Top Gun Tune-Up Tournament Recap, May 15-19 at Big League Dreams, Perris, California

Top Gun Tournament a Success

The Top Gun Tune-Up Tournament, held in collaboration with Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) and Top Gun Senior Softball (TGSS), took place from May 15-19 at Big League Dreams in Perris, California. The event attracted 44 teams, divided into nine categories. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of tournament director Jerry Smith, the tournament proceeded smoothly, featuring excellent weather, fantastic fields, and top-notch officiating.

Session 1 Highlights

Session 1 featured intensely competitive games, especially in the 70/75/80 Gold division, which ended in a remarkable five-way tie. Each team recorded two wins and two losses in a round-robin format. Since head-to-head results were inconclusive, final standings were determined by runs allowed. Git-R-Done 75 emerged victorious, conceding just 43 runs across four games. Top Gun 80 Gold and Top Gun Olde Dawgs 75 finished 3rd and 5th, respectively, both with 2-2 records. In the 65/70 Platinum division, Top Gun teams also performed well, with TG Stealth 65 Major finishing 2nd and TG Over the Edge 70 Major Plus securing 3rd place, behind an unbeaten Scorpion team.

Session 2 Highlights

Session 2 saw Top Gun teams dominate, winning championships in all four divisions they entered. In the 50 Platinum division, Top Gun Diamonds emerged as the top 50 Major team, battling through the losers’ bracket before ultimately falling to Stadium, a 50 Major Plus team they bested in seeding. The undefeated Top Gun Renegades triumphed in the 50/55 Gold division, narrowly defeating Top Gun G-Force by one run in the second round of seeding. The Top Gun Warriors 60+ Major excelled in the 55/60 Gold division, remaining undefeated and overcoming a resilient Top Gun Storm 55+AAA team in the final, which had won four straight elimination games. In the 60+ AAA division, Top Gun Fury went undefeated as the top seed, overcoming the gritty Harper Boys, who had fought their way through the losers’ bracket, winning four straight elimination games before the final.

Final Standings

Men’s 50+ Platinum:

  1. Stadium (CA) – (50+ Major Plus Champions)
  2. Top Gun Diamonds (CA) – (50+ Major Champions)
  3. WYD (CA)

Men’s 60+ AAA:

  1. Top Gun Fury (CA)
  2. Harper Boyz (CA)
  3. So Cal NDY (CA)

Men’s 65/70+ Gold:

  1. No Guts, No Glory (CA) – (70+ Major Champions)
  2. D & K Softball (CA)
  3. So-Cal Titans 65s

Men’s 50/55+ Gold:

  1. Top Gun Renegades (CA) – (50+ AAA Champions)
  2. Viejos So Cal
  3. SoCal Bears

Men’s 60+ AA:

  1. So Cal Riptide 60 (CA)
  2. NAK (CA)

Men’s 70/75+ Gold:

  1. Majestic 70 (CA) – (70+ AAA Champions)
  2. Git-R-Done 70 (CA)
  3. SoCal Gusto

Men’s 55/60+ Gold:

  1. Top Gun Warriors (CA) – (60+ Major Champions)
  2. Top Gun Storm (CA)
  3. Venom 55s (CA)

Men’s 65/70+ Platinum:

  1. California Scorpions (65+ Major Champions)
  2. Top Gun Stealth (CA)
  3. Top Gun Over The Edge (CA)

Men’s 70/75/80+ Gold:

  1. Git-R-Done 75 (CA) – (75+ AAA)
  2. Lights Out 70 (CA)
  3. So Cal Warriors 75s

Don't miss Top Gun's final tournament!

The Top Gun Summer Classic is coming up quick, August 13-18, 2024, in San Clemente, California. This event offers several advantages: cooler coastal weather and the last opportunity on the SSUSA schedule to qualify players for the 2024 SSUSA World Championships in Las Vegas. Please note that new chips cannot qualify in this tournament. Managers are urged to register their teams early due to limited spots.

Register Now

by Rachel Maxwell

Top Gun Blue Angels: The Senior Softball Legends Clinch Rock-N-Reno Challenge

The Top Gun Blue Angels 85+ senior softball team has once again proven their mettle by clinching the championship at the prestigious Rock-N-Reno Challenge. This victory not only reinforces their status as the defending world champions but also highlights their resilience and competitive spirit. The tournament, known for being the oldest Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) qualifier, celebrated its 36th year with an impressive participation of 182 teams spanning various age groups and skill levels.

A Lone Contender Triumphs

The Top Gun Blue Angels were the sole representatives of the Top Gun organization in this year’s Rock-N-Reno Challenge, and they made their presence felt in an emphatic fashion. Under the leadership of the legendary player-manager Red Simmons, the team demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with in senior softball. Seeded second in the tournament, the Blue Angels faced stiff competition, particularly from the formidable Scrap Iron 85 Legends.

The Road to Victory

Their journey in the tournament was anything but smooth. Despite missing five key starters, the Blue Angels faced a setback when they narrowly lost the A side final to Scrap Iron 85 Legends by a single run. However, true to their fighting spirit, the team did not let this loss deter them. Instead, they regrouped and prepared for the challenging path ahead.

In the third-place game, the Blue Angels showcased their resilience and determination by securing a crucial victory. This win set the stage for a dramatic showdown against Scrap Iron 85 Legends in the finals. The Blue Angels needed to win twice to clinch the championship, a daunting task that tested their skill and endurance.

A Double Dip to Glory

In an extraordinary display of talent and perseverance, the Blue Angels rose to the occasion. They managed to defeat Scrap Iron 85 Legends not just once, but twice, in back-to-back games. The final game was particularly thrilling, as the Blue Angels came from behind to secure the victory. Trailing by four runs with the bottom of the order due up, the team rallied impressively, showcasing their depth and determination to pull out the win. This “double dip” victory was a testament to their strategic acumen, physical conditioning, and unyielding spirit.

Standout Performers

Several players made significant contributions throughout the tournament, earning All-Tournament honors. Dave Duarte, Terry Nafsinger, Gene Hanson, Frank Seaberg, and Lynn Anglin were instrumental in the team’s success, each delivering crucial performances when it mattered most.

Led by a Legend

Central to the Blue Angels’ success is Red Simmons, a Hall of Famer whose dual role as player and manager has been instrumental in guiding the team to numerous victories. Simmons’ experience, leadership, and passion for the game have been invaluable assets, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. His strategic decisions and on-field performance continue to set a high standard for the team.

Looking Ahead

With the Rock-N-Reno Challenge title now added to their impressive list of accolades, the Top Gun Blue Angels are not just resting on their laurels. As the defending world champions, they are well aware of the targets on their backs and are continuously striving to improve and prepare for future challenges. The team will have their starters back for the upcoming Western Nationals and World Championships, bolstering their already formidable lineup.

Conclusion

The Top Gun Blue Angels’ triumph at the Rock-N-Reno Challenge is a story of resilience, teamwork, and exceptional leadership. Their journey through the tournament, capped by the thrilling double victories in the finals, underscores their status as legends in the sport. As they continue to dominate the senior softball scene, the Blue Angels remain an inspiration to athletes of all ages, exemplifying the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie.

by Rachel Maxwell

Spotlight on Lee Bade: A Dedicated Top Gun Senior Softball Member

At Top Gun, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting senior softball and raising funds for charitable causes, our members shine both on and off the field. One such outstanding member is Lee Bade, whose commitment to the sport and community service exemplifies the spirit of Top Gun.

Lee has been an integral part of Top Gun for the past 8 years, contributing to various teams from the 55+ age group and up. His dedication and skill were most recently recognized in 2023 when he was named Player of the Year for the Top Gun Warriors 60+ major team. Despite his demanding full-time job, Lee manages to balance his professional and athletic commitments with significant charitable efforts.

One cause particularly close to Lee’s heart is the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event he participates in annually. This year’s climb will be held on August 31 at the Hilton Bayfront in downtown San Diego. As a transplanted New Yorker with first responders in his family, Lee has a personal connection to this cause. The stair climb is conducted in memory of the firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Participants, including Lee and his team members, will be ascending 30 flights of stairs three times. The funds raised through this event support Firefighter Aid, a registered 501(c)(3) charity that provides critical assistance to firefighters and their families in times of crisis, and promotes health and safety within the firefighting community.

Lee’s involvement in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb not only honors the brave firefighters of New York but also underscores the philanthropic spirit that permeates Top Gun. His dedication to this cause serves as an inspiration to his fellow members, encouraging them to support charities that resonate with them personally.

We invite everyone to join Lee’s team or to contribute to this worthy cause. More information on how to participate or donate can be found in the link provided.

Lee Bade’s commitment to giving back is a testament to the impact that Top Gun members can have, both within their communities and beyond. His example is a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can all make in the world.

For more information on how to participate or donate, please follow the link below:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88033/2024-san-diego-911-memorial-stair-climb/pledge/team/652679

by Rachel Maxwell