Charity Tournament: Iowa Spring Warm Up Gives Back to Community

May 1, 2023

By Nic Francois
Softball News Report

DES MOINES, IOWA  – 25 teams representing five states competed in the annual 2023 Iowa Spring Warm Up Tournament April 27-30.

What makes the Iowa Spring Warm Up special, says tournament Director Jim Bagbey, is that all profits  go to a local charity. For this specific touranment, the charity is Kaden’s Kloset - Ankeny and Humboldt.

Kaden’s Kloset is a 100% volunteer and donation run not-for-profit organization that assists children in foster care and their foster parents with clothing and other necessities. The charity’s Ankeny and Humboldt locations operate in the Ankeny and Humboldt, Iowa, communities and beyond.

“Last year, Kaden’s Kloset found itself serving more families and children than ever. Around the same time, we were contacted by Jim Bagbey,” says Kristle Davis, founder of Kaden’s Kloset. “We had no idea what an incredible gift their support would be! We were able to purchase new packages of socks, underwear, school supplies and more for our Klosets to distribute to local children!”

“We are so very grateful for each and every player on the teams that provide support to our organization through their team entry fees,” added Davis.

Jim Bagbey has another charity tournament with Senior Softball USA coming up May 18-21, in Waterloo, Iowa. This one will donate to Kaden’s Kloset of Waterloo and Cedar Falls and surrounding communities. While it might be too late to add your team to this upcoming tournament, please contact Bagbey for next year’s charity tournaments.

Results:

Men’s 50+ AA/AAA/Major: AAA rated MC Improvements (WI) took first place in a close championship game, 15-14, against Major rated Iowa Demons. While MC Improvements is the 50+ AAA Champion, Iowa Demons were the 50+ Major Champs. Elite Reality/KR Signs, AAA, worked their way through the elimination bracket to claim third place.

Men’s 55+ AAA/Major: Similar to the 50+ bracket, 55+ Iowa Demons went undefeated in the seeding and bracket games to clinch the 55+ Major Championship, while KC Stampede (MO) worked their way through the elimination bracket after losing their first bracket game to win the 55+ AAA Championships. Minnesota Lumberjacks 55s finished third in the four-team division.

Men’s 60+ AAA/Major: Two Major teams made it to the championship game, so the 60+ Major championship title belongs to the Iowa Demons (top photo below), who were also undefeated. Second seeded Omaha Silver Bullets/Minleon finished as the finalist team after surviving the elimination bracket after losing their first bracket game. Minnesota Lumberjacks 60s (bottom photo below) finished third, as the 60+ AAA Champions, after forfeiting the last elimination game to Omaha Silver bullets/Minleon.

Men’s 65+ AAA/Major: Second seeded Minnesota Blizzards (top photo below) took first place and the 65+ AAA title after winning a tight championship game, 13-12, against first seeded and undefeated Minnesota Lumberjacks 65s (bottom photo below). While this would normally result in an IF game, both teams decided to forfeit due to the cold weather. Therefore, the Lumberjacks accepted second and the Playmakers (WI) took third place.

Men’s 70/75+ AA/AAA/Major: In this four-team mixed division, three teams earned titles. Second-seeded Minnesota River Bats (top photo below) went undefeated in the bracket, earning the titles of Divisional Champions and 70+ AAA Champions. Fourth seeded Midwest Fossils (NE - bottom photo below) finished second and earned the title of 75+ Major Champions. AAA rated Silver 70s Softball (IA) finished third.