C&M, MONARCHS, MEMPHIS AMONG SOUTHERN VICTORS

Sept. 1, 2012 – Giovanni Crotti

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The 2012 Southern Championships returned to Birmingham for the sixth straight year, drawing 28 teams from six states.

Although rain threatened to derail the tournament, the field maintenance supervisor at Liberty Park, and players from participating teams banded together, shoulder to shoulder to prep the fields and preserve this Southern classic.

In one of the largest divisions, the 50 AAA, the Monarchs from Georgia were undefeated in pool play winning by comfortable margins. In bracket play the Monarchs eked out a one-run victory over Montgomery Swarm (15-14) before beating Doc C’s twice in two heavily competitive games to take home the title.

The 55 Majors had the distinction of being the most competitive division in the tournament as many games ended in close fashion. C&M Sports entered bracket play as the top seed but was upended by four runs by the Boyz of Summer out of Florida to send them down to the loser’s bracket.

C&M Sports took the long route to the championship game as they won three straight games by a total of just five runs. C&M Sports continued their run as they beat TSC/Howard Construction twice in the Championship and “If” games (28-26 & 27-26) to win the division.

The seven-team Men’s 55/60 Silver Division was the largest division in the tournament. The Georgia/Alabama Masters swept through the division going 2-0 in pool play and 4-0 in bracket play. To win the championship, the Georgia/Alabama Masters beat Columbus LX twice, once in the winner’s bracket 26-25 and the second time in the championship game 32-17.

Memphis Edge, who went undefeated in pool play, outslugged Mobley Gin in the Men’s 60 Platinum Division 43-31 in an exciting winner-take-all championship game.

Panhandle Hitmen (65 Major) and Custom Graphics (65 AAA) each swept their opponents to win their respective brackets in the 65/70 Platinum Division.

For complete game results, see www.seniorsoftball.com, go to Tournaments, then click on Southern Championships.

Southern Championship All Tourney Players 2012

Men’s 50Major- C& M Sporting Goods- Mike Langford, Calvin McCrary, Michael Williams, Tim Lee, Merrill Sport. TSC/Howard Construction- Denolphus Eason, Myron Usher, Norman Bogue.

Men’s 50AAA- Monarchs- Albert Kemp, Justin Fail, Jimmie Orange, Brett Cooper, Rene Baum.Doc C’s- Kenny Phillips, James Burkett, Mike York. Ram Softball- Randy Thomas, Richard Bozarth.

Men’s 55AAA- Atlanta Recycling Solution-David Hutchins, Guy Hydrick, Nat Davis, Rick Goss, Mike Iaciofano. Dixie Senior- Dennis Moore, David Lincoln, Harold Fincher.

Men’s 55/60 Silver- Georgia/Alabama Masters- Ron Petre, Jerry Wilbanks, Steve Perlman, Ray Bryant, Allen Ferguson.

Men’s 60Platinum- Memphis Invest/Edge-Tom Goatley , Mike Jackson, Dale Smith, Benny Rowland, Leo Koulogianes.

Men’s 65/70Platinum- Panhandle Hitmen- Juan Sanchez, Willie Stegall, Herman Griffith, Billy Shields, Jimmy Thompson. Talon Wealth Management- Jim Harrison, Frank Marchitelli, Marv Wolfgang, Gregg Foster.

Men’s 65/70 AAA-Custom Graphics- Herman Eaker, Phil Ragone, Jim Lamarand, Rick Branan, Sonny Burrell. OSM- James Thompson, Fred Martin, George Williams.