“Don’t call it a comeback. We’ve been here for years.” After losing the 2020 season due to COVID, things felt normal again in Las Vegas for Police Softball World Series XVI. The event sold out with 32 teams competing in Uppers (Majors & Mids) and 38 teams in Lowers (Gold). We scheduled for a 40 team Gold division but we had 2 late drops. In total we had a total of 70 teams from over 30 states competing over the four-days.

We put this preview together off information obtained on the message board, from the Stool Pigeon, "word on the street", and conversations from team leaders. If your team does not have much coverage, it is because we likely did not get any intel on you. Which could be a good thing...or not depending on what you are looking for.

Once again, we kicked off the 2022 season here on the East Coast with the Brian Aselton Memorial Tournament and the weather did not disappoint. The field of teams was probably one of the most challenging and most competitive field of 20 teams that I have ever had at this long running Tournament including the Connection coming all the way from the West Coast.

For the first time in a few years, the DEA Kickoff was held in Palm Springs. There were several new teams and teams that changed their names. They were all ready to start the West Coast season off on the right track.

Teams found out the “April Fools” Tournament lived up to it’s name this year. Just when they thought they had enough players … April Fools … players either dropped out the week of or no showed all together. Several teams played short handed this year, but that didn’t stop guys from coming out and showing support.

This year’s tournament was played on Friday and Saturday at Pierson Park in Wellington, Florida. I definitely like the Friday, Saturday format for several reasons, travel expense, host party convenience, etc. and Sunday as a travel or rainout day.

Again, a portion of this year’s proceeds went to the Ofc. John Hege Memorial Fund (OJHMF.org). John gave the ultimate sacrifice on March 21st, 2009. As an organ donor, he lives on through those he was able help after his death. Combined events like ours and the OJHMF Golf Tourney raised over $30,000 in 2021! Please check out OJHMF.org and become a donor.

We began the day early Saturday morning at Grande Park, the premier softball facility on the east coast, and the weather was fantastic!!!!20 teams went into 5 pools each team played 3 pool play games for seeding. Myrtle Beach Spring National 2022

The 14th Annual West Conference Championships were held at the San Diego Sportsplex for the 2nd year and the conditions were ideal for softball. The San Diego Deputy Sheriff Association co-hosted the event and welcomed the teams with a player reception at their facility. Aside from the free tacos and libations, the highlight was a cornhole tournament that was won by Team King George.

At this year’s event was Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Officer Linsey Timmins, widow of Midwest Heat teammate and Pontoon Beach Illinois Police Officer Tyler Timmins, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last October. After some inspiring words to those in attendance, Linsey, with her daughter at her side, threw out our ceremonial first pitch.

All inductees will be recognized on the field at the World Series during our opening ceremonies and issued a coveted Hall of Fame Challenge Coin. Special thanks go out to our Hall of Fame Committee Chairs, Dennis Leonard and Tyson Becker for organizing the voting committees.

Policesoftball.com is pleased to announce the winners of our prestigious end of season awards. The winners will be recognized on the field during our opening ceremony at World Series XVII in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There were several great nominees this year but ultimately, Vaughan went with Brad due to his contributions to others individually and to teams. Brad will be presented with a plaque courtesy of Garrett Metal Detectors during our opening ceremony.

The 2024 Scollo Memorial, turned out to be the best one yet. The leap of faith in moving from our home base and comfort zone to the premier complex in the country paid off. I told my team this was a top 2 experience in police ball for me, for many reasons.