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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 [email protected]. You can also send items/story ideas to Carlos Arias via email at [email protected] or via Twitter @Los_Stuff.
Here’s our TLI for Tuesday, June 30, 2020 …
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TRIPLE CROWN 4TH OF JULY
Usually the entire softball universe descends upon Colorado 4th of July week for Triple Crown’s Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks and the Boulder IDT, but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into those plans this summer.
Boulder IDT got cancelled, but the Sparkler/Fireworks event has been salvaged in a slightly different format. The event, which begins Wednesday, will be split into three distinct regions — Colorado, Tennessee and Texas.
The three-region concept has allowed teams flexibility to travel drive-radius distance, making summer navigation as comfortable as possible for teams.
“I am grateful for all of the coaches and teams who have supported us through these difficult times,” 4th of July event director Stephanie Klaviter said in a statement. “Good luck and stay safe.”
Throughout all regions, teams are guaranteed at least six games and a stellar field of competition. Each location is also equipped with All-Academic and Showcase games, open to all individual participants of the tournament.
More than 100 teams from the Rocky Mountain state will compete in Colorado, the Tennessee region will feature 180 teams from 23 states, while Texas will host over 100 clubs from surrounding states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and others. The Power Pools have remained intact across each region.
“We can’t wait to get started,” fastpitch event director Alyson Carter said in a statement. “We know how much teams look forward to this event year in and year out. I’m glad that our hard work has paid off and we can get each of them on the diamond this week!”
In conjunction with Sports UAC (United Against COVID), Triple Crown Sports has worked diligently to create a set of protocols to ensure the safety of athletes, coaches and fans. The guidelines have been vetted by other governing bodies, municipalities, event managers, public health sectors, coaches and more. In addition to these new rules, TCS is also following strict CDC recommendations.
“It certainly isn’t going to look like the same 4th of July that we’ve grown accustomed to,” Triple Crown founder Dave King said in a statement. “But we have a stacked field, we’re all excited to be playing again and we’re looking forward to watching some ball!”
WHO’S COMING:
— Carlos Arias & Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff; follow Brentt on Twitter @ExtraInningSB)
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