Top teams prepare for series

      ASA's D Western World Series is set for Dec. 12 in Mesquite.
      It will be limited to a 16-team field and will be a one-day, Saturday-only event. The tourney promises to be ASA's best event of the 1998 season.
      No A or B division players will be allowed and only one C division player per team is acceptable. Five home runs per game will be the home run rule and a 12-hitters per team option will be in effect.
      More than $5,000 in gifts and awards will be distributed to all 16 teams.
      First-place awards are World Champion New York Yankee Starter jackets and Oakley sunglasses plus a 3-foot sponsor trophy. Second-place awards will be AM-FM cassette boom boxes, ASA sweatshirts and a sponsor trophy.
      Third- and fourth-place winners get ASA sweatshirts and pro hats. Fifth- and sixth-place awards are T-shirts and hats. Seventh through 16th receive a $150 gift package.
      Entry fee for the tournament is $225. Teams interested can call 260-7803 or 657-2122.
      Teams from Utah, Reno, Colorado and Southern California are already entered. Local teams Auto Magic, Red Sox, Time To Mash, Joshuas, Yard Dogs and Regulators are expected to compete.
      A Western World Series T-shirt will be given to every player and special ASA room rates will be available to teams from Mesquite hotels.
      DIAMOND NOTES -- Former Las Vegas Aces and Bones player Mark Page is looking to hook on with a local team, and he can hit.
      -- Sunset Park, Warm Springs and Shadow Rock leagues are all finished until March.
      -- If bangers Jeff Wilkerson and Tim Woodrum stay with Larsens Enterprises, that team will be strong.
      TOURNEY UPDATE -- A one-day only D and E division ASA Jacket Tourney tourney is set for Nov. 14 at Shadow Rock. The entry fee is $225 per team. Teams interested can call 457-1348.
      The Bud Light Caring for Kids USSSA B, C and D division tournament is slated for Nov. 28 and 29 . The entry fee is $195 and teams interested need to call 457-1348.
     
     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.