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Real name:
Steve Shannon
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Centreville, VA
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| July 19, 2011 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Morning Thought To Share Ed, although I am semi-retired and haven't had the opportunity to meet you face to face I want to say "thanks" for your post. |
| June 3, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Should a bat be confiscated Mad Dog, what is reflex? I think I lost that back 10 years ago. :-) Actually I find myself concentrating more when I'm pitching because I know I don't have the same reflex I used to. And to make things worse, it takes a lot longer to heal than it used to. I get hit on the toe last year (by a youngster of course) and didn't look at it until the game was over. My shoe was filled with blood and the nail was barely hanging on. It was then that I realized that it hurt like hell. The good news though is the nail is finally growing back. But I'll keep pitching to the youngsters until they don't want the old man around. |
| June 2, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Should a bat be confiscated Mad Dog, I've had more balls hit back at me while playing with the youngsters and I guess its because they simply don't have any bat control. I get a kick out the youngsters when they make the comment that they hope they can hit the ball as hard as I do and play as good of defense as I play "when they get my age." Years ago that would have pissed me off, but at 57 I suppose it should be taken as a compliment. I would be better off playing 3rd base when I play with the youngsters though, but I let them do all the running. One big advantage of getting older (not old though) is we get smarter. As for Clatta, I've played with and against him for many years and I've seen him almost take a few heads off of pitchers, but he quickly apologized and felt like crap for hitting close to the pitcher. And he is without a doubt one of the best hitters in the history of the game, but sometimes the ball doesn't always go in the exact direction we want it to go. I have a couple of war wounds to prove that as I'm sure you do. Good luck with this season. |
| June 2, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Should a bat be confiscated #6 & Stretch14, My comment was directed at those that whine about pitcher safety. As a pitcher I've had the biggest and baddest swingers hit the ball back up the middle, been hit a couple of times, hit the pitcher a couple of times, but never did I complain about changing the rules of the game just because good bats and balls are used. Steve Shannon (proudtex40@aol.com) |
| June 1, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Should a bat be confiscated If hitting the pitcher is such a concern why don't each team furnish their own pitcher which should be a deterent in hitting the middle. Then take the picture of the opposing team and let them play anywhere they want to (such as in front of 2nd base). Might be a dumb idea, but just wanted to throw that out. Good luck to all. |
| May 24, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SHAVED BATS? Wow, us "softball" fanatics are very passionate about our feelings and convictions, but the greatest thing of all is that we all (and I mean all) have a CHOICE as to where we play, when we play, what equipment we use (depending on the tournament/association) and how long we want to play this great American game. Like my former team mate and friend Larry (Double 10), I still have two old Bombats and a couple of Steele bats and won't hesitate to use them if I had the opportunity. Of course, all 3 bats have a few dings in them, but they come with a lot of fond memories from playing with and against the best damn players of all time (in my opinion). My best to all! Steve Shannon |
| May 19, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SHAVED BATS? Hey Larry, I haven't played in the senior league for several years. I've been playing with the young guys which I've enjoyed because all I do is pitch and hit. We play at various fields, but last year we played most of our games at Nottaway on the small field. I really enjoy that since it's only 280' and I can still reach that with no problem so I only have to run to 1st base. It's funny getting walked at 57 years old by a 20 yr old pitcher who then pitches to a 28 yr old stud that crushes the ball. I guess they would rather have the young guys hit the HR instead of us old farts. : - ) Give my best to Pam and let me know when you come to VA for a tournament. |
| May 19, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SHAVED BATS? And I'm having problems spelling as you can see above, but then I'm getting older so I have an excuse...just like having to take a leak every few hours. : - ) |
| May 19, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SHAVED BATS? Mad Dog, chances are we've played against each other somewhere in the past. Although I played in a local league (with the youngsters) the one tournament I did play in I used an Ultra and I hit a ball that I'm told went about 375' to 400'. Unfortunately it was an out since we had hit our limit, but the thing that pissed me off was that I swung down on the ball and was just trying to hit the ball down and hard. As for the hot bat/ball combination my feelings is stated above. If I were King for a day in senior softball I would bring back the single wall bats and keep hot balls (within reason). I am 100% against using nets or any other foreign obstacle and I say that although I have done more pitching than playing 3rd base in the last 5 or 6 years. I've also been tatooed a couple of times with balls hit back at me, but that's part of the game. This is just my humble opinions though. |
| May 19, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: Bats Discussion: SHAVED BATS? Mad Dog,living here and playing against George Crisp (Sterling, VA) in the past I can tell you that the bat and ball combination were both ASA approved and neither were "hot". It was an unfortunate accident and a great man (and I mean a great man) was taken from his family and friends. Since I've semi-retired from the competitive teams I played for (all Major Plus teams to include Fergie's which is still talked about I'm told) I don't get real involved in the various posts on this website. I will comment though that I've played against Joe and he is without doubt one of the best players in senior softball as I'm sure alot of you are as well. As for the hot bat & ball combination I have to agree with several of you in your comments. I truly miss the days of the single wall bats and GOOD balls. Back then home run hitters hit home runs and base hitters hit base hits....and defense made the difference in a lot of games. The biggest issue we had to deal with was microwaved softballs. I MISS THE OLD DAYS! My intent is not to offend anyone, but I just wanted to share my thoughts. Good luck to all of you this year. |
| Feb. 14, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Favorite Team Names Back in the early 80's I played for a team called "SNAFU". We had fun telling people what it stood for. |
| Jan. 19, 2010 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Fat Bald Guy Hey Larry and Harry. Hope all is well. Larry, I thought you were closer to 6'4" than 6'2". : - ) And Harry, you looked great when I saw you at the "one" tournament I played in last year. Both of you take care. Steve Shannon |
| Aug. 19, 2009 Proudtex40 | Topic: Associations Discussion: ISSA ran the worst national tournament ever! Wags, Steve Shannon here. It was great seeing you and sorry you had a bad trip. I certainly agree that the umps were struggleing at best, but the bats, balls & fields were in great condition. Hope to see you again soon. |
| Feb. 23, 2009 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: A simple No |
| Nov. 23, 2008 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: New Pitcher Rule Hey Joe, I took the last two years off, but I may be back on someone's team next year. I've spent most of the last two years riding my Harley and more importantly spending time with my two grand babies. I did play in a local league in the fall and actually surprised the young guys with some hitting skills. It's interesting how my reaction time has slowed down, but the stick seems to keep on working well. I took some shots back up the middle, but made most of the plays most of the time. Not sure where I'll be playing next year since there are only a couple of 50 or 55 Major Plus teams in this area, but I'll try to hook up some where. I would have no problem playing Major ball and will keep that option open as well. Take care and I look forward to seeing you next year. I would also like to meet a bunch of the other gents I see on this site and I'm sure you know who they are and can introduce me to them. See you around. Steve Shannon |
| Nov. 22, 2008 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: New Pitcher Rule I've played softball for over 35 years. Since turning 50 (in 2003) I've played with a couple of great Major Plus teams and I've had the privledge of playing with some great players (such as Clatter) and I absolutely agree that our reaction time slows as the years go by, but I hate to see the game change with so many "new" rules. The most disturbing one is the various recommendations to protect the pitcher. Although I agree 100% that the pitcher (as we age) needs additional protection if I were King for a day and could make various rule changes they would be as follow: - - Single wall bats only - - Decent balls (47 core) As a pitcher (which I am in a young league) if I were concerned about the shots back at me I would wear a mask and shin guards (which some already wear as protection.) I know I'm only dreaming with my input here because of the money tied up in bats, but again I hate to see so many changes just to allow the use of high dollar bats. Best of luck to you all. Steve Shannon |
| Nov. 22, 2008 Proudtex40 | Topic: Teams looking for players Discussion: who hits it the longest Let me add one other "long ball guru" to the list. Donnie (Clatter) Clatterbaugh hit one well over 500' in a Maryland Tournament back in the 80's while playing with Steele's. Of course there were seven or either others on the same team that did the same. But again, Clatter certainly deserves his cudo's as well. Steve Shannon |
| June 10, 2007 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: save it for the confessional Einstien, several weeks back my team played against Clatter's 60 team. Clatter hit TWO screemers within a foot of our pitcher ( who just happens to be a close friend of his) and Clatter was apologizing before he left the batter box. We all know that Clatter is without a doubt one of the best hitters in the game, but sometimes even Clatter doesn't hit exactly where he is trying to hit. My point is that hitting up the middle is a part of the game, but I certainly agree with those of you that wrote that hitting at the pitcher with the intent of actually hitting him is wrong. I definitely hit the middle a lot and unfortunately I've tagged a couple of pitchers in my life time, but I've also been clocked a couple of times myself during my short stints on the mound. I like the idea of allowing the pitcher 6 feet of freedom behind the rubber as they need all the space they can get with the bats and balls we're using. So with this said I certainly value your opinion (and of course your playing ability) but I would not hesitate to apologize to you if I hit the middle because that would be my true feeling. I have never and would never try to hurt another player (especially an old timer which I'm certainly one) intentionally. Hope to see you at the one of the tournaments this year. Take care and play on.... Steve Shannon |
| May 16, 2007 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Pete Mercer Sonya, My wife and I are so sorry for the passing of your Father. You and your family are certainly in our prayers. Please keep the faith. Steve Shannon (Centreville, VA) |
| March 8, 2007 Proudtex40 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: If you believe in God; finish this sentence.............. Thank you Lord for allowing every person to having the right to express their opinions of their faith (or lack of), their beliefs, morals, and the right to express whatever they desire to express. I'm also thankful that we have a President and Congress, and a Senate that we can agree or disagree with, that we can praise or degrade, support or not support, but most of all that we have American's that are not afraid to run for government offices and not afraid to voice those same opinions that everyone else also has a right to express. That's what makes the USA the greatest nation on "Gods Green Earth." I'm also thankful that I can still play the game of softball at 54 years of age and I'm certainly thankful that a man raised as a Pentacostal can make it in a marriage with a lady that is a life-long Morman. And no - I have not and will not give up coffee, having an occasional beer, or using the F word when I so desire. Can you tell I'm having fun with this subject. God bless all of you and see you on the field. Steve Shannon (Proudtex40) PS: Did I mention that I am a retired US Army vet and although I may not agree with the war in Iraq, I support our great American's we call Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, & Coast Guard and the great civilians in support of our military whether fighting overseas or stationed throughout the USA that are ready to defend all of us when the cowardly oxygen thiefs we called terrorists bring their Jihad to this country. Thank you Lord for letting me vent! |
