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Online now: 1 member: TABLE SETTER 11; 199 anonymousDiscussion: What is or what makes a player a major plus player?
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| April 27, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | What is or what makes a player a major plus player? I have heard so many players say "I can't compete at a higher level than I am playing now.' Or 'I'm not a major plus player'. Many of these men could play easily at that level. But some won't take the risk of not being the big star-or, heaven forbid, have to sit some games and be a role player. I sincerely believe it is the heart and the will to be the best that makes a lot of guys excellent M+ players, even if they can't hit the 400 ft. bomb, or throw a guy out from 250 feet at the plate. Some guys can hardly hit the ball 250 feet, yet they have worked hard and can hit any hole at any time, are constantly on base, and play excellent defense. These guys are often really the most valuable guys on the team. A solo HR is one run, and without guys that can hit for high average in the mix, 9 hrs may only get you 12-15 runs, and that won't win a lot of games. Superior won last year with a bunch of guys you just cannot get out and a nice mix of power in the right places. AND-a great defense-you just cannot give up outs in this game. One out-one error can mean 7 runs. I think a lot of guys need to rethink whether they can compete at that level. There seems to be almost a 'mystique' about M+. If you can consistently hit .700 and play good defense you can compete, even if you don't have the big power. I think that realization would help to enhance the M+ division. |
| April 27, 2015 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Henry Ford said.. 'whether you think you can or you can't, you're right'... or some close variation of this. M+ ball is more about the space between the ears than it is about the width of the shoulders. Most guys do not play M+ because they just do not enjoy that level of play because of the pressure that comes with it. That's ok since there are 4 levels to choose from. But to think that everyone in M+ would be skills contestant is incorrect. BTW, the 65 M+ winner in 2014 hit zero HRs in final game, 2 HRs in previous one. Power is over rated and it doesn't show up every day, IMO. Smart power beats basic power 90% of the time. BW |
| April 27, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | Hi wood-you are right-this week Steve Imlay had an unbelievable week-he was even better this weekend. I think he was 46-50 or something like that in the 2 tourneys (60 M+ and 65 M+) and hit the walkoff GS in the IF game yesterday. I think he maybe had 6 or 7 HR's for us-not really that many. WOW! We (GSC) never hit 9 HR's in a game all weekend-even with the wind blowing out. But most of the ones we did hit were NOT solos. That really is the key. |
| April 27, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Why does that not surprise me about SL?? btw, I agree with Webbie about his opinion on major plus players. |
| April 27, 2015 crusher Men's 75 524 posts | This is an attempt to put another twist on why there may not be as many M/M+ players. Lots of guys are not comfortable trying to catch a wild bouncing ball hit by a major/major+ player. Very few seniors can handle a M/M+ players strikes to the ground or line drive up to head high. I try to hit ball in the air as lots of the players in 2 leagues I play in are not tournament players. I have hit some infielders and that is not pleasant. |
| April 27, 2015 bogie Men's 65 448 posts | I can't believe Imlay made 4 outs, haha...he is amazing..both as a hitter and a person. Major ++ |
| April 27, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Crusher, those infielders should wear shin guards and a mask. I wear shin guards. |
| April 28, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | Crusher-I am not trying to twist anything. This is from observation. I am an outfielder to the bone-all my life. Due to circumstances at times with my knee I have played some third. I am now playing third for GSC 60 M+-2 tourneys so far. Plus 2 other tourneys against 55M competition. I do not expect to get every ball-make fantastic plays-stuff like that. But I try to make the routine plays-don't blow the easy plays-those are the ones that hurt. The rockets-oh, well-that was impressive as I heard-not saw-it go by. LOL. But I am going to get shin guards and possibly a face mask. While I have had to look at my face in the mirror for almost 63 years and might consider a change-my wife doesn't want that to happen-bless her and her poor eyesight! But I have seen many, many players that are intimidated by it, and they are plenty capable of handling it-- much better than I do. Bogie-well said-I second that. Patti and I are blessed to be friends with Steve and Carroll. He is the best hitter I have ever played on the same team with. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you someday, also. |
| April 28, 2015 Nancy Allen Men's 55 1438 posts | We are very proud of the kid from Columbus, Indiana here. Whenever I am asked about the best, he always comes to mind first. His kindness and not having a big head about his ability only add to the person that he is. I know Coachie probably watches him hitting every day and says to himself "You did good, kid." |
| April 28, 2015 STL0 Men's 60 230 posts | I guess that I will go ahead and open myself up to the bashing but there are many comments here that I have an issue with. I am playing M+ for the first time right now as our team was moved up based on last year's results. I never played ball when I was younger in a class higher than C and mostly played D. I made my way on teams by hustling all of the time, working at my game, showing up for every game, sitting when asked to, playing any position asked and batting anywhere in the line up I was put with no complaints. At some point though genetics do come into play. If that wasn't true, everyone that worked hard would be a major league baseball player. What I do know is that I will accept this challenge and continue to do everything I can to make myself a better player to compete at this level like I have done my whole life. I may succeed at this level and I may not but it won't be for the reasons you all seem to think keeps players from being successful at M+. I'm a bit passionate about this because I've had to fight for a place on teams my whole life. I'm proud to be playing at this level and plan to do what I can to stay here. Good luck with the 2015 season. |
| April 29, 2015 Mr. Manassas 244 posts | I agree that the greatest impediment to playing major plus or major is between the ears. The statement that if you think you can or can not is very true. I certainly am not one of the hard hitters on my team but I accept the challenge of the competition. I think it is a thrill to compete against the best teams and players...win or lose. I have bad days just like everyone else, I just try to let it go and move on. I am no better than anyone else and am constantly trying to make myself more competitive. This would not be any different if I was playing at any division level....The bottom line is that I love to play softball. |
| April 30, 2015 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | I play Major+ because I am not the smartest guy in the world. It is easier for me to get the best guys I know who will play with me on the same team, make a batting order, and get out of the way. We do not worry about who we play. The ball is the same for both teams, bats are the same for both teams, wind is the same for both teams, no thinking just play. We do not always win, but we win will give you our best. I love teams bringing their "A" game every game. No offense to the other divisions, just too much thinking involved for me. SW Championships featured 4 teams that could win on any given Sunday. Every game a dogfight that required defense and offense management. Mike Adair GSC 60M+ |
| April 30, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Softball4b I love it!! Especially the thinking part. I try real hard not to think because each time I do it ends up being a disaster--I think? lol Thanks for sharing |
