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Online now: 5 members: Bob21, Bulldogs12, Johndoc#7, Silk11, TABLE SETTER 11; 179 anonymousDiscussion: Major Plus Out of Area Players
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| Dec. 24, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Major Plus Out of Area Players I put this on another thread, but think it is worth exploring a bit. I think this illustrates my point about out of area players in M+. These states have NO access to a 60M+ team, therefore, any 60 M+ level player in one of these states is out of area for any team he wants to play for (and also has much larger travel expenses)-WA, ID, MT, WY, CO, UT, NE, KS, MS, ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, SC, CT. These states have access to ONE team-ND, SD, NM, TX, OK, LA, MO, FL, NY, DE, MD, MS. California has 5 teams (Joe Browns is no more and R&R is playing 55M). IN and OH have 2 teams each. Out of 17 60 M+ teams, I believe 10 played in worlds, and AZ Rogue, who played in worlds, is also gone now. That is a total of 16 states with NO access and 12 more with access to 1 team (28 of 48 states with AK and HI not included). And there is even less access to teams that went to worlds. I know that if you raise the limit to 4 out of area players it raises the specter of teams with money getting stronger, but I believe it would give more players a chance to play at that level. SPA does have an impact players list. Maybe SSUSA could have one of those also to limit out of area IMPACT players, but that would allow teams to put non-impact players from out of area on the team, and maybe we would get more teams. I realize it does get tough to be fair about who is truly an impact player and opens a brand new can of worms. I thought I would put this out for thought, though. Another possibility is players in states that have access to 0 or 1 M+ team be allowed to play on a team with 2 out of area players already, if the 2 existing out of area players have played at least one or two years with the team. Maybe you could limit a team to one of these players per year. That would keep teams from 'loading' at one time. I didn't realize how limited my options are here in NM until I became a 'free agent' a month ago. There must be others in this boat. Thanks! |
| Dec. 24, 2015 LeeLee50 140 posts | Webbie, I agree with you in regards to making available more options for players like yourself. I would think everyone would like to see more teams and fair and better competition, even SSUSA ($$$). I also agree on not allowing the states that have multiple options to be allowed to go out of region for 2 impact players. This impacts both teams the ones that are going out region and the ones out of region that cannot build a team. Just food for thought. |
| Dec. 24, 2015 doubleplay2 Men's 55 22 posts | Good post Mark. John G. |
| Dec. 24, 2015 TAT22 74 posts | Webbie, this problem exists at other age brackets also, I agree with your idea of allowing up to 4 out of area players, I suggested that idea on another thread. I believe that SSUSA should adopt this rule next year, it would only strengthen the M+ program and would accommodate many "free agents" who don't have a team play for in their region. |
| Dec. 26, 2015 Matt43 22 posts | The Major + situation has caused me to have to sit out full seasons as a "free agent" when my Major + team folded. Due to the lack of 70 Major + teams in the West, 1 California team, 1 Colorado team, and 1 Washington team, plus the over abundance of players for these teams, being in Nevada, there is no where to play. This is due to Vegas 70 teams either trying to stay in Major or below and the overall lack of Major + talent, it limits options. Since I moved to Vegas in 2009, in order to play softball I had to play for teams in Arizona and California causing my expenses to be significant. At 70, I just want to play softball, locally, but rules limit my options. This will be the second year in a row without a team. If I want to play, I have to consider playing down in age to 65 or 60. Don't know answer be it's frustrating. |
| Dec. 26, 2015 Lefty Men's 75 721 posts | 2016 will be my 2nd year of not playing SSUSA due to my 2014 team Rimfire 4:13 disbanded after winning the 65Majors in Vegas. Closes team is 65M+ team is 8 hrs or so from TN. Most all the teams are filled. If you ask most of my friends I was never even a Major player. Just an avg. AAA Player. I'm getting up in age so I can live with my level of play. Just out playing senior ball and having fun with the time I have left in life. See ya'll at the ball park. |
| Dec. 26, 2015 jrhunch 113 posts | why not have 2 divisions all players within 100 miles and players from anywhere. |
| Dec. 30, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | jrhunch-that would cut teams even more as each division would be smaller than the combination you suggest. I have been talking to people and really looking at what it will cost me to play 60 M+ this year. The closest team is at least 800 miles away I think this could just be a big factor in why there are not any more teams in M+. I have to travel for EVERY tourney I play, with Phoenix being the closest at 420 miles. If I fly and take my wife, rent a car, stay for 3 nights in a hotel and food it will be over $1000-($500-$600 for flights, $300 for hotel, $100 for car, and whatever we spend on food). If we drive-6 hours on the road each way, about $75 for gas, $300 for hotels, and food-at least $500. That's my cheapest trip. We can drive to Denver-6 hours, and Vegas-8 1/2 hours also, but every other trip is a flight. I do not like to go without my wife-we are a team for this. If I just play SSUSA main events like Mesquite, Spring in Vegas, Reno, Sacramento or Aurora, and Vegas worlds, that will be around $5000 for those tourneys. If I play on a team well away from my area, they will undoubtedly play some area tourneys which would cost the same for me for each one. Team continuity is important and I would like to commit to the entire schedule, but that would be economically impossible for me to spend $10,000 to play 10 tourneys in 7 months-not really a lot of playing-maybe 50 games-and that's about $200 per game. Whew! I know there's not an answer, but it is reality, probably for a lot of people, until there are more M+ teams. |
| Dec. 30, 2015 LeeLee50 140 posts | Webbie25, Man I feel for you, I am very lucky that I live and play in Norcal. We have a great Senior softball association (NCSSA) that throws around 20 to 24 tournaments a years, all within 1 to 2 1/2 hours drive for me. I also have the greatest teammates that open up there homes for me and my wife when we play in the Bay Area. Once again I agree with you that they need have more Major Plus teams and allowing the smaller populated areas to pick up 3 or 4 out regions is option that should be looked at but do not allow the heavily populated areas to do so. I believe this just might produce a balance and fair competition within the division. JMHO |
| Dec. 30, 2015 Fabe Men's 65 456 posts | I feel U my Braddah...I can't drive no where for big tourneys...da Pacific Ocean doesn't have a bridge yet! It's difficult trying to put together just a Major team hea....but I am still bless to live in da Tropics! I always tell people softball is what I do, not who I am! My team just won in Phoenix n we had a blast, but it did cost...especially just competing in Vegas in Oct. Oh well, I figured I worked my tail off in younger years to enjoy these times! Blessings to all in this upcoming New Years! Aloha, Fabe |
| Dec. 30, 2015 LeeLee50 140 posts | Webbie25 You eat a lot. LOL |
| Dec. 30, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Webbie, isn't it crazy all things we go out of our way to do, all the money we prioritize/spend and arrangements we make just to play softball?? |
| Dec. 30, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | This was only meant to be food for thought. But I know there has to be a lot of others in the same boat. I love playing this game and will play for as long as the Good Lord allows me to. There just isn't a great answer right now. Stick, it sure is, but my wife and I try to treat trips as mini-vacations if we can. I look around at some of my friends my age that don't do anything any more and they look so much older and broken down-this game treats us well right back. Fabe-you do have it the worst! I'm happy to have had a chance to meet you and play against you a few years back in Vegas. Happy New Year! |
| Dec. 31, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | LeeLee50-If you know that I must know you, but can't put the handle with anyone. Who are you? (Could be Senior Memory lapse, too) |
| Dec. 31, 2015 LeeLee50 140 posts | Norcal outfielder, I was just trying to be funny. We might have met just in passing. |
| Dec. 31, 2015 lewis 49 posts | Webster, he may of been at the concession stand behind you at one of the fields LOL. You and Patty have a happy new year. Louie |
| Dec. 31, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Webbie sometimes my wife and I do the mini vacation thing as well. I played in Ft Myers in November and after we were done Sunday we drove up to Clearwater for 4 extra days--awesome!! I do agree with you about guys our age and older who do nothing. I ran into a guy I went to high school with and he looked way beyond his years. It's a tough world out there but I believe if one prioritizes some sort of physical activity, no matter what it is, it can't help but do them good. |
| Dec. 31, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Hey Steve-Same to you and Mary! LeeLee-funny-I have somehow gotten the reputation for eating a lot of prime rib at tourneys-seems lots of guys give me a hard time about it. C'mon, we're athletes that need nourishment. Surely you don't think 30 ounces is too much? Stick, I always felt if you stayed in condition you could forestall the aging process some. Lots of guys I play against attest to that being true, just by the shape they are in. |
| Jan. 1, 2016 stick8 1991 posts | Webbie that's true. Most who stay in top shape make it a priority to do as such. Whether it's done to play ball or just to feel and look better it's almost a kind of lifestyle. For those who don't but always say they need to start working out just getting in their car and driving to the gym is 3/4 of the battle. |
| Jan. 1, 2016 Fabe Men's 65 456 posts | Amen to previous post! I know many great (world champion) athletics who are just a shell of themselves today....sad but our choices in life will effect n determine who we become if they are good or poor ones! Just got back from Clearwater, Florida....wat a blessing, the winter surf is up hea n I need to get ready...Aurite! See'ya my Braddahs n have a safe n healthy 2016. Aloha, Fabe |
| Jan. 1, 2016 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Fabe, you should have dropped by the Woodlawn Hitting Club in St Pete! They hit Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00am. I'm sure Pops would have been glad to let you take some bp! Sorry for hijack Webbie. |
| Jan. 1, 2016 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Hehe-Bruce-I already hijacked my own thread. No apology necessary. Dave, am I banned for selfthreadhijacking? |
| Jan. 2, 2016 stick8 1991 posts | Fabe, my wife and I go to Clearwater every spring for vacation. Did you eat breakfast at Lenny's? It's the best breakfast in Clearwater. Did you go to Crabby Bills? Great spot to eat and party right across the street from Clearwater Beach. |
| Jan. 2, 2016 Fabe Men's 65 456 posts | No I didn't...I basically wuz there to hang out with my son (Coast Guard) n his wife. Mostly hung around Largo at his gated complex...did drive up to Orlando wuz nutz! So many people...I wuz bless to be with my family just relaxing! Had some good workouts at the living complex gym. God willing my wife n I can return to experience some other stuff...man the air flights were long!!Aloha, Fabe |
| Jan. 5, 2016 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Web, I know exactly what you are sharing. Playing ball based out of SW Colorado, I have been 7-8 hours away from any competitive senior team and the expenses spent since 1999 have been significant for me and my family. Like you, my wife accompanies me and we most often bring our dog, Kona. Also like you and others, the passion still exists so I continue on. It has been fun to spend last winter and this one in Florida where I can play quite a bit and enjoy the warmer weather. There's 9' of snow in Telluride! Looking forward to seeing you down the road this upcoming year. Be safe and Happy New Year brother. Ed Andrews |
| Jan. 7, 2016 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Hey, Ed, good to see you on again. How's your health? Ed, you missed the storm in Roswell-20 plus inches of snow and 70 mph winds for 24 hours-10 foot drifts-it was almost 2 weeks ago and there is still piles and snow everywhere-and more coming! |
| Jan. 7, 2016 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Hangin tough big guy. Playing Florida Half Century this week-end in 65's. Playing league in Ocala, FLA. It seems a bit strange to be in warm weather this time of year when my buddies are snowmobiling all over the mesas at home. If any teams in the west need a player at the TOC, I'm ready to help. Best wishes buddy and hope to see you this summer. Ed |
| Jan. 26, 2016 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Well, 60 M+ loses another player that will not be able to play, and not because that player does not want to play. The sparsity of teams and distance I would have to travel have made it all but impossible for me financially to play this year at M+ level. And being out of area to almost all other 60 M+ teams, the 2 out of area player limit has kept me from playing with the closest team. I really wonder how many others would and could play at that level, but can't. Again, it is tough to get teams to move up to M+, I get that. But maybe there could be consideration for some players on a case by case basis to get exemptions from existing rules to be able to play. |
| Jan. 26, 2016 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | hey ed.....maybe just send your wife and kona...as we like them better than you.....LOL.......glad to hear your having fun in your fl trip.....hope to see you again along the circuit....maybe huntsman again..... |
