The TB Financial Group national softball team won the championship at the 2016 ISSA World Tournament of Champions. The tournament was held in Dover, Florida on Friday, Jan. 29 through 31. The team played a double elimination format against the Florida Venom from Naples, Senior Moments from Apopka, and Southeast Leftovers from Dalton, Ga. The TB Financial team won the first bracket game 20 to 3 in 5 innings against the Southeast Leftovers. TB then played the Florida Venom (winners against Senior Moments 20 to 5) and won (10 to 7) in a game that was very close until the last inning.
“Both teams hit the ball well throughout their line-ups and played well defensively to keep the scoring down,” said manager Gregg Foster.
After Florida Venom beat Senior Moments (18 to 6) in the loser’s bracket, TB Financial played another very competitive game against Florida Venom resulting in an 11 to 10 win for the TB team.
“John Ramage did an excellent job of pitching in all three games. This was a team victory in every sense. Our hitting was excellent throughout the series (team average was .667) and the defense was outstanding (8 double plays and several running catches in the outfield). Obviously this was a big win for us,” said Foster. “All four teams in the Major (highest) bracket are highly ranked national teams.” In addition to each player receiving championship rings and jackets, TB Financial also placed four players on the All-tournament team, including the tournament MVP. The MVP award was given to Dave Sellars (1.000). The other All-tournament players were Ed Krisha (.875), Rod Severson (.778) and John Ramage (.625).
