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Real name:
Bob Schulz
Location:
Kingwood, TX
Division:
Men's 60
Messages posted by Bob50 »Message board home »Start a new discussion
| Oct. 29, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Combining parts of the Major & Major + divisions It's nice to hear that Woody has come to his senses. No offense intended. Let me add fuel to his fire. Our team planned ahead of time in Phoenix to meet in order to decide what to do next year and to whether we would attend the TOC. Since we have a small roster it is important that all of our players travel to our tournaments. I learned through the grapevine that 3 of our players were against going to the TOC due to lack of teams in our division--55 major+. I came to Phoenix hoping to talk these players into going to the TOC. It became a moot point when we found out that the other two teams to qualify--MTC and Ruth--were not going. Therefore the 55 major+ will not be represented this year. We had won the last two years--in major and major plus--and were hoping to go to keep our streak alive. Needless to say an unopposed championship is meaningless regardless of how much fun the TOC has been in the past. Now there may be other reasons for attendance being down--namely the economy for one. The point is whatever the reason it does not do senior softball players nor the organization any good to ignore what is going on. The power in the 50's can't be denied. No one wants to be on a team that has 60 runs scored against them--and the team that put up the 60 runs in Phoenix finished 3rd. Rules need to change but not to what the task force recommended and the 50's played under in Phoenix. If you want a tournament to see who can hit the most homeruns in the 50's keep the same rules. Better yet don't run a tournament run a home run derby competition. I agree with Woodruff that the number of home runs hit on average in the 55 and above age brackets in major plus is not as high as players from other divisions might imagine. In the 50's it is a different story. Our team averages between 2 and 3 home runs per game. Sometimes we hit more and sometimes we hit less. These are the rules I proposed on a previous thread when I asked to combine Major Plus with the Major division: 5 hr with 1 up (singles thereafter). Limit of 5 runs per inning. Normal time limits that we have been playing. Last inning is the only open inning. Guarantee of at least 6 innings. Start with 1 and 1 count. No time limit in championship games. Based on current ratings Major team would have choice of being home team. No extra charge for tournament fees since we would be using normal time limits. (I believe the 1 and 1 count would basically keep the games running on time even though we are guarantied at least six innings) Retain normal pitcher protection rules. Allow a one player exception without boundaries. Use the flip flop rule. Do to comments in that thread I would drop the flip flop rule. One final change I would add to encourage the uniting of the two classes would be to use the equalizer of giving the Major division rated teams 1 run per inning starting in the second inning when playing against a Major Plus team. Maybe if these changes were put into effect there would be fewer teams breaking up and reforming to avoid the Major Plus division. I believe this is a very valid and important matter for the Summit to consider. Please do so in the near future. Some players are considering retiring from senior softball as an alternative. Let's not let that happen. Respectfully, Bob Schulz Travelodge (maybe for the last year) 55 Major Plus |
| Oct. 28, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 50 or 55 major plus That would be Cliff. |
| Oct. 27, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: 50 or 55 major plus Donnie, In 55 Major Plus it was: 1) MTC 2) Travelodge 3) Ruth MTC has a great team. Nice balance of hitting, power and defense. Congratulations to them. Ruth also has a very good team. We came from behind in each game to beat them. Our games against Ruth could have gone either way. Bob Schulz Travelodge |
| Oct. 13, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Favorite Quotes One that is probably good advice for this message board by Abraham Lincoln: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt". |
| Sept. 22, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams For now there will be no change along the lines I had hoped for a combined division. I asked SSUSA for their thoughts on this matter and they decided that for now Major Plus will play with the new rules proposed by the task force recently and adopted in large part by SSUSA. To do otherwise would basically ignore the work done by many to enhance playing in the Major Plus division. Some time in the future they may consider the ideas brought out in this thread but as Taits wisely commented they will not express an opinion on any ideas on the message board directly. I thank SSUSA for their prompt reply handled directly with me and obviously will respect their wishes in this regard. |
| Sept. 22, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams The Wood, You are right we hardly know each other. The distance between us has something to do with that. We have communicated directly only a couple times. Having been involved with issues thru this message board it is obvious that you have an opinion in many areas. You obviously have a voice in SSUSA. I certainly don't presume to have all the answers to this issue. I also don't believe discussing this matter in this thread results in a finite opinion on the issue. I do however believe in changing something for the better if a change has merit. Sitting on my hands is not what I do best. As much as I try sometimes try to be quiet, it is not one of my strong suits--just ask my teammates. I would ask SSUSA, as the lead organization in senior softball, to poll the Major and Major Plus teams by direct mail on the ideas for rule changes for a combined division and see how the teams respond. We have heard from quite a few Major teams that the attendance in their category has not been great the past year either except for Spa and LVSSA. Maybe this is a matter for the Summit to take up. If anyone in a leadership position with SSUSA--Terry, Fran, Dave--has an opinion as to the merit of the suggestions in this thread, please let us hear from you. If not, we can continue on the present path and see where it leads. |
| Sept. 21, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams I would suggest we finish this year with our current rules and start the new year with the ocmbined divisions. This will give all the current Major teams a chance for a title in Phoenix and provside sufficient notice to all the teams of the upcoming changes. If we do it this way are there any thoughts about the TOC games? |
| Sept. 19, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams Ray, I think you stated a most important part of this process when you wrote "you will never please everyone." While we try to make changes that are universally accepted we will never be able to please everyone with with every change. The question is whether the change on the whole improves the game and the competition. That is the goal. I believe the Major teams will find out that they will be able to compete and this will become more enjoyable for all who make the change and support the idea. I would suggest that these changes be effective for the new year starting with the Winter Nationals. Bob Schulz |
| Sept. 18, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams Nancy, I now how Butch feels but I would never appoint him to be our ambasador to friendly countries. Although his approach is a direct one my approach is a more diplomatic one. For those who don't understand the message--it is that the new Major Plus rules were not favored by all on the committee. The purpose of this thread is to gain the opinion of those who play in the Major Plus and Major divisions to see if we have a general consensus that the idea of combining divisions with different rules would appeal to both divisions in all age groups. I am proud of the fact that I was a member of the Chicago Classics in 2005 when we won the Triple Crown in the 50+ Major Division. I am also proud of our Travelodge Team that won the first Tournament of Champions in the 55+ Major Division and followed it up this past year by winning the TOC in the 55+ Major Plus Division. The point of all this is that as the years go by those accomplishments will mean less and less unless we get more teams involved. A perfect example will be to look on the home page for the link for the World Championships in Phoenix and go to the teams that will be playing in the National Championship games. For Major Plus in all ages only one game will be played because most teams did not consider it worth the time and money to play in the Eastern or Western Championships this year. I believe we should fix something only if it is broken. Well, if it isn't broken it has a crack in it. I'm trying to do something about it in the only way I know possible. If we have a consensus here I would ask Woody or any of the other members of the softball community who have a voice with SSUSA or the other associations to consider the request of the majority here. This doesn't only matter to Major Plus and Major teams. I started many years ago by playing AAA and we gradually got better and better. This is the future for everyone who loves to play Senior Softball as I do. I'll get off my soap box now and hopefully await additional support for the ideas being formulated here. Please respond no matter how you feel so we move forward and do the right thing together. |
| Sept. 17, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams Einstein: I think your idea is good and since I started this thread I would like to add to my rules/suggestions that the top Major Plus team as well as the highest finishing Major team be awarded a championship in a combined division. This of course would result in any Major team who wins a national moving up to Major Plus in the following year. A lot of guys so far think this can work. Even those who don't think the idea will fly, would give it a chance. The change to combining the divisions would be better than playing only one or two teams in your division and it sure the hell beats being unopposed. Once again thanks to the various players who have voiced their opinion. Please continue to add to the comments voiced so far. |
| Sept. 16, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams Larry and Brian--thanks for your posts. Can we hear from other teams--Mavericks, Hollis, Ruth, Windy City, Roberts, others especially more Major teams? |
| Sept. 16, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams Einstein, Andy and Donnie: Thanks for your posts and opinions. Dirty: Add something constructive or step aside and find someone else to bother. This is my first and only response I will make to you unless you have something constructive to add. |
| Sept. 15, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Should Major Plus be combined with Major teams There are a definite lack of Major Plus teams playing tournaments this year. It appears the new rules recently adopted for Major Plus teams will not help this matter. If you are currently a Major Plus player or a Major player lets discuss the various pros and cons of combining these divisions with rules that would be appropriate for doing so. There is no sense blaming the associations for this. It is not their fault. Major Plus teams no longer want to pay the costs of traveling and playing in tournaments that lack teams in the Major Plus category. Unless this changes there will probably be only 3 or 4 tournaments each year that would make sense for us to play. I'm sure we are not alone in this thinking. We have already decided that we will not be back to at least three tournaments that previously we enjoyed playing in each year. Until there are some changes there will be great resistance on the part of Major teams wanting to move up. I know this was a concern of ours. Recently there have been a couple of Major Plus players wanting to play with Major teams. This would make that a moot point since it would be allowed. There seem to be plenty of AAA and AA teams so I don't believe this really concerns them but if you have a good idea feel free to volunteer same. Please identify your team and what level and age group you play in. Include your name if you wish. I would suggest the following rules for a combined division: 5 hr with 1 up (singles thereafter). Limit of 5 runs per inning. Normal time limits that we have been playing. Last inning is the only open inning. Guarantee of at least 6 innings. Start with 1 and 1 count. No time limit in championship games. Based on current ratings Major team would have choice of being home team. No extra charge for tournament fees since we would be using normal time limits. (I believe the 1 and 1 count would basically keep the games running on time even though we are guarantied at least six innings) Retain normal pitcher protection rules. Allow a one player exception without boundaries. Use the flip flop rule. Feel free to comment either way. Bob Schulz Travelodge 55's Major Plus |
| Aug. 8, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Has this been happening to you? This has been the biggest gripe in our ASA league for the past few years. We play in Naperville, Illinois. The balls simply do not perform like they used to in hot weather. We are down to a total of 70 teams. We had 80 teams last year. Our team has won the city championship in 9 out of the last 10 years. We used to play unlimited home runs but my team dominated so they reduced it about 6 years ago to 6 home runs. This season our team hit a total of 20 home runs and 15 were before the weather warmed up. Most of the home runs hit in hot weather was with the wind blowing out. Half our team are A and B players in their 30's. Although some have complained about the balls used at the ISA in St. Louis I found it far superior to what has been used in both leagues in which I play in Illinois. Since I have been playing in Naperville for so long the director has taken my advice on a number of matters and incorporated them into our league rules. I have been bending his ear about the balls all year. He explained that they request a bid each year about this time for the following year with 100 other cities using a spec of 44/375 and the lowest bid is the ball they buy. I explained that if we simply used the lowest bid we always received in our business we wouldn't be around very long. The ball that was used in St. Louis was a Trump Stote 44/375. Our players (Travelodge) felt it was a good ball and I have recommended it now to Naperville. |
| July 25, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: My condolences to Terry Hennessy and his family There is no greater gift than family. We are very sorry regarding the loss of your mother. On behalf of my teammates at Travelodge we send you our sincerest sympathies. Bob Schulz Travelodge 55 Major Plus |
| July 21, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Public thank you for thoughts and help I received this week If you want to test the condition of your body then shag practice balls for Steve Imlay on a daily basis. In return Steve would do anything for you in return--even mouth to mouth. For the record I am not speaking from experience. |
| June 29, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: "Balls, balls", said the queen... We have been hitting a 44/375 ball in league that turns to mush when the weather warms up. It is fine in colder weather but that's it. Can someone suggest in their opinion what the best balls are in warmer weather. We have 70 teams in our league and are one of 100 cities that send out a bid together to get the best deal on a ball. I guess to make sure price doesn't drive our league to buy a bad ball again maybe it would be helpful to also get a list of bad balls that should be avoided. Our park district has pledged to work with us on a change. Thanks. |
| June 21, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Major Plus div, an idea. For each age bracket, a fresh start...? My advice is to keep it simple. Do not change just for the sake of change. Let the Major Plus teams vote for what they want. I think in the end we will find that what we have is close to what we want. |
| June 13, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: SSUSA Announces Major-Plus Task Force I have been reading with interest the various postings. It would appear to me the purpose of the panel would be to determine how to get more active teams in the divisions. Having won National titles against 30 to 40 teams, it was a lot more satisfying than winning Senior Nationals against 2 - 6 teams. Most of the entries appear to be from very few players who appear to want an elite division. In my humble opinion, this is not the way to increase the number of teams in that type of division. If those players/teams want to form an elite division and showcase their talents, so be it. I have no problems with those teams forming their own division similar to the yesteryear Super Major division. But it should not be mandatory for teams who design their teams to play in a specific division to be moved into an upper division because of winning a tourney. Many teams do not have the desire, available talent in their region, or the money to field a team of 11 - 12 home run hitters, thus making it very difficult to consistently compete with a team that has the potential to hit one home run after another, even if they are singles. I have played at high levels through-out my career and with the exception of the years where the T4000 ball was legal, have had a very enjoyable experience. The T4000 ball made games last 2.5 - 3 hours. It was not fun getting baked in the sun for that amount of time. For info, I have the ability to hit the long ball without the use of senior technology. This is added only for determining the perspective of my comments. I personally believe the senior bat has made me a worse hitter. While the batting average may have increased, it is due to the bat. It goes through the infield faster and mis-hits still go farther and faster. Many teams design their teams around a balance of power, defense, speed, attitude and personnel chemistry. There are teams/player who believe softball is a combination of all talents, and not just the ability to hit the long ball. There are teams/players who enjoy major, AAA, AA and have put together a team to compete at these levels. There seems to be considerable complaining about a team winning a National title to be moved to the next division up. The result of this mentality is teams getting moved to divisions where they have trouble competing so they reluctantly continue to play or they decide not to play at the next level and a team is lost. Most of the teams that appear to be complaining are teams that have played together for many years and have not attempted to gain new players to play at the level at which they believe they should play. In simpler terms, the talent of the team is a division below what their egos say they should/do play. I would suggest the panel look at what is best for Senior softball. By best, I mean how to get more teams in the divisions. My suggestions for all divisions except Elite would be to have home run limits at the various divisions. Any home runs after the limit would be outs. Eliminate the senior bats in favor of a 98 mph bat. The tournaments would supply the bats to eliminate the possibility of altered bats. This would be a mixture of balanced and end loaded and various weights. Balls would be standardized at say a 44/375 to prevent putting a hotter ball in play to compensate for the lesser bats. Time limit would be 60 minutes for preliminary games and 7 innings for tourney play. I am in favor of a screen in front of the pitcher. If the ball hits the screen it is a dead ball out. The pitcher would not be allowed to field a ball. There would be no maximum runs per inning. Let the teams decide what division they would like to play based on the rules. Teams should not be mandated to move up upon winning a tourney. They should be able to defend their titles for at least one year. By knowing the rules, teams should be able to design their teams for the division they would like to play. There would need to be a committee to review teams in each division. Some teams may need to be moved either up or down depending how they play. I am not naive but would hope teams would play in the appropriate division and not try to win a National title by playing down. The above suggestions keep some of the technology while addressing the issue of time, illegal bats and safety. I believe the above would bring more talent back to the game in both hitting and defense. Those who have the ability and put forth the effort in training and conditioning would be able to continue to hit the long ball and the others would continue to play at the level they were before technology made many long ball threats/better hitters. I am sure that not all players will agree with these suggestions but they allow for an elite division for those who chose and other divisions based on ability. For those who would like to make comments, feel free. I will not get into a running debate on the merits of these suggestions. Personally, I believe "egos" have taken over much of senior softball. The players who can hit the long ball want to use technology to hit the ball farther when 301 feet will do. By Terry Eades, Travelodge Posted by his teammate, Bob Schulz |
| June 12, 2008 Bob50 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: SSUSA Announces Major-Plus Task Force Thank you Terry, et al for allowing the Major Plus players the opportunity to shape and provide guidance for the rules we play by. I may be in the minority but I am not in favor of unlimited homeruns. I love the game of softball and enjoy playing defense as much as hitting the ball. We have a nice balanced team. Not all teams do. Personally I don't believe the game is improved by unlimited homeruns. I also don't believe it removes the risk of a pitcher being hit. As far as a pitcher injury goes some risk is always present when you try to play defense that close to a hitter. As we know some hitters will always shoot the middle either in an attempt to get a hit or a homerun to center field. Not all power hitters are pull hitters. The dead ball out rule is fairly ineffective for the minor penalty that is incurred and the low percentage of instances that would qualify for DBO status by the rule as stipulated and instituted. As far as equipment is concerned hot bats are allowed and the vast majority of players, I believe at all levels, like it that way. A hot ball is not necessary. I assume a certain risk when I pitch on occassion but that risk does not include being killed. The point is that changing the balls will not end injuries however I would hate to think good softballs with good bats would turn our game into home run derby or a driving range. We need to find a balance that works. Bob Schulz |
