In 2007 Policesoftball.com implemented a ranking system that was based on points accrued in relation to performance at certain pre-determined tournaments. For purpose of this article we will refer to that system as version 1.0. We believe that by the end of each season (07 &08) that version, although not perfect, was an accurate reflection of how the teams should be ranked based on the objective performance standard.

This is the official Policesoftball.Com World Series IV report. The event was once again held at the Big League Dreams facility in Cathedral City, Ca. and it once again featured the 50 best teams in the law enforcement circuit. Every year the event has grown and drawn more national exposure and this year was no different. Easton Sports was the primary sponsor the event and Brett Helmer was on scene to rub elbows with the players and take in the action. Friday saw bracket play action for seeding purposes for the double elimination playoffs. On Friday night the opening ceremony took place and that included the presentation of Colors by the American Legion Honor Guard. The ceremonial first pitch was tossed by a collection of wives who represented all the wives & families who supported the players throughout the season and tolerated us acting like little leaguers for a few weekends this year.

The last two years have given us Donny Meyer and James Ruochhio as our East Coast Players of the Year. Those footsteps are hard to follow but we believe we have succeeded in finding a player who is just as deserving. His name is Doug Cullen of the Jacksonville Police Softball Club. Doug's name is synonymous with excellence. Doug has been playing injured all year due to an on duty traffic accident but even so, he has been named to two all-tournament teams. Even playing injured, Doug has lead the Jax team in defense all year playing second and third base. If you get the chance, watch a Jacksonville game this weekend or watch the All-Star game to see what a professional approach Doug brings to the field.

Mark Tolliver of A-1 Towing/Hard-Cor is our 2008 West Coast Player of the Year. Mark has pitched Hard-Cor into the top of the West Coast standings over the last four years and he has pitched his teams to top 5 finishes in every tournament he has played in this year. Mark is fearless on the mound and will glove anything near him. As good as a pitcher Mark is, he is equally as strong of a hitter and will consistently hit in the .700s. Mark can hit for average, power and he can place the ball anywhere on the field.

There are very few players who you cannot take your eyes off of due to their exciting style of play. Nate Baez is one of those players. When Nate is playing 5 man, opposing batters are very aware of where he is and this is one thing that makes him so effective. Nate has always been one of the top infielders in the police game but this year Nate seems to have elevated his game to a new level. His defense has been a big key to the Alliance this season. Nate is a very heady player and he is constantly aware of the game situation and what he can do to best help the team on the field.

This year PoliceSoftball.com wanted to recognize the defensive players who rarely get the press the big offensive machines receive so from this point forward, we will name an East and West coast defensive player of the year. To win this award, you must be a difference maker on the field. Not just a player who is good with the glove, but a player who can affect the game. A great outfielder in a 4 man outfield can be a great player but it is hard for them to change the game. A great outfielder in a three man outfield that allows his team to drop that fourth outfielder into the infield is definitely a game changer. A great pitcher that drops a team averaging 20 runs a game to 15 runs a game is a game changer. An infielder that makes teams try to hit the ball away from them is a game changer. These are the difference makers we looked at when we came up with this award.

Anthony “BigTone” Costanzo is this year’s Shevy Wright’s Sportsman of the year. When you study the police softball landscape, there are a handful of people that make you realize why this sport so good. Tony Costanzo is one of those people. Tony loves to play hard between the lines but above all else he values the brotherhood police softball brings him.

Walter “Red” Conry has coached the New York Metro team since 1982. Many times Red has reached into his own pockets to support the team and he has never thought twice about doing so. Red is an original inductee into the PoliceSoftball.com Hall of Fame and he currently possesses over 75 tournament wins under his belt. This year Red’s team is currently tied for #1 going into the World Series and has won two tournaments. Red's teams have always done well in the World Series and this year many are predicting they will contend for the title.

Ralph Knecht is the driving force behind the Sacramento Police Softball team. Over the last three years, Sacramento Police Softball was primarily a NorCal team and didn’t play enough tourneys to make the top 20 of the rankings. At the end of last year, Ralph made it his goal to get his team playing on the circuit and see how good this team could be.

OSS International has been a big supporter of the Concord Police Softball team and they are one of the big reasons for their success this year. The backing of OSS has allowed the Concord team to travel across the country and support other tournaments. Concord has always been a big player in West coast softball and with the assistance of OSS, they have been even bigger.

At every World Series, PoliceSoftball.com announces their year end awards. After soliciting our members for feedback, we review nominations and decide who is the most worthy of the awards. The first award we would like to announce is the Zada Enterprises East Coast Sponsor of the Year award. As all teams know, the generosity of sponsors allows them the ability to travel and support other tournaments throughout the year. This year's award goes to Blackwater Worldwide who is the sponsor of the Virginia Lawmen.