Spring Nationals Thriving in Polk County, Florida

May 1, 2014

POLK COUNTY, FLA. – The Spring Nationals moved back here to its longtime home for the 10th annual event, and made history when the first 85-year-old team competed in the sport.

The Spring Nationals attracted 33 teams from throughout Florida and Georgia that competed in 10 divisions.

The oldest team, Center for Sight 85s, competed in a mixed division in their round-robin games, then broke off for a best-of-three series against the younger Florida Investment Properties 80s.

Although the 85 team did not win a game, they accomplished a lot.

“We have opened the door,” said manager Al Murray, “and we hope to see other 85 teams form to play us from around the country as the season heats up.”

In the youngest and largest group, the 50 Majors, Miami Power gained the No. 2 seed in pool play and went undefeated in the bracket. Miami Power dominated Good Times 19-2 in the finals for the title.

Team Sonic won the 50 AAA division, beating Brus Room 16-11 in the championship game.

Hollis Appraisals won the 60 Major-Plus division, while Snyder/Lance took the 55 Major title in mixed bracket play.

In 55/60 Gold division playoffs, South Florida Heat defeated Ballbusters 24-19 for the title and Slug-A-Bug beat Elite 60s of Georgia in a lopsided 23-7 contest for the 55/60 Silver championship.

No Stars lost two of their three seeding games, but caught fire in the 60/65 Silver division bracket. No Stars, a 60 AA team, defeated MCC Marketing, a 65 AAA team, for the mixed division title. MCC Marketing won a berth to the TOC for placing first among the 65 AAA teams competing.

In the 65 Platinum division, Murphy’s Law defeated Beach Boyz 20-16 for the title and powerhouse Florida Legends/Human Kenetics beat Talon Wealth Management 14-2 in the 70 Major-Plus championship.

And in the 70/75 Platinum division, MCC Marketing defeated Joseph Chevrolet 11-5 for the title.

After the tournament, SSUSA officials reflected on the tournament site.

“Central Florida’s Polk County has so much to offer this time of year. I can’t think of a better place to host our spring tournament,” said Fran Dowell, executive director of Senior Softball USA.

Polk County also hosts the most elite tournament in softball: Tournament of Champions in February.

“We’re proud to be able to showcase Central Florida’s Polk County to Senior Softball’s world class athletes,” said Mark Jackson, director of tourism and marketing for Polk County.

Central Florida’s Polk County is home to more than 150 sporting events annually including regional, national and world championships.