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Online now: 1 member: Percy Ihara; 9 anonymousDetails for audieh
Real name:
Audie Hollis
Location:
Jacksonville, FL
Division:
Men's 60
Messages posted by audieh »Message board home »Start a new discussion
| Jan. 25, 2008 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: OK You Gym Rats Out There Pete, when you get into town i will be more than happy to work out with you. Work the total body for best results with core strength training. Also a few fore arm curls with help with the bat. Again, analyze your swing. What body parts hurt when you hit after a lay off? Those are the muscle groups that you use so they would be the one to concentrate on if you only wanted to improve your swing. The other thing is to develop quick twitch muscle which requires quick motions with light weights! |
| Jan. 23, 2008 audieh | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: TOC Pete/Dude, we are actually playing in Maui in May. Pete you need to get Dude to put a team in and come play us. Maybe later we can have a surfing contest. Or better yet, just have Dude come along to introduce us to some of the locals! |
| Jan. 23, 2008 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Rule changes - where are all the Major Plus players opinions? George, I believe the major plus players have said their piece. Now it will be up to the associations to digest that information and see if our complaints are valid. I can tell you for the two major plus teams I am associated with the 12 home run limit and then a DBO is a joke. The 7 runs per inning results in the lesser team winning about 30 to 40% of the games and the DBO will not protect the pitcher. Now, I sent out a tentative schedule to my 55 major plus team last week and I am now re-evaluating that schedule to see if we want to stay with the schedule or drop several tournaments with these rules. Our major plus teams are built on power and if you restrict homerun (especially only 10 for 55s) then you put my team at a disadvantage, as to have unlimited power, you give up some defense. So do I tell several of my bombers that they changed the rules and I am dropping you and picking up a punching Judy that can play better defense? I can not do that to men that I have already given my word to. Several years ago we played a tournament in Atlanta where they used 47 core balls, Ultras and only 3 players could hit homeruns. Anyone else that hit a homerun was an inning ending out. Bear in mind that everyone on that team can hit homeruns. My bombers could not keep the ball in the park with those hard balls we lost several games to inferior teams. Guess what. Even though it was a well run tournament and close for us we all voted not to return. In fact, in an effort not to hit a homerun, I hit one up the miidle that barely missed the pitchers head. The ball was chopped down and went out anyway but by the time I ran to first base the pitcher was there to confront me. You will see more of this because my experiences say that the big hitters (and by that I mean the most powerful hitters) do not necessarily have the best bat control. I am sure there are other sponsors looking at the alternatives. if I can find a more fun venue for my team that has more unlimited rules than that is where we will go. The way I see this is the associations have shown the major plus division their lack of loyalty and concern for us. Therefore, if they are not willing to change we will vote with our dollar by considering other venues. What other choice do we have when we have voiced our opinion, had an advisory committee give theirs and then both are ignored? |
| Jan. 21, 2008 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: SSUSA Rule proposed rule changes Pete, good to hear you are out there! I heard from a member of the senior advisory board that the 1 and 1 count and the 12 home run and a out rule were pre-decided and he was told that there would be no wasting of time and not to bring up these items. This being the case, it does not seem to me that the Summit organizations appreciate the time, effort and money spent by those on the advisory board. Now, I am somewhat OK with the rule protecting the pitcher as I want everyone to go home safely. However, the 12 home run limit for major plus is a joke, especially when after the limit, it is an out. As one of my favorite characters said, "pity the poor fool," who plays third or first now! By making the 13th home run and out (and bear in mind sometimes 12 home runs are hit in 2 to 3 innings) you are forcing the biggest bombers in the game to hit down! THIS IS A STUPID RULE . I repeat, THIS IS A STUPID RULE. Seriously, if safety is what we are seeking then please have the foresight and repeal this rule before somebody is seriously hurt. Please listen to your seasoned major plus players as they know the game and are looking out for the good of all! |
| Jan. 21, 2008 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: What wrong with using and consulting us? Joe, why have you not applied to get on the senior advisory board? I think it would be good for you to be on the board. As on all boards though be prepared for compromise. I totally agree that we are the customers and the retailers should at least try and give us the product that we want. ASA refused to do that and now they are history in senior ball and from what I have been told will try to earn there way back in. That is the way capitalism works. Now, SSUSA has taken the lead and perhaps things have been going too well and perhaps they are getting out of touch with their base. The limits in major plus on homeruns and runs per inning is an example. Nothing wrong with pointing this out and voting with your softball dollars to play other venues. Organizations that refuse to allow the Ultra have seen their tournaments drop in attendance. Again the market forces at work. If Combat or Miken start producing a inferior bat you can bet that seniors will put the word out and their sales will suffer to the point that they will change or others will take their market share. Discussions are good. Both you and kevin keep up the good work. I would love to hear from a SSUSA representative on this board for their input. |
| Jan. 21, 2008 audieh | Topic: Associations Discussion: Too many sub classifications OK, I agree with Einstein and Bob here on the latest comments. I have been playing, sponsoring and managing major plus for 5 years and have never paid a player or had a player ask me for payments to play. Now, having said that, you must understand that when you are asking a blue collar worker that supports a family to play 6 to 10 weekends on a team that many can not afford to play particular on fly away tournaments. If you are playing on the top level against the best players and you have the desire to compete, Then you try and sponsor, that is pay motels and flights for as many people as you can. To take your example to the extreme then no one should ever have a sponsor pay a entry fee, even on a recreational basis. Should I not sponsor my grandsons little league team? After all, we don't want them to have an advantage over the other team! Why do so many people think with such socialist tendencies and want everyone to be on the same level. Is is jealousy of talent or of a player who would not normally get to play having the chance to play on a national level. Listen, if someone comes along and will pay my players than I will release them immediately because it would be better for them. Let capitalism rule and you people and associations who want to limit major plus softball by purposely and artificially limiting runs per inning and home runs need to look at your motives. Why purposely keep games close. We are grown men and can handle defeat without our little psyche being harmed. There is a reason why we have different classifications in senior ball and I am thankful for my fellow comrades who play AA, AAA, Major and of course Major Plus. Why do you be-grudge someone playing softball. If the major plus is too competitive for you then stay in a lower level and have a blast. But, I can assure you that other than talent, there is no difference in the hearts and minds of major plus players than all the rest. We love to play but love God, family and this country just like the players at AA, AAA and major. |
| Jan. 11, 2008 audieh | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: To "BB" or not to "BB? Einstein, I just love your competitiveness. I would pay good money to see a video of your pitching strategy. I believe a "thinking " pitcher is worth his weight in gold. Not only on pitching to the batters weakness but also fielding the position and backing up throws from the outfield, etc. I personally hate to walk anybody and particular if it is intentional. I rarely do it unless forced to by others higher up in the food chain. Yes, late in the game it can be effective but usually if you walk the super star you better walk the next batter as well. Is it worth it to now have two on? My own personal experience is if I'm hitting around 600 and you walk somebody to get to me then that extra slap in the face forces me to concentrate more and I become a 850 with a long ball. I'm sure others feel the same way. We have faced the best hitters that senior ball can produce and my own experience is go after the super star. Make him prove his worth BUT, you better have a pitcher that can pitch to his weakness. I feel if we can make a truely great hitter like Clatter or Parnell or Perez, etc. go 2 for 4 then we are pitching/fielding well. My favorite tactic is to basically pull my infielders and outfielders from the position the super star will typically hit, he then sees that his alley is open and is chomping at the bit, my pitcher knows not to pitch the ball in the batters power stroke and many times in the eagerness to hit his spot the super star will try to drive the ball into what he perceives as an open alley. Ahhhh, however, my fielders are instructed to on the beginning motion of the pitcher run and fill those lanes. This will usually work one time a game. You have to know when to use it and it takes coordination on at least 4 players parts. Then again, many times the super star will not bite on the pitch or just knock the dang thing 400. I guess my point is to leave the walk rules as they are. But go ahead and let us in on how a big time pitcher uses strategy to win games! |
| Jan. 10, 2008 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Advisory Board Makeup and How Do You Get On. First off, let me say I do not have one problem in the world with senior softball. I am very content with the state of affairs but believe that any organization should constantly evolve as needs change. Looking at the list of male advisors there are 13 from the far west, 1 from middle America and 4 from the northeast. That does not seem like a good spread of talent especially with California having 8 of 18. Notably absent are any advisors from the south. How does one become an advisor for the board and what does it entail? |
| Jan. 10, 2008 audieh | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: What Would You Change - Other Items Mike, thanks for asking for player response. I wish more representatives would do the same. All of us seniors have limited viewpoints as none of us play in every division or every association. Therefore, something that may be a major concern for me may not have any relevance for another. However, here are several items I would be happy to see addressed by senior softball associations based on their priorty to me. 1) Uniform rules from all Summit members. Seems immature to me to have association differ on such things as pitch height, bordering state rules, type of bats, etc. etc. If you are a member of the Summit then part of that should be operating under the same rules. It would make senior softball more consistent for the players. 2) Have one universal identification card for all associations. The cost maybe more but then the Summit members could split the fees according to participation in their events. 3) I would like to see only 2 round robin games and then start the tournament. Play 2 Friday morning and one tournament game on Friday afternoon if you must but please have the championship game on Sunday morning and not Sunday afternoon. Any game that starts after noon on Sunday results in east coast teams having to fly out on Monday rather than Sunday. We do not mind getting into town on Thursday night but do not force us to miss work and other obligations on Monday as well. 4) In round robin games a 60 minute time limit and 75 for tournament games with unlimited in the championship game. 5) A bigger mat and a 1 and 1 count. These changes would benefit the pitchers, speed the game and make the game more exciting. Ten of the 12 players on my team will not swing at the first pitch on a full count no matter how great the pitch is. This is a total waste of time and since this is slow pitch and underhand to boot, I certainly do not need 7 pitches to take the pitcher deep! ;) 6) For major plus categories only I would have unlimited home runs, unlimited runs per inning, and open borders. For lesser categories I would keep most of the restrictions in place. However, never, I repeat, never should a home run hit after the allowance be an out. Make them a single and quit penalizing a big hitter that choses to play on a lower level. Mike, thanks for your effcrts in listening to some of the various feedback. We all will not agree on ever item but some thing seem to be just plan common sense and would benefit seniors as a whole. |
| Dec. 28, 2007 audieh | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Question on TOC roster John, I sorta like the ToC as the first tournament as it starts the year early, and in our case, we would not have made the ToC as well qualified by winning a winter national! |
| Dec. 25, 2007 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 2008 Classic Spring Training You need to fly into Jacksonville International. There is no passenger service on airlines to any of the regional airports. |
| Dec. 20, 2007 audieh | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: 55 Major Plus teams going to TOC Don, I can assure you it was said "tongue in cheek" and was directed at my own 50s team! |
| Dec. 19, 2007 audieh | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: What 50 Major Plus Teams Are Going to the ToC Hollis will be there. Could we hear from Hendricks, Kevitt/Ploog, MAC II and Randy Smith? |
| Dec. 19, 2007 audieh | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: 55 Major Plus teams going to TOC Come on guys if you can make it please do! We're tired of beating up on the 50 major plus teams! :) We need a division of our own. Lets hear it from the Animals, Grimes, MTC, and Ruth! If all 6 of us show up it will be an outstanding tournament. |
| Dec. 19, 2007 audieh | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: MOV' UP ONCE W/ OUT BE' RELEASE.....? Bob, nice comments and thanks for bringing in the history. I realize that with open borders my better players will be bought by others as I am a little guy with limited funds. Then I'll have to recruit lesser known super stars! :) However, that would be the free market. I was sorta of looking at this from the following view point. In Florida we can recruit Georgia as well as Alabama. With those limitations we can put together only one true major plus team. However, since some of our better major teams have won tournaments they are moved up to major plus and then they are not truly competitive. Just think how strong a California Major Plus team would be if they had all of the best players from those adjoining states. Thankfully, there are several major plus teams in California competing for players which dilutes their teams somewhat. Other wise they would walk through every tournament. Granted I perfer bigger tournaments but the word from some of our Florida major plus teams is why go when you are not competitive. Perhaps, open borders would help them recruit more talent! |
| Dec. 19, 2007 audieh | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: MOV' UP ONCE W/ OUT BE' RELEASE.....? Einstein, I agree. Please stop restricting the major plus divisions. We want good balls, good bats, no run limits per innings, and no borders on players. Let the free market have it's place and things on the top level will work themselves out. |
| Dec. 16, 2007 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 2008 Classic Spring Training Pete, are all of the motels run by Smiths similar to all of them here in the US being run by Patels? Also, have you sent in your reservations for the Hawaii trip? |
| Dec. 11, 2007 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 2008 Classic Spring Training Mike, I believe it is the other way around. You guys take it easy on us. At least let us look good on our home turf! Jacksonville is a good 2.5 hour drive up I-4 to !-95 to J-ville. If it were me. I'd fly into Orlando where flights are frequent and cheaper. Rent a car and head north to J-ville about 1.75 hours away. Then after the CST back down thru Orlando to Lakeland which is about 1 hour or less southwest of the Orlando airport. Look forward to seeing you there! |
| Nov. 29, 2007 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 2008 Classic Spring Training So you guys believed that story about the trophies blowing out of the back of his truck onto the interstate and being run over by the semi? Haha. I was by his house yesterday and all of the trophies were there with inscriptions like MVP - Curt Hollis - ClassicSpring Training. Overall Home Run Champion - Curt Hollis. Best Defesive Player - Curt Hollis. Highest Average CST Curt Hollis. Now, that could be the true story of what happened to the trophies! |
| Nov. 27, 2007 audieh | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 2008 Classic Spring Training Who won the home run hitting contest in the seniors last year? How about the young pups? Who won the seniors base running contest? |
