Despite the chilly mornings, the 12th Annual Orlando Meltdown Charity Softball Tournament offered perfect weather for a weekend of outdoor play at Lake Fairview and the Seminole County Softball Complex Jan. 15 and 16.
In all, 48 teams participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend tournament, which benefitted several charities. Tournament winners in each division received checks for first, second and third place payable to a charity of their choice. In addition, two teams with the “most runs” during tournament round robin also received a check payable to a charity of their choice. The Orlando Meltdown is put on by officers of the Central Florida Softball League, which is the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance affiliate in Orlando.
In the C-Division, the Tampa Crocs took first followed by Fort Lauderdale’s Atomic Boom. The Orlando Scrappers finished third in that division.
The New Moon Sluggers of Fort Lauderdale won the D-Division after beating second-place finishers the G. Bar Aces of Tampa. The Wild Stallions of Orlando finished third in the D-Division.
In the women’s competitive league, the New Moon Sol Rebels of Fort Lauderdale took home the first place trophy while the New Moon Lightning Strikes, also of Fort Lauderdale, placed Second. Orlando’s Chix With Stix finished third.
In the women’s recreational division, PRIME, of Orlando, placed first after outscoring the Manor Vandals of Fort Lauderdale. Orlando’s Crazy Stix took home the third-place trophy.
Each of the top three teams in every division was awarded a check to give to the charity of their choice. Charities ranged from the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to Humane Societies throughout the region. According to organizers, the Meltdown has donated upwards of $6,000 per year to charities and more than 1,500 players and fans descend upon the two complexes hosting the games each year.
Details on the tournament and a full listing of winners and charities will be made available online at Orlando-Meltdown.com.
