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Online now: 2 members: 9 ball, Ballard44; 8 anonymousDetails for 4x4
Real name:
Pete D
Location:
Norcal/Thailand,
Division:
Men's 65
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| July 30, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Todays's Game (2) OK Bob - Not degrading anyone on here you seem to have too much fun doing that to yourself......... It's good you had a .923 tourney and hit in the 600's - but....... We get it ! ! ! - YOU-YOU-YOU like hitting the 52 ball - now it's YOUR turn to get it - the rest of us DON'T-DON'T-DON'T It doesn't take an "Einstein" to figure that out. We're not replacing the ether theory here............... |
| July 30, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Todays's Game (2) Pricer - I'm tired of the constant beating of the war drums from a number of the folks on here. It's not a place to test our writing skills or for use as long diatribes. As I said - I believe that the majority does want the good bat/ball combo. This has been restated by numerous individuals. Joe has made it his mantra and I noted it as more than a few times. We all get that too. But Joe and everyone that concurs is not asking to change anything away from what we currently have. That's the difference I see. One is saying however redundantly - stick with/we will not ever accept less than. The other is asking for a fundamental downgrade of the game using a change of skill set on a newish product that has been rejected in ever venue we've tried it - but the commercials keep coming. I have yet to find anyone in favor of the 52 ball other than Bob. But I've never heard anyone indicate they wanted to lessen the ball/bat combo. If it were up to me I'd say the Baden Fire is a better ball for tourney play. That would be my choice as it is better when the heat builds up. There are others that are also good. The Trump ball changes the tournament half way through the day with it's poor heat related properties - to me this is not a good thing. I believe these threads are to be used to inspire us as particpants in the sport we love. Dennis D & Tim M have started a couple of truly great topics. I have played with and against everyone involved and like and enjoy their company and personalities. Do I like the diatribes - nope, not really - but I like the commercials even less. The mud-slinging has become a part of this and we'd be better off without it. It's a turn off and it undermines the integrity of the board driving many of us away. If someone has something to say to and about me as an individual they can say it to me pesrsonally. If someone wants to agree not to agree about a topic - that's what this forum is for. |
| July 29, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Todays's Game (2) This is off the subject - but Bob - we all know you love/endorse/sleep with/massage the 52 ball. But to take it to the altar (pulpit/soap box) in seemily every thread is tedius and irritating. It really does appear to be more to this than one/1/uno person that wants/sells (in print)/likes this ball. There appears to be an underlying cause to this "holy crusade" whether is is marketing in another's behalf or just to keep the pot stirred. Stoney was like this a year or two ago and was an absolute jealot for the ball. He was receiving "sample" balls from a manufacturer hoping to stimulate interest as I recall and this sure appears to be a retread of the same tactic - for whatever the reason. Love of a ball - or - other considerations present or future. I think I can speak for the the majority that we've gotten your message - you like them - OKAY - we got that part. I also think that I can safely say that the majority has spoken and wants a quality ball and bat combo as espoused by Joe - also more than a few times. The ball/bat combo wins in this case - the majority has spoken it over and over whether it has been that endorsement by each individual or subject matter for threads. Conversely - the board has repeatedly indicated it does not want or accept the 52 ball. If it can't be left at that - there is something else going on here - well beyond the realm of reason. We all get the viewpoints and who makes them - we don't need to be bludgeoned by it. You make a Jhadist's fervor look tame.......................... 52 - okay YOU LIKE'EM - we got it! Anything beyond this gives Joe's assertions more validation. |
| July 24, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: When did it all start for you? Yeah (chuckle) if you picked just the right sapling you could get a rock - throw it up in the air and swat it a long ways............. That's why the CA hitters are the best - I guess you used to be able to do the same thing in TX - probably worked well there too - except you've run out of trees - you still got the pile of rocks though...........................................LOL |
| July 24, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: When did it all start for you? Along with playing ball I was fortunate enough to play a couple of years with my Dad who was still playing at age 65 for the love of the sport - and thinking back probably still hanging in there so he could be on the same team with his son. Now back to the original question. Those were the days of the wood bats and I was able to go yard pretty much at will. In those days the fields were different in design and it was easier to aim for a landmark somewhere and hit the ball into or over it. Through the progression of bats up to the present day going yard has always been there. Just getting back on the field after being on the shelf since December and out hitting again it feels good to shed the rust and once again start hitting a few 100 rounds a week. Not crazy about blowing up a couple of bats last week - but, for me it is progress. If anything - it's really made me appreciate what we are able to do. I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to get back out on the field. |
| July 7, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Player Poll How did a discussion on what we would like to have in our game keep reverting back again and again to the 52 ball. Again and again and AGAIN in this thread. It's like a broken record or an unending commercial. As I recall everyone that tried that thing had a very negative opinion of it. I believe the board also had a straw poll which resoundingly sent that ball down in flames. If someone were to design a ball to directly destroy/implode the game - the 52 would be the one. Let's see - you have to change your swing from what you've learned to get it to carry. Which implies that either you'd have to alter your swing once away from a good ball and bat combo for a certain association or tournament - or - all associations would have to conform and use it to keep the continuity in the game. The ball is abysmal. No carry - worse in heat - an absolute head hunter on hops through the infield picking up speed and bad hops along the way after watching this thing on the infield it wouldn't be safe for even a coed game that had proficient men hitting. Much more negatives than the unproven supposed plusses based on the therory that we are not protected enough with what we are using now - please don't insult us. If a ball akin to this were to be forced on - let's say golf who the h*ll would want to go out and play golf under those conditions. This thing won't save softball. It will be the ruin of it. The cash registers will stop turning because the players are going to spend the money doing what make them happy. That either means playing in the associations that use the good bat and ball combos - or - spending their money in other areas of their lives that give them more satisfaction. Who now a days wants to spend time, effort, travel, and money to go out and play an inferior game. Already the regional associations offering what the players want are seeing healthy, robust turn outs. With the increased ecconomics in traveling it makes sense that the players will play where they are happy. The 52 ball does not make folks happy. If a city, league, or association were to mandate it it would probably be their death knell. I do agree that some appear to be promoting the use of this ball. And they seem quite happy to inject/commercialize it at every opportunity. We have a good game here - don't fork it up. |
| Feb. 18, 2011 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Where is he now? While passionate about the game and the ensuing discussions pertinent to the betterment of our game I read with interest the threads that have sometihng positive to offer. When the egos or unwell (whichever it really is) persons disrupt and destroy the positive or thought provoking aspects of the thread be they pro or con someone HAS to step in to preserve the intergrity of what we all love to do or discuss. To start the BIG BROTHER mantra along with certain phrases and semantic deliveries and quickly enumerated posts it appears to me that a member of this board has once again re-invented himself much to the detriment of us all. That being said. It is a sad fact that the policing of this web site message board is NEEDED - and if fact welcomed by the majority of posters/players. While not as colorful the content has for the most part been enjoyable, informative, and positive. Some sarcastic, some witty, like the wry sport we play. If you want to read the negative just pick up your local newspaper ......... but most of us here, I believe, would prefer to have the negative, taunting, inciting, deriding, useless posts left out and enjoy what our sport has to offer. If you can't man up and abide by the very simple quidelines for posting you should be revoked. If you feel the rules do not apply to you, you simply don't belong. The trouble is those kind of people will NEVER get it. Thus, yes - a BIG BROTHER is needed. Somewhat akin to a play ground monitor that is forced to make the kiddies follow the societal rules - sadly - as grown men there are some that still need them. As an organization the SSUSA is opposed to censure - that said - any they initiated was not initiated by them but by the actions of the ones who are supposed to no longer be posting. We don't need the omnipresent drain of the negative posters. Period. |
| Nov. 25, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Happy Holiday one and all... Thanks. Joe, Bruce and all. About 80 here and winding down our T'day just as you guys are starting out. 10 degrees? Brrrrrrrr Bruce - C'ya and all the guys at CST !!!!! MIdnight here - signing off |
| Nov. 24, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Happy Holiday one and all... Boy - does that mean thin ice......... From the beautiful contry of Thailand (be home soon) wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Even found softball here In Chiang Mai to participate in...........something (else) to be thankful for. Count your blessings guys - anything else is just not important. |
| June 24, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Which hand grip do you use and are you a place hitter or power hitter? Left (bottom) hand usually anchored at the knob - or one finger dropped off and complete overlap of top hand without lacing fingers. Used to drop two or three fingers of the bat but it made the arthritis flare up. When going for the base hit I'll put two fingers above the bottom hand and rotate the upper hand forward. |
| June 8, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: batting practice I hit a few rounds a week in the 50 count per round but once a week hit 2 rounds of 70 balls counting off the last ten "hits" and adding another to the tally if not a clean hit so can go as high as 100 per round if you don't stay tough through to the end. As I sometimes play league that same night I on occasion will only take one round of 70 to keep the arms fresh for that night. Bruce is right 3-6 is about the right number but often just two of us go out with a screen and balls to hit. The balls I keep are a mixture of the Trump training Orange/White balls - 2 dozen Baden "Fire" balls and the rest a mixture of good 44/375 balls using the O/W balls about every 5th ball to watch carry - spin to and off the bat to make adjustments. |
| June 8, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 52 x 275 ball Whoa - whoa down there Bob!!!! You been standing in the sun too long since you moved to Texas??????? Being on multiple teams with GT and taking BP with him on a weekly basis we routinely discuss bats and have our bat bags available - often helping each other breaking in one anothers bats to get them game ready - or evaluated. We check the balance points on newly acquired bats together checking - analyzing the next newest bat and do so as a group of players with a mutual respect for one another. At no time have I EVER even got the feeling of an inkling to cheat. GT simply does not have to - he works hard at refining his game and as he has added some years is spreading out the field through hard work and repetition - and - if the situation calls for a blast - there it goes. That's what the great hitters do and that is exactly where he should be ranked. He is also an activist/ambassador/spokesman/representative - visionary for the game and detests anything that will cheapen it. When asked he will freely offer his best opinion based on his experience and share it willingly with everyone - not just upper the level players. I rarely post on the board anymore as it's turned into a "I'm bigger than you" and to prove it I'll flaunt my ________________ but it's time to speak up. Bob - we get along well - but in this case you've stepped in it. Pete |
| April 26, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Tournament in Concord To a team it was heard over and over again echo'd by numerous players they would never play Concord again. Hard to imagine there could be a ball worse than the ones that were used. Concord has been having trouble attracting teams to begin with. Now - once teams give it another shot this happens. Probably the death knell for that venue. |
| April 6, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: SSUSA and NCSSA Contrary to some of the other comments there are quite a few teams/players in the NCSSA that also play SSUSA. The W&L's can be skewed for the NCSSA as many of the tourney teams play in younger age brackets (i.e. 60-65's playing 50's teams) to "ready" their squad for the rigors of the "big" tournies. This offers top flight competition and rivalies against teams they would not normally face. It is also a great way to grade talent among the players ready to go into the next age group for "next season/year planning. Both organizations serve their people well and provide great platforms for competition. |
| March 2, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Great Time Was Had By All/Too Good Not To Mention Thanks Larry - will do. Surely Jim mentioned in his email that I bought some Mexican clothes there but had to change because everyone mistook me for a native. ( 8 |
| Feb. 28, 2010 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A Great Time Was Had By All/Too Good Not To Mention Last week Otis & Carol took their Omen team to La Paz Mexico to play in a goodwill tour/tournament. In front of an enthusiastic crowd we experienced the hospitality and shared spirits with the people of Mexico. After an opening ceremony with a parade of the participating teams and presentation of the two nations flags the games started. Playing in a hard ball stadium on a dirt field we played while the music blared and an anouncer called the games with the spirited calls we're used to hearing from soccer games. Ole-ole-ole-ole hooome ruuun was called many times. The bombs were flying, the competition good spirited. The crowd appreciative of the many fine efforts. Beautiful beaches, good food and company, bottomless Margaritas made for a beautiful experience. In conjunction with the Ray Thomas GART/YES foundation we got to see the the great work they do with the under privileged/disadvantaged/forgotten children in the Baja area. It's amazing to see what they've done with limited resources to help thousands of children. They work through providing sports and meals. Should you wish information on what they do you can email Ray at paparaythomas@yahoo.com This was a memorable and rewarding experience both on and off the field with fond memories for us and the good people of Mexico that will last a lifetime. Now - this was softball at one of it's finest hours! |
| Feb. 4, 2010 4x4 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SPA survey I'm not sure how much "regional" results there would be. I'm from Calif and filled out the survey, however, as there were not a lot of west coast teams the regions that would have the best results number wisewould be in SPA "country". Not much out this way. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Happy Thanksgiving to One & All Sorry to be so late in getting back. Joe - we're about 9,000 miles away so Danville is a bit of a commute at the moment. Am working out here on the field (as best I can) & we intalled a gym at the house and getting work in there also. Should be good out of the gate an rarin' to go when we get back in February. Bruce - I'm not sure if Spring Training will be a fit for this year. Hopefully, I know Curt and Audie read this board and if the schedule works will take me as a late addition. It's always a great start to the season. I will get there if at all possible - just the cast of characters there makes it worthwhile. Pete ( 8 |
| Dec. 21, 2009 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: No change in the balls for SSUSA for 2010 Something that would go a lot further for player protection would be NO more night games. They are scheduled at night to save costs - but at what cost? Due to this (night) I saw more close calls at the Winter Worlds than I saw (in daylight) during the entire tourney season. That is a real issue. The pitcher "zone" is a mistake as was the PPR. |
| Nov. 23, 2009 4x4 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Happy Thanksgiving to One & All This year my wife and I will be many, many miles away for the holidays. Before leaving I would like to wish all my softball bretheren the very best and many blessings for this holiday season. Take time to NOTICE and count your blessings and we'll see you next season on the fields. Pete & Cora |
