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Online now: 1 member: ace42850; 8 anonymousDetails for 4x4
Real name:
Pete D
Location:
Norcal/Thailand,
Division:
Men's 65
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| Nov. 23, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: With Sadness Softball Has Lost AC Linde It is with sadness that we have learned today of the passing of AC Linde. AC passed away of natural causes last Saturday. Those of us that were privileged enough to play with him as a teammate knew him to be a fiery competitor that was passionate about every game - indeed every pitch that he threw. Someone that was always working on his game and all aspects of it. I will miss the times he and I went out to take BP and had a chance to get to know one another through our conversations, often sprited and never dull. Each time great pitching is a topic on this board AC was one of the players who's name came up, and rightfully so. Rest in peace AC. Memorial services with be celebrated December 1, 2011 (Tuesday). Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (in the Oak Room) |
| Nov. 13, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Poll For The Power Hitters Bob - thanks for the 16" info................ Finding softball stuff there is next to impossible. I just packed an old elite bag crammed with some new Macenko bats and a dozen new Baden Fires to donate to the group as they are spirit rich but equipment poor. I am not sure where the college teams we play against get their stuff. The 16" sounds good. Didn't think of that - I was planning to pick up a basketball or soccer - or volleyball over there to whack to get the same result. Those sports are well represented there. So's ping pong but hitting one with a bat won't help much - but the family competition in ping pong is good as they were all raised on it (very quick) so we'll get a lot of hand eye help there. |
| Nov. 13, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Poll For The Power Hitters Bruce - guys, thanks for the feedback. The reason I asked is I switched a few years back to the power grip. For me it made it easier to go oppo depending on pitch location adding more areas to gap and spreading the outfielders in the process which I see as an advantage. Lately seems everyone I've hit with uses the conventional grip but are pretty much "pull" hitters using about 1/3 to 1/2 the field. Distance seems the same among equal hitters with either grip. What I found one day while hitting is a guy watching on deck mentioned that the ball was coming off the bat sideways (dragging the bat head). I added and worked on more push from the rear hand (right handed hitter) and there was a noticable increase in speed and more pop (re)gained to all fields. That's what got me started thinking about possibly going back to the standard grip to insure consistant wrist roll. I might tinker with it during the off season off the tee and see how it feels. To me when I've gone back and forth the power grip feels like a lot smoother swing with possibly less movements/adjustments. Some might gain the same advantage by dropping the fingers and full upper hand. Maybe we'll get more feedback. Heading out for our annual wintering in Thailand tomorrow (snow birding from CA) so will tinker in the league games and BP there. Will check in on the board once there. |
| Nov. 5, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Poll For The Power Hitters Bob - I agree the number is not high. I did it that way to get a larger number of replies without trying appeal only to the elite hitters - and catching the negative comments that might change the direction of the threads simply asked questions. |
| Nov. 5, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Poll For The Power Hitters For feedback let's keep this for the genuine power hitters - the guys that hit 25-35 + home runs per year. Let's keep it within the Major/Major Plus guys only. Anyone hitting that many home runs in AAA isn't playing in AAA they are hiding there. Gary19. We have heard your mantra before so just pass on this thread. Here are the questions: Which grip do you prefer to use - hand over hand - or power grip. Once you indicate which grip indicate which fields you routinely hit to. Percentages if you want to use them. Why do you prefer the grip you employ and what do you feel are the advantages. It will be interesting to see how this breaks down. |
| Oct. 26, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: How would you feel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know, unfortunately (as pointed out by SV), we do play in a team sport that is populated by a lot of me first type "A" people. Talk to just about any one brave enough to try and manage a team and they are amazed/surprised/ticked off/despirited (but never elated) about just how hard it is to get some guys to communicate and or commit to the cause and for the benefit of a team. Especially some of the ones that were so vocal to try and get on a certain team to begin with. We foster a lot of that as every game or tourney - or sometimes an inning can come under the what have you done for me lately heading. It's sadly surprising that guys 40-50-60+ have not learned how to stand by their word - or even be accountable to their commitment that they themselves volunteered and were lobbying for. Sometimes just try and keep up with the carpooling arrangements and promises - something as simple as that is too troublesome for some to bother with. That being said. It's possible they fall into that catagory or for some reason they did not feel comfortable talking to you about it and how your reaction would be. Judging by the tone set forth by your post it might have been what they were trying to avoid feeling a break was better than emotion. It's quite sure this thread has been seen and discussed locally in your area. Possibly their new team told them not to say anything to keep things "smoothe". For a "fun" endeavor there sometimes seems like there is a good amount of subterfuge taking place. It's really no different than any other avenue of life - just magnified because we are so passionate about it and the community is so small. Sometimes we just specialize on making the simple things much to complex and in the process wonder why we feel stymied in our enjoyment. As a group we're not to touchy feely or we wouldn't be able to play this sport so I wouldn't be too surprised - or worried that they didn't check in/run it by you/inform you first. Enjoy their company when you are in it - then go out and play ball - if you play against them get your revenge on the field............ In the meantime - work on and enjoy your game. |
| Sept. 3, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? Hi James - so far the cruise is going great - - - - - but I'll have to wait until we actually get on the boat tomorrow at about 11 to give you an up to the minute report. Loved playing on the fields - good combo with good astro infield and low cut grass outfield. Lighting was excellent with good coverage - nice facility all the way around. Might be able to catch up with you on the flip side - not sure what the timing will be. |
| Sept. 3, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? Well - no one bragged about their dancing skills during the game. Hopefully it was in the individuals events and not the couples competition............... |
| Sept. 1, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? Just wanted to thank Shane and the guys on the Sigillo Cellars/JCI Jones Chemical team for letting jump in on BP and getting in on 2 games Wed night. Great group of guys! Went early for BP and needed some more balls to hit with so I tossed out the 6 I had in my bag with the rest. Along the way we lost a couple of mine - next thing I know I check in my bag and there's NINE balls in it. They gave up their own to replace mine. I gave back the extras. As I said - great group of guys - felt right at home and got to knock a little rust off at the same time as a guest third baseman. The weather was perfect and the fields were great. Good stuff. Thanks again guys. This is what makes what we do special. Tried to call Art too but got some weird voice mail box answering thing. We'll be on the boat until the 11th and then maybe 3-5 more days up here before heading south so maybe will get another shot with Shane or possibly Kreugs and Art. |
| Aug. 26, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? Thanks Shane - Final packing almost done - not sure exactly what I've packed for a cold cruise and warm weather RV'g but I've got 3 bats and my glove - should grab spikes too I guess, just not enough room for the roller bag to go - well now that I think on it maybe room for the bag too. The 31st might/maybe could work out as I left the 1st open to stay or be moving. It's always cool to sneak in on a game.......... Ok - time to figure this out. |
| Aug. 25, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: We're simply amazed it's come to this... It's kind of like the big dog followed by a chirpy little dog trailing nipping at the big dog's heels. Sooner or later it was going to end badly. Even when there was no confrontations the contempt was so thinly veiled that it usurped the validity of the threads. Nobody could discern or grasp what was genuine anymore. We souldn't have to be on guard as a group before we even open the message board - but all of us are to some degree now. It's bad enough to have some that feel they have to comment on every thread let alone destroy each one they touch. Taits is right. There are more than those two that have gone way beyond the boundaries in attempts to antagonize and taunt again throwing the threads and our softball community in a tailspin. Again it has completely undermined the credibility of the preson(s) making the post. Some that were respected simply no long are when discussed around the fields. Most of the respected players/members have either quit coming to the site or afraid to participate any longer. Some of us have wandered back hoping it was better only to be sadly disappointed. It then becomes a loss to all of us because we lose what these folks have to offer. We're talking HOF caliber people both on and off the field - - - gone. Woody mentioned the scorpion and the frog fable. There's a whole lot of scorpion and frog activity going on - after awhile the scorpion and the frog both look the same. |
| Aug. 25, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? Kreugs - Bash Hope we can hook up. I guess I'll bring two pair of batting gloves and some bandages for my poor bleeding hands. Jeez you two monsters already leave dents on the field when you walk. With the three of us there pity the field. Rolling out Saturday. On the way there we're stopping in Grants Pass Ore. for two days. Then Seven Feathers in Canyonville for a day. On to Toutle River/Castle Rock Ore for a couple of days before steaming in to Everett Wash on the 2nd. Jumping on the boat on the 4th through the 11th and booked in Everett until the 13th. Then heading back which we've left pretty open timing wise. Hopefully we can hook up and wreak some havoc on some softballs along the way. I have no idea how far apart Everett and Tacoma are time wise. I think both of you have my number and I have yours. I don't know how it will work during the cruise - they say no (constant) wifi so I'm guessing no cell coverage in most places either. Calling across Canada may also be pricey. We also have Shane V's number in this thread. Thanks guys hope to see you soon. |
| Aug. 23, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Anyone Alive In Washington State? We're driving up through Oregon, into Washington then on to a week long Alaskan Cruise 9-4/9-11. We'll be in the Seattle area on the 2nd & 3rd - then on the 12th (13th's her birthday I better not push it even though the cruise is her present) then heading back on home. I'll bring a couple of bats with me that I need to break in - if anyone hits as a normal routine on some of these days let me know and if it's possible maybe we can get in a few rounds of hitting in together. |
| Aug. 23, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 Core Ball Without discussing knuckleballs The balls that I hit are a mixture of the Baden Fire - the Trump Stotes (SSUSA balls) - the Evil PB balls and a few Utrip balls thrown in, a couple of Rocks and some Spirits from SPA. The best in the batch for all conditions in my opinion is the Fire. At one time I had a few of the 52 core balls in the mix - but - as we hit if the guys think there's a bad ball in the batch we throw them off into a dugout and leave them for someone that might want them. Nobody questions anybody we just get rid of the bad balls. Guess what happened - one by one all the 52 balls got tossed. THAT'S why it's important to have a variety with live pitching with different weather/temperature variations and people. Ideally hitting the "names" in rotation (which we didn't do as we were not looking to run a "test"). Bob - you've done your job - you must have 75-100+ posts pushing this ball. We've all seen the posts. You've brought attention to them. I think it's time that everybody move on. |
| Aug. 22, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 Core Ball Page 2 I don't recall saying anything about 144 swings or 105 degree heat. I said 3-5 dozen balls each hit by brand at 12 each. That would be only 60 per round. Pretty easy to do. I'd vote for some Evil BP balls to be one of the dozen used. Put it in a REAL situation - after all that's what you are trying to convince every one else to do with THEIR time on the field changing THEIR game and THEIR enjoyment of THEIR game that YOU want to change. As far as the taunting (your 3rd paragraph - last post) bullying/battering/whining/then crying out for sympathy from the audience when they get spanked. I would guess that depends on how much attention one feels he needs. Over and over and over and over. |
| Aug. 22, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 Core Ball Bob - We can carry this forward when we see each other at the Huntsman. Matter of fact we can go out and hit together! Regardless of the thermometer. |
| Aug. 22, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 Core Ball Hi Jim - Pete here One of the issues with these balls is they have to be hit differently to get a specific, desired result. Differently than any other ball we might pick up. Hitting off a tee with these it is easier to obtain the result you want precisely because you have more control over the swing and contact area of the ball - just target an area and hit it. And the results will be skewed as the same result will not consistantly be forthcoming under "game/BP" conditions. We have a single proponent on line with a Madison Avenue zeal that has done everything short of opening his Bible and citing chapter 52 verse 275 about the second coming of softball. These balls have different properties to them. If anything they should be matched up in a BP situation with a dozen Stotes a dozen Badens (good quality balls) and then hit in rounds of 36-48-60 by the same hitter in progression using different dozens (brands, separated out) at a time as they progress and see what the outcome is. And they should be hit by someone other than the man on the soap box. There's a lot of ugly bullying and battering going on in this forum - up to - and including a bull rush by one party to bring these balls to the fore. It's only a matter of time before these people become banned. But, in the meantime, the information has to be of good quality. |
| Aug. 18, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Poll on discussions and posters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree - the plethora of "Validation M@sturb@tion" needs to stop.............. |
| Aug. 18, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 Core Ball If you are going to do a fair one on one test I would suggest you not hit off a tee........ Why - you already know - off a tee you can hit the ball anywhere you want on the ball with a ball sitting static. You can put the seams in a certain position that would insure a better flight. Stuff most of us already know. You can make a ton of mistakes mechanically off a tee and still come up with a decent result with a technically poor swing. Knowing the results you already want the findings would be skewed. The ball should be struck in the same manner it usually would be off of BP PITCHING to get a true result from a parties taking place with no altering of swings to favor any particular ball. Hit the ball live.......... |
| July 30, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Todays's Game (2) Pricer - As a direct answer to the question that you have posed. In speaking to fellow ball players coast to coast and internationally the one thing that is a constant is the excitement over hitting. Bats are discussed regularly and everyone has their own preference to what suits their needs. I would contend that 95% or more indicate they are are happy with the bats currently in hand based on the folks I see. The more common topic is the bat longevity. Now away from bats in general............ When you discuss hitting (which I find different from the bat discussion). You will find the higher the echelon of team mates the discussion turns not to bats but the science of hitting - you will find a group of guys - not looking around - kind of watching the games but at the same time talking about hitting - hitting - hitting - form - timing - over and over. The top notch teams never stop pooling their info and refining/defining their knowledge, skill, and application of it. It's a discussion that never stops - you can have a group of 4-6-8 guys together and find them constantly fine tuning. And because of the nature of what we're trying to accomplish (as soon as you're killing the ball for a long time - zip - there it goes and time to revisit what you'd taken for granted) the conversation is ongoing and continuous. They become each others cheerleaders, evaluators,critics, and coaches. It doesn't just happen around BP. |
