Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc. Receives National Award

The Amateur Softball Association of America has awarded Stratford the prestigious James Farrell Award of Excellence for conducting one of the nation’s highest rated softball tournaments in 2014.

Connecticut ASA Commissioner Hank Koritkoski recently presented the award to Pat Patusky, who accepted it on behalf of Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc.

Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to secure and organize softball events for the town of Stratford. Patusky, the town’s Director of Recreation, also serves as the president of the tournament committee’s Board of Directors.

In 2014, Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc. hosted the girls’ 14-under Eastern Territorial fast-pitch tournament. The tournament attracted to Stratford 34 “A” level teams from throughout the eastern United States to compete in four days of games. Tournament committee volunteers staffed the entire event, while the town’s Department of Public Works groomed and maintained the fields. ASA umpires officiated all of the games.

Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc. has a rich ASA history. Beginning with the 1993 ASA Women’s Major Fast-Pitch National Championship, the group has organized 15 national championships. This is the eighth time Stratford has received the James Farrell Award of Excellence.

The criteria used in determining the award is overall tournament organization, quality of the facility, playing field conditions, quality of officials, and responsiveness of staff. The award traditionally is given after deliberations at the ASA national council meeting.

As the national governing body of softball in the United States, ASA has selected Stratford to host the 10-under/12-under Girls “A” Eastern Territorial Championship in 2015. The fast-pitch event will run from July 29 through August 2.