Upper Deck Cougars Baseball...

Presidents Day Tournament Cocoa Beach Florida
February 12 - 16

Photo Gallery!
16u 2009 USSSA NATIONALS
16u 2009 USSSA ALL AMERICAN GAMES


The USSSA 16u and 18u World Championships were held on July 26 - August 1 at the Osceola County Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida. The first year event featured 52 teams from all over the country, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and The Dominican Republic.
The event started with the Amateur Baseball Report Scout Day.
500 players came out and showcased their skills if front of a number or scouts. All position players took reps in the field, ran the 60", and took batting practice. Throughout the day all pitchers took their turn at throwing a bullpen session.
The 18u tournament had a number of quality teams, but in the end Team Mizuno (FL) topped Sandlot Baseball (OK) in the championship. After going undefeated in pool play, Team Mizuno edged the Satchel Paige All - Stars (IL), in the first round of the bracket play, 1-0 in a true pitchers duel. That was the closest the field would get to Team Mizuno as they handled everything that was thrown their way, going 8-0 throughout the week, and outscoring their opponents 61-16.

1st Place: Team Mizuno
2nd Place: Sandlot Baseball
3rd place: Triple Threat (FL)
4th place: Alabama Rawdogs (AL)
5th place: Team Xtream (FL)

The 16u tournament ended with the excitement teams were hoping for in the USSSA World Championship event. The Upper Deck Cougars (IL) were able to come back and beat the Dallas Yankees(TX) and held off Team Mizuno (FL)to take home the Championship. Down 11-4 in the 5th inning of the semi-final game, the Upper Deck Cougars stormed back to tie the score before winning 12-11 in the bottom of the seventh. Their momentum carried over to the finals as they quickly went up 7-1. However, an 8 run inning put Team Mizuno in the lead. The Upper Deck Cougars stormed back with MVP, Joey Filomeno. After tying the score at 9-9, Filomeno shut down Team Mizuno before Justin Gonzalez clinched the game with bases clearing double in the 10th inning.

1st place: Upper Deck Cougars
2nd place: Team Mizuno
3rd place: Dallas Yankees
4th place: Oklahoma Drillers
5th place: Cyclones Baseball

The Inaugural USSSA 16u and 18u World Championships attracted a number of college coaches and Major League Baseball scouts. The University of Miami, Auburn, Central Florida, Eastern Michigan, and South Dakota State were among the colleges that were in attendance.