ROCKFORD, Michigan (August 6, 2024) – The 92nd annual USA Softball Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship concluded Sunday as the NY Gremlins claimed the 2024 Championship title with a 13-0 shutout victory over the Omma Tigres. With an undefeated 5-0 record through the three-day tournament, the Gremlins recorded three run-rule victories while outscoring their opponents 47-4 in five games played en route to their fourth-consecutive and ninth overall Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship title.
Despite facing an early setback with a loss in their first tournament game, the Omma Tigres regrouped and went on a remarkable seven-game winning streak to secure a spot in the championship game, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. After winning their first two matchups, the Hill United Chiefs faced a defeat against the Gremlins, sending them to the loser’s bracket for a chance at redemption against the Tigres. The Tigres emerged victorious with a tight 4-3 win, advancing to the final showdown.
The NY Gremlins finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, making history by winning their fourth consecutive title and becoming the first team in USA Softball history to achieve this feat. Since 2009, the NY Gremlins have improved to a 70-16 record, winning a total of nine National Championship titles and securing a spot in the record books.
The Gremlins outscored its opponents 47-4 during the 2024 event while picking up two shutout wins along the way. Combining for a .357 batting average with a .690 slugging percentage, the squad tallied 46 hits including seven doubles and 12 home runs – six of which came off the bat of Erick Ochoa. Ochoa led the team at the plate with a .846 batting average followed by Cole Evans with a .500 batting average. Shining in the circle for the Gremlins was Jack Besgrove with a .33 ERA and tournament-high 33 strikeouts.
In the lineup of the National Champion NY Gremlins, fans will find two seasoned players from the U.S. Men’s National Team (MNT) – Nick Mullins and Erick Ochoa. With Mullins anchoring the squad from behind the plate and Ochoa delivering a commanding offensive performance, their contributions have been instrumental throughout the weekend.
A total of 18 teams gathered at Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, Michigan this weekend as the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship entered its 92nd year, continuing the tradition of elite Men’s Fast Pitch competition while growing the game around the world. First taking place at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Ill. in 1933, the elite Men’s Fast Pitch Championship has been held across 19 states throughout its near century of play.