Intense, multi-talented all-star squad players best in the city

      Intense, hardworking, confident and extremely successful describe every player on the multi-talented A/B all-star squad. These are the best players in the city.
      All are .650 hitters and a few are in the .700-plus neighborhood. All are capable of depositing a softball well over a 300-foot fence and several are capable of driving it to the 350- to 400-foot range. Two or three of these guys are capable of 400-foot-plus home runs.
      I've had the pleasure to play alongside most of these icons or against all of this talented squad at one time or another. I definitely prefer to be on their team. They are all fierce competitors.
      -- First base - George Garrison. He seems to get better with age (40-plus). He's one of the good guys, very low key but one of those capable of hitting a ball 400 feet.
      -- Second base - Kevin Higgins. He's an ex-Major Leaguer who has mastered the slow-pitch game. He's a sneaky line-drive hitter with gap power and he's the best defensive player on this year's all-star team.
      -- Shortstop - Scot Logan. An awesome player who does everything outstanding. He's the best leadoff hitter in town and he's a .700 hitter.
      -- Third base - Kenny White. A solid player who can play all the infield positions well. He's a banger who delivers in the clutch.
      -- Outfield - Freddy Tucker. He made a huge jump from late-inning defensive replacement to all-star in only two years.
      -- Outfield - David White. An ex-UNLV footballer who can mash a softball. A good guy who is well-liked and well-skilled.
      -- Outfield - Jordan Cassel. The smallest player on the team but he has serious pop. He takes a technical position on the art of hitting.
      -- Outfield - Derick Williams. A tireless worker who devotes endless hours improving his game. He has marvelous skills and he's the toughest out on this year's team. He's cocky and confident and can definitely blast a softball 400 feet.
      -- Pitcher - Jim Massey. Another 40-plus veteran who can still play. He's got tremendous pop for his size and he's a tough out.
      -- Catcher - Doug Johnson. He's big and strong and can hit a softball out of sight.
      -- Designated hitter - John Huntington. If he's healthy, look out. He's intense with a dislike for opposing pitchers. He's a great hitter who knows how to win.
      -- Utility player - Mike Thompson. A ferocious hitter who can bang it 400 feet. He absolutely loves to play.
      -- Utility player - Wayne Brandon. He can flat out hit. He hates to lose, has a great attitude and hits .900 against me.
      -- Reserves - Mike LaBlue, Ricky Bass, Dewey James, Russ Milner, Rob Sparks, Eddie Walker, John Cox, Mark Paige, Leon Doss and Larry Cross.
      -- Managers - Jim Girard and Bobby Clawson.
     
     Ralph Reuber has more than 25 years of experience as a softball player, sponsor, umpire and manager. He is district commissioner for the ASA in Southern Nevada. He can be reached at 260-7803.