Softball Canada and the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced the return of the highly successful ‘Border Battle’ Men’s Slo-Pitch game featuring the Canadian Men’s Slo-Pitch team against Team USA. The showdown is slated for July 24, 2010 at 3:00pm (Central Time) during the World Cup of Softball 5 at ASA’s Hall of Fame Complex.
‘Softball Canada is extremely pleased that the Border Battle is back for 2010′ said Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn. ‘This is a great opportunity for our Slo-Pitch membership to become involved in a very high level of competition and we truly appreciate the support of the ASA in setting up this competition.’
Both teams will arrive in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, July 21 and have a series of exhibition games on Thursday and Friday before the Border Battle game returns on Saturday. A home run exhibition will also be held in conjunction with the planned World Cup of Softball 5 scheduled for July 22-26.
‘The ASA is thrilled to bring this event back to Oklahoma City in July’ said Ron Radigonda, ASA’s Executive Director. ‘Nearly two million people play Slo-Pitch softball in the United States and this is a great opportunity to showcase this lifetime sport at the highest level in front of thousands of fans and a national TV audience through ASA’s television partner, ESPN. ASA would like to express its gratitude to Softball Canada and several equipment manufacturers whose support is greatly appreciated.’
In 2009, Canada jumped out to a 16-8 lead against Team USA going into the fourth inning, but the Americans battled back to take the 30-23 victory. The inaugural Border Battle showed very strong television ratings on ESPN and TSN.
The coaching staff and roster for the event will be chosen by a selection committee in the coming months.
‘The inaugural Border Battle last year was a great experience for our team. We proved to the Slo-Pitch softball population that our game in Canada is very competitive and that the 2010 Border Battle will feature outstanding talents on both sides of the diamond’ stated Mike Branchaud, Manager of Canadian Championships and Domestic Services for Softball Canada.
