Softball Reputation Holds Up
Spokane had more than moderate success in the world of modified-pitch softball this season.
A national champion, a third-place finisher and a fourth helped the city retain its status as one of the top modified associations in the country.
The Grinders, which struggled through most of the season, hit its stride last weekend in Burlington, N.C., to finish fourth in the 66-team Amateur Softball Association Men’s A Modified National Tournament.
That came the same day Brymile won the men’s major modified championship in Miami and a week after Brunette Sportswear was third in the women’s national in Spokane.
Finnerty’s, which dominated the city B ranks, went 3-2 in Burlington.
The Grinders, 13th in the same tournament that was won here last year by Spokane’s Stoneway Electric, was 7-2 in Burlington, dropping a 5-4 decision to MCD Metals of New York in its last game. MCD, fifth in Spokane a year ago, wound up third. Jim’s Gun Shop of Maine won it.
“A couple of bounces either way and it could have gone our way,” Grinders coach Todd Ulrich said.
After dropping into the losers bracket in its third game, the Grinders recorded five straight come-from-behind wins.
Dana Schmerer, MVP of last year’s tournament in Spokane, who was picked up from Stoneway, was a first-team All-American despite pulling his hamstring and missing the last three games. Designated player Brian Ried was a second-team All-American and shortstop John Rhodes and second baseman Mark Cordes were third-team picks.
Brian Falk, Finnerty’s pitcher/DP, who is retiring after this season, had 21 RBIs in the five games, including a grand slam and three-run home run.
The seven Spokane players who were on men’s major modified national champions nine years apart are brothers Mike and Tim Peterson, Fuzzy Buckenberger, Wade Liberty, Kurt Krauth, Dan Shafer and Barry Shook.
The Spokane 50s/Idler’s Carpets men’s team went 2-2 to tie for ninth in the 50-and-over ASA slowpitch national in Portland last weekend.
Included was an 18-17 win over Regina Five-O’s from Coeur d’Alene. The Five-O’s went 0-4.
Flag football
More than 60 teams from the Northwest participated in the first Football Family Frenzy two weeks ago at Shadle Park, reported organizer Guy Thomas.
D.U.G. won the men’s open division, with Mary Stephens & Friends winning the women’s open.
Other division winners: Coed- Ten Yards & Curl at the Bush. Peewee-The Gamblers. Family- The Myers Family. Couch Potato- Tel-West. Teen-Jack Move.
Clay target shooting
A special team sporting clays shooting event, sponsored by Tomlinson Black Realtors and Spokane Homebuilders Association, is set for Wednesday to benefit the Wishing Star Foundation.
Shooting begins at 10 a.m. at Landt Farms Sporting Clays west of Spokane. Info: 325-9803.
Sailing series
The Lake Coeur d’Alene Sailing Club starts its five-week, fall buoy race series Saturday morning at 10 at Stevens Point. The course nears Mica Bay and Tubb’s Hill.
Info: (509) 326-3661.