Hot ballclub on fire at Am-Com

     By Ralph Reuber
     View columnist
      The hottest ballclub in Las Vegas dominated the action June 12 at the Am-Com Nevada tournament played at Arroyo Grande.
      In one of the most exciting events of the season, the Tribe went 6-0, beat a solid Red Sox team in the finals and scored impressive wins over third-place Campbell Concrete and fourth-place Joshuas.
      MVP honors went to outfielder Mike Loosebrook. All-tourney honors went to Tribe teammates Chris Osenbaugh, Jeff Traylor and Owen Ondresko and Red Sox teammates Ross Portale, Billy Thompson, Bobby Keys and Mitch Stahl.
      Rounding out the Am-Com all-tournament team were Chuck Somers, Bert Cochran, Mike Montel, John Schultz, Todd Phillips, Nate Bartowski and Phil Burnett.
      Heuer Insurance, Misfits, Hardcore and Team Zone all had solid tourneys.
      Elsewhere, Dudey's and the Tribe finished as co-champs of a tournament June 5 in Mesquite. This tourney was loaded with upper-division players.
      Mark Dudenak had his ballclub firing on all cylinders and finished on top for the second straight time in Mesquite. MVP in his first tourney of 1999 went to multi-talented Kevin Higgins. All-tourney honors went to Joey Wilkerson, Rob Sparks, Mike Thompson and John Juliano.
      The Tribe's MVP went to Ondresko, who went 20-for-21 with seven home runs. Other all-tourney members from the Tribe were Jim Porteese, John Payne, Steve Wiggington and Will Masten.
      Other all-tourney honors went to Vic Sanchez, Steve Camara, Joe Firoca, Keith Taylor and Pooch Friederman.
      DIAMOND NOTES -- Congratulations to NSA director Marty Lally and staff. His program continues to grow and prosper. Others may be wise to consider new leadership.
      n The ASA Power Tour leg No. 2 in Mesquite went to Mike Thompson, a huge favorite who hit balls in the 400-foot range. He edged underdog Ondresko for the title. Mark Dudenak took third among the 30 contestants.
      n Marnell-Corrao captured their world berth on June 12 in Reno. MVP went to heavy-hitter Rick Elie.
      n Am-Com Nevada is back at Arroyo Grande on July 3 with a four-game guarantee and competition in the C and D divisions and a novice division. It is a national qualifier with $1,500 in awards and travel money.
      n Oasis Resort is sponsoring a five-game round-robin tourney in Mesquite on July 17 with D and E divisions and separate brackets. Discounted rooms will be offered July 16 and 17 and a $100 gift package will be given to every ballclub. Teams interested can 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.