“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” — Babe Ruth
Watch the National Camp Highlight Video
The 2022 Steel Sports National Camp at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania was a unique opportunity to bring the best Steel soccer and baseball athletes together from around the country for three days of fellowship, competition, development and a bit of fun. Watch the video below to see what makes the National Camp so special and an experience that these players and coaches won't soon forget.
National Teams TAKE THE FIELD
Team Steel's National Team and National Showcase Team both took the field for the first time on Sept. 9-12 in Arizona and Florida, respectively. The National Team competed in Surprise, Arizona at the Perfect Game 15U Fall National Championship, while the National Showcase team was in Viera, Florida for the Prospect Select World Invite.
The National Showcase team went 2-2 in pool play and then advanced all the way to the semifinals. The National Team went 1-1 in pool play and dropped their first playoff game. It was a great showing for both teams in their first action together.
Both teams are competing on October 6-10 at two prestigious Perfect Game events. The National Showcase team will be at the WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, Florida, considered the biggest youth amateur baseball event and scouting attraction in the country. The National Team will be nearby in West Palm Beach, Florida for the WWBA Freshman World Championships.
Texas Girls Exemplify Integrity At Tournament
When Lucio Gonzales's Steel United Texas 2012 Girls won a shootout over Oklahoma Celtic to advance to the semifinals something didn't feel right. The girls had lost 7-1 to the Celtic the day before, and the tournament bracket was being reduced to penalty kicks due to weather. The girls felt the Celtic team would have earned a next round berth had a full game been played, and so in an act of remarkable integrity, the Steel United TX girls forfeited the game so the Celtic could advance. Watch the video below as both teams hugged as the decision was announced in a display of sportsmanship and demonstration of Integrity by doing the right thing, always.
New York Girls Baseball Brings Annual Event to Lasorda Legacy Park
Lasorda Legacy Park played host to the 4th Annual New York Girls Baseball Tournament on Labor Day weekend, September 3-4. Over 200 players and 20 teams competed from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Washington, DC and Quebec, Canada. Originally hosted in Hoboken, NJ the tournament is played annually in honor of Maria Pepe, who fought and won the court case giving girls the right to play Little League Baseball. As the tournament has grown, New York Girls Baseball needed a larger venue where all the players could be together and to help grow the event further. Lasorda Legacy Park was proud to step up and become that venue, and there are plans to continue hosting the event in 2023.
CELEBRATING THE Life & LEGACY OF TOMMY LASORDA
On September 22, Steel Sports along with all Steel Partners companies celebrated Tommy Lasorda Day on what would have been his 95th birthday. Tommy positively impacted millions of people around the world, from U.S. Presidents to players to kids. We are honored to help carry on Tommy’s legacy of believing in yourself, inspiring Steel Partners and Steel Sports to instill our Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment, and intentionally teaching life lessons through sports. Watch the video below as kids, coaches, advisors and companies expressed their love and appreciation for Tommy. We miss you Tommy, but because of you, WE BELIEVE!
STEEL UNITED VA HOSTS FRIENDLIES
Steel United Virginia hosted friendlies at The Rave Athletic Complex during Labor Day weekend, and it was an opportunity for our Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia teams to come together for the first time. Golden Ball Soccer Academy from nearby Chesapeake, VA also came out for the preseason friendly games. The Rave was all decked out with new Steel United tents, flags, banners and a new golf cart. The parking lot and walkway into the complex now has Steel branding complete with pink parking space lines!
Respect Award Winners Recognized
Steel Sports' Ian Hughes and Leslie Caenen were recognized with giant checks for winning the Respect award during Steel Partners' annual Core Values Contest. Both Ian and Leslie received $5,000 each after being randomly selected from the other Respect nominees and nominators. Steel Partners sponsored $40,000 in prizes to employees who exhibit the Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment. Steel Partners employees submitted over 5,000 nominations between the four categories.
"I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with Ian. He treats each person with respect and recognizes strengths both on and off the field. His attention to detail and value of others is much appreciated by many. Thank you for all you do, Ian.” — Leslie Caenen
Steel Sports Joins American Valor Podcast
Senior Vice President of the Steel Sports Coaching System Steve Jones and Senior VP of Social Impact Alison Haehnel joined the American Valor Podcast to discuss all things Steel Sports. The pair introduced Steel Sports, the Steel Sports Coaching System, Tommy Lasorda and his far-reaching impact and the start of the Lasorda Legacy Team. The American Valor Podcast from the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation interviews Americans exhibiting valor in their lives to educate and inspire others to do the same. Hall of Famers Lasorda and Feller both served in the United States military, Lasorda in the Army and Feller in the Navy.
Staff Spotlights
Congratulations to September's Staff Star Sean Rickards from Pennsylvania and Social Impact MVP Charles Warren from Washington! Sean spent a considerable amount of time on the field working with teams, camps and programs, and he's always coaching with energy and enthusiasm to ensure the kids have the best experience possible. Parents and players take the time to thank Sean, noting the care and support he demonstrated. Thank you, Sean, for personifying our Kids First philosophy!
Charles Warren wore many hats over the course of September. He helped Steel United Washington conduct its clothing drive which brought in over 4,500 lbs! Charles has taken over the Athlete Leadership Council in Washington, and there are multiple events planned this year including thanking first responders with gift baskets. Charles has also brought the Top Soccer Program to Tacoma, which provides soccer to players with disabilities. Charles's dedication to Steel Sports goes beyond just coaching. He is making a massive impact on his local community and demonstrating to the kids that there's more to life than playing soccer and winning games.