The DEA Kickoff starts off the Police Softball Circuit on the West Coast. This year, it is a part of the “ELITE 8”, meaning the winner of the Major Division would receive an automatic bid into the Elite 8 come the World Series. The 2022 World Series Champion, The Connection, has already secured a spot. Meaning if they win the DEA Kickoff, there would be an at large bid, for a team, prior to the World Series.
The first of the 2023 season Elite 8 tournaments is in the books!
The Weather was in the 70s and all the teams came with their new uniforms and new players. In addition, players were using a New Onyx Softball, new Oxyx bats, new Easton, Miken, and Worth bats as well. Ryan Vega from Elite was on site with plenty of new Elite Swag.
In between the Round Robin play and playoffs, there is the annual Home Run Derby. This year, the derby never had more importance. Police Softball is a family, period. If someone needs assistance, the Police Softball Community is there. This year is no different. Eddy Arceo is a player in Police Softball most everyone knows. He is currently playing with LA Blue/Monsta. His son EASTON ARCEO is 10 years old and was diagnosed with lymphoblastic Leukemia. This year, the Derby was dedicated to EASTON ARCEO, All proceeds to the tournament went to EASTON’S family.
The derby was a huge success. Fenway couldn’t hold the balls in the park. After several rounds, the finals were Stephen Bautista (The Connection) and Buddy Lundy (LA Blue/ Monsta). (Both well-known power hitters on the circuit). Stephen Bautista was able to nudge out Buddy Lundy to win the Home Run Derby. But more importantly, the derby was able to raise over $700.
The playoffs began with 10 teams in the Major Division. 1) BP Arsenal/Snap On, 2) State 48, 3) The Connection, 4) DEA, 5) LA Blue, 6) Familia, 7) W.C. Lawmen, 8) S.B. Hit Squad, 9) CA CLSK, and 10) RSO Force. The first two teams that go 0-2 drop to the Gold Division bracket (W.C. Lawmen and S.B. Hit Squad). In the undefeated game – LA Blue/Monsta were unable to manage their home runs and The Connection were able to get the victory. LA Blue/Monsta beat DEA to face The Connection in the Ship. It wasn’t a close game as The Connection beat LA Blue/Monsta to win the DEA Kickoff. Which leaves an at large spot for the Elite 8.
There was no question who the tournament MVP was ….. (EASTON ARCEO)
The Connection all tourney players – Steve Abina , Mike Bobbitt (team MVP), Jorgie Vina, and Lucas Padronos.
LA Blue/Monsta all tourney players – Eric Michael Mattos, Daulton Hammah Cabacungan, Mihael Paul Dacken, and Keoki Kimo Cavaco.
1) The Connection, 2) LA Blue/Monsta, 3) DEA Combo, 4) BP Arsenal/Snap On, tied 5)CA CLASK and RSO Force, tied 7th Familia and State 48, tied 9) W.C. Lawmen and S.B. Hit Squad.
The Gold Division bracket was 1) S.B. Hit Squad, 2) W.C. Lawmen, 3) SLAPS, 4) Mixed Nuts, 5) Lockdown, 6) Reloaded, 7) W.C. Sandlot, 8) Nitro 9) Socal Riot, 10) Omerta.
The undefeated game was Reloaded vs W.C. Sandlot. Reloaded won and waited the winner of W.C. Sandlot and Nitro. Nitro was able to beat Reloaded. Which meant Nitro would have to double dip Reloaded. Nitro was able to get a win during the first game, causing the “IF” game. Reloaded was able to regroup and beat Nitro. Reloaded is the 2023 DEA Kickoff Gold Champions. Reloaded all tourney’s were Chris Maxey, Alex Denobriga, Jake Denobriga, and Joel Chavez Jr.
Once again, prayers go out to Easton Arceo and his family. Police Softball is here to fight the fight with you. Keep Fighting Easton, Police Softball has your six.
