This year 71 teams came to the World Series and played in various divisions. The teams that did well had numerous players contribute to their success but on each of those teams, certain players stood out and helped drive their teams to success. The players that stood out were named ALL-WORLD, GOLD GLOVE and MVP by their coaching staffs. The ALL-WORLD and GOLD GLOVE players received PoliceSoftball.com medallions and the MVPs received stone obelisk trophies. The players who received these honors are:

Big League Dreams Las Vegas played host to the Police Softball World Series which drew 71 law enforcement teams, with 1000+ players from over 30 states. The word “World” in World Series was appropriate in that, there were three Canadian teams participating; Toronto Police Softball, Prince Albert Police and the Regina Cyclones. Early arrivals were treated to a catered player’s reception at the Golden Nugget Hotel hosted by Hall of Famer Terry Dugan and his new Virginia based Lockdown Sports Gear company. Easton Sports with Brett Helmer and Miken with Denny Crine supplied all the bats for the tournament. The provided bat format has become very popular as there was no specter of juiced bats looming over the teams. It was a level playing field for all the competitors as games would be won and lost based only on talent and execution.

We typically get year end award nominations from team managers, compare them against each other, talk to some well informed people, look at what kind of year the team is having, compare that against what we know and what we think we know, and ultimately we name our year end award winners. This year the process was a little different. Yes we received numerous nominations but one name kept coming up over and over and it came from numerous teams.

The California Showtime team is relatively new to police softball having made their debut last year, but their players are veterans of the game and know how to win. This was evident at World Series VIII when this first year team shot past numerous established teams to grab a top 5 finish against the best in the nation.

Matt is one of the rare players where we received numerous nominations from different teams. Some of these nominations were for player of the year which is a testament to how much people value his abilities and style of play. Matt is the centerfielder for the OH5O team and although he is a great hitter who can hit for power and average, people feel he truly separates himself by his outstanding play in centerfield.

When it comes to defense, HardCor attracts it like no other team in the nation. This is only the sixth year this award has been in effect and four of the winners has played for HardCor at one time or another. This year it is Bryan Schmidt bringing home the hardware. Schmidt plays shortstop for HardCor who is one of the top police teams in the nation. Hardcor won World Series V and they come into World Series IX as one of the favorites to reach the final game. At World Series V HardCor was known as a complete team with lockdown defense. This year is no different. Leading that defense is Bryan "Schmitty" Schmidt.

LAPD has a long tradition of excellence in the police world but it has also experienced a few bumps in the road over the years. Each time LAPD struggles, they come together and rise again. This pattern is very much similar to the LAPD Lawmen. The LAPD Lawmen has a long history of success and many great players have at one time or another played for the Lawmen team.

If you have ever coach a police softball team you know it is the hardest aspect of the game. It takes dedication, time away from your family and very thick skin because there is always someone willing to criticize your decisions.

Retired Captain Ed Clarke personifies sportsmanship and class and these traits are why we looked at him for our 2013 Sportsman of the Year. Ed is a leader in his community putting on various blood and food drives to support the Captain Mattingly Fund (Capt. Mattingly was killed in the line of duty). Ed is also a recognized expert in school safety in the Washington Metro Area. If you have a question about active shooter scenarios, seek Ed out at any tournament and you will find your answers. The longtime leader of the Montgomery County Young Gunz is well respected in the police softball world due to the example he sets for all of us on a daily basis.

Our Shevy Wright Sportsman of the Year is a man known to many in the West Conference. Lyle Reyes has been a fixture for many years in the west and he has always been a positive and supportive part of police softball.

Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund has been a great sponsor for many years for the Suffolk County Lawmen. The Fund was established in 1972 after the tragic shooting death of Patrolman George Frees in April of 1971. It’s primary purpose was to provide financial assistance for continuing educational purposes to the children of Suffolk County Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. At the present time the Fund provides $60,000 per child and surviving spouse towards these expenses associated with college or trade school expenses.

King Taco Restaurant Inc, was established on September 16th, 1974, Mexican Independence day . The first restaurant was built in Cypress Park, Ca which is located just Northeast of Los Angeles. Today, King Taco is at 20 restaurants strong throughout Southern California and continues to grow.

The West ConferenceWest Conference HOF Committee is proud to announce the 2013 HOF Class! The committee discussed the candidates worked diligently on the process and good discussions ensued.

The East Conference Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce their 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee’s. The HOF Committee is chaired by Dennis Leonard (Florida) and its members are Richie “Koko” Ware (New York), Dan Spinelli (New York), Dave Woolfe (Ohio), Terry Dugan (Virginia), David “Popeye” Stevens (Florida), Terry Ables (Ohio), Andy Wurm (Michigan), Scott Afholter (Michigan), Steve Matakovich (Steele City), Vic Ortalano (Pennsylvania) and Ron Breeden (Maryland).