ToC gets ready to go

from Al's Fastball

The 2009 ISC II Tournament of Champions kicks off tomorrow (18 Aug) at 8:30 am central with Game 1 between Reading, PA Hoffman Rise and Elkhart, IN Duncan Outlaws.

All games will be played at the Alan Campbell Sports Complex in Rock Island, Illinois, a part of the Quad Cities.

With 40 teams on hand this year, it will take 103 games to decide the ISC II Champion.

Waterdown, ON Hammer, last year's finalist, come into the ToC as the top seed. They will face stiff competition from the likes of Ottawa, ON Team Easton Thunder, Ashland, OH Stock Pack and Port Elgin, ON Blue Devils. Other challenges will come from the reconstituted Decatur, IL Pride, a revamped St. Paul, MN Minnesota Angels squad and a geared up Lloydminster, AB Dodgers.

Truth be told, there are probably 12-15 teams that could win the ToC and it wouldn't be considered an upset.

Surely drawing a crowd on Tuesday following the Opening Ceremonies at 5:00 pm will be the legendary Darren Zack.

Zack makes his ToC debut with the Ohsweken, ON Redmen and will face Waterdown at 6 pm central Tuesday.

Other new faces to watch in ISC II include Francis Leclair with the Donnacona, QC Blue Sox, Bryan Lathrop with K-W, ON Cubs and David Boys with Decatur.

Ballpark Radio (www.ballparkradio.com ) will once again be on hand to broadcast 29 games from the ToC, including every one of the quarters, semi's and championship final. (NOTE: The following games for local interest will be broadcast: Tue 3:30pm EDT Team Easton vs. Minnesota; Wed Noon EDT Quyon vs. California; Wed 9:30pm EDT Team Easton vs Alvinston; Thu 7:30pm EDT Bridgeport vs Donnacona)

Watch The Deuce at www.fastpitchwest.com/thedeuce for daily recaps, links to exclusive video clips along with broadcast schedules and previews every morning.