40 Players Compete in Scandinavia during 30th Annual SSUSA International Tour

July 1, 2018

Three senior USA teams traveled to the land of the Vikings in June, playing in Denmark, Sweden and Norway and planting the seed of slow-pitch softball as they competed.

The U.S. teams, made up of SSUSA players from 17 states and Canada, competed against generally younger teams in one-day tournaments in Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden) and Oslo (Norway) in the 30th annual Senior Softball USA International Tour.

“The purpose of these tours over the past three decades has remained the same: to give SSUSA players the opportunity to compete overseas, explore other countries, meet players in other countries and promote slow-pitch softball throughout the world,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer.

The USA teams faced three international teams in Copenhagen and one each in Stockholm and Oslo, where slow-pitch softball has been slower to take hold.

SSUSA donated bats, balls and some equipment to the clubs to help promote slow-pitch softball, but all three of the clubs said the most inspiring aspect of the tournaments was watching players aged 55 to 89 compete at a high level.

“This gives us hope that we will be able to play for many years top came,” said Belinda Borup, who coordinated the tournament for the Copenhagen Softball-Baseball Club.

And the Oslo team, made up of baseball players averaging 30-40 years old, said the equipment donated would help them launch a slow-pitch league.

The three North American teams included 40 players and, with wives and friends, there were 76 people traveling on the 12-day tour.

The USA Red team, managed by Hennessy, had a perfect record and won the tournaments in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. The MVP was Dave Prins of Iowa, Best Offense was John Smutnick of Florida, and Best defense was Wade Hirago of Hawaii.

The USA Blue Team, managed by Dave Weinmann, came in second in Copenhagen. The MVP was Don Difiore of Colorado, Best Offense was Steve Murphy of New Mexico, and Best Defense was Paul Verellen of California.

The USA White team, managed by Angelo Scarcella, won second place in Stockholm. The MVP was Pete Garcia of Virginia, Best Offense was Butch Jones of Washington, and Best Defense was Larry Feeler of Texas.

The tour is open to any SSUSA carded player and their family and friends. The three teams were balanced according to age, position and skill level.

The tour includes games and tournaments against local teams, sightseeing, shopping, bus transportation and hotels.

In October, SSUSA players are eligible to compete in the 6th annual Pacific Rim Championships in Iwate, Japan.

In 2019, the 31st SSUSA International Tour will play games in Lisbon and Porto, Portugal and Nice, France.

For more information, please contact Ross McCulligan, SSUSA international director at 916-326-5303 or Ross@seniorsoftball.com