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Online now: 2 members: JohnO28, TABLE SETTER 11; 79 anonymousDiscussion: Manteca, Field of Dreams
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| Aug. 24, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Manteca, Field of Dreams We played as close to softball heaven as it gets this weekend for a lot of us here in California at the Manteca Field of Dreams Complex. The balls were the Baden Lexum 44x375 and were OK out of the wrapper for maybe 2 innings but after, in 90 degree sunlight, they were too soft. 1.2 bats except no Ultra 2's. The fields themselves, are just ideal, with composite infields and grass outfields, the best of both worlds for infielders and outfielders. True hops in the infield which helps defenders get in front of hard hit balls and natural grass keeping it "happy feet" cool for the outfielders. It was nothing less than a tonic seeing so many old teammates and foes. Laughs, handshakes, hugs and encouragement it was almost like being home. Wait a minute! It is home for 11 years now playing with the best guys in the country starting with Joe Louis and the Blasters, Vern and the Stixx, Ken and Redwood City up to ODB, Mac 2, and the Old A's. The best guys, the largest Senior softball Association at 2000 + members and the largest collection of the best senior players in the US of A. No doubt about it. We spoke about the future of Senior Softball specifically as it looks for our own NorCal Association, NCSSA. We discussed some exciting ideas going forward which you'll be hearing more about as they come to life. This weekend can serve as a reminder to us all how much fun our brand of Senior Softball can be and why it's worth defending when compromised or attacked. |
| Aug. 24, 2008 ekim 2 posts | Amen! |
| Aug. 24, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Since it's become obvious to lots of us that most of the balls we're using aren't as good as they once were and need to be for our enjoyment maybe we need to jump ahead of the curve and start demanding a better ball and make that the standard, like a 47x525 ball before they dumb that one down, too. And what an opportunity for any Association and ball manufacturer to demonstrate and guarantee the quality of THEIR ball to us to ensure our patronage and investments going forward. |
| Aug. 24, 2008 JRD Men's 60 11 posts | This is just one players opinion. I liked the balls being used at BLD and did not mind U2's not being used for a change. I saw a lot of great defense by the outfielders and infielders (in the 50's, 60's, and 70's). This, to me, gets lost in the mix with most of the 50's play a power game. Nice to see a homerun once in a while, but not all those guys hitting them out would be able to do it in the afternoon with 90 degree heat and no u2's and a 375 ball. To see a well rounded game with defense and hitting is something I appreciate more than 10 to 12 homeruns in a game. |
| Aug. 24, 2008 4x4 Men's 65 601 posts | The truth is being told. It was a great weekend of softball. As the day progressed it did get harder to launch the ball but a lot of long balls took off. The irregularity of the fields lent to the fun for both the fielders and the hitters. Even though the fields are down from the wind it was fun to watch the flags flying above the stadiums and try to out fox it. Even the umps tended to be in better spirits at this event taking the fun with the razzing and having fun with it. It was nice to have plenty of shade and air conditioned area to relax yet still watch the games. A good time was had by all. It was good to the the fellowship as it should be. Worth the price of admission. Pete 13 |
| Aug. 24, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | This weekend was great!! good game lots of really nice people and a great time by everyone! thanks to all the praise from the players i had a chance to do! see you guys soon Monta Litle the ump PS CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE WINNERS TOO! |
| Aug. 25, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Monte, Great seeing you, Timmy and Rudy and the rest of our terrific old umps. Seeing you guys there made it seem like National level tournament. And you and Tim haven't lost much to anything off your stroke as I saw you taking some BP before some games got started. What a terrific place with our geography to host a tournament! Thanks, again, NCSSA for the event. Noel, John, Pete, Gary... I heard you had to kick in from the treasury to make it come to life. And remember for next time. Better balls and 1.2 bats. |
| Aug. 25, 2008 hitt2 353 posts | I agree the tournament was a very positive one. The board made the right decision to start the left side of the ranking on Friday. Spreading out the games was great and allow for the team to maintain levels of play. I got to see the new Combat Senior bat and get a few practice swings. The bat feels good, but I going to have to wait for the balance model. I thought the balls were fine Friday and Saturday. However on Sunday they didn't jump as well due to the 100+ temp and the wind blowing in on a lot of the fields being used. Overall this was a quality weekend. NCSSA, I applaud you and BLD management and Staff on a well organized tournament. Einstein Did you play ball with a Jack Schaffer from Atwater in an over 40 league a few years ago? |
| Aug. 25, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | hitt 2 who did you play for? |
| Aug. 25, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Jef, I'm way better with faces than names but I probably did. Yeah, those balls faded in the sun and we need and deserve better balls. But that's the only sag in an otherwise great NorCal event. |
| Aug. 25, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | come on Joe MTC & ,MAC II and others hit it out sunday! AND ALSO THANKS TO THE KIDS THAT GOT THOSE HR BALL hope you enjoyed the ice creams you got! THANK YOU AGAIN |
| Aug. 25, 2008 Smokey20 Men's 55 102 posts | Monta, My grandsons lapped up the ice cream in no time. Fine move by you. Brian |
| Aug. 25, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Monte, Which field were they playing on? Angels with the wind blowing strong to left? |
| Aug. 26, 2008 Smokey20 Men's 55 102 posts | Polo Grounds with the wind blowing in. Just gotta hit it fat Joe. |
| Aug. 26, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Brian, You and your boys were hitting me so hard I thought I was back in 3rd grade. Congrats on winning the Tournament. I spoke with Mike and he was real proud. Glad the balls weren't a problem for you monsters. Way to go Brad, Joe, Roger, Charlie, Rock, Ricky, Jeff and the rest. |
| Aug. 26, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | smokey20 no thank them for doing a great job getting them for us! congrads to mac-II for another championship see you all around soon monta |
| Aug. 26, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | ps did roger get a bill for the score board yet? lol what a shot that was |
| Aug. 26, 2008 Smokey20 Men's 55 102 posts | Didn't get the bill yet. How about changing that number eight to a comma? WOW |
