Former Red Sox minor leaguer named player of year

      Mike Thompson, the 6-foot, 6-inch ex-minor leaguer in the Red Sox organization, is the 1998 Softball News Player of the Year.
      Thompson was the catcher this season on Larry Quaney's Sunset Station Casinos/Bones ballclub. The team finished the season runner-up in the USSSA Worlds B division in Texas.
      Thompson was selected First Team All-World, the only Las Vegas representative in the B division. Thompson said the Bones team had a great season but he is getting tired of all the travel and would like to drop to the C division next year and be able to compete locally.
      This year was a very tough decision in naming a player of the year. Rick Elie, Chris McDaniel, Wayne Beandon and Hondo Berg all ran neck and neck in a very close race.
      This year's B/C division all-star starters are: Wayne Brandon, first base; Hondo Berg, second base; Christ Whatly, third base; Jose Gomez, shortstop; Phil Platko, pitcher; John Juliano, catcher; Mike Thompson, designated hitter; Jerry Moller, left field; Chris McDaniel, left-center field; Tim Johnson, right-center field; Rick Elie, right field; Ross Portale, utility; and Steve Camarra, utility.
      Second-teamers are: Russ Milner, first base; Brett Johnsen, second base; Chuck Somers, third base; Jordan Cassel, shortstop; Owen Ondresko, pitcher; Gian Curry, catcher; Rocky Steel, designated hitter; David White, left field; Guy Beckwith, left-center field; Tim Woodrum, right-center field; Willie Banks, right field; Freddy Tucker, utility; and Troy Clemens, utility.
      Reserve all-stars are: Jeff Smith, Dewy James, Rob DesJardine, Jeff Wilkerson, Rick Bass, John Rice, Mike Sansone, Chris Osenbaugh, Tommy Green, Glen Evans, Rick Skypranek, and Denny Crine.
      DIAMOND NOTES -- Congrats to Jim Larsen and his Larsen Enterprise ballclub. The team captured the Bud Light Balloon Blast USSSA C/D tournament Oct. 17.
      MVP honors went to left fielder Troy Fenn and all-tourney spots went to Dave Molinaro, Jerry Larsen, Scot Fenn, Gabby Rodriguez and Brad Larsen.
      Hardcore finished second and Joshuas placed fourth.
      TOURNAMENT UPDATE -- ASA "D" and "E" division only Jacket Tourneys Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 at Shadow Rock. Nearly $2,500 in prizes, including T-shirts or pro hats to the top eight teams. Call 260-7803 to register.
      USSSA C and D division Bud Light Cancer tourney Nov. 21-22 at Arroyo Grande. Call 457-1348.
      USSSA Toys for Tots Nov. 27-28. Call 457-1348.
      ASA D and E division Western World Series Dec. 12 in Mesquite. Nearly $3,500 in gifts and awards, with entry limited to the first 16 entries. The five home runs per game rule is in effect. Call 260-7803.
     
     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.