2006 Dudley/Budweiser Major NIT

The USSSA Dudley Budweiser NIT was held in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota this past weekend. The teams came and the rain came not once, but three or four times throughout the weekend. Bell Corp/Taylor/Belcher/Easton had to do it the hard way, by winning the “if” game. The Bell Boys rolled through the winner’s bracket final game defeating Resmondo, then fell to Resmondo 39-20 in the championship game, and then came the “if” game. Resmondo got off to a 17-3 lead, but Bell came charging back to take the lead for good by scoring 17 big runs, and that was it. I know this, when these two gladiators get it on it is a total war. These are two top flight softball teams that have a lot of talent. Congratulations to the Bell team on winning this prestigious tournament. The Bell boys sure proved who is the #1 team in “Bigtime Softball” at this time. Bell was led by MVP Brett Helmer in a total offensive assault throughout the tournament.

Second place went to Resmondo/KME Softball. The “Sod Boys” played pretty good, but got a scare from K&C Lockdown in one of the semi-final games, but managed to escape with a two run win. The “Sod Boys” came into the championship game and hit good to win easy. They looked like they were going to run away with the “if” game, but did not catch it very well, and let Bell back in it. I know this, Resmondo is going to have to catch it a whole lot better if they expect to contend as the #1 team in 2006. They will have to definitely get much better play from their infielders. “The Bell Boys” on the other hand have one of the best, if not the best infield in the history of the game. Joerling at third, Dedonatis at short, Rulli in the middle, Mello at second and Goulash at first makes up this unbelievable infield. I’m here to tell you, when you can play four great shortstops in your infield, you are not going to lose too often. I have said that I think Bell has the best team on 300′ fields, and I still believe Resmondo is the better team on the baseball fields, we will see.

Third place went to Specialty Tank/Creative Walls/K&G/Worth, who’s only loss of the weekend was to Resmondo. “The Tank Boys” rolled through the loser’s bracket after losing to Resmondo. “The Tank Boys” would of had to play Resmondo, but chose to catch their flights home and did not play the game. I know this, the “Worth Boys” have turned the corner and will be a force down the road. Congratulations to Specialty Tank on a good Dudley.

Fourth place went to K&C Lockdown/Graphic23/Easton who are a very good A team. I believe this will be the team to beat in Class A this season. This team has a tremendous pitcher and great defense, and they can base hit it with anybody. The one thing I like about this team is that they never quit. Great job guys.

I’m going to write a little about the job Warren and his staff did in getting this one finished. The maintenance staff of the City of Brooklyn Center deserve all the credit for getting this tournament finished. I’m here to tell you that after of five inches of rain Friday and Saturday on those softball fields their crew had those fields playable each day doing a remarkable job. Congratulations to Warren, Jerry and the whole USSSA staff on another Great Dudley.