Rachel Maxwell

The Top Gun Senior Softball organization proudly welcomes Joel Hawk and John Failla into the Top Gun Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions both on and off the field.

Over the past decade, Joel has played for five Top Gun teams—Top Gun III, Elite, Thunder, Stealth, and Fury—leaving his mark as a fierce competitor with more than 15 All-Tournament, World, and MVP selections. His versatility and skill on the field have been instrumental in the success of every team he has played for.

In 2019, he joined the Top Gun Leadership team as Secretary, where his efforts were instrumental in restructuring the club into a 501(c)(7) non-profit, ensuring long-term sustainability. His dedication as Tournament Director helped secure the organization’s financial stability, overseeing logistics and operations to keep Top Gun-hosted events running smoothly.

A retired U.S. Navy aerospace maintenance officer with 24 years of service, Joel’s leadership, strategic vision, and tireless commitment have strengthened the foundation of Top Gun Senior Softball, making an indelible impact on both its present and future.

John’s impact on Top Gun Senior Softball spans more than twelve years as a player, coach, and mentor. He has played for and managed multiple teams, including Top Gun Thunder, Growlers, Storm, and Fury, building strong, cohesive teams with minimal turnover. His teams are consistently among the most competitive, regularly finishing near the top of tournament standings.

Despite being one of the best players on the field at any level—evidenced by multiple MVP awards, All-Tournament selections, and an outstanding .842 on-base percentage over 162 at-bats this year—John has always prioritized team success over personal accolades. Often passing up individual awards to recognize his teammates, he embodies the selflessness that defines true leadership. His ability to elevate those around him has been a driving force behind the sustained excellence of every team he has led.

Beyond the field, John’s contributions have been invaluable. He has served as an assistant to the board and sponsored teams. His generosity extends to Top Gun charities, where he has helped secure prizes and donations for events like the annual banquet. Additionally, John played a crucial role in developing the new Top Gun website, further solidifying his lasting impact on the organization. His dedication to team integrity, recruitment, and mentorship embodies the spirit of Top Gun Senior Softball.

44 teams participated in this SSUSA Sanctioned event jointly conducted under the Top Gun banner.  Pushed to February from usual January dates to take advantage of improving weather.  Commented Jerry Smith, Tournament Director, “It was a great tournament with beautiful weather.  All the divisions had some excellent games with a few winning in the bottom of the open inning.”  He went on to mention that the two day format for session 2 worked out better than expected and that his goal was to target one week later next year to ensure beautiful weather again.

Men’s 75+/80+ Silver – 4 teams

Top Gun Old Dawgs 75 sailed through undefeated narrowly nipping LV Coyotes in the first bracket game, beating Git-R-Done the 2 seed then outscoring Balance of Nature 80s by 27-15 in the championship.  Coach Rick Fisher commented that everyone batted well from the top of the order to the bottom to help secure their second championship win this month.  An amazing accomplishment given that Top Gun coach Rick Fisher had 3 injuries in the previous week so was scrambling just to field a team.

1. Top Gun Old Dawgs 75
2. Balance of Nature 80s
3. Git-R-Done

Men’s 80+ Platinum – 2 teams

The Sidewinders 80s prevailed winning the 2 out of 3 series against Top Gun 80 Gold in straight games 24-21 and 16-8.

1. Sidewinders 80s
2. Top Gun 80 Gold

Men’s 75+ AAA – 4 teams

As the 1 seed Cut Loose 75s was literally “cut loose” in the first bracket game and had to fight their way through the elimination bracket to double dip the 4 seed Triple Play 75 by 21-19 in the championship and 21-15 in the “if” game.

1. Cut Loose 75s
2. Triple Play 75
3. Twin Peaks Family

Men’s 70+ Major – 3 teams

2 Seed Ryan’s Way pushed through brackets undefeated beating Ranalls Realty by 10, Steel Etc. (1 seed) by 2 runs in the A side final before beating Steel Etc again by 1 in the championship.

1. Ryan’s Way
2. Steel Etc
3. Ranalls Realty

Men’s 70+ AA – 2 teams

In a competitive bracket Twin Peaks Desert Heat barely beat Lights out 12-11 in the first game with Lights out returning the favor 23-20 to set up the deciding game.  In a hard fought battle the Heat won 17-14 to take home the trophy.

1. Twin Peaks Desert Heat
2. Lights Out 70

Men’s 70+ AAA – 5 teams

1 seed Salty Ranch was just too much for the 2^nd seeded Top Gun Old Dawg’s 70 who gritted out 4 elimination bracket wins before running out of gas in the “if” game to lose 16-1.  Cut Loose had a great tournament finishing 3^rd just losing out to Salty ranch by one in the A side final and the Old Dawgs by two in the third place game.

1. Salty Ranch
2. Top Gun Old Dawg’s 70
3. Cut Loose 70s

Men’s 65 AAA – 5 teams

The newly formed Top Gun Stars fought through the tournament undefeated in a hotly contested bracket beating top seeded New Beginnings Softball 65s by 20-16 in the A side final and Sin City OutKasts 20-17 in the championship.  The Top Gun Stars had great chemistry behind MVP David Johnston.

1. Top Gun Stars
2. Sin City OutKasts
3. New Beginnings Softball 65s

Men’s 65+AA – 3 teams

Bottom seed Pastimers breezed through brackets undefeated nipping Lights Out 65 by 11-10 to get the Championship game where they won again 16-9.   Las Vatos Viejos 65 finished in 3^rd place after entering  bracket play as the 2^nd seed.

1. Pastimers
2. Lights Out 65
3. Los Vatos Viejos 65

Men’s 50/55/60+ Silver – 3 teams

Proving age is just a number Top Gun Warriors dominated against younger teams that hadn’t played since Worlds in September beating Savon 55 in the championship game.  Savon 55, however had Team 307’s number narrowly defeating them twice in brackets by a total of 4 runs.   Despite bringing only 10 players and battling injuries, the Top Gun Warriors showcased resilience and teamwork, with every player posting a batting average and/or on-base percentage above .700. Leading the charge were Roy Alberts and Tom Mott, who delivered outstanding performances, batting .944 and .923, respectively.

1. Top Gun Warriors 60
2. Savon 55
3. Team ‘307’ 50

Men’s 60+ AAA – 3 teams

Top seeded Top Gun Fury had some extremely close games but came out ahead beating Weakened Warriors by 1 run in the “if” game on a walk off single by Ed Darrow behind great pitching from Ed and Gary English as well as HRs by Nate Randolph and Karl Burk.  This followed a gutsy loss to the Warriors 20-16 in the championship game and another 1 run game in the A side final.  2^nd seeded KSS/Taco Bell lost to Weakened Warriors twice in bracket play to finish 3^rd.

1. Top Gun Fury
2. Weakened Warriors 60
3. KSS/Taco Bell

Men’s 60+ AA – 3 teams

Bottom seeded Drifters 60s turned on the gas when needed by winning 3 straight elimination games including the championship and “if” games against top seeded Fresno Mayhem 28-11 and 17-8.  Boys of Summerlin went 1-2 in brackets including a close 1 run loss to Fresno Mayhem in the A side final.

1. Drifters 60s
2. Fresno Mayhem
3. Boys of Summerlin

Men’s 40/50+ Gold – 3 teams

Top Seeded Spam Town Sliders cruised through bracket play stopping Right Line 14-12 and Avalon Meat Candy 50’s by 26-18 in the championship.  Despite an early win over Avalon 10-8 in bracket play Rightline lost a close third place game to them 23-22 to finish third.

1. Spam Town Sliders
2. Avalon Meat Candy 50’s
3. Rightline

Men’s 50/55/60+ Gold Division – 4 teams

Living up to their top billing no one got within 8 runs of Summerville, including a win over Team SMS 23-12 in the championship game.  Team SMS had a good showing with their only losses to the eventual champions and prevailing over Rancid and 805’s 55s to finish 2^nd.  805’s 55s beat Rancid only to lose by 1 in to finish in 3^rd place.

1. Summerville
2. Team SMS
3. 805’s 55s

On November 9th, 2024, the annual Top Gun banquet became the setting for an unforgettable milestone: Bob Johnson’s induction into the Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) Hall of Fame. To mark the occasion, SSUSA’s Executive National Director and co-owner Fran Dowell, along with Dave Dowell, SSUSA’s National Director of Scheduling, traveled from Sacramento to honor Bob’s extraordinary contributions to senior softball. In a heartfelt presentation speech, Dave celebrated Bob’s achievements and enduring influence.

Bob’s induction in the Director category is a tribute to his pivotal role in expanding the senior softball community across Southern California. Dave described Bob as “the driving force in building senior softball” in the region, praising his vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment. During his tenure as President of Top Gun Senior Softball, Bob grew the organization from five teams to 14 teams, spanning age brackets from 50 to 85+. His initiatives have opened doors for countless players, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for all.

In partnership with SSUSA, Bob led Top Gun in organizing three annual tournaments, offering players competitive opportunities while deepening their connection to the sport. His leadership extended beyond the field to charitable work, including initiatives that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, among other causes.

Bob’s impact as a player has been just as significant, with an impressive lifetime batting average of .725. As manager of the Top Gun II 50s from 2001 to 2006, he guided the team from AA to Major Plus status, showing his strength as both a player and a coach.

Overwhelmed with emotion during the ceremony, Bob could only express a heartfelt “thank you” as he accepted his award. Later, he shared his appreciation for Fran and Dave’s presence, underscoring the meaningful partnership between SSUSA, led by CEO Terry Hennessey, and Top Gun. Bob also said he felt deeply honored to be mentioned alongside other Hall of Famers, including Red Simmons (NSS 2013), Clyde Phillips (SSUSA 2016), Carl Gustafson (SSUSA 2022), and Kevin Evans (NSS 2023). He proudly noted that Top Gun is the only organization inducted into the SSUSA Hall of Fame (2014). Bob also expressed sincere thanks to Top Gun Hall of Famer Rico Coronado for his years of mentorship, and extended his gratitude to the Top Gun Executive Board—Don Ludwig, Brad Schreck, Sergio Vargas, Vic Dhooge, and Jeff Blakeman—for their nomination and dedication to Top Gun’s ongoing success.

He also acknowledged John Failla and Joel Hawk, two new Top Gun Hall of Famers inducted later that evening. John, whom Bob nominated, was honored for his leadership on and off the field, while Joel was recognized for his contributions in organizing tournaments and establishing Top Gun as a 501(c)(7) non-profit association. Bob concluded by thanking his wife, Mary, for her unwavering support, without which his journey wouldn’t have been possible.

In particular, Bob expressed his profound gratitude for the Top Gun senior softball community, whose camaraderie, support, friendship, and fellowship have been a source of strength and joy over the years. Being part of this community has given him a unique opportunity to lead and serve an organization that feels like family.

Reflecting after the ceremony, a fellow Top Gun member observed, “Bob’s relentless passion and unwavering dedication to the organization have been the real reason for Top Gun’s success.” His commitment to fair play, leadership, and community spirit has left a lasting legacy. Congratulations, Bob, on this richly deserved honor and for a lifetime dedicated to the sport and the Top Gun family.

The Top Gun Bandits had an incredible week at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, where they competed against teams from as far away as Hawaii and Canada. After a week of intense competition, the team emerged victorious, outscoring their opponents on the way to an undefeated 6-0 record and well-earned gold medal.

While the victory on the field was rewarding, the week’s experiences went far beyond the games. Representing the Top Gun brand, our team exemplified sportsmanship, resilience, and camaraderie. Players not only gave their all on the field but also made sacrifices off the field, with some taking time off work and others pushing through injuries to be part of this special event.

This tournament also saw some new faces contributing significantly to the team’s success. Phil McCrea, playing in his first tournament with Top Gun, batted over .800 and was co-leader in home runs and hits. Mike “Doc” Burke, another newcomer, batted leadoff and hit a critical grand slam in the final seeding game, helping secure our spot as the #1 seed in brackets. We also had the pleasure of welcoming back Joe Hensley and Jon Gibbs to Top Gun after a prolonged absence, both of whom made meaningful contributions throughout the tournament.

Key offensive contributors included Joe, who led the team with a .895 batting average and .905 on-base percentage, and Warren, who topped the team in SLG%, ISO and OPS. Roy was also a standout, leading the team with 9 doubles and 11 extra-base hits.

The tournament was just one highlight of the week. The Huntsman World Senior Games also provided opportunities for health assessments, allowing athletes to monitor their wellness. Players had the chance to meet other top senior athletes from around the world, forging new friendships and sharing stories of their athletic journeys. The opening ceremonies celebrated the spirit of the Games, uniting competitors from numerous sports and countries.

Beyond the scheduled events, the team took advantage of shared accommodations to bond even further, enjoying pizza, wings, baseball playoff games on TV and, of course, a few friendly card games. These moments of connection off the field made the trip even more memorable.

As we reflect on the experience, it’s clear that representing Top Gun Senior Softball at such a prestigious event is a privilege. We’re incredibly fortunate to still be playing at such a high level in senior years, and the Huntsman Games provided yet another reminder of how special this sport and community truly are.

We look forward to future tournaments and continuing to represent Top Gun with pride, both on and off the field.

Under the leadership of Bryan Dabe, the Top Gun Renegades 50AAA team dominated the 50/55+ Gold division. They effortlessly outplayed their opponents, not needing the open inning in any of their first four seeding and bracket games. In the championship, they triumphed over a strong Simply Aloha team. This victory follows their recent win at the Top Gun Tune-Up in Perris, marking their second consecutive tournament success. Remarkably, this streak comes after the team nearly disbanded last season, proving their resilience like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

All-Tournament Selections:

• Ray Cho, leadoff hitter, batted .682
• Ramon “Bama” Johnson, stellar 2B, hit .750
• Marion Ramsey, lockdown 3B, hit .800
• Rick Markle, outstanding outfielder
• Dave Perez, ace pitcher, went 4-0

The Top Gun Storm 55AAA team excelled in the 55+ AAA division, emerging victorious in their six-team bracket. With a robust roster of 15 players, they maintained their energy in the 100-degree heat, rotating players effectively. This strategy paid off, especially in their championship game against Venom, which they won 23-11. Notably, they overcame deficits in the open inning twice during the tournament, showcasing their resilience. Against Lokahi AZ in their first bracket win, they overcame a 15-run deficit by scoring 15 runs in the open inning. In the A-side final, they came back from a 5-run deficit to reach the championship game. Dave Alofaituli summed it up best: “Every tournament game has two parts – the first 6 innings and the final open inning where you are never out of it.”

All-Tournament Selections:

• Ed Nunez
• Frank Ramirez
• Gene Leves
• Sean Jones
• Alexander Sandozequi

The Top Gun Warriors 60+ Major team had a unique path to victory. Seeded second after a 2-1 pool play record, they lost their first bracket game to a hot Vegas Elite team. However, on Sunday, they surged, batting .750 and winning consecutive elimination games. They capped their run with a dramatic double victory over Vegas Elite, scoring the maximum runs in each inning of the final game. This marks their third straight tournament victory in recent months.

Standout Performances:

• Dennis Carvalho, 2B, led the team in BA at .846
• Mike Berg, led in extra-base hits (16), SLG% (1.567), ISO (.833), and OPS (2.264)
• Roy Alberts, most hits (24), runs scored (19) and had two outfield assists on Sunday
• Tom Mott, hit .724, frequently pinch-ran and also had several outfield assists at critical times

Defensively, Dave “Buck” Buckles made diving catches, while Dan Wray (3B), Joel Glassman (SS), Dennis Carvalho (2B), and Rich Cruz (1B) provided stellar infield play. Tom Larson’s pitch calling and Ron Keil’s versatility in playing six positions were invaluable. Designated runners and base coaches Mike Price and Lee Bade were crucial in the extreme heat.

The Top Gun Old Dawgs 75AA won their 3-team division (75/80/85+ Gold). According to coach Rick Fisher, the key to their win was having 18 players, allowing them to rotate and keep fresh deeper into the tournament. Finishing with a record of 4-1, their only loss was in a seeding game to a 70s team not in their division. Regardless, they secured the #1 seed and went undefeated through bracket games in hard-fought, close matches.

Standout Players:

• Bruce Nelson
• Tom Salinas
• George Arnold
• Tom Townsen

Top Gun D&K won the 65/70+ Gold division, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resilience under challenging playing conditions. After losing their only game in seeding to a team out of their division, they came together and sailed through bracket play undefeated. They won several close games when it really counted, showcasing their determination and skill.

All-Tournament Selections:

• John Benedict, batted .786 and pitched all the bracket games
• Rich Pratt, led the team in hitting at .875 and played multiple defensive positions
• Steve VinCurek, led the team in extra base hits, many at critical junctures, and excelled defensively in left field
• Mark Purdy, played great middle infield and had timely hits, keeping the team loose in the dugout
• Dave Lacey, solid infield play and contributed with big hits

Additionally, the Top Gun Old Dawgs 70AAA was extended a TOC berth despite finishing second in their 65/70+ Silver division as the highest 70AAA team.

All five teams earned Championship jerseys from Elite and an invitation to the Tournament of Champions in Florida next January.

Congratulations to the Top Gun Renegades, Storm, Warriors, Old Dawgs, and D&K for their outstanding performances and well-deserved victories!

The Top Gun Blue Angels 85+ senior softball team has once again proven their mettle by clinching the championship at the prestigious Rock-N-Reno Challenge. This victory not only reinforces their status as the defending world champions but also highlights their resilience and competitive spirit. The tournament, known for being the oldest Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) qualifier, celebrated its 36th year with an impressive participation of 182 teams spanning various age groups and skill levels.

At Top Gun, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting senior softball and raising funds for charitable causes, our members shine both on and off the field. One such outstanding member is Lee Bade, whose commitment to the sport and community service exemplifies the spirit of Top Gun.

Lee has been an integral part of Top Gun for the past 8 years, contributing to various teams from the 55+ age group and up. His dedication and skill were most recently recognized in 2023 when he was named Player of the Year for the Top Gun Warriors 60+ major team. Despite his demanding full-time job, Lee manages to balance his professional and athletic commitments with significant charitable efforts.

One cause particularly close to Lee’s heart is the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event he participates in annually. This year’s climb will be held on August 31 at the Hilton Bayfront in downtown San Diego. As a transplanted New Yorker with first responders in his family, Lee has a personal connection to this cause. The stair climb is conducted in memory of the firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Participants, including Lee and his team members, will be ascending 30 flights of stairs three times. The funds raised through this event support Firefighter Aid, a registered 501(c)(3) charity that provides critical assistance to firefighters and their families in times of crisis, and promotes health and safety within the firefighting community.

Lee’s involvement in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb not only honors the brave firefighters of New York but also underscores the philanthropic spirit that permeates Top Gun. His dedication to this cause serves as an inspiration to his fellow members, encouraging them to support charities that resonate with them personally.

We invite everyone to join Lee’s team or to contribute to this worthy cause. More information on how to participate or donate can be found in the link provided.

Lee Bade’s commitment to giving back is a testament to the impact that Top Gun members can have, both within their communities and beyond. His example is a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can all make in the world.

For more information on how to participate or donate, please follow the link below:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88033/2024-san-diego-911-memorial-stair-climb/pledge/team/652679

In the world of sports, excellence isn’t always defined by statistics or titles. Sometimes, it’s the intangible qualities that truly set a player apart. These qualities might include leadership, dedication, teamwork, and the undeniable spirit of a champion. For the Top Gun community, these attributes are celebrated through the annual tradition of selecting the “Player of the Year.” These are individuals who embody the essence of Top Gun – individuals who may not always be the star players but contribute in meaningful ways to their team’s success.

Top Gun isn’t just about winning championships; it’s about creating an environment where athletes and teams can thrive. It’s about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The “Player of the Year” represents these values in the most remarkable fashion.

These are the players who go above and beyond their roles on the field. They inspire their teammates, lead by example, and bring out the best in those around them. While their contributions may not always be measured in stats, their impact on the team is immeasurable.

One unique aspect of the Top Gun “Player of the Year” selection is that it’s made by each team’s manager based on criteria of their choosing. This process ensures that the recognition is deeply personal and acknowledges those players who, in the eyes of their coaches, have made a significant difference during the season.