A push through the door became a love of libraries

Written by Bob on January 24th, 2012


The Zumbrota Carnegie Library built in 1908.

YUCAIPA, CA – When I was about 9 or 10 in the late 1950s, my mother started taking me every Saturday morning to Zumbrota’s (Minn) Carnegie Library. Actually, she forced me to go. I hated that old library. And I hated reading.

But my mother insisted that her eldest son, who failed second grade because he fell way behind in reading, was going to become – at the very least – a passable reader.

So off to the library we would trudge on Saturdays.

I had a choice, either I could choose a book to read during the coming week, or she would do it for me. Click to continue »

 

Irv Lutz was a true softball legend

Written by Bob on January 20th, 2012

By Mike Givler / Sports Editor
Lebanon Daily News

LEBANON, PA – It’s better known as Prescott Field, but it recently became the Lutz Family Field, and appropriately so.

Irv Lutz – and his entire family for that matter – has been synonymous with fastpitch softball in Lebanon County for four decades and helped grow the sport into one that was cherished and celebrated in this area every summer…

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AAU men’s fastpitch tournament mushrooms into international event

Written by Bob on January 18th, 2012


The six ball diamonds at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex are considered by many as some of the finest in the sport of men’s fastpitch softball. Contributed photo

ORLANDO, FL – In 1996, Alex Linares decided to start a men’s fastpitch softball tournament in Miami, Florida. Only eight teams took part – all from the Miami area.

Little did he fathom at the time that his small tournament would become a huge international event 17 years later. And arguably the most popular men’s fastpitch tournament in the world today: the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) International Men’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

“I called it an international tournament in 1996, but it was all local teams,” Linares said. “When we moved the tournament in 2000 to Orlando (at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World Resort – Lake Buena Vista, FL) it became an event sanctioned by the AAU. Then it began to grow in teams and popularity. I had no idea it would become this popular.”

Just how popular?

This year 48 teams and about 600 players from Canada, the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, South America, Venezuela (15 teams), Argentina – among other countries – will take part in the four-day event that runs from Jan. 26-29.

“It is really now an international event,” Linares said, adding that the tournament brings together players of different cultures and ethnicities.

“It is so beautiful to see all these different people coming together. In the dugout, players of different cultures sit next to each other and (realize) that they are more alike as people than different.”

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“We Play It Fast” selling fast, place your order now

Written by Bob on January 1st, 2012


Front cover, Stew Sabiston of the Winnipeg Bullets pitching in the 2010 NAFA World Series. Back cover top, Trent Rubley; middle, Shane Alder and Chase Turner.

YUCAIPA, CA – I received my order of 150 books entitled “We Play It Fast” and I’m ready to ship to those who may be interested.

This is going to be a “one time, limited edition book” so if you want one, you should order before the supply runs out.

THE BASICS:

• Size, 8 ½ x 11. Soft cover.
• 76 stories – including features on some of the sports’ great players: Zack, Sorenson, White, Peterson…
• 208 photos. Many never printed or seen before!
• About half NAFA and ISC related stories.
• Stories extend from my early writing to present day, from 2010 NAFA World Series “A” division level to the ISC level of play.
• Several stories from contributing writers such as Milt Stark, Kyle Beane, Marc Gillis, Glen Cook, Joe Avila, Bill Hillhouse, Brian Groehler…
• Book’s writing style: documentary and memoir.

COSTS, INCLUDING SHIPPING CHARGES:

• In U.S. $23; Canada $27; New Zealand $35. (Other countries, price to be determined based on shipping charges).

BOOKS AVAILABLE:

• Only 135 to be sold! So this may become a ‘limited edition’ book.
• I’ve set aside books for those who have said they want to buy one – such as the contributing writers. (If you’ve changed your mind, please let me know.)
• If there’s a demand, I can have more books printed, but must place a minimum order of 100 books.

ORDING INFO:

• Payable (U.S. $$) to:
Bob Otto
35147 Cedar Ave.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
botto3@verizon.net

WHAT THE READERS HAVE BEEN SAYING

Bob, received my copy of the book. Thanks so much. I love the book even though it doesn’t have color on the inside… MS

I received my copy in the mail today, a “must have” for fastpitch fans. I am honored to have the story I wrote about Dave Blackburn, “Game Changer” included as the second to last chapter in the book. Get yours before that headline says “Sold Out” (it’s a limited edition at this point) – JF

I got the book and it is fantastic. I will be reading it cover to cover. – DM

…I thought it was pretty good reading and flowed very well. There is a wide variety of topics regarding some current and some older time players. It is truly a coffee table book – MB

It looks great, congratulations, I know the work that goes into something like that – KB

Bob, great book. Great history and information. Lots of good photos… a lot of some friends – Rico Garcia, Todd Kensler, Hector Garcia Guillen, Tony N Denise Trujillo Mancha, Joe Hineline and more. Good stories from the old days and good info on today’s young players… – MC

Please send a copy of your book. Your interest in the game has been rewarding for many. Thank you – JB

Bob got the book, awesome, made me remember what a great game this is and what a great time I was lucky enough to play it in. It made me sad at times and made me almost smell the wet grass of a early morning game and the excitement of the competition. – GA

Bob, always enjoy reading your articles. Hope to read them for many more years. – AC

Great book! – ML

 

Brian Martie to be inducted into ASA softball Hall of Fame

Written by Bob on November 9th, 2011

By Randy Kindred / Pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind — In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when men’s major fastpitch softball had a presence on the Bloomington-Normal sports scene, Brian Martie was at the core of its success.

His nearly 20 years as a standout infielder included two stints with the Bloomington Hearts. Martie’s potent bat headed some impressive lineups, and tonight, he will be in good company again.

The Bloomington resident is among 10 people to be inducted into the Amateur Softball Association National Hall of Fame at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“It’s overwhelming,” Martie said Tuesday while waiting to catch a connecting flight. “There are so many awesome people I got a chance to meet and get to know (through softball).

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New book hails the heroes of fastpitch softball

Written by Bob on November 3rd, 2011

Pitcher Matt Stur, just 20 years old, helped his Star Prairie Construction team of Strobel, Wisc. finish second in the age 23-Under Division of the 2010 North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) World Series to Waseda University of Tokyo, Japan. Stur is one of the young men who have found fastpitch softball a great sport to play.
(Contributed photo by Bob Otto)

Just For Fun column
By RUSSELL INGOLD / Editor, Fontana Herald News

FONTANA, CA – All over the United States, and particularly here in Fontana, fastpitch softball is enjoyed by multitudes of young girls, some of whom continue to participate in the sport as adults.

That’s great for the girls and the women. But what about the boys and the men?

Well, that’s a different story…

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Paul Algar still has the fire

Written by Bob on October 30th, 2011


Paul Algar pitching in the 2011 California Classic. Photo By Bob Otto

LEXINGTON, IL – Some 30 years a go, Paul Algar journeyed from his New Zealand homeland for the fastball-playing shores of the United States. Just 17 at the time in 1982, he was fast making a name for himself as one of the best young pitchers in the world.

But let’s back up for a moment.

Before Paul came along, his older brother Loren was already an established pitcher, and his dad, Ray, was a pretty fair first baseman on the ball diamonds of Wellington and Melrose.

Father and brother had set a path that young Paul eagerly followed. And one that ultimately landed him a seat in the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame.

“Watching my brother pitch, I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Algar, 47, adding that Loren is 11 years older. “I would practice on the sidelines while Loren pitched.”

And Paul practiced and practiced, and practiced some more, says his dad, Ray.

“Ever since he was a kid, he practiced hard by himself,” Ray Algar said. “He would gather a whole bunch of balls and throw at targets on a wall. He would spend two to three hours and then come home for a soft drink and then back to his pitching.”

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Remembering Gunny Sproul

Written by Bob on October 20th, 2011


Gunnery Sergeant, Robert L. Sproul, a Marine’s Marine

YUCAIPA, CA – Every so often I reach up to the top shelf of my bookcase and pull out my Marine Corps graduation book. There were 72 of us in Platoon 1061 of the First Battalion. The pages are filled with pictures of smoothed faced men – boys really, ages 18, 19, 20 some as old as 23.

The pages show pictures of us climbing ropes, jumping across water ponds suspended in midair with our M14 rifles thrust out in front of us, on the parade deck marching to the deep-throated commands of a drill instructor, standing at attention during inspection, and on Sunday afternoon’s off, writing letters home to our moms.

Platoon 1061 was all gung ho in boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in the summer of 1967. We felt destined to go to “Nam” and win the war against communism.

And we wanted Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Sproul to lead us. Click to continue »

 

Babysitting the canine grandkids

Written by Bob on October 14th, 2011

ROSEBURG, OR – My son Brian and his wife Jenn have three beautiful “kids” – Bella, Millie and Sebastian.

When they left for a week’s vacation, they asked me to babysit.

Now you might think a 63-year-old man – make that grandpa – would have his hands full with three youngsters. All by himself.

But with these three, as long as they have their treats and daily walks they’re just fine. Click to continue »

 

Men’s Fastpitch Tournament in Santa Barbara

Written by Bob on October 11th, 2011

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Clyde Bennett, one of fastpitch softball’s finest tournament directors is hosting a men’s tournament Nov. 19 to 20 at Elings Park in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

It is a four-game guarantee with a $350 entry fee.

The first 12 teams to pay the entry fee will gain a spot.

Contact information:
Clyde Bennett
6600 Stagecoach Rd.
Santa Barbara Ca. 93105

Call: 805-964-2114, or 805-895-9007
email: clydebennett50 (at) yahoo.com

 
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