The Top Gun Warriors 60+ Major team stood alone atop the podium at the 2025 Western Nationals in Sacramento (August 1–3), emerging as the only Top Gun team to win their division. With the win, the Warriors earned the right to represent the Western Region in the SSUSA National Championship Game next month in Las Vegas as part of the Senior Softball World Championships.

The Warriors navigated a deep 60 Major field featuring 11 teams, with two Major Plus teams also in the mix during seeding games only. The Warriors beat one of the Major Plus teams in pool play and entered bracket play as the #4 seed. They remained undefeated through the winner’s bracket until the championship game, where they fell to Jayco—a team they had already defeated earlier that morning. The loss forced an “if” game, and the Warriors responded by shaking up their defense with a 5-man infield and making key personnel adjustments. The moves worked: they came away with a hard-fought 16–13 win in the open inning to secure the title.

While the team batting average wasn’t at its season-best, the Warriors relied on strong defense, aggressive baserunning, and clutch hitting. They showed grit throughout, battling back from deficits and delivering when it mattered most.

All 15 players who traveled had a role to play, whether on the field or off. Players took turns sitting to shorten the lineup, manage injuries, and ride hot bats. Even those on the bench helped the cause by keeping score, coaching bases, pinch running, and keeping the energy high.

Off the field, the team shared Airbnb accommodations that added to the camaraderie and spirit of the weekend. They celebrated two birthdays (Buck Buckles and Phil McCrea) and the election of Joe Hensley into SSUSA Hall of Fame.

Other Top Gun teams also had strong showings at the Western Nationals:

• Top Gun Storm 55+ AAA – 2nd Place
• Top Gun Gold 80+ Major – 2nd Place
• Top Gun Blue Angels – 3rd Place in the 75–85 Gold Division
  

  The Blue Angels, as the highest-finishing 85+ Major team in their mixed-age bracket, will also represent the Western Region in the National Championship Game against their East Coast counterparts.

The Top Gun Warriors are hitting their stride, having won 16 of their last 18 games and six of their last eight tournaments. They look to carry that momentum into Las Vegas.

All-Tournament selections are still pending.

Roster (left to right):
Top Row – Warren Lawter, Mike Berg, Rich Cruz, Joel Glassman, Phil McCrea, Dan Wray, Tom Larson, Dennis Carvalho
Bottom Row – Jeff Blakeman (coach), Buck Buckles, Nick Miller, Joe Hensley, Roy Alberts, Tom Mott, Gene Leves