Created in 2009, the inaugural Border Battle slow pitch competition was held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City where Team USA defeated Canada 30 to 23. An instant success, the event has continued to grow with additional sponsors and multiple locations, including the 2014 and 2018 events in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and the 2015 and 2019 events in Midland, Mich.
Canada has twice claimed the Border Battle title, in 2010 with a 30-29 dramatic victory and in 2017 with a 31-28 win. Team USA has claimed every other Border Battle title: 2011 (25-3), 2012 (32-21), 2013 (25-10), 2014 (18-9), 2015 (22-7), 2016 (27-8), 2018 (30-13) and 2019 (30-14).
The USA Futures Team was established in 2012 to compete in the inaugural Slow Pitch Showdown against the U.S. Men’s Slow Pitch National Team.
Both the Border Battle and Slow Pitch Showdown are an opportunity for the top slow pitch athletes in the country to showcase their talents while exposing USA Softball Slow Pitch and promoting participation.
2009 Team USA Men’s Slow Pitch Roster
| No. | Name | Position | Hometown | B/T | Swings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Dexter Avery | Outfield | Decatur, GA | R/R | Combat Anti-Virus Morphes |
| 4 | Bryson Baker | Infield | Woodlands, CA | R/R | Worth Toxic |
| 26 | Rick Baker | Outfield | West Harrison, IN | L/L | Louisville Slugger Triton |
| 16 | Rusty Bumgardner | Infield | Gastonia, NC | R/R | Combat |
| 3 | Don DeDonatis III | Infield | Sterling Heights, MI | L/R | Worth Toxic |
| 00 | JD Genter | Infield | Chickamauga, GA | R/R | TPS Triton |
| 44 | Brett Helmer | Utility | Cicero, NY | L/R | Easton SCN11BH Synergy |
| 25 | Todd Joerling | Infield | New Melle, MO | R/R | Easton Synergy |
| 7 | Jason Kendrick | Outfield | Naples, FL | L/L | Combat Gear Afflicted |
| 35 | Johnny McCraw | Outfield | Lake Wylie, SC | R/R | Combat Gear Afflicted |
| 19 | Andy Purcell | Pitcher | Naples, FL | R/R | Worth Toxic |
| 11 | Brian Rainwater | Outfield | Kathleen, GA | L/L | Worth Mutant/Toxic |
| 9 | Dennis Rulli | Infield | Moore Park, CA | R/R | Worth Toxic |
| 12 | Brian Wegman | Outfield | Hamilton, OH | R/R | Easton Synergy |
| 13 | Losson White | Pitcher | Omaha, NE | L/L | Easton Synergy |
