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Online now: 2 members: TABLE SETTER 11, rabbithunt; 109 anonymousDiscussion: Ridge Hooks comment
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| Sept. 20, 2009 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Ridge Hooks comment I read with some interest a comment about Ridge with regards to his religious beliefs. I've met Ridge several times and believe him to be a stand up guy. Whatever your thoughts on his softball abilities every time I talked to him he was sincere and you have to like a guy who will look you in the eye and ask whats the problem. I don't know what Ridge's religious beliefs are but I don't see the correlation to softball and religion. If you don't like Ridge's rating abilities or softball decisions and decide not to go to his tournaments make that the deciding factor not the fact that he prays on the field. |
| Sept. 20, 2009 CAT 200 posts | you cannot ask for a more nicer gentleman and his religous beliefs are quite outstanding. I think that most players are just upset with a lot of these TD because of it now being a huge business. It is like, take it or leave it. I know of many teams that do not want rule changes at the tournament. Most players just want to play ball and keep the big money and politics out of it. |
| Sept. 21, 2009 JohnBob Men's 65 256 posts | I think Ridge tries to do the best for everyone but has to much on his plate and like other TD's gets a cut back from Motels,maybe City and even Complex were the big tourneys are held and sometimes this gets in the way of just plain common sense. I know they had a lot of rain this past weekend in Dalton and I have not hear if they were able to complete the 50 & 55 aa and aaa. I did notice on SPA site that in 55aa there were a total of 3 teams and they started pool play on Thursday,WHY most of these guys still work. They have 10 fields and if a 3 team tourney can not be played on Sat and Sun then something is wrong. I know Ridge moved a 60 aa team to aaa after pool play this year and this is no right unless they had picked up some major or major+ players but this did not happen according to posts on here, plus roosters are to be reviewed before Tourney starts. The biggest plus Ridge has from me is that he listens to the players, he sent a survey to managers last year about PPR and home runs over the limit being outs and both were voted down so neither was forced on us. The ball that was used in Tulsa last year was not good we let him know,and a good ball was used this year. |
| Sept. 21, 2009 seniorsbfart 44 posts | I have met Ridge a few times and agree that he is a stand out guy. I really enjoy his tournaments yet only played in three. Going to Fl. in Oct to play and looking forward to it. |
| Sept. 21, 2009 Antique Road Show Men's 65 9 posts | Sorry.....I guess we all can let circumstances cloud our better judgement at times. Sorry again |
| Sept. 23, 2009 TommyMass 24 posts | I am an old u-trip guy as is Ridge. My only dealings with him were at the National Conventions. Having said this, from what I experienced Ridge is honest, hard working, sincere in his love of the game and his love of people, enthusiastic and actually listens to people. Oh, I forgot, well organized and works with a smile. |
| Sept. 24, 2009 fleetfoot 4 posts | If you don't know what Ridge's religious beliefs are, you must not have been around him very much. He leads group prayer a lot. I have much respect for him and all he has done for softball. However, I feel that promoting your religious beliefs at organizations such as softball events are in my opinion, wrong. I'm sure that the group prayer circle they sometimes do is o.k. for some people, but in a group this large, there are also people with other beliefs (and none beliefs) who are given the choice of either participating or walking off. Yes, they have that choice but how does that make them feel? In my opinion, it is no different than one of the teams saying "lets get together, hold hands, and chant "there is no God", or "praise Alla". Your beliefs and non-beliefs should be personal. Not everyone feels the same as you. When you stamp "To God be the Glory" on all of your awards and paperwork, you are offending some of those who are not of the same beliefs. |
| Sept. 24, 2009 SOFTBALL6 18 posts | Fleetfoot, if standing in a circle and praying either before or after a game offends you, then HELLO, DON'T DO IT. If getting awards and paperwork with "To God be the Glory" offends you, then HELLO, DON'T TAKE IT OR THROW IT AWAY. This is a private organization with the right to do whatever they want within it. I for one am glad someone like Ridge has the courage and conviction to stand up for his and many of our beliefs. No one is forcing you to take part in any of these events so don't criticize Ridge for standing up for the principles that are the foundation of our way of life. |
| Sept. 24, 2009 fleetfoot 4 posts | WOW! Did I attempt to take away your right to religious beliefs? You say hello, don't do it. Well If I am an atheist, Muslim, Jew and I chose to go play in a softball tournament do I have to succumb to religious theatrics that I disagree with? Tell you what. Next tournament I will gather all the Atheists together and we will hold hands and in unison say "We all believe that religion is a superstition and that more people have been killed in the name of it than any other reason." I'm sure that Ridge and all the other understanding Christians will understand and have nothing to say about it right? That would be just standing up for our beliefs just like Ridge so I'm sure there would be no problem. As for SPA being a private organization that may be correct. However, by having teams made up of players from all over the country with different beliefs, I feel that religion is being forced down people's throats. |
| Sept. 24, 2009 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | Fleetfoot you need to stay at home Wes |
| Sept. 24, 2009 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | PS I go to SPA so I do not have to put with peole like you. God Bless You-- and he will Wes |
| Sept. 24, 2009 SOFTBALL6 18 posts | Fleetfoot, if you did that at Ridge's next tournament, he would not stop you. However, he would pray for you, but because, like me, he fought for his country and believes in every citizens right to worship or not worship as they see fit. I have a feeling that your group would be so small that no one would notice anyway. Again, if you don't like it, don't go, you won't be missed. |
| Sept. 24, 2009 armiho211 Men's 70 449 posts | " Tell you what. Next tournament I will gather all the Atheists together " . I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW MANY PLAYERS WOULD JOIN FLEETWOOD'S PROPOSAL. i have no problem with what he does, if i didnt like it, very simple, i would walk away. just like in schools nowadays, seems that the tail is trying to wag the dog. nothing personal, just my opinion. |
| Sept. 25, 2009 stick8 1992 posts | Fleetfoot you have demonstrated a total lack of class pal. Because you may be a non-christian you feel that "God be the Glory" is succumbing you to something theatric? If you really do then you have a low self esteem. AFAIC, if you wish to get a bunch of atheists and gather in a circle and chant whatever it is you wish guess what? Your free to do so. Personally I don't think Ridge or most anyone else would care one way or the other. And the reason being is he has respect for all religions and respect for those who are atheist or agnostic--something that you obvioulsy don't have as demonstarted by your posts. And softball6 is exactly right. If you gathered up all the atheists at an SPA tourney you would have a small inconsequential crowd. But you can be rest assured, no one would disturb you. |
| Sept. 25, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | hey guys why are you coming down on someone,for what they believe,thats not very christian like.i have had many so call christians do me very wrong or tell me i'm going to go to hell for not praying.now that fleet has voiced his opinion that should be it.i myself am a darwin type,we evolved from ,for no better word the apes.i can't believe in what i can't see,and don't tell me faith is the proof,i need to see something tangible.prove it anotherwords,and don't tell me i need to believe,rubbish. i do believe in separation of church and state and anything the public is involved with.i do not have a prol with your prayer groups and such,i don't participate,my choice and don't damn me for doing so,as some have,as i said thats my choice. as far as being disturbed by people, if all the atheists were to get together, and chant "no god" i don't think that would happen.the religious zealots would have something to say about it i can guarantee it. |
| Sept. 25, 2009 4x4 Men's 65 601 posts | OK - I guess I've stayed away from commenting for quite a while. But - I find it interesting that an earlier subject of the possibility of SPA tournies taking place in CA was quickly removed from this board and censored off due to "an opposing/competing organization". THIS topic villanizing the organizer of SPA - a well respected man for both his beliefs and the excellence of his organization and tournaments is allowed to stay put and flourish. Ah - what a wry irony. Fleetwood - don't go - don't partcipate - refuse to play against the teams you see praying before game. I don't think you'd be missed based on your diatribe here. Ridge Hooks is an indiviual that has beliefs in some causes bigger than himself. Maybe you'd like to start an organization with those who believe only the way you do. You're welcome to. God and country - gee - what a concept. Have you read the Constitution? I wonder - just what was the cornerstone to allow us to pursue our passion in this country and without oppression? |
| Sept. 26, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | 4x4, There was an SPA tourney in Palm Springs in June. Other than that the closest would be TX or OK. I think it's an annual event. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 JT9 Men's 55 36 posts | mad dog...you don't believe in what you can't see...you actually saw the evolution of man. The problem lies in the fact that we are not open minded enough to repect others views about how we got here.....which none of us witnessed and there is no absolute proof whatever you believe! |
| Sept. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | JT9-i can see evolution and thats what i believe has happen,its just that i haven't lived for a million yrs to see it.i do believe in the science that does prove that we evolved. i have no prol with anyone's else's belief's,but please don't tell me how to believe(this not directed at you personally,but the religious community in general).fleet just made a statement and was jumped about it.i know ridge and have had many conversations with him,and he knows my beliefs,but ya know what he leaves it at that and doesn't push his on me,like some have tried to do.i have no prol with him praying b/c thats his belief, and i will not infringe on him for it,but like i said before do not infringe on mine. also i think ridge runs very good tourney's,since i've moved here from cali i've had a great time at his tourney's.he always try's to do the right thing,and i can attest to that as he helped me personally with a problem(softball). so i guess we can agree to disagree.thank you. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | oops forgot to add an answer for 4X4,it was for "freedom of choice". |
| Sept. 26, 2009 stick8 1992 posts | Well If I am an atheist, Muslim, Jew and I chose to go play in a softball tournament do I have to succumb to religious theatrics that I disagree with? Tell you what. Next tournament I will gather all the Atheists together and we will hold hands and in unison say "We all believe that religion is a superstition and that more people have been killed in the name of it than any other reason." --Mad Dog, you need to direct your question about coming down on someones beliefs at mr fleetwood. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | stick,he asked why does this need to be that way,he was not condeming anyone for thier belief.he asked why it had to be shoved down his throat,and not be something on the side,thats all. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | I started the thread, it has veered a little. The guy who made the misguided comment about a ratings issue that somehow got equated to a persons deep beliefs apologized. I'll say it again, Ridge deserves better from the people on this message board. I've had my disagreements with him normal softball stuff, he is approachable, friendly and cares about what he is doing for the senior softball world. Please applaud him for giving everyone a venue to socialize with our friends, and providing all of us an outlet to get us off the couch and stay healthy. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | joe,i can't agree with you more about ridge.i have never had a prol with him.fleet just stated his belief on the way ridge did his thing,thats all. joe are you gonna be in st george,if so,i'll see ya there. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 lemons Men's 65 323 posts | Lecak, You are correct. When a good man makes a mistake, that doesn't mean he has become a bad man. It does, however, give him the opportunity to recognize his mistake, correct it, and become a better man. |
| Sept. 26, 2009 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | mad dog--you belive in evolution--I would like to ask you a ???-let's assume that evolution started with some microbe and it evolved-Webster says that all species developed from earlier forms-if the first thing to evolve was a microbe or and aton--who made the first thing- who made the water or earth that they evolved in??? Just ??? I have been wanting to ask somone who might know Wes |
| Sept. 26, 2009 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | Fleetfoot---I changed my mind---you need to come to as many SPA touranment as you can--I will put you on the prayer list and we will pray for you "by name" each time we have a game.. Hope this help you. Wes |
| Sept. 26, 2009 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | It is clear to me why there have been so many wars fought over religion. Some of you are quick to mention how/why our country was founded... too many taxes, too little autonomy, separation of church and state, etc... from this came freedom of religion... or freedom of 'no religion'... freedom of speech is also fundamental. Considering that both of these principles (religion and speech) are important to all of us, why can't both views (religion and 'no religion') feel fee to express themselves? I seriously doubt that any of us will be convincing anyone to change their views. If Fleetwood or Mad Dog wish to express their indifference to religion, who among us should be calling them out? I happen to disagree with them but so what. I felt that Fleetwood was respectful in how he described Ridge even though I don't have to agree with him on his point. But I defy anyone to suggest that he hasn't the right to voice it. It seems to me that as long someone is expressing their feelings in an above board manner we should all take it with a grain of salt. A couple of people have stated that had Ridge heard Fleetwood's comments he wouldn't been angry with. Instead he would have prayed for him... well, if this is what Ridge would do, and we believe in the same way, why wouldn't we react similarly? BW |
| Sept. 26, 2009 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Fleetfoot: After re-reading your posts, I see that your 'handle' is Fleetfoot, not Fleetwood. My fault! No offense intended... BW |
| Sept. 26, 2009 DMac Men's 60 207 posts | This is quite a subject for a softball board. One point I would like to make is that believing in evolution is not necessarily anti-religious. I teach History at a Catholic high school and Darwin is a normal part of the curriculum. There are actually two branches of evolution theory: micro-evolution, which deals with changes in a particular species, and macro-evolution which deals with one species changing to another species. Darwin's theory of natural selection hits micro-evolution right between the eyes but it comes up woefully short in explaining macro-evolution. A recent theory is what is called Intelligent Design. Although it seems to support the story of Creationism, it was formulated by scientists not clergy. It doesn't contradict Darwin but it tries to find an explanation for things that Darwin can't. Go ahead and look into it. If you have an open mind, you may find it as interesting as I did. |
| Sept. 27, 2009 stick8 1992 posts | Mad Dog, mr fleetfoot called it "religious theatrics" that he feels he has to succumb to. No one is forcing mr fleetfoot to succumb to anything. He can choose not to listen, turn away during any kind of prayer service, not pay attention or not even show up. Why does he have to make a negative statement about Christianity and the message SPA& Ridge puts out? No one has made a negative statement about what his beliefs might be. Let mr fleetfoot start his own organization with an atheist or agnostic message. He's free to do so. |
| Sept. 27, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | You say hello, don't do it. Well If I am an atheist, Muslim, Jew and I chose to go play in a softball tournament do I have to succumb to religious theatrics that I disagree with?-this is fleet's statement,copied and pasted. now stick you really are taking this seriously arn't you.i don't see anything negative about what he said,just a statement.his belief.it is always the same from zealots,if ya don't like it go away,well thats why we started america,freedom of choice,regardless of what we believe.why is it that statement has to be put on everything,maybe ridge should be tolerant of non-believers,diff religious types.no one here seems to be. wes with all the collisions that earth has had,the heat,water and such you can't think that some microbe has not grown from it andbut think one day nothing and the next something,oh excuse me it took 7 days.evolution has taken millions of yrs,this planet is in the billions of yrs old. dennis i like your post on this,i do a lot of watching the history and discovery channels(and i do take them with a grain of salt for accuracy) and they have showed all kinds of things on this.they even show that the bible has shown homosexual actiivty amongst its people.they do try and give both sides,with people from both sides of the agruement. |
| Sept. 27, 2009 stick8 1992 posts | It wasn't a statement mr fleetfoot posted mad dog. It was a question he posed about why he has to succumb to religious theatrics that he happens to disagree with. Who's forcing him to succumb? |
| Sept. 27, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | stick by putting the "glory to be god" on everything is. the having to succumb to.i personally have gotten many awards from ridge and i just overlook the statement,b/c in reality they are the only game in town for me to play in.ssusa is not that big here in tx.maybe fleet is in the same boat,no where else to play but spa. |
| Sept. 27, 2009 stick8 1992 posts | Mad dog if there's no other association for you guys to play due to geographics, affordability or whatever that's understandable. I'm not buying your argument that parroting a slogan is making anyone succumb to the SPA message. Mr fleetfoot doesn't have to accept the message and the only person making him succumb is himself. I can't speak for everyone but I show up to play ball. I would suspect most everyone else does also. I've played B'nai Brith tournaments before which happen to be Jewish. I wasn't offended by their message or beliefs. I showed them proper respect for their beleifs and went out and played ball. Perhaps mr fleetfoot should look at it in that scope. |
| Sept. 28, 2009 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | OK,I'm in for one comment.One night my soon came home from the bar upset about a argument he had with another patron.It was about politics.I simply told him something I had learned early in life.When drinkig booze there are two topics to avoid (politcs and religion)people become so passionate about their own beliefs that nothing good can come out of this in this state of mind,except maybe a fist fight.This being a softball site that might be good advice for posters as well.So far all I see it doing is driving a wedge into the senior softball family.There is a time and place for these topics I just don,t think this is it.To each is his own belief thats fine.America gives us that choice and that is just what it is a choice. We often have no time for our friends,but have all the time in the world for our enemies. |
| Sept. 28, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Amen, I mean I agree. |
| Sept. 28, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Gekle Builders, I like the last line... It's truer that one might think. |
