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Online now: 3 members: EMJ, TABLE SETTER 11, me2ri2t; 113 anonymousDiscussion: Top Major Plus 55 - 60 Team in 2011
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| Nov. 7, 2010 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Top Major Plus 55 - 60 Team in 2011 55 Major Plus - Nighthawks are going to be very good, but the team to beat in 2011 will be DoublePlay. The 55 DP Major team won the 2010 USSSA tourney in Phoenix will be added a number of players from their 50 Major team that finished 5th. MTC 55 is retooling and could be a force by year end, but their strength in 2011 will be the 60 team. 5 guys from the 55 team will be moving to 60's. These guys will be the best in West and more than likely the country. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Mike, I been hearing good stuff about Double Play. You do have your finger on the pulse about MTC 55's-60's. Have you tried that new Reebok yet? |
| Nov. 8, 2010 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Forgot to mention. I like the Nighthawks guys and they have a good team but their pitcher, Billy, is one of the elite pitchers in softball and they can never be counted out for any game or tournament with him on the mound. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Have not swung the bat yet. All the ones I saw were too light. Because George is such a Combat guy, if he says its the real deal then I am willing to give it a try. Don't care if it hits as far as a U2 just want it to be durable with decent pop. Order mine and will get in Dec. Bill is a really good pitcher, not afraid to throw a ball and is imposing on the mound. I love hitting against real pitchers, it makes me focus and when that happens I am able to raise my level of play. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Spoken like a true competitor, Mike. And we've waltzed a couple of times. You got me last in Las Vegas. Terrific quote from the Olympics, "I love my enemy because he brings out the best in me." |
| Nov. 8, 2010 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Mike, what bat did you order? The 28el that I have has a swingweight of 18.2. My MM 29el and 30el have swingweights of 18.3 and 18.4, respectively. I'm told that the 28el's have a full endload (1 or 2oz, been told both) and nothing more added to the handle. The 29's and 30's have weight added to the handle. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | so bruce the reebok 28 el swings like a 29 or 30 combat.i swung the reebok 28 el this past weekend,and kinda liked it,i'm trying to get used to swinging a heavier bat(have a 29 el combat now),just can't finish off a tourney using a heavier one,especially in the heat. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | I prefer a heavier bat too, Bruce especially end loaded. It helps me get more end-whip going through the ball. I swung George R's 27 and it hit very well but the 28 EL would be my pick. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | I went with 29 EL. My though process was 28EL and the bat head would drop and I might not be able to keep it in the park when I needed to. What do I know...seemed like a good compromise...Will let the board know after I swing it. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | Wait minute Guys, News flash.....Saturday 11-6-2010 9am in Los Angels,God Bless America cracks after 65 swings, new Bat out of wrapper, did not even get the distance that we were expecting, before it cracked.3 cracks along the seems(Vertical) with 2 going across(Horizontal). The Vet, has about 75 swings with 1 along the seem (Vertical) but has nice distance and Pop. Hey Joe, I Order a 27 EL Reebok and I hope its more durable than that GBA. Man that was disappointing, just out of the wrapper Kennard #12 on any team I play for. By the way I'm looking for 55 or 50 team this year.Drop email.... kennad@ccops.com |
| Nov. 8, 2010 Foothills Men's 55 95 posts | Joe I agree . The pitcher from the Nighthawks is a difference maker . Slowpitch is a hitters game . But a pitcher as good as he is can make the difference . I played against Double Play in Phoenix . Their pitcher is pretty good . Butthe Nighthawks pitcher is a cut above . Moves ball around . Never gives the same pitch or rotation and is not afraid to go 3 balls on you . He is also very good defensively . |
| Nov. 8, 2010 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Sorry to continue to hyjack this thread but......I'd like to give props to our pitcher on our Southern Elite 50M team, Curt Mauer. To look at him you wouldn't think he could be much of a player but that is why his so good. He wears a cricket helmet and face guard, looking much like a polo player. He catches most balls hit up the middle and never complains about them. He throws a curve and screwball, mixing up height and speed. I had several opposing players that after reaching first say that he has the wickedest curve they've seen. There was one batter that thought the pitched ball was going to hit him so he stepped across home plate only to see the ball hit the plate for a strike. Curt has occasional problems with gout so he usually misses a couple of games each tournament. I believe he batted .950 in Myrtle Beach at the Eastern Nationals to earn mvp award. I've mentioned to Curt Hollis that he should ask Curt to help out at Classic Spring Training's pitching clinic this comming Feb. Great job Curt! |
| Nov. 8, 2010 Tate22 Men's 60 280 posts | Joe, Mike & Foothills: Thanks for the props for Bill. We feel the same way about him. I recruited him 4 years ago because I got tired of hitting against him. Thank goodness I re-signed him for next year before this thread hit, I may have to raise the signing bonus though. lol In Phoenix, he held every team we played to below their scoring average in their other games. No question that makes a huge difference. He was definitely our MVP in that event. Hey Mike - did you sign with DP 55's for next year???? Don Newhard Nighthawks 55 M+ |
| Nov. 8, 2010 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | LOL, no I did not sign with DP, they already have a catcher with an artificial body part. Does not change the fact they are going to be seriously tough. I am with Demolition playing 50 Major Plus...going to be very tough on this old guy.. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Kennard, We've had quite a few battles in our day. I got you some. You got me a lot. Anybody that gets you as a player will no doubt be pleased. Hey Bruce, Nothing like a good pitcher. They can really make the difference. Hey Don. I still haven't gotten over that walk-off grand slam you hit off me somewhere south of San Francisco. Billy blanked us for 3 innings in Phoenix and though we almost came back he put the dagger in our coffin. Tell him hi for me. Good luck putting together a monster for next year. My next stop looks like the rockin' chair. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | the way i read this thread,the title should of been "what are the California teams gonna look like next year".guess anyone east or north of there don't play any ball. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | MD haven't you noticed everybody has an opinion on this board.;-) Just waiting for the the other states to include their input. Notice I did not say anything about the 50 division....there is some teams forming in the South and the Midwest to give the Mavericks a run for their money. Trouble is there will not be a Mavericks next year..team reforming under new management..sadly. Ken Lipinski is one of the finest indivdiuals I am blessed to know. |
| Nov. 8, 2010 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | i know mike,just got to reading this and said ,wt.... no one talking bout none of the other area's. :):) i figure bruce might say something more.it is good if the others would come and help the M+ guys try to figure out where to play next year(tourney's). sorry to hear ken is not gonna be doing anything next year.good luck in your season next year. |
| Nov. 9, 2010 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | MD, email me at b_fairchild@hotmail.com The associations do not make playing major plus attractive. Until they do I see the number of these teams decreasing. |
| Nov. 9, 2010 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | yeah bruce i understand that,majority of the teams are either AA or AAA,so yes i know they'll get the most attention. |
| Nov. 9, 2010 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | What if SSUSA helped the Major Plus coaches form a 'consortium' to get together and discuss schedules for the upcoming year and maybe even set a few tournaments to get the maximum amount of teams to play. This division really has issues that are unique to their level of play. There are no that many teams. Why not get together and discuss?? |
| Nov. 9, 2010 Jawood Men's 50 943 posts | Their response will be "come to the annual convention". When nobody shows because it is to expensive, they will say "you had your chance". Need to get someone in management that will fight for upper level ball. |
| Nov. 9, 2010 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Jawood-I am seriously thinking about it. November 30-Dec 4, Tucson and I believe everyone is welcome. I would love to debate and hear why some ideas were not adopted, and maybe get to really put in my input. They read this board-it would be interesting to know how they feel about some of the ideas. |
| Nov. 9, 2010 Jawood Men's 50 943 posts | You should go, Webbie, you are pretty much right there. What 50 team do you play for? |
| Nov. 9, 2010 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Jawood-55AAA-Desperados, Albuquerque |
| Nov. 9, 2010 DoubleL10 Men's 70 907 posts | I seem to remember hearing about this time las year that the Mavericks weren't going to field a team this year. I had the pleasure of playing against Ken's teams for several years when I first started playing senior ball in 1996. Maybe Ken will do a "Favre" and change his mind. He's still in the 50s and I'm moving up to the 65s! |
| Nov. 9, 2010 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Bruce, I had the pleasure of playing against and meeting the Ga/Al Masters 60AAA in Phoenix, when our game was over they invited us to center diamond for a short prayer. I was pushed to the center by my team mates explaining that I was nearing treatment for cancer. Before I knew it there were at least 10 new sets of hands on me wishing me well with their prayers. I cant tell you how uplifting that was as well as emotional. The GA/Al Masters are, for lack of better words, true class. I would like to thank them thru you if you dont mind. John Miller OC Mustangs AAA |
| Nov. 9, 2010 gary c 418 posts | John, Hope things work out and will say a prayer for you. GOOD LUCK |
| Nov. 9, 2010 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | John, I played with most of them in 2004, my first year in 55 ball. You're right, a very classy team. I'll pass along your thanks when I see them again. I wish you the best with your treatment. My wife had breast cancer about 13 years ago and is a survivor, I'm sure you will be also. |
| Nov. 10, 2010 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | In a time where I wonder where our morals and beliefs are going as a country, I am proud to be part of an organization with so many honest and caring people. Maybe we could have a 'prayer thread' for people like Boston and his grandson(doing much better), Bruce's wife, GA/ALA Masters, and everyone else who would wish to participate. We have a couple guys on our team going through some major stuff right now. My prayers are with them and their families-as friends and teammates. Sorry-got off track a bit. |
| Nov. 10, 2010 Garocket Men's 55 259 posts | Yea I checked on the convention. with the room rates at $79 per night it looks like the year to go. Airfare a little high from the east but looking at going anyway. I heard from some guys last year that Nashville was pretty fun to go to. At least if I don't go I can't say much about the rules. But we do need some representation so the upper crust will hear what we want |
