Eighth Annual LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships Surpasses 600 Teams for Third Straight Year

Sept. 1, 2019

Las Vegas – The 2019 Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA)/Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) World Masters Championships (WMC) is expecting to draw more than 11,000 players representing 611 teams from 40 states, as well as the U.S. Territory of Guam, three Canadian provinces, and Germany, again this year from Sept. 19 - Oct. 6.

A substantial number of them will bring family members, resulting in over 18,000 guest with an estimate of $25,000,000 in economic impact to southern Nevada. The tournament is believed to be the largest slow-pitch softball competition in the world.

Men’s tournament divisions ranging from ages 40 to 85, and Women’s divisions ranging from ages 40 to 50, will compete. This year the WMC hosts its second International Co-Ed Division - including the return of the Bavarian Royals of Germany.

“For the Bavarian Royals, words can’t do it justice,” said manager Ron Marier, describing the 2018 International Co-Ed Division. “An amazing tournament/experience both on and off the field. Or as we would say in Bavarian ‘A Riesengaudi war‘s!’”

The tournament will begin with the Men’s 55’s and 60’s age divisions, playing Thursday - Sunday, Sept. 19 - 22. The opening weekend will feature 168 teams, making it the largest session of the tournament.

The WMC continues with the Men’s 65 through 85’s age divisions, Monday - Thursday, Sept. 23 - 26. The elder statesmen of the sport highlight the second session, as 14 80-year old and six 85-year old teams are scheduled to participate. Among the Super Seniors, seven players 90-years old and over are expected to take the field.

During the Opening Ceremonies at Noon on Monday, Sept. 23 at Big League Dreams, Ms. Senior USA Kat Ray will perform the National Anthem with Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard presenting the colors. Other attendees expected include former Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman, as well as Dale Eeles, Vice President - Event Development for Las Vegas Events. Michael Leitner, a member of the San Francisco Seals 80, will be officially inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame (NSSHOF) as part of the Class of 2018 in the Pioneer Player Category.

Up next will be the youngsters of the sport: the Men’s and Women’s 40 Masters Divisions, which compete Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27 - 29.

The top award for the sport – the 2019 Steve Simmons Memorial Sportsmanship Award – will be presented to Colorado Ohana, a Women’s 40 Major team.

“This award transcends the game itself,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA CEO. “It stands for all that is good in the sport: passionate competition played with good humor and good fellowship - that is the formula for good sportsmanship. The beauty of good sportsmanship is that it incites a love of the game for all who witness it.”

The WMC concludes Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 3 - 6 with the largest single age division – the Men’s 50s, including two hearing-impaired teams (Whacko's and Leftovers) in the Men’s 50 AAA division.  Whacko’s will be making its fifth straight appearance in the WMC; while Leftovers will be making their debut. The Women’s 50 Division plays Friday - Sunday, Oct. 4 - 6, while the Second Annual International Co-Ed Division teams compete Saturday - Sunday, Oct. 5 - 6.