Event a hit for softball players

For the players in the Diamond Council’s Memorial Day fast-pitch softball tournament, the weekend represented more than just the beginning of the summer; it marked the beginning of the season.

Twenty-six teams of enthusiastic teenage girls from all over the state gathered at Rainbow Fields in Cosmopolitan Park.

The top two finishers from each of three age divisions will advance to the United States Slow-pitch Softball Association World Series on Labor Day weekend. The World Series for each age division will be held in a different city.

Although the name indicates otherwise, many USSSA teams play fast-pitch. Steve Hirt, who is on the board of directors of the Diamond Council, said that USSSA added fast-pitch softball about 30 years ago, but the name of the organization stayed the same.

Clint Blevins of Nixa, Mo., said that his daughter Kaitlyn’s team, the Missouri Lightning, went to the age 14-and-younger World Series in Hutchison, Kansas, last year. He said the trip was a thrill for Kaitlyn, who has been on the team for two years and has played softball since she was around the age of 4.

Blevins said that softball season is intense for the Lightning, which played in 120 games last season. The girls typically play two or three games during the week and take part in tournaments on most weekends. They often travel from southwest Missouri to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Jefferson City to play their games.

Blevins said his daughter has gained a lot from the commitment she has made to her team.

“There’s a lot of good things that come out of it — discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship,” he said.

Coaches said they notice the benefits the girls gain from softball as much as the parents. Randy Easely, coach of the Macon Travelers, said that he loves to watch his players improve.

Last year, his first year as coach, he led them to the 16-and-younger USSSA World Series tournament in Lawrence, Kansas, where they finished in the top 30 of about 130 teams.

The Travelers will be going back to the World Series this year. They won 2-0 against the Lightning in the 16-and-younger championship.

In the 14-and-younger championship, the St. Louis Chill beat the Scrappers, 8-2. The Frisco Express won the 18-and-younger championship by beating the St. Louis Angels 3-1.