Fridays night festifities kicked off at Peabodys dance club across from the Holiday Inn, over 400 players and wives and friends showed up and had a great time eating at the buffet and drinking free beer.

Saturday morning started with a presentation of two plaques to two future Hall of Famers Brad Borowy and Freddy Jimenez thanking them for their dedication and support to their community. These two coaches give their heart and soul to their community and their teams. Also a 1,000.00 check was presented to Keith Benjamin as a donation to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Keith has graciously took the lead in organizing the collection of proceeds from tournament directors throughout the year. On a somber note there was 5 former Maryland State Police playing with Capital City that learned of the sad fate of one of their brother troopers who lost his life the night before in a vehicle pursuit. Our hearts and prayers go out to this officer and others who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

The tournament started the day with six brackets of teams playing in two divisions the GOLD/Silver and bronze brackets. Bracket winners were Ohio Lawmen, Shamrock TPS, Nassau County, South Florida and Detroit Finest.

As the double elimination began the four undefeated teams were Virginia Lawmen, Shamrocks TPS Hardcor and South Florida. Virginia jumped out early on the Shamrocks and was winning 18-0 but lost on a walk off homerun by Joe Critelli. South Florida beat Hardcor 28-12 . While the winners bracket was were getting set, Ohio Lawmen was gaining steam in the losers bracket beating Wayne Oakland, Virginia Lawmen and avenging a loss that sent them to the losers bracket by beating a strong Hardcor team. Ohio Lawmen then faced South Florida and beat them 25-19 which set up the Championship final with Shamrock TPS who beat South Florida by one run 23-22.

The Shamrocks were younger, athletic and fresher compared to Ohio Lawmen who played the most games of the day by any team. The Shamrocks pounced on Ohio Lawmen and the fatigue and injuries were mounting on the Ohio players. Shamrocks TPS won and made a statement even though they were missing Mike Taylor and others on their roster. The lovable Donovan Delaney hit over .800 and was named MVP of the tournament and won a TPS package.

Shamrock TPS ALL Tournament team Dave Masi, Joe Critelli, Joe Marculic and Scott Kulpinski.

Ohio Lawmen All Tournament selections were Brian Key, Dusty Bowling and Josh Uleary.

South Florida selections were Ogie and Chris Giles. Ogie made both Tournaments All Tournament teams. Great job guys

Silver Division produced some of the toughest games I saw all weekend long with Louisville Metro, Capital City and Greene County and Charles County Maryland battling it out in the semi-finals of the bracket. Capital City and Greene County won setting up the winner’s bracket finals with Greene County Ohio winning. Capital City then played a grat game against Louisville Metro to once again set up the Championship game. Greene County was fresher than Capital City who played a lot of long games in the double elimination tournament. Greene county won the game and earned the title. Doug Schwalbach, Jamie Givens and Tony Vitalle were named to the All Tournament team. Great job by Marc M. of the Greene County Ohio team who is always a tough opponent. Capital City All Tournament team players were Scotty Hall and Eric Evans , great job Mike Murphy.

Bronze division played a 5 team bracket setting up a double elimination tournament. The Lancaster Virginia team are nothing but class and want to socialize with fellow officers lost their two double elimination games. Gringos the Combo of VBPD Detectives and VBSO personnel defeated Bridgeport Conn. and Brooklyn Misfits. Gringos were in the finals again. Brooklyn beat Bridgeport but I never seen a team have so much fun in a tournament as the Bridgeport team.

They drink, play and have fun as a team under the guidance of one the nicest guys Alexis Ruiz. See you guys next year. The Brooklyn Misfits had to beat the Gringos twice to win the Championship. It was like a soccer match with teams exchanging jerseys and hugging. This is what separates Police ball from civilian ball guys. I presented a first place plaque and out came the numerous fans and several bottles of champagne were uncorked and they had a blast celebrating right along with the Gringos. I was proud to see the class shown by JR Bailey and the boys in congratulating the Brooklyn Misfits on their win.

All tournament for Gringos was EJ Eric Johnson and from Brooklyn were Nelson Rodriguez and Victor Limardo who has been coming to this tournament for years and quickly announced his retirement from softball. Victor you are a good man and will be missed. Joe Quigley then dedicated the win to his wife who passed in December. Joe on behalf of everyone at the tournament, sorry for your loss, You’re a great guy and a joy to deal with in reference to your team. Thanks to all the teams for treating me and my family with the greatest of respect, see you guys on the circuit and next year watch out for Battle at the Beach. Terry