Ames, Iowa
Last updated: July 18, 2007
2003 District Runner-up
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Last updated: July 18, 2007 |
2003 District Runner-up |
Following the best post-season play in at least 7 years, the 2004 softball season ground to a halt after the State Tournament. Despite a roster of over 15 players, it was impossible to find 10 players dedicated enough in to play Fall League or go to Kansas City for the annual Labor Day Tournament. The 34 games played in 2004 were easily a record low for Tradewinds. Previous numbers of games played include 91 in 2003, 66 in 2002, 72 in 2001, and 68 in 2000.
Consistent offense and victories over Red Zone (Chariton), Waste Management (Lenox), and Miller Jacks (Alden) earned Tradewinds an upper-half finish and the right to play on Sunday at the D-Sate Softball Tournament at Racoon River Valley in West Des Moines. A disappointing 8 AM Sunday loss to Victor's of West Des Moines meant a 24th place finish in the 55-team field.
Other teams from the Ames District included Mickey's Irish Pub (4th place), Newton Nitehawks (14th), Dublin Bay (16th), and Panora State Bank (29th).
It had been years since Tradewinds had won their first game at the District Tournament. This Saturday they went 3-0 with some stingy defense and earned a berth to the Class D State tournament in Des Moines. Sunday was a little different and ended quickly with defeats to Dublin Bay and eventual champions Mickey's. Tradewinds third place finish was not quite as high as last year's runner-up performance, but it was much easier thanks to starting the tournament with a win for a change.
Newcomers Brad Weir, Daryl Albertson, and Tyler Rees were key contributors. Pitcher/Owner/Manager Steve Soesbe also got some nice publicity in the Iowa State Daily.
Thirteen Clippers showed up for the season finale Thursday night including one debut and one curtain call. Three-year veteran Colin Shearn made his final appearance in a Tradewinds uniform and Darly Albertson made his first as the Clippers defeated Dublin Bay and Cy's Roost to finish the Summer League at 13-9.
The summer league post-season tournament begins on Tuesday, July 20.
Congratulations to Barry and Angie, Ryan and Kristy, and Andy and Lisa for their expected bundles of joy! (Editor's note: Tyler and Mindy Rees announced that they are expecting twin girls in Winter 2005!)
Congratulations to Herb and Michelle on their wedding in Baxter, Iowa.
The 5-0 start came to a screeching halt in game two tonight as the bats went flat and the gloves didn't help. The season started strong with 5 straight victories including a few 12-run wins. Unfortunately, game two with the new gray jerseys against Dublin Bay was a 13-1 flop.
Following about 8 practices, Tradewinds finally took the field for a practice game against defending league Champions Gookin Ford. With Gookin using a couple pick-up players, Tradewinds was able to build a lead and hold it for seven innings. New acquisition, Kris Park led the offense with three home runs.
1. Mark and Tim will meet the height requirements for 80% of this year's tournaments.PLC,
2. For the first time in his Tradewind's history, Lee will speak loud enough to actually be heard.
3. Herb will be able to see his toes, but only for the latter half of the season.
4. BJ will show up with cleats, however they will be golf shoes that he borrowed from some woman.
5. Marty, forgetting how old he actually is, will attempt to utilize the new "steal" rule to make himself a more complete player only to realize that moving from base to base is a lot more difficult with only nine toes.
6. We will spend at least one weekend trying to explain to Colin the difference between the "steal" rule and the "steel" rule.
7. Shawn (in hopes of impressing the female umpires in Ft. Dodge) will beg Steve to break out the new "cut-off" uniforms.
8. We'll all finally find out what confederate state Mitch and Josh are from.
9. Krusty's broken finger will heal but he'll break a big toe when his steel-toed clown shoes fail him and he stubs one on a post in the dugout.
10. We will not go to Kansas City in April.
11. I will pull at least one leg muscle, most likely around state tournament time.
