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Online now: 7 members: CHI-TOWN BALLERS, Dyan3, Hitsquad04, Mark Reilly, OutdoorLife360, TABLE SETTER 11, TonyA; 120 anonymousDiscussion: Reebok Melee Deliveries
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| Jan. 3, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Reebok Melee Deliveries Guys, Many of you have already received your bats but I have learned that others have not received theirs. Please know that the reps are doing what they can to help and your patience and understanding is gratefully appreciated. The amount of orders that came in were inundating and people are working on getting the system to work more efficiently. Thanks and Happy New Year. Ed Andrews, Independent Melee Rep |
| Jan. 3, 2011 #45inMd Men's 60 108 posts | Thank you Ed and Curt for all your help I have my tracking number. Ross |
| Jan. 4, 2011 kingofmen 9 posts | hey ed.i think you sent me a message on this site stating delivery is gonna be delayed&i'm supposed to enter your code to avoid delivery costs. i can't find it to respond.please send all necessary data to kingofmen@verizon.net. thanks. i ordered the senior yellow end loaded 27oz. melee. |
| Jan. 4, 2011 #45inMd Men's 60 108 posts | My Reebok Melee came today. Now I have wait for the TOC to use it D___ cold in the northeast. Thanks Ed and Curt Ross |
| Jan. 4, 2011 leroy28 Men's 50 23 posts | #45inMD how do ya'll stand it up there. South ga seems so much better. Good bat but you better keep it in your bat bag untill summer |
| Jan. 4, 2011 #45inMd Men's 60 108 posts | leroy28, temp's highs in the mid 30's lows in the low 20's Hope it is warm this then last year at the TOC |
| Jan. 5, 2011 leroy28 Men's 50 23 posts | I didn't make it last year just getting into senior ball. Trying to go this year but i don't know if i got on the roster early enough. Maybe it will be warm but it has been unusally cold down south this year |
| Jan. 5, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | #45,get there wed for toc as a few are gonna,and we can break your bat.....oh i mean break it in...LOL....i think your gonna like it. |
| Jan. 5, 2011 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | Hey Curt and Ed Thanks again, when I got home last night, my granddaughter met me at the front door and said Grandpa You have a box, you should have seen the smile on my face. Going to hit TODAY. Nice looking Bat, Heavy for a 27 EL but that is just what I wanted. Kennard |
| Jan. 5, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | I am personally happy that you are receiving your bats and I am sorry that some have wait longer than you expected. It has been tough on all of us. I expect the demand for this product to increase and the delivery system to become more efficient. Thanks to all my guys for their patience and understanding. Enjoy your new bats. Ed ed@ewandrews.com |
| Jan. 5, 2011 DonB 48 posts | Have any been sent up to Canada yet?? Even though I won't be able to swing them until spring I'm still eager to get mine. |
| Jan. 6, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Hi Don, that would depend upon when you ordered yours. The date is the important factor there. Email me with that and I'll try to check the status for you. |
| Jan. 6, 2011 DonB 48 posts | I'd ordered a 27oz el and a 28oz el the 1st week of Oct.Received conformation for both on Oct.9th.A payment for one bat was shown Nov.5th.Talked with Curt via e-mail between Dec 8th to 10th.I thought one might be on it's way and the other on the next shipment date? |
| Jan. 6, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Checking for you. What is last name? |
| Jan. 6, 2011 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | Man, this 27 end load is ridicules, I hit with it yesterday and right out of the box, first swing I knew it had POP. I even left the rapper on for the first round. Round two, no rapper, I put 40 good hard swings and I hit a few shoots that were well over 350 footer, I hit a lot of 10 ft high line drive that went well over 300 ft. Miken there is a new Sheriff in town |
| Jan. 6, 2011 DonB 48 posts | Beynen |
| Jan. 6, 2011 Rightrj Men's 50 57 posts | All I can say about the new Reebok, is WOW!!!! I'm a Combat man and if the new Combat is anyway closed to this Melee I'm going to have issues with my BAT of choice! The bat performed as everyone has stated, HOT right out the wrapper! put about 50 swings on my 27oz balance, most when 300+ feet! The Sound of the ball coming off this bat is increible for a brand new bat! I hope it's as durable as you all have stated! |
| Jan. 6, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Sounds great. Yet another reason for silly things like pitcher protection rules, mandatory hockey goalie equipment for pitchers, and time limits. :( You guys still feeling good about getting even older yet hitting the ball even further due to someone else's technology? |
| Jan. 6, 2011 udaplaya 90 posts | Yes, yes, yes.......i do feel good, real good. Just like i do with golf clubs that have similarly benefited from advancements in technology. Just like i do with basketball shoes that have similarly benefited from advancements in technology (my old chuck taylors can't compare to the latest and greatest, and not just for comfort). Just like i do with tennis racquets that have similarly benefited from advancements in technology. Just like i do with football gloves... It is the way of the world, my man. Get on board or get passed by.... |
| Jan. 6, 2011 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | udaplayer, I think Gary19 is winning this one. Yours is the best response to him yet, but it still falls short. In my 20s, I used to go to the driving range to hit balls for fun. Never played golf, just liked to hit. I couldn’t come within 50 yards now of how far I hit then, even with the most advanced club. I played basketball in my 20s also, but this time on a team. Ran all night in my old Keds and never got tired and feet never hurt. Doesn’t matter how far technology has come, the last time I played basketball I was gassed within 5 minutes. The best shoe won’t change the effects of age. I played tennis up until recently. Yeah, the bigger racquet head made a difference...for awhile. But even with regular, more frequent practice than any time since high school, my skills were deteriorating, especially my serve. Age takes its toll. But with my Miken...whoo, boy! Now I can hit home runs. I couldn’t do it in my 20s, or 30s, or 40s or any time up until I bought my Ultra II. This isn’t technology keeping an old man young—this is technology that has surpassed the normal balance of the sport and has distorted the value of athleticism and skill. Unlike the metal bat of the 80s that made sense versus the breakage rate of wooden bats yet didn’t hit farther, it’s a super bat that goes beyond the competitive balance of the game. And now the Reebok is the latest super bat, even better than the Miken? What’s next? Another new bat that lets me hit 400 feet? How sad. |
| Jan. 6, 2011 Rightrj Men's 50 57 posts | Gary19, at this age being able to do anything good is a welcome feat! It doesn't matter who provided the equipment. Don't you have a good time with the new bats? If I hit a ball 300+ with an Alumum bat, I'd get the same feeling! It has noting to do with ego! WINNING now that's another thing!I play to win! BIG EGO for winning! Love the competiveness in people, but I'm sure we all still try to play the game the way we were taught. (Our bodies just won't allow it)lol We like new things, new toys as we call them! We all benefit from new technoloy, it's just the way of LIFE, Senior Softball included. |
| Jan. 7, 2011 B-DUB Men's 65 30 posts | Some are missing the point..If eventually a bat hits a ball as fast as a speeding bullet, someone will get seriously hurt without protection! |
| Jan. 7, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Why do we need to hit the ball 350+, or 400, aren't 95+% of the fences 300 feet away? Do you get extra credit for how much you clear it by? C'mon guys, have some pride! |
| Jan. 7, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | Hey, Gary-great idea--EXTRA CREDIT!!!!!! YEAH!!!! All we need now is a series of lines outside the fence drawn at 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, and 500 feet. For each distance you clear you get one more run.These runs will be allowed above and beyond the 5 run inning limit, because of the prodigious nature of these blasts. We NEED to be rewarded for the ability to hit it 450 with this technology. A simple home run is NOT ENOUGH!!! |
| Jan. 7, 2011 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | Hey guys, the Balls, Regulate the Balls, I hit 5 balls, 44 core -400 PSI Dudley’s, I know that one ball I hit, was 400 and better. So believe me when I say, if you are scared? Water down the Balls. Go to a lower grade of ball. And stop with the Bat Sh t, Robin. Regulate the Balls, like we did with the Double walls and Tri-walls. |
| Jan. 7, 2011 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | OHHHH I feel Good about hitting the long Ball, I had 3 women coming to practice Wednesday to see me hit the long Ball. Thanks Reebok and the 44 400. Ron C and I were puting them on top of the Gym( what a show). Pretty good for a 5' 11" 235 lb man thats 59 years old. Heck, You can kiss my Grits. |
| Jan. 7, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Thanks for the humor of that last post. Otherwise, it is really sad and pathetic. I am not sure who is 'scared'. I just hate to see the game get anymore watered down because of special equipment. |
| Jan. 7, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | DonB: We're checking. Ed |
| Jan. 8, 2011 Mario Men's 50 451 posts | We could solve this whole issue and do away with senior bats all together. This way only the true home run hitters will hit home runs, the way it used to be. But, this will never happen because of the amount of money that is generated by us old guys buying all these "new technology bats." |
| Jan. 8, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | mario, canljack,B-DUB,there is an alternative to the hot bats and that is to used the 52-275/300 ball.it will go out for the hr hitters,we won't have to Armour up and we can get back to playing some defense,and no one gets killed. |
| Jan. 8, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Mario, I am not sure the issue is completely the money as much as it is the lack of pride of old guys who somehow get off on doing things they could never do in their 20s and 30s, clearly because of someone else's technology. |
| Jan. 8, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | mad dog, I would go for any bat/ball combination that achieves the same purpose. |
| Jan. 8, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | the ball will stop the cheating also,b/c it doesn't give the cheating hitter an advantage by using this ball.all so the mfg'ers could still produce their hot bats,so what. |
| Jan. 8, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | MAD DOG,I LIKE THE BALL IDEA.COULD YOU LEAD THE WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN? A PETITION ,AN AD ON THIS BOARD.SERIOUSLY,SOME ONE HAS TO START THE MOVEMENT.I FIRMLY BELIVE,THE MAJORITY OF US PLAYERS,WOULD LIKE TO ELIMINATE THE THREAT OF GETTING SERIOUSLY HURT.PLAYERS DIE EACH YEAR BE CAUSE OF THE BALLS AND THE DEADLY BATS.WHEN A PITCHER MUST PUT ON HOCKEY GEAR,IT'S WAY PAST TIME TO ELIMINATE THE THREAT! GARY,IT'S DISRESPECTFUL TO CALL SOMEONE PATHETIC. |
| Jan. 9, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | I believe I said "it" is pathetic, NOT him. The POST was potentially pathetic, NOT the poster. |
| Jan. 9, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | pitcher,i have been posting about this ball for over 2 years now.it has been improved on since the original one came out.AD starr has one now that prolly will be the best one of the bunch. believe it or not,but assoc's are using this ball already. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | mad dog,i believe the nov.tourney in vegas and sept.in hemet,both used 44 core with 375 compession.so who is using the ball that you mentioned? |
| Jan. 10, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | pitcher,usssa uses the 52/275 ball along with the 40-300(which is crap over 85 degrees).asa has now made the 52-275 ball one of their choices along with their 44-375 ball.as of now no senior assoc has made it their ball of choice that i know of,even tho we have the hottest bats allowed.sorry if i made you think the seniors were using this ball,its only the younger guys. the AD starr ball is just coming out on the market for the 52-275 and is supposedly better than the other mfg'ers that make this spec ball.i have the worth one(hot dot is their name for theirs) and i like it,it will go out when hit. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | mad dog,why don't we all send an email to SSUSA,AND TELL THEM,THIS IS WHAT WE WANT.majority rules.do you think we are the majority on this?i'm gonna send them my email now. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | pitcher55, you said "PLAYERS DIE EACH YEAR BE CAUSE OF THE BALLS AND THE DEADLY BATS." This has to be one of the most "the sky is falling" statements i've ever read! Please tell me about all the players that DIE each year because of the senior bats and balls. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | WAGON,YOU MUST BE AN OUT FIELDER.ONE VERY SERIOUS INJURY,OR ONE DEATH,IS ONE TOO MANY.A FEMALE WAS HIT IN THE HEAD LAST YEAR IN CALIFORNIA.SHE DIED A WEEK LATER FROM THAT INJURY.I DON'T HEAR ABOUT ALL THE INJURIES AND DEATHS,BUT I USUALLY HEAR OF ONE EVERY YEAR.THE FEMALES DEATH WAS ON THE LOCAL NEWS.IT'S HAPPENING AT EVERY LEVEL.I HAVE BEEN CARRIED OFF THE FIELD A FEW TIMES AND ONCE IN AN AMBULANCE.THE ASA 98 MPH BAT IS GOOD ENOUGH.THE 100 MPH &100+MPH CREATE MUCH MORE VELOCITY.THERE LIES THE DANGER. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 Jano23 Men's 65 97 posts | pitcher55, SSUSA knows it's NOT what we want. That's why they are seeing record numbers of teams in their big tournaments lately. People like you who want to play with crappy bats and/or balls are free/welcome to attend tournaments put on by organizations who restrict the equipment according to your desires. In fact, many of us encourage you to attend those tournaments. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | JANO,THE OLDER I GET,THE MORE LAID BACK I GET.I RESPECT EACH PERSON'S RIGHT TO THEIR OPINION.I AM CAREFULL TO NOT DISRESPECT MY FELLOW MAN.I FOLLOW AND ANSWER TO A MIGHTY GOD.I WILL CONVERSE & GIVE MY OPINION,BUT I WILL NOT ARGUE.CAN WE TALK WITHOUT TELLING EACH OTHER WHERE TO GO. |
| Jan. 10, 2011 Jano23 Men's 65 97 posts | Pitcher55, I'm not trying to tell you "where to go". :-) I am simply pointing out the obvious facts that attendance in SSUSA tournaments is UP recently (presumably due to a nice match between what the organization is offering and what the customers are looking for), and that there are organizations that provide what you apparently are looking for. I hope that you and all of your similarly-minded players find exactly what you are looking for in one of these other organizations. Those of us who LOVE the SSUSA rules will miss you, but will be happy that you are playing under rules that you endorse. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | jano,i retired two seasons back after 38 years in the "kids leagues & tournies.i've seen lots of changes in the bats.balls got softer,as they were 47 core blue dots.most leagues & tourneys,use 44's.the tournys i've been running in mammoth lakes,i use 40 core,because of the 8000' elevation.very good travel teams play there every year.they told me if i didn't restrict the bats,they wouldn't come back.i've had some expierence with this suject over the years.i was invited to pitch for a men's tourney about a year ago in vegas.it was a usssa.i got set after my pitch.glove about a foot off my left thigh.the batter hit the hardest shot i ever saw.it went between my glove and thigh.i did not have enough time to move my glove ONE INCH.had that ball hit my chest,my heart could have stopped.face or head,i know i would not be talking right now.as we walked off the field after the 3rd out,i told the manager not to call me for any usssa touneys.that batter latter hit one over a 300'fence with a 50'high net.i love to play ball.it's just so much more dangerous nowdays.the young guys are swinging 98 mph shaved bats.their usssa tourneys are using 100+mphshaved bats,and we use 100+mph bats .i want to believe that us old guys won't cheat &shave,but probably some out there.you could still get a base hit with a 98,we did it for years with the cu31&405.the infielders and pitcher would enjoy the game more.everbody loves to hit with senior bats(me too).no pitchers had to wear mask&shin guards 20 or 30 or 40 years ago.i'm all for change when it's good.it's not as fun playing scared.i am very happy and impresed with ssusa.they are very organized.i feel blessed that i could come out of retirement,with this org.and have a 2nd career.i'll voice an opinion sometimes,but will always go along with the majority. WE THE PEOPLE |
| Jan. 11, 2011 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Here are two post from last year from a well know player. There are many others on here as well. These are just the newest ones. -----April 29, 2010 trumpball 492 posts The tragic accident that happened this past weekend is one of 6 deaths that have happened in the past 2 years. Many more players are walking around with plates in their heads and faces, some we know some we don't. I also read about Herb Score and Tony Conigliaro's injuries. There is a huge difference between the 2, baseballs have a cor value and softballs have a low cor value. I have read about many pitchers getting hit with a baseball, I have not read or heard of a baseball dying from a head impact. All of the one I have read about in the SGMA documents have all been an impact to the chest that stopped the heart. (tragic indeed) In softball it is both head and chest impacts that are killing our teammates. May 1, 2010 trumpball 492 posts Yes RIH and the SGMA release the info to their members every year. The past 2 years every death has occured using composite bats and poly core balls. I think that is because there are mostly composite bats used in the game today. Last friday night in a league in Newburg NY a 3 rd baseman took a line drive directly to the eyebrow, after stopping the bleeding he tried to return to the game. The umpire stopped him using the blood rule and sent him to the hospital. After 4 stitches he returned to cheer on his team in their second game. No broken bones, no concussion just a few stitches. They were using the new USSSSA .52/275 softball. I was told he played last night. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Theoretically no one should die or get maimed playing a game, I get that. But the reality is there are some inherent risks, as with literally all physical activities. To think they ever will, or even should, be completely eliminated is just not realistic. Minimized? Sure. Eliminated? Not going to happen. Again, no one should die. But there will always be that risk, however small, and if you don't want to accept it that is perfectly understandable. Just go play checkers. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | wagon,there was a 55yr old killed close to you last year(Virginia i think),and it was with ASA bat and ball,not our hot bats.please take your head out of the sand,it is happening. risks from fluke accidents yes,but we shouldn't be put at risk on purpose as we are with our hot combo we use now. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | sad puppy, you still have not given me an example of a death by senior bats and balls. The guy that got killed had the ball hit the rubber and hit him in the neck. That is a tragedy. i have to agree with gary19 who said Theoretically no one should die or get maimed playing a game, I get that. But the reality is there are some inherent risks, as with literally all physical activities. To think they ever will, or even should, be completely eliminated is just not realistic. Minimized? Sure. Eliminated? Not going to happen. Again, no one should die. But there will always be that risk, however small, and if you don't want to accept it that is perfectly understandable. Just go play checkers |
| Jan. 11, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | If you have questions concerning your Reebok Melee, please call me. I'll try to help. Ed (970) 728-3144 |
| Jan. 11, 2011 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Wagon487, Only one I know of was in Canada 4 years ago. I played for a Canadian 50's team at Huntsman and was talking to the mgr about injuries for our game But I think if your hit with a ball, be it livelier or not and the same with the type of bat used it would not make a difference, he still died. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | well wagon,as an unreported injury,my leg was hit in the calf(i was running from first)by a strong hitting lefty back in nov,and i still am having a problem with it,yes it was senior equipment.i have personally put guys out of games(not a pitcher)by hitting them,not on purpose,it was a 3b and he was at least 10-15 back from the bag and i got his ankle,not sure if i broke it,but he had to leave and didn't return.now i'm not a power hitter by any means,but there are a couple of examples of just injuries with our equipment..... and by the way,you feel the need to call names why .......... |
| Jan. 11, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | wagon487,i just googled (pitchers killed while playing softball & players killed while playing softball).this will give you the proof your'e asking for. i love to swing senior bats.i'm waiting arrival of my gates veteran gba.but i'm all for safety.i would like to see a slower ball first.if that don't work,then go to 98mph bats.however,i will go along with what the majority wants.rules are changed all the time,for the benefit of the majority.the fact remains,players are dying and getting seriously hurt from the 100mph bats.wagon,i'm not your enemy,just a ballplayer.GOD BLESS YOU,DENNIS. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | I am not sure rules are changed for the benefit of the majority. What majority benefits from pitchers wearing hockey gear, or rules about hitting up the middle, or run limits, or time limits? Those seem to have been put in for (a) the guys who insist one wanting to feel good about doing things in their 50s and 60s most probably weren't in their 20s and 30s and (b) the associations who want to get gets over quicker. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | maddog, sorry for the sad puppy! pitcher55 i googled the same as you and i saw two deaths, neither one a senior softball bat/ball combo. Freak things happen. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | WAGON,LOTS OF PAGES THERE.SSUSA REPORTS 9 PITCHERS KILLED SINCE 2002.I FOUND 5 OTHERS BUT GOT TIRED.SEE YA. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 Jose #12 Men's 60 89 posts | pitcher55 I haven't seen a poll by SSUSA but there was a poll last year by SPA that overwhelmingly wanted to continue the senior bat and 44/375 ball. It may have changed since then,but I don't think so. Maybe SSUSA should poll their members and see what the "majority" really does want. I would be interested to see the results and I think others would too. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 saddlebrookrick 52 posts | If we vote and to use the best bats and balls win would you quit your constant griping and find something else to bitch about? The minority should not rule simply because they gripe the loudest. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 saddlebrookrick 52 posts | If we vote and to use the best bats and balls win would you quit your constant griping and find something else to bitch about? The minority should not rule simply because they gripe the loudest. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 Jose #12 Men's 60 89 posts | Don't know if this was directed at me, but I prefer the way things are now. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 saddlebrookrick 52 posts | It was directed to those who want to change thru constant griping about the bats and balls, give it a rest please. |
| Jan. 12, 2011 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | One way to vote is to respond to a poll. Another way to vote is to stop playing softball which increasing number of senior players are doing. Why are they dropping out? Can't be health which is better than ever for older men. Can't be lack of opportunity because most venues report unused fields (compared to the popularity of a decade ago). Don't know of any other sport that has captured their attention—hunting, fishing, golf, etc. are all in decline as a proportion of the population. Could be that softball has become too expensive with the necessity of purchasing one or more costly senior bats. Could be that the game isn't as much fun anymore with the unbalanced prominence of slugging versus all the other skills in softball. Could be that the game is not as safe and armoring up isn't a desired option. I've heard all these reasons from men who no longer play tournament ball, but in some cases still play league ball with less-lively conditions. Returning to single wall bats solves all of the "could be's" above. Of course many active players will object—they're the ones who like to hit the long ball to the exclusion of other factors, and are willing to pay $1000s for the opportunity. It's just that a lot of their fellow players from the recent past have said "so long." |
| Jan. 12, 2011 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | I still chuckle when i see comments about wanting to hit the long ball, we are older and we want the bats to do what we can't. Got to hit the HR's. In my five years I've played major plus and major, i'll bet 75% of the time we did not hit our allowed amount of HR. And if it is a safty issue about going middle when HR are done, just make them walks. I'm so smart:) |
| Jan. 12, 2011 Jose #12 Men's 60 89 posts | Omar, round and round we go. Numbers in this area, both leagues and tournament teams have stayed the same or increased. Maybe there's just too many other things to do in California. I agree with wagon487, we(60 AAA) reached our HR limit in exactly one game of the 10-11 tournaments we played in 2010. In several tournaments (5-6 games) we hit no HR's. So it has to be something else. |
| Jan. 12, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | wagon,most of the time the middle is hit on accident,it is not b/c hrs are gone,walks or singles have nothing to do with people staying out of the middle and as you say,i chuckle when someone says that.at your level you say you play,there should be no middle hit unless it is on purpose.the upper levels should have enough bat control to stay away from the pitcher.yes there will be accidents. jose what is your population there,we here in tyler,tx (100k for pop)have prols trying to field a 4 team league ,oh the kids leagues are dwindling b/c of all the crap going on in softball with the dirty bats and such.its the reason why USSSA,ASA are using the 52-275 ball. IMO by going to the newer 52-275 ball solves all our safety prols and will still let us play a real good game.hr hitters will hit them and the base hitters will have to relearn how to hit their base hits instead of just swinging away b/c they think they are hr hitters now with a senior bat in their hands. wagon if your going to the TOC i would like to meet ya and we can yak.i'll be with the dallas spurs 60 AA or AAA not sure what div they have us in yet. |
| Jan. 12, 2011 Jose #12 Men's 60 89 posts | mad dog I live in the Philadelphia-S. Jersey-North De. area. I can only speak to the leagues I play. Only one league in the area play with senior bats (the others play single wall). The younger leagues are ASA/NSA. I know of at least one league with 52-275 ball. Again, I haven't hit that ball for a couple of years but I did not enjoy the expereince. I'm a line-drive/gap hitter and it really affected me. |
| Jan. 12, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | The game has a fundamental problem when some parts of the field cannot be used for basehits because of the equipment. That is just wrong. I understand why some are saying that now, but wrong nonetheless. Why not just go back to calling your field? |
| Jan. 12, 2011 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | Jose, my concern (and it is a concern) about shrinking interest in softball is not just based on fewer leagues/players in California or in Texas (as mad dog reports), but on two factors. First, our age group is exploding. The number of people over 65 (40,000,000) today in the United States will DOUBLE in only 29 years! At that rate, we are adding more than 1,000,000 potential male players a year. We are healthier and living longer. Second, softball remains one of the most popular participation sports in the USA. But recent ASA figures show that its league popularity stability is entirely due to the entrance of women into league and tournament play (a consequence of the multitude of high school and college women players). If we just take men into account, softball participation is falling off, especially by those who once played league or tournament softball (those who play only at the annual family picnic is likely unchanged). Boasts about "biggest tournament ever" are nice, but the figures show only a modest increase in teams, not even as much as the population growth. The sport is not booming, it is shrinking, although a larger population makes it seem popular. Senior softball isn't over the hill yet, nor is league softball for the younger guys. But the trend is men dropping out and no longer playing, both younger men and senior men. And my question is "why?" I fear it is the increasingly hot conditions that are discouraging the average player, and by hot I include the illegal altered bats that have become a scourge of younger leagues. And as to wagon's observation, I have never argued that the composite bat only favors the long ball hitter (although posts on this site constantly refer to the pop or hitting distance of newer bats). The U2, for example, favors the singles hitter as well. More balls through the hole, more "hits" when an infielder can't handle a rocket, more hits up the middle that a pitcher has no chance on, more doubles when the ball goes through the gap all the way to the fence, more outfielders backing up and then victimized by the Texas leaguer, more legit singles because the sweet spot is larger. Yes, the U2 has really been a blessing both to my slugging average and my batting average in all of these areas, and I, perhaps like Jose, have been primarily a singles hitter for the pre-U2 decades. I didn't become a home run hitter until I got older, really older! |
| Jan. 12, 2011 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | Mad Dog, I will be there Wed night, playing for Mertro Stars, 50 major. I plan being at the mini games on thur afternoon. Be cool to meet you! |
| Jan. 12, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | wagon i'm getting there tues nite(driving down from tx)will look ya up as i'll be at the stuff they are having also. jose the newer 52-275 ball(classic+) hits better than the first one out.i'm over 60 and still can get the gaps against the kids when i play against them and we have to use that ball and usssa type bats or lower.i usually use a synergy 2 when i play usssa,even tho it was just an ASA bat(to bad ASA banned it)i just like it and its a tank,been using it for at least 5-6 years now (same one). the brands to look for are the worth hot dot,baden i hear makes a good +,also the trump/evil ball and now a new one by AD starr that is reported to be the best of the bunch,i have only hit the worth hot dot as of now. |
| Jan. 12, 2011 leroy28 Men's 50 23 posts | Wagon487 Glad you finally said who you play for. I dont want to intefer with the conversation your having but i think i played against you in myrtle beach i think last september. What position did you play |
| Jan. 13, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Omar, not correct to use ASA numbers for seniors. Most don't want to play the ASA rules and don't. You read their numbers, now try to figure out why they are down and SSUSA is up. The economy has more to do with all the numbers than one would think. It's hit seniors very hard. That being said, World Championship and TOC record numbers bode well for the fact that players will support the game they love. Numbers may not be skyrocketing, but they are going in the right direction. We are seeing record numbers here in our leagues also. The Mon/Tues league just started this week, up 25% in numbers. Weekend league numbers are also up. New association here in SoCal is also drawing very well; turned down entries because they were full a couple of times this past season. Yes, ASA is still down! (check what you have for equipment there) It may not be a perfect game for everyone, but there is a huge bunch of us that love playing, even under the current guidelines. |
| Jan. 13, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | curveball,ASA uses the same ball we do,44-375,yes the bats are lesser than ours but all the kid assoc bats are not as good(ASA,USSSA,NSA,ISA,ETC).we get to use the hottest bats and balls,why.our group of players have the slowest reflexes,why do we need the hottest set of equipment.here where i am at here,attendance has dropped,we have prols fielding a 4 team senior league.the kids our dropping out also.we have a 5 field complex that used to be full every nite(mon-thur,friday's no play anyways,just used for makeup,rainouts etc)but now it is lucky if we get 1 nite full there.most of it is b/c the players are tired of the crap(dirty bats and such,egos also)that goes on.people don't won't to deal with it any more. while i agree there is a good core of the old guys still wanting to play,its hard to find new blood,you just happen to be in a great situation as you are in a retirement area,as i would think arizona has no prols either,but the rest of the country.......... |
| Jan. 13, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Bob, you make good points about our location here, and, you are probably correct. It just seems to me at least in our part of the country, the majority of seniors wants to swing senior bats. ASA, St. George, and SSWS tried going without the senior bats before the recession, numbers started decreasing. 2 of the 3 went to Senior bats, numbers are up for them. Must mean something. I personally don't really give a hoot what we swing, just a level playing field is all that's important to me. 16" bare hand wood bat league was fun at the time, not sure I want to go that far backwards at my age, but as long as I get an even playing field and get some quality time with my buds, It'll wind my watch! Bob, if our schedules work out, I'll buy you lunch or dinner at TOC. |
| Jan. 13, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | curveball, your feelings are exactly mine regarding not really caring what equipment is used. I just don't want to see anymore watering down of the game to accommodate the bats and/or balls. |
| Jan. 13, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | well rob i'll make sure of that then..LOL... and you answer my question about TOC,who ya playing with and what park.i'll be at loyce with the dallas spurs(60AA). i understand everyone wanting to hit with a senior bat,i just think our game has gotten to fast for our ages,with these hot bats,that is why i champion the 52 ball for us,as most other assoc(young guys) are doing it.that way we don't have to go out and spend money for new bats,well the ones that only have senior ones. |
| Jan. 13, 2011 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | curveball, it's good to hear that softball popularity is increasing in SoCal. I wish it were everywhere because I love the sport and have played it for more than half a century! But as you note, softball participation is down in ASA (I used their stats because they have annual stats that can demonstrate a trend—and trend it is! Participation is down among men in the younger age group and in the senior as well. Only the women are growing in participation). When you figure that ASA is down in seniors, and so is USSSA, NSA, ISA, etc (if mad dog is right), then you see that senior participation has dropped. A few areas are up (SSUSA, Huntsman) but not even as much as the increase in men our age. About 1 or 2% in 4 years. What seems to be happening is that seniors are dropping out unless they are elite players that like the hot conditions. This is not good for the future. |
| Jan. 13, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Bob, playing with Tharaldsons 65 Major at Diamond Sports Park in Winterhaven. Gary19. Some of your points are well taken, perhaps not always my choice though. I do lean towards saftey for all players; it's more important to me than just viewing it as watering down. |
| Jan. 14, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | curveball, safety, of course, is fine. But run limits, time limits, the 1-1 count, and the mat have nothing that I can tell to do with safety. Three of those are meant to speed up the game, I believe to compensate for the extra offense artifically produced by the special bats. |
| Jan. 16, 2011 DonB 48 posts | Got one of my Melees this week and the best thing was that I did not have to pay anymore monies when it came.Thank you Kurt for working things out.Now I have to wait for April/May to swing it. Don (Canadian) |
| Jan. 16, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | I finally got to swing my new Melee yesterday and it was in a game situation. First 2 swings went well over the fence-and 3 the first game. Plenty of pop, for sure. It is a slightly different swing. Have some spidering of paint from the first swing and will monitor it. |
| Jan. 16, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Gary19, yes they have instituted rules and regs to keep the games within a time frame. Isn't that a novel way to run a business? Trying to run on shedule! If you were at a large tournament, how would they tell you when to arrive for the 6th game of the day for example? Without the run rule, most Major and Major+ teams wouldn't get in very many innings. Most change sides at 5 runs, seldom at 3 outs.....Can't run it like a sandlot game like we used to do. The company has bills to pay. Seems to work well for the majority. |
| Jan. 16, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Novel? No, but you knew that. The fact that the game has become a business is rather sad, but it is what it is I suppose. curvball, not sure where you have played or your past, but in the day I played in 4-day, 85-team tournaments. You came when you were supposed to, and if you had to wait you waited. Somehow, while at times a bit annoying, we survived and got to play the games the way there were intended. It all goes back to it now being a business, but that is what we have to live with. But at least now we both seem to agree these rules have nothing to do with safety. Nothing at all. |
| Jan. 17, 2011 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | I play 1st base, currently for a 60s Major Team, Senior moments out of Orlando. I have ALWAYS played 1st base, since I was 8 years old. (The plight of beibng left handed). I tend to play in, close to the bag, and if I get hit by a batted ball, I place the blame squarely on my inability to field, not technology. Fortunately, I CAN field. As for lessening the impact by utilizing a lesser cor ball, would that not then make batters want to hit it up the middle more? I dont mean AT the pitcher, but it IS the most wide open spot in the field. When I'm in a slump (happned once in '96 !!!), I revert back to the old stand-by, a level swing, which then sends the ball just to the right of the pitcher in to center or right center field. |
| Jan. 17, 2011 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | I play 1st base, currently for a 60s Major Team, Senior moments out of Orlando. I have ALWAYS played 1st base, since I was 8 years old. (The plight of beibng left handed). I tend to play in, close to the bag, and if I get hit by a batted ball, I place the blame squarely on my inability to field, not technology. Fortunately, I CAN field. As for lessening the impact by utilizing a lesser cor ball, would that not then make batters want to hit it up the middle more? I dont mean AT the pitcher, but it IS the most wide open spot in the field. When I'm in a slump (happned once in '96 !!!), I revert back to the old stand-by, a level swing, which then sends the ball just to the right of the pitcher in to center or right center field. |
| Jan. 17, 2011 birdie Men's 70 802 posts | Hey Paul, I saw you hit this year and I find it hard to believe that your slump was not 76. it had to be a quarter of a century ago. Thanks Harry #20 NV FORCE |
| Jan. 17, 2011 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | Awwwww thanx Birdie, I blush, sort of! Or perhaps that is beer #4 turning my face red!! Hope to see ya on the field somewhere!!!! |
