July 7, 2007

3rd Annual “Strike Out ALS” Tournament Hits Home Run!

by Leonard Jackson, USSSA Area Director

Triad Sports of North Carolina USSSA Baseball would like to extend its thanks to each of the 36 teams who participated in the 3rd Annual "Strike Out ALS" event May 18-20, 2007. We would also like to thank all of the parents and fans of the teams who came out and supported their efforts. Everyone seemed to have a good time with the competitive games, the skills competitions and the home run derby while creating awareness and raising funds to help find a cure for ALS. The following list of sponsors who donated items and/or reduced the price of their services to participants are also extended a thank you for their contributions.

	Lanier Hardware
	East Davidson Community Park
	The Drive Thru
	Days Inn
	Microtel
	Quality Inn
	Big Game Safari Steakhouse

The participating teams in the 9AA class were: Asheboro Diamondbacks, Carolina Rockhounds, Carolina Sluggers, Country Crushers, Davie Stealth, Piedmont Braves, Thomasville Mud Turtles and Tyro.

The participating teams in the 10AAA class were: Carolina Clippers, Chatham Extreme, Gamecocks, Gibsonville Grasshoppers, Lake Norman Storm,NC Baseball Academy, Piedmont Braves, Rowan Cyclones and Thomasville Sluggers.

The participating teams in the 11AA class were: Carolina Cyclones, Carolina Wildcats, East Surry Astros, Hi Toms Baseball Club, South Wake Storm and Walkertown Wolverines.

The participating teams in the 12AAA class were: Cabarrus Suns, East Rowan Redsocks, Kannapolis Canes and NC Baseball Academy.

The participating teams in the 13AAA class were: Asheboro Batting Center, Carolina Chargers, Davie Storm, Hitting Zone Hurricanes, NC BaseballAcademy and Thomasville Tornados.

The participating teams in the 14AAA class were: Central Davidson County Scrappers, Stanly County Heat and Wilkes County Wildcats.

With the help of everyone mentioned and listed above, Triad Sports is proud to present to the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of the ALS Association the total proceeds generated from the event, $2,175.10. A special recognition goes out to the 10AA team Lake Norman Storm who raised $350.10 prior to attending the tournament. They were inspired to do so by Gary Suddath, an ALS patient from Denver, North Carolina.

(Note: The inspiration for Leonard Jackson of Triad Sports to continue his efforts each year with the "Strike Out ALS" event can beattributed to his wife's cousin Danny Reed, an ALS patient from King, North Carolina.)