LVSSA/SSUSA Senior Softball World Masters Championships 2013

This year at the LVSSA/SSUSA, 2013 Las Vegas Senior Softball World Master Championship there are 480 participating teams. The Family Stones 55 AAA from Hawaii is one of the teams participating in this Championship being held in Las Vegas, NV. from Sept. 27-29, 2013.

Besides the Family Stones, other Hawaii teams in the tournament were Fresh Poke, Hawaiians, Kauai 60/Nogi's, Makua Alii, Da Hui, Makule Kinipopo, Kauai 65's, Hawaiian Pride, Makule Kane, and Hawaii 75th. The Hawaiians Men's 50-AA placed 1st., The Hawaiians Men's 55-AA placed 2nd., and the Hawaiians Women's 40-AA placed 2nd.

The Family Stones held their tournament at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex on Friday and played their first game against the MI Sports (CO) 3-13, and then the Dessert Dawgs (CA) 2-23, but came up short in both games.  Saturday, they played the Integrity Builders (NE) 12-19, the Buds Tucson (AZ) 16-14, and the Deep Purple (MA) 22-21 which came down to the wire.  This win gave them an opportunity to advance to Sunday's Championship, but the Old Time Brothers (CT) stopped their advance by winning it 23-17.  Great weather and a great game played by all.  FINAL RESULTS "click here."

I was told how this all got started. It all started in 1977 with pick-up teams for fun.  Players at the Old Whipple Field chose teams and played.  No tournaments though.  In 1980, primarily players were age 60+.  They played at Hartke Park.  Joe Jenecaro set up the original "Cashman Field" tournament, which included four teams from Hawaii.  In the 1980's, Rocky Mann planned two tournaments and played at a five-diamond complex on South Las Vegas Boulevard.  The Jenecaro/Mann groups merged in the mid-80's and played at Paradise Park.  In 1991, this organized club moved to the present Lorenzi Park fields in Las Vegas.  The Las Vegas Senior Silver Rebels became the name of the club at that time.

The Las Vegas Senior Softball Association, Inc. (LVSSA) was formed on February 17, 2000.  Women's teams joined the association in 2002, and like the men, became quite competitive in tournaments.  Currently there are over 300 active senior men and women members.  LVSSA is a
nonprofit corporation. Candid photos of the games above Sept. 27-29, 2013 "Click here." More information on the tournament "click here." To see all 480 participating Teams "click here."