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Online now: 4 members: RCC14, TABLE SETTER 11, dillydilly, kotonk; 97 anonymousDiscussion: Is the state of US economy going to impact your travel plans next year
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| Oct. 9, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Is the state of US economy going to impact your travel plans next year I believe that SSUSA staff reads these posts. As we approach next year in less than a month as an individual and as a team does the state of the economy have you and your team reviewing your travel plans for next year? It has been my contention that this will be an important issue for SSUSA to tackle when they meet in Phoenix in January for the annual summit meeting. I know me personally I will take a long hard look at all tournaments any team I end up with in 2009 to make sure I am getting my money's worth. I do not anticipate playing in any tournaments that I would personally consider warmup tourney's between the ones I truly enjoy. I typically have played 10-12 tournaments annually with not much thought to expense, my plans are for 6-8 tournaments in 2009 a 33 to 40% reduction in personal expenses. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | I agree with Lecak. I sit on my local Little League Board and we are anticipating a 17 to 25% decrease in participation and revenues. This will affect the senior tournaments in that a number of us are assisting in the support of our family members more so than ever in the past. Disposable income will be significantly impacted and the affect the economy is having on our retirements is significant if not devastating. I suggest reducing the length of the tournaments and regionalizing as much as possible. I personally will lobby that my team travel be limited to west of the Mississippi and no more than 4 overnight trips in 2009. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Joe and MIke, Absolutely. That's why I've been pushing for California to define itself and play more North/South events. We have the best and most players and can still play at the highest level while avoiding the big bucks none of will have next and the following years. Ken Lupinsky, Gary Tryhorn, Woody, Larry Campbell, Mike Clary let's go. The rest of the country will have to come to us to have a crack at a meaningful national title. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Why do you always say California players are the best? It was never that way in the past, what has changed? Back in the day Campbell and Capitol were very good, but from a national perspective that might have been about it. Are a bunch of guys who when they were in their 20s and 30s not necessarily playing national-caliber ball now playing at that level? |
| Oct. 9, 2008 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | For the five years before 2008 I played 17-24 weekend tournaments not including St George for one or both the two weeks. But this year due to 1. No real team that played in good tournaments or better and 2. transportation costs, I've only played in roughly 7 tournaments to date with none in the forcast ahead. The team folded in early Sept. So l am be looking around for a competitive team for '09 for a team, LV anyone? |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Is this Gary without name calling and disparaging comments? We could live with this. When we went to SPA this year which has been the most competitive and representative Major plus venue for a couple of years now the last 2 teams playing for the 50 and over title were the Mavericks from Southern California and Mac2 from Northern California. MTC from Northern California went undefeated to the 55 major plus title and it's only these past 2 years that the 60 major plus Old A's from NorCal have slipped a bit but they normally win 4 or 5 major titles a year. Then there's GSF and Evolution and The Old Dawgs and No Dice and all three MTC teams, Whew! All from California and just disbanded this year we had Kelly's who dominated I'm proud to say the 50 and over division for a couple to 3 years. We can field more and better teams than any state in the union. We normally have to play all star teams from the southeast like Hollis or the northeast like Sportsplex just to have some competiton. But the point, Gary was about the cost involved with traveling which is driving/causing more teams to want to play closer than farther tnmts. I never had or would have a problem with you on the website being respectful and arguing anything you believe or think is true. But when and if you cross the line and become disrespectful, you or anyone, that just won't fly with me. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Fair enough, just keep the filth and vulgarity to yourself. Quit acting so innocent and blameless in all this, and things will go better between us. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Joe, no need to comment about best of or number of just the state of. This is a thread that should be concentrated on the economy and the effect that could will occur regarding National and tournaments in general. There will always be an opinion about where the best teams and players are. Not germaine to this conversation, other than regionally competitive levels can be maintained. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Mike, I should have made it clearer that it's my belief rather than fact but it is my belief and it's shared by more than some. Gary, I'm willing to let the past aside for the greater good but don't be, as Jesus admonished us all, "the FIRST to cast a stone". My favorite American leader/mentor is Malcolm X and I just won't take "bleep" from anyone. I don't think it's right or healthy. So, don't be an antagonist and I/we will support you, too. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | And here I was pretty sure you had cast the first stone. Malcolm X?????? Joking, right? |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Fred Scerra Men's 80 542 posts | No effect here. Advantage of town/city government pension |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | True, Gary. He's my favorite American, a model of the American experience in the 20th Century. I taught him as such to my students and still believe it today, have read his autobiography a couple of times and is a true leader the likes of which we desperately need and don't have, today. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | I am not sure he would be my first choice, but I can certainly agree that there is a drastic shortage of leaders, or as I call them statesmen, today. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hi Gary. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Einstein,Einstein,Einstein the most and the best?The most I will give ya.(state population)How would ya know if ya didn't play against the rest.(teams east of Big Muddy).Staying home to play each other would be like a state title?Phoenix will be our 3rd trip west,not including half our guys going to Huntsman Games.Teams traveling a couple thousand miles two time zones away,will be at a disadvantage why would we come west if west coast teams won't return the favor.It cost us just as much to go west as it cost you guys to come east.Something has to be said for home field advantage.We have never lost a tourney in our home state. I still think we need to share the travel exspences.And keep a mixture of east and west when possible.I think all you cali boys need is some Northeast weather in April-May to realize there is an advantage to playing at home or close to it.P.S.Bring some dry socks! LOL Ray/Gekle Builders |
| Oct. 9, 2008 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Ray, my good man. What kind of guy would I be if I didn't think MY guys were better than your guys. I've seen few teams if any that are better than your squad was in Las Vegas this year and if they ever went to USSSA rules with Reedus, you guys would be unbeatable. That guy is a U-trip maniac. When you look at the composition of California teams carefully a lot of guys are immigrants like me. I'm from New York City. New York City??????(like the hot sauce commercial) We just know what's good when we fall over it. Being able to play all year round as we only have 2 months where it gets kinda wet and colder is a huge advantage to keeping our game together. And we never, did I say never, yes I did get rained out from March to November. When we schedule a practice or a tournament we can always count on it going down. Can't wait to see and play against you guys in Phoenix. Safe trip to the Southwest. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Einstein speaking of hot sauce,Salsa Jack will be coming as well.He is a big Einstien fan!!!!What a shame if east coast teams took on that same mentality.There is 9 of the 27 major teams coming in from the east and some good ones at that-Coors Lite,Milwaukee Merchants,Roberts Construction,Sweet Construction.I think you need this kind of participation to declare a true World (national) champion. I know you personally did at least one east side trip.I think at years end we should all meet up somewhere in the middle of the country,St.Louis for example.This would help balance travel between east and west teams.I for one don't want to see tournaments turn into regional events.Same teams same winners so on and so forth.We will continue to travel despite cost to fine the best compitition but don't want rest of east teams or west teams going regional. Boring. See Ya in Phoenix Buddy |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Smokey20 Men's 55 102 posts | Joe, We have a large talent pool here in Cali. Any given weekend in our local tournaments you could get you butt kicked. This makes for a tested team when one travels to worlds. Others parts of the country may not have as many teams or deeply talented brackets but at the top those teams are just as effective as Cali. In the youger days we always had to travel east to play worlds, it's refreshing for us to travel a few hours to Phoenix instead of 11 hrs back east. We traveled this year to play the SPA event, after the travel time and cost I was a disapointment when I saw the facilities and hit that Baiden ball. At this point I wouldn't return to that tournament. Prediction for Phoenix, Cali wil be strong in the 40, 50, 55, maybe the 60's. As for 2009 we may have a smaller schedule, cost being a factor. Maybe three tournaments east of thr Rockies everything else in the west. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | I aprreciate the back and forth on who is the best east or west. Ray I had to personally review what I am going to spend next year, certainly if any team I land on I would push hard for an east of the Mississippi trip. I put the thread up to see if this was going to be an issue impacting 2009's attendance. I fully expect to attend 6-8 tournies next year versus the 10-12 I did this year. Certain qualifiers in between the big events will receive scrutiny next year. For example I attended the following tournaments this year which I most likely won't next year, Tuscon, Phoenix(Feb) Escondido Prescott and Huntsman Games. I see more practice time and less actual game time in 2009 for myself. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Joe that was Einstein and myself polking a little clean fun at one another,nothing personal.On any given day I think alot of teams will beat each other.About travel cost,this year we made some concessions on travel much the same as your talking about for next year.This year we limited our Qualifiers to one,four Worlds-ISF See ya in a couple weeks Ray |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Joe lost some of my post somehow?As I was saying we cut down to four worlds ISF-ISA-LV-Phx.and Regional Nats in Champaign Ill. and plan on going to TOC and the earlier mentioned qualifier.For a total of 7 tourneys only one in our state.Unlike prior years we went for Quality instead of Quantities Most everyone seem to enjoy this schedule.Probably do a lot of the same next year. See ya in a couple weeks Ray |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Ray I didn't take it personally. One of the best things about senior ball and as long as I can afford I won't give it up is meeting new people. Meeting and competing against you and your team and our game in Las Vegas was the highlight of the year for me. You can't put a price on that. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Gekle BUilders Men's 50 204 posts | Thanks Joe I feel the same way.It's a good feeling to know i have a couple of good friends in you and Einstein on the left coast to hash out our differances and enjoy our similarities.And commitment to the Game.Our guys are still talking about that game we had in Vegas ,After winning two World Tourneys this year and to have them still talking about Vegas speaks volumes about just how much fun that was.Hope we see each other in the later rounds in Phx. Thanks For The Thread Things were a Little ZZZZZZZZZ on the M.B. Ray |
| Oct. 9, 2008 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | joe l, joe r,mike,ray.the expense has caught up to our team( we are not sponsered) already this yr,we are not going to phx b/c of it,we are from the dallas,tx area.we went only to SPA in dalton,ga this yr.i will be going to huntsman myself only(was asked by a 50 team,i'm 55 so it would have been legal, to go to phx and can't b/c of no funds).i'm looking at not going to most traveling out of town tourney's next yr and only playing local with the youngsters over here(we play mostly 1 day tourney's).my retirement money just doesn't go as far as i thought it was gonna(damn gas prices). lecak i'll see ya in st george,i'll with the envirovac mauraders in the 50 M div.did you play with brl last yr with george,rich and steve. well good luck to all next yr. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | No I did not this will be my first with them. We are in a different park I think you guys play at 7:00. We paly 4 and 5:15. After our games I will be over there to watch you guys. I'm hoping to play well for Dave and the Academy guys I got to play with them at the beginning of the year in Mesquite, looking forward to meeting some new people. |
| Oct. 9, 2008 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | we will end up in the same div for elim round,u can ask george r about our game last yr,it was a knock down drag out type. |
| Oct. 10, 2008 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | I agree that the state of the economy will have an effect on what my team will do in 2009. One answer is to promote more local tournaments in the area you live. I'm in SoCal, so it might be easier for us to get local or very short travel tourneys for our age group. I understand that if you're in central TX you might not have it as easy. This is not unlike anything else we do...we will all be watching the economy, our investments and our pocketbooks. |
| Oct. 10, 2008 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | It's all about priorities. My wife and I own a cabin in the North Georgia mountains and this year we have been there one weekend. I could choose not to play tournament softball and spend more time there but that isn't what I choose. I may decide to cut back in other ways but for now I won't cut back on out of town tournaments. If I played for a team that didn't pick up entry fees or other expenses I may have to re-think this. I am fortunate to be able of afford these trips and can certainly understand someone that chooses to cut back on out of town trips. |
| Oct. 11, 2008 4x4 Men's 65 601 posts | It will change some priorities for me. On the local tournaments I have started to seek to stay overnight over X amount of miles rather than drive back and forth as sometimes the cost of a room is less, especially if the room cost is split. More guys are ride sharing. Next year will change for me. I basically can fly unlimitedly at very little cost due to flight benefits from my better half's retirement. However, this requires flying standby which can play havoc with routes and schedules that demand a certain strict arrival time/date and sometimes the luggage does not quite keep up. For this reason (scheduling) I have paid for all of my flights this year. Next year I will use these benefits more which will allow me to defray cost to other areas to compensate. Driving is still my favorite way to travel and if I am driving unaccompanied by my other half I prefer driving solo but fuel costs will also now be factored into the decision. I used to take extra days to see what is in the area and that might also have to change. I just got baqck from St George and will turn around and head for Phx in a few days. It adds up............ Thanks for returning to the topic at hand guys and allowing the thread to continue. |
| Oct. 12, 2008 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | I would not assume that the economy will be that bad. I traval 3-4 day per week and I do not see things being as bad as I read that they are in the new paper. I was travaling this weekend and got gas in Ohio for $2.63/gal. My airplane tickets from Louisville to Baton Rouge have not changed much, yes I pay $15 on NW if I ck a bag, but if you take it with you and ck it at the plane it's free, pink tag. I'm in the hotel business and I do not seen a large increase in rates coming next year. I play on a 65 & 60 tean and would like to find a 55 team so I can get more playing time. I would like to find a team and come west to Cal. and kick some butt. einstein I'm glad for you that you found John 8 Wes |
