Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning.
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com. You can also send items/story ideas to Carlos Arias via email at los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com or via Twitter @Los_Stuff.
Here’s our TLI for Thursday, Aug. 13 2020 …
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BRING ON THE USA SOFTBALL ALL-AMERICAN GAMES!
Back for the fourth-consecutive year, the USA Softball All-American Games return Friday-Sunday, August 14-16, at USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex in OKC.
With the impact COVID-19 has had on the 2020 softball season, a total of 18 teams representing eight regions will take on the 24 teams representing the 10 USA Softball regions seen in previous years. Each athlete and coach will experience and compete in what the All-American Games aims to offer, national exposure to elite athletes in the 12-Under Junior Olympic (JO) fastpitch division.
Tournament procedures and protocols have been discussed and put into place to adhere to guidelines/recommendations set forth by Oklahoma City local, health and safety officials, including a modified socially-distant Opening Ceremony, player camp and special meet-and-greet opportunities with U.S. Women’s National Team athletes.
“USA Softball welcomes the athletes, coaches and umpires selected to represent their respective regions at the USA Softball 12-Under All-American Games,” USA Softball CEO Craig Cress said. “Despite the curveball COVID-19 has thrown us, we have made modifications and taken direction from City of Oklahoma City officials, so we can continue developing our sport. The All-American Games and the legacy that’s been established since the creation in 2017 has granted many athletes an opportunity to play at historic USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.”
All participating players have an opportunity to participate in Softball Factory’s Player Camp today, while the parents and families in attendance will be treated to a Q&A on the college recruiting process, including critical information on the recruiting process, along with the recruiting calendar and pitfalls to avoid.
Opportunities to meet with 2020 USA Softball Women’s National Team members Valerie Arioto, Keilani Ricketts and Kelsey Stewart will take place on Friday from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CT.
Teams will begin pool play on Friday at 4 p.m. CT with a four-game guarantee. All teams will play one game on the Hall of Fame Stadium OGE Energy Field that does not count for seeding, and two pool play games which will determine the single-elimination bracket beginning on Sunday.
Admission, which will be sold at the gate of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, is $5 per day for spectators, with free admission for children 5-and-under.
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