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Online now: 2 members: 64stones, TABLE SETTER 11; 189 anonymousDiscussion: LVSSA tournamnet thoughts and observations
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| Sept. 1, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | LVSSA tournamnet thoughts and observations My thoughts and observations on the recently completed LVSSA Major/Major plus portion of tournament. Fields Arroyo Grande was in great shape, didn't play at Sunset I spoke to a few players who were there and didn't hear any complaints. Scheduling at Arroyo seemed to go off without a hitch from my observations Sunday was a long day ended around 6 PM but the games started on time seemed to be a function of the length of the games which I felt was good they let us play. We did 1-1 count on Friday and Saturday and 0-0 on Sunday. The decision on Saturday was made due to possible rain (yes it does rain in Vegas on occasion) the TD's decision was logical and I believe everybody was informed. Balls This seems to be a hot topic so I'll address what I saw. At Sunset they used a 47-525 I can't imagine anybody at Sunset Park would complain about that. At Arroyo Grande due to park restriction the X-Rock 44-375 was used. I can tell you that this ball was excellent held up well and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. Our last three games the scores were 37-36, 47-44 and 40-39. I'm sure the purist will flinch but the players in those games I'm sure will agree with me that it made for white knuckle softball. Weather it was hot Friday, Saturday we had the threat of rain all day. We had what felt like raindrops on and off but it helped cool things down. Sunday not that hot and a little breezy. At Arroyo Grande I thought the LVSSA volunteers were very attentive and paid great attention to the water requirements of the players. Finally me personally my thanks to the LVSSA committee job well done. With the way things are falling and some of the comments I have read about other events this too me is a must play fun event. I don't know the winners and such sorry maybe others will update. |
| Sept. 1, 2008 breeze53 Men's 65 57 posts | Joe, I guess the tournament was a success this year. Since there are few to no responses. Last year there were numerous posts on how bad it was, I being one. So, maybe contrats to LVSSA for getting it right or doing a better job. Bob |
| Sept. 2, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Great post, Joe. I agree with just about everything you said. Our games were all very well officiated... as good as I've ever experienced throughout a whole tournament. The balls flew very well with some huge shots being hit yet, were and felt soft out of the wrapper. It took me a game or two to get used to the feel while pitching. The softness was actually beneficial to me when throwing a knuckleball as it was easier to grip. I liked the cover of the ball, too because it wasn't smooth and shiney making it also easier to grip when pitching. But, they were hard to grip hard when trying to throw hard from 3rd base. Some of the guys said it felt like the covers were loose but they weren't. One of our outfield guys threw his arm out in the last game and I hope any difficulty he may have had from trying to grip the ball hard wasn't significantly involved. Overall, the balls were WAY better than Baden Lexum 44x375 ball we talked about in earlier posts. For me, they hit, moved, bounced, sounded and felt different enough in all aspects of the game to warrant some further investigation down the road. LVSSA officials were everywhere doing everything. Well organized and under control. Major competition was very good featuring teams from many states. We, the Arizona MOB, made it all the way to the final out only to lose the tournament by one run to a just as deserving Goodmans team from Washington. Congratulations and thanks to all my teammates for great time and a great effort. The boys from Detroit put on a quite a show of long distance hitting which I will remember for a long time. Great time. Terrific tournament. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Jesus God, that many inches analyzing the ball????? You have more skill than that, just play the game. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Dirty your like poop on a shoe. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | What are "einstein's" incessant ramblings about the balls like? |
| Sept. 2, 2008 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Ball was excellent, schedule was kind of funky, weather was about as good as it gets for Labor Day weekend. Just a thought, why respond to anyone who does not post their name or profile. More likea wanna be than an is. Mike Adair |
| Sept. 2, 2008 4x4 Men's 65 601 posts | Very simply stated. There have been tourneys that have been diminished due to the inferior characteristics of some softballs used. In one instance it cost a tourney about 30% of it's return rate. The players are bringing quality teams and equipment to the game and should expect no less in what is provided whether it be balls, umps, facilities, or fields. Joe hit on other aspects also but to ball is the easiest to change and something that can make a dramatic change in playing conditions. In one instance (SPA) it appears the organization was inadvertantly sent some bad product and the organization has gone on record as trying to correct that concern. Heat is considered to be a large factor and, as Joe stated, the balls used at this tourney held up well even exceeding the standard bearer (Baden/Lexum single color stitch). We have not been that lucky at all the tourneys and it is a valid observation/issue/concern. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 doubleplay2 Men's 55 22 posts | Joe, Einstein, Good comments on the tournament and the ball. Sunday was a long day but it was also a lot of fun. Einstein, you did a great job of pitching in the very windy conditions. Keep up the great comments whenever you feel like posting a thought, it's always enjoyable to see what you and others are thinking. I am wondering though, not being on here very long--does "dirty" ever have anything positive to say about whats going on in Senior Softball? Joe, thanks again for getting me to the airport on time after our last game. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | joe you most likely were using the micro cell technology(MCT) ball.its designed for hi heat 85-90+ and hi humidity.when u throw it u can't grip it real tight,just a nice firm grip(remember your bat grip,don't choke the chicken). pete who cares what u say (:o) :) mike u still playing for the mav's. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Dbax Men's 65 2101 posts | The guy threw his arm out cuz of the cover on the ball??? |
| Sept. 2, 2008 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Moved to NCI 55, our team had an off weekend, but we will be ready for Phoenix. I had my hip replaced and it seemed a good time to move since the Mavs were loaded. They don't miss my bat, but maybe my engaging personality. :-) |
| Sept. 2, 2008 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | nci, nice group.chavez still playing with them. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Yep, we have 4 guys going to 60's next year. Steve, Roland, Manny, Del Monte. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Joe L., We have mostly good things to offer as it relates to this tourney. Very good balls, logical schedule (for LV in late August), good fields (with one exception), nice complex... the lone negative for us was a couple of the umpires... they really didn't know the rules and tried to talk loudly to compensate for it. DB is an excellent ump but we only saw him for 2 games. I believe that the time of year impacted the number of teams (we only had 4 in our division)... we had eight 55 teams last year... could be the airfare, too. The one field exception was due to a busted water line (our of their control) and we were moved back to the good fields after it was repaired. The temporary field was less than adequate. I have played at most, if not all, of the LV fields and am surprised that Sunset Park isn't one of the main ones for LVSSA. I like its ambiance, the fields themselves are good, lots of shade and the 4 diamond complex is convenient. I was pleasantly shocked at how nice it was. I'd played there 30+ years ago and it was a sand pit with a wind tunnel... and no shade then. BW |
| Sept. 2, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Dave :):):) When the outside of the ball is soft, think Nerf ball, you grip into the ball instead of on the ball and can easily hold onto the ball and for too long when trying to really gun it. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | doubleplay, we are all still upright. Is that a positive? :) Senior ball should just be softball, no special rules. And God forbid, NO mat. Guys 5'7" were not meant to have the same size strike zone as guys 6'6". Just not the idea at all. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Red del Men's 55 34 posts | Lecak starts a meaningful and interesting conversation and once again you (Dirty) take over.....pathetic!!! Great tournament, great teams, great people. Outstanding team in Master Collision out of Colorado Greg Reds/Tanel 55 Major |
| Sept. 2, 2008 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | We were also at Sunset, 1st time there and very pleasantly surprised, nice park. This is the smoothest LVSSA tournament I've played in, they had their act together this time. My only complaint was inconsistant umpiring. It wasn't the worst I've ever had, but there are improvements that can be made in that area. The balls were fantastic. Overall, great experience.. Nice job LVSSA. Rob- Top Gun 60's |
| Sept. 2, 2008 18mike Men's 55 23 posts | Can anyone tell me who won the 50 Major Plus and 55 Major Divisions and how many teams were in each division. LVSSA has nothing on their site. Thanks! |
| Sept. 2, 2008 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | so rel del brides maid again! |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | einstein nice job this past week end.I glad you caught that ball hit at you against Evo.That might have left a mark.I have to agree with Jack you a real good guy.Great game ,we needed one more bomb.See ya in Phx. Ray Manager Gekle Builders |
| Sept. 2, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Thanks, Ray. For many reasons I thought your guys were the best, toughest team in the tournament. You've got Jack from the Old Pine Knob Team, one of the best hitters in the country on the bench ready to pinch hit for you which really says a lot about the caliber of the talent on the field. We we're very lucky to get by you with the slimmest of margins especially with the wind blowing out. Thanks for the kind words. I always like it when I learn that the best players or hitters in the world like Jack, your pitcher(please mention his name) Mike Adair, Sal, Rick Perez, Mike Walker, Joe Reed, Billy from Evo just to name a few are both fierce competitors and gracious sportsman and make us ALL look good when they are on field. Joe Lecak said one of the highlights of his weekend was getting to know you. Knowing him that says a ton a good stuff about you. See you in Phoenix. |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | einstein,Our pitchers name is Lawrence Reedus A.K.A. Reedus.Good guy,You would enjoy meeting him on a personal level.Detroit guy like 4 or 5 of our guys.We are a Lansing based team with players from half-a-dozen other cities.Working on $$$ for Phx. right now.We spend about 25k to 35k a year on travel,entry and lodging.We have a couple of sponsors helping us.But things are getting tighter all the time ,so we'll see how it goes. Thanks again R.E.M./The G-Men |
| Sept. 2, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Oh yeah, about Joe's compliment,I'm humbled.Thanks Joe. R.E.M. |
