Seniors grab second place at world tourney

     By Ralph Reuber
     View columnist
      The Las Vegas Senior Softball team finished in second place in the United States Slow-pitch Softball Association's 50-years and older world tourney in August in Garland, Texas.
      After dropping the first game, the Posse defeated teams from Arkansas, Florida, Colorado and Minnesota. The Posse were defeated in the championship game by the Statesmen of New York.
      The Posse's leading hitter was outfielder Larry Mosser, who banged out a .764 average. Other leading hitters were designated hitter Steve Imlay, first baseman Pete White, outfielder Jack Taylor, pitcher Howie Marstellar, catcher Glen Myers, infielders Rick Denton, Wendal Taguchi, Terry Bredeau and outfielders Tony Lato, Gary Milne and Wayne Callahan.
      Other members of the ballclub who contributed tremendously were Robert Scott, Mike Kimberlain, John Renwick and Sonny Read. Future tourneys for the Posse include Independent Softball Association Nationals and Mitchells World Tourney in Phoenix.
      Marnell-Corrao dominated the competition in Littleton, Colo., Labor Day weekend in USSSA "B" Division regionals.
      Vinnie Sherman's ballclub outslugged Denver's RES, which was ranked No. 3 in the country in the finals.
      Sherman's nationally ranked squad clubbed a .672 team average in the regionals. Leading the way was multi-talented outfielder Chris McDaniel, who pounded out a .900 average, going 18-for-20, and made several spectacular catches in the outfield.
      All-tournament selections included Tony Jaramillo, Jeff Smith, Chris Watley and Rick Elie.
      Tribe-Hooters continues to play .800 ball and dominate local competition. This is a legitimate "D" team that has climbed to the top of the C & D divisions in Las Vegas. This ballclub takes pride in playing hard and intense every inning.
      The results are outstanding, with victories over Marnell, Larsens, Aadvarks, Smokin and Hardcore. Tribe's lineup features bangers Jim Porteese, Matt Moore, Ira Ross, Bob Keys and Eric Kirkbride and contact hitters David Murphy, John Paine and Jeff Traylor.
      Outstanding defense was provided by Mitch Stahl, Jim Kelley, Steve Wiggington and Pat Kirkbride. The pitcher was Gwen Ondresko.
      DIAMOND NOTES -- Congrats to the Paperboys, who have rebounded from numerous below-.500 records and recently went 13-1 on their way to winning the Rec League division championship at Freedom Park.
      n Ditto to Larsens, who finished third in the National Softball Association regionals in Seattle.
      n Wednesday nights at Sunset Park has become a great place to both play and watch softball. It offers a great atmosphere and every range of player.
      TOURNEY UPDATE -- A five-game round-robin Jacket Tourney is scheduled Saturday in Mesquite. Discount rooms are available. A T-shirt or pro hat will be given to every player. Those 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 260-7803.1