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Real name:
Steve
Location:
, WA
Division:
Men's 65
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| Jan. 4, 2013 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Out after 3 Home Runs softball4b - There are many comments on this issue. To whom are you addressing your question? The points that I am trying to make are - #1 - The rules regarding Home runs, age brackets, and levels are there to try to try to provide a competitive/fun atmosphere for all Senior players at all skill levels. #2 - Don't use the DBO rule as an excuse to intentionally hit the middle. Switch to an ASA bat and keep your same swing. #3 - There will always be players who hit the middle (intentional or not) so all pitchers should consider using the protective equipment that is available. |
| Jan. 4, 2013 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Out after 3 Home Runs I have pitched at the 50 Major, 55AAA, and 60AAA levels when the DBO rule was in affect and when it wasn't. The frequency of hitters going up the middle didn't seem to change. You are always going to have guys shooting the middle. That seems to be the nature of the game. You accept that when you make the decision to pitch. I would urge all pitchers to wear masks/helmets, shin guards, and anything else that you deem necessary to protect yourself. |
| Jan. 4, 2013 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Out after 3 Home Runs Big Cat7 - It's like I mentioned in a previous post, when the Home Runs have been used up, simply pull out an ASA bat and keep your same swing. No need to shoot the middle unless that is really what you plan to do. |
| Jan. 4, 2013 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Out after 3 Home Runs Some of you who have posted on this subject are forgetting the reason why this association was formed. It was started to give the maximum amount of Seniors a place to still play softball without having to play in a "kids" league. The association continues to tweak the rules in an attempt to provide an equitable and/or level playing field for as MANY players as possible. That is the reason for the Home Run rules and different levels and ages of play. Those of you who say "let's do away with the age groups, levels and Home Run limits" should put your testosterone in check. Remember, you are now a Senior.LOL You don't need to act like you did in your 20's. Besides, there is a level of play for you. It's called Major Plus. If you don't like the rules in SSUSA go back and play with the kids and their shaved bats. |
| Jan. 2, 2013 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Out after 3 Home Runs I play 60 AAA and don't have a strong feeling either way about the 3 Home Run Rule. Maybe the best compromise would be to institute the 1 up rule. What I do have is a problem with is the statement that with the new rule guys will be blowing up the middle after 3 Home Runs. There is really NO reason to change your swing after the home runs have been hit. Simply switch to an ASA bat and you don't need to change anything else. For those of you complaining about sandbagging teams that hit a lot of balls over the fence, you need to know that the team that won 60AAA in Reno and 60 AAA in Las Vegas last year didn't even have a single "legitimate" (sorry Jimmy) Home Run hitter. They won the title because they were in the best shape, played the best defense, had the best bat control, and were the team with the best chemistry. Again, congratulations Enviro-Vac. |
| Dec. 10, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: AAA Home Run Outs Jimmy (Enviro Vac) is right. AAA should be 3 Home Runs with DBO's after that. There is no need to intentionally hit middle. For those of you who play AAA and are worried about hitting unintentional Home Runs, go find yourself an ASA bat that has the same swing feel as your Senior bat and use it when you need to keep the ball in the park. That way, you can keep your same swing and not have to back off. |
| Oct. 18, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: What does it take to be a Major player? A Major player cannot be defined by one particular set of skills or measuring stick. A Major player is someone who brings something to a "Major" classified team that is needed by that particular team in order for that team to be successful. Example - You might be a "singles" hitter who never hits more than .500, but if you are a solid defensive player, playing a defensive position that is deemed to be very important (i.e. shortstop or outfield) to that team, then you are a Major player. The same goes for a guy who consistently hits Home Runs but can't field a lick. He brings something to that team (i.e. power) that is needed. It takes a unique blend of talent and chemistry to make a successful team at any level. Very often, chemistry is much more important than talent. I think that Jimmy (Enviro Vac) will agree with me on that last statement. |
| Oct. 17, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: AAA Home Runs Since everyone is giving their opinion I will jump in with mine. Why not have a 3 Home Run Rule (in AAA) with a 1 up provision. If a team exceeds the "1 up" the ball hit over the fence is a DBO. That way, if weather conditions (i.e.winds )are affecting the number of Home Runs or you have 2 teams who are both hitting a lot of balls over the fence, neither team is going to have an advantage. Personally, I don't like the "3 home runs then a walk" rule. That rule definitely favors AAA teams that have more power than the average AAA team. |
| Oct. 2, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 60 AAA,worlds They did the same exact thing in Reno this year. Very good team and a great bunch of guys! Congrats Jimmy! |
| July 31, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS....A concern? Jimmy - I haven't forgotten that laser you hit by me off of the fence! A little elevation and you would have landed it in the parking lot. #19 - Yeah Jimmy, why haven't you guys been bumped?LOL! Must be that Canadian charm! |
| July 29, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP - Part II Webbie - I agree with your assessment. There are lots of players who could be playing at the next level. The fact is, not everyone is motivated to play at the next level, and the reasons are many. Some don't want to play in as many tournaments, some enjoy playing with their current team (they have a good chemistry), some enjoy being their team's main power hitter. Remember, we are playing this game for enjoyment. Whatever brings you joy and fulfillment is what you should strive to do. I am always looking to improve but not everyone is motivated to do that. They are just happy to show up and play. |
| July 29, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP - Part II Combine Major Plus and Major. Analyze all existing Major teams and move the least competitive ones to AAA unless they choose to stay at Major. When M Plus and M cross over to play each other use the Major HR Rule with home runs in excess being DBO's (not walks). Give the Major team their option of Home or Visitor. Whoever is visitor is given 1/2 run. Make California a "Region" just like Texas and Florida. Include Arizona in the Southwest Region. Do away with the 2 player out of Region rule. Lastly, give everyone the same budget that Sommerville has. Just kidding, don't get your undies in a bundle Mr. Newhard.LOL! |
| July 22, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS....A concern? Jimmy - I read that they are 310 to 330. No problem for you! |
| July 22, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS....A concern? Webbie - I'm sure that what you are saying is correct and I am looking forward to going and having a great time. You mention that you live in Albuquerque, so you are at roughly the same elevation as Denver. My concern was/is for senior players who are used to playing at Sea Level. Altitude sickness is a real concern. Players need to take that in to consideration. Especially those who are overweight or have pre-exisiting health conditions (i.e.COPD and heart issues). |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP Wood & Swing - You sound like 2 guys that know their S_ _ t when it comes to Senior Softball. I feel bad for the guys playing M Plus. They go to a tournament and play the same 2 or 3 teams all of the time. Our guys up here have opted not to play in the Western Nationals because of it. They would rather save their money and play in a couple of local tournaments against the "kids" or the 40's. Something has to be done. That something is combining Major and Plus. Of course, the Devil is always in the details. Just the same, it needs to be done. |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS....A concern? Ho - Thanks for your input. Sounds like you did everything that you could to offset the affects of the weather. I'm sure that SSUSA has also taken these things in to consideration. I am just concerned about the "double whammy" of heat and elevation. There will be a lot of players that are not acclimated to that kind of elevation. Hopefully, we have no incidents. |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP Okay Tim, thanks to "swing for the fences", I see where you are coming from. You have a "dog in the fight". You want a chance to dominate at the Major level before you come under scrutiny and possibly get bumped. Let's be honest, you really don't want to be put in to the same bracket as Sommerville. Because aside from them, there really isn't much difference between the rest of the Major Plus teams and the majority of Major teams at the 50 age group. You say that you are looking out for the bottom feeders in the classification but I think not. Let's face it, there is the Mavericks and there is the rest of the Senior Softball Universe. I have been told that their budget is around 250K a year. That sounds like a ton of money and I'm not sure that it is accurate but safe to say that they have the largest budget in Senior softball. There record in Senior Softball is phenomenal. They usually bring 18 or so players to a tournament. They have players play only in prelims and have guys who just run, etc. If I were the one making the rules, I would designate them as an "exhibition team" and not allow them to win any tournaments. They may get pissed when they read this but that's the way I feel and everyone is welcome to their opinion. Tim - You make a point of people not knowing each other and M Plus teams adding and cutting players (no loyalty), etc. That may be your reality in Cali., but up here in the NW it is a pretty tight Softball Community. Jawood stated in a previous post that 13 of the 16 players on his roster live within a 50 mile radius. All of these guys have played with and/or against each other for 25 to 30 years. You probably can't relate, but that is reality up here. By the way, I don't have a dog in this fight. I play 60 plus. |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP Sounds like somebody is PARANOID about having to play a team one classification above them. When we play local tournaments we are always having to play teams that are classified higher or they are younger or both. If you want to play in tournaments and you enjoy playing different teams that is what you have to do in our part of the Country. Your "plan" might work for California, Texas and Florida (states with a large population base and lots of senior players) but it doesn't make sense for a lot of other parts of the Country. Players like to play with longtime friends that they have played with since back in "the day". Your plan over legislates. You are trying to dictate which team a player can play on. Most everyone plays on a team because they like the team and the players who are on it. Afterall, the vast majority of us are playing because we still love the game and the cammaraderie that comes with it. |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS....A concern? I'm posting this topic to solicit ideas and opinions. As most people know, the Western Nationals are being held in Aurora, Colorado the first weekend in August. Aurora is at 5500 foot. Daily temperatures will most likely be in the 90's and may approach 100 degrees. There is also a good possibility of Thunderstorms, which means there may be high humidity as well. Many of the players attending live and play at Sea Level and do not live in Regions where it gets that hot. Many of these players are in their 60's and 70's. One of our players has been told by his Cardiologist not to go. Is this a concern for players attending? How will senior players be affected by the combination of elevation and heat? Is there anything that can be done to prepare for it? Has SSUSA considered this in their planning? |
| July 20, 2012 leftyodoul | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: TOURNAMENT WINNER AUTO MOVEUP Jawood's got it right. He should know, he's been dealing with it for several years. As has been said by MANY people on this sight, combine the 2 and when a Plus plays a Major make the Plus teams play with the run and home run rules that the Majors have. With the exception of the number of home run hitters, there is no difference between the teams in the 2 divisions. You may need to re-classify those few Major teams that are just not strong enough to compete. That would be a minor issue and easily resolved. |
