.:: Frank Lee's 14U Louisville Lady Sluggers ::.

2004 12u ASA Nationals
*Tampa Mustangs end Slugger's run...*
August 6; 2004 Moline, IL The Sluggers began the day hitting on all cylinders with a great victory against the St. Louis Espirit 5-1, setting up a duel with the Tampa Mustangs. The Mustangs, fresh off claiming the NSA Nationals in Columbus, Ohio the previous week, had reached this round with a victory over the California American Pastime team. The Mustangs prevailed 2-1 on the strength of a solo-homerun blast in the 2nd inning. It was another good showing for these Sluggers as they were eliminated from the tournament after suffering another 1-run loss against the toughest competition around- exactly what the Sluggers were wanting to face and had worked hard to prepare for during the past few months. The experience alone cannot be measured in just wins and losses, as the Sluggers proved that they could stand toe-to-toe with the best ASA teams from across the United States finishing tied for 18th out of 100+ teams. The Sluggers would like to thank the people of the Quad Cities area and from the ASA, for all they did to make this tournament very special. Thanks to The Dispatch for the great article featuring the Sluggers, thanks to the Strike Zone for their gift and thanks to all the other teams for bringing "a great game" Roster: Ally Brand, Jessie Craig, Dee Dee Davis, Katie Mann, Brandi Orr, Jordan Trimble, Kelly Quarles, Sammi Rothbauer, Katy Schad, Erin Sireno, Kacie Vincent, Coaches Frank Lee, Bud Schad, Rikki Rothbauer, Kerry Rothbauer

*Sluggers come up short in 4-3 loss...*
August 5; 2004 Moline, IL In a hotly contested game this afternoon against The Desert Thunder from Arizona, the underdog Lady Sluggers showed that they could compete with the elite teams of the nation. The game had its share of controversial calls including an obstruction call at the plate in the Thunder's half of the 3rd inning in which the Thunder scored all 4 of their runs for the game. The Sluggers had jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a team that many feel to be one of the favorites to win this ASA championship. The game featured several defensive gems from the Sluggers including great throws that nailed runners at several bases. The execution of aggressive plays such as these are what the Sluggers have worked hard at and what they have become famous for. Though disappointed in the outcome of the game, the confidence level could not be at a higher point and the Sluggers are more determined than ever to make their mark on this tournament as they head into Friday's play with a game against the talented St. Louis Espirit. other highlights worth mentioning...
In another game Thursday afternoon, with the winner to face the winner from the game above- the Atlanta Vipers had a big victory against the favored American Pastime team from California, coming from behind to win 4-3 on a two-out homer (over the fence) in the bottom of the seventh.

More Pics from ASA Nationals. Click Here (will open a new window)

*3-0 win sets up match with Junior Olympians.*
August 4; 2004 Moline, IL Wednesday afternoon, the Sluggers advanced through the Elimination Round with a 3-0 win over the QC Hearts. The Sluggers squeezed in some big hits against a strong pitching performance from the Hearts while backing up their own great pitching with more great defense--- as the Quad City Dispatch noted in the Thursday paper, these Sluggers are "not all about bats" as they noted the team's outstanding defensive performances. The next game will find the Sluggers matched against a Junior Olympic team, The Desert Thunder 91 from Tucson, Arizona. A challenge indeed, as the road definitely gets tougher.

*Sluggers begin 12U ASA National play with 2-0 shutout!*
Click Here for more information on ASA Nationals	August 3rd, 2004 Moline, IL The Sluggers began play Tuesday morning in what seemed to be, at least on paper, one of the toughest pool alignments featuring top-notch teams from California and Texas. The Sluggers built a lead of 2-0 and held on with strong defense and pitching to defeat the California Strike Zone who would later defeat the Texas ASA State Champs- Texas Thunder in pool play.
The second game found the Sluggers matched against the nationally known California Untouchables. The Sluggers would need to be at their best to beat this team, and were for 6 of the 7 innings; allowing 6 runs in the 3rd inning when The Untouchables erupted for "2 Out Lightning" scoring all 6 runs with timely hitting and great baserunning. Despite the outcome, the game was a good experience as the Sluggers move forward as the #2 seed from their pool into Elimination Round play facing more tough competition from across the USA.

Opening Ceremonies a Blast! What a sight it was as the 80 teams marched into the 12,000 seat "Mark Of The Quad Cities" arena for the events surrounding the opening of the ASA National Championship. After speeches from local leaders and the introduction of each team, the teams were treated to lunch and entertainment on the Mississippi River.