we've got a hype video going behind us, if you want to stay.
01:09:59Look at a video screen.
01:10:28It's a good day.