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Online now: 3 members: ByronBA12, Crumpy, TABLE SETTER 11; 118 anonymousDiscussion: What is Senior Softball to you?
| Posted | Discussion |
| July 1, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | What is Senior Softball to you? Think about what Senior softball means to you and why you play, give just one answer, the one that matters most to you. Mine is for the comraderie. |
| July 1, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Competition |
| July 1, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Playing competitive softball with a bunch of good guys...........Thank the Lord ! |
| July 1, 2011 lemons Men's 65 323 posts | E4/E6, Glad you're back and I hope your health is good. Comaraderie, competition, and the chance to meet new friends while staying in touch with "old" ones. Regards, Mel |
| July 1, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | going home safely after all the playing is done. |
| July 1, 2011 DoubleL10 Men's 70 907 posts | League is a chance to play with guys I enjoy being around and kibitzing with; tournament play is similar except I get the added bonus of visiting with old friends I don't see that often - especially in the Nationals - and making new ones. I enjoy the competition AND the camaraderie. |
| July 1, 2011 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | E4/E6, great topic. If it weren't for competition, I wouldn't exercise consistently. Playing 3 to 9 games a week keeps me fit. But even if my body broke down, I'd still show up at the park for the camaraderie built on years playing in senior softball. |
| July 1, 2011 samg 35 posts | I am new to senior softball. I played with the younger guys and finally got tired of getting PO'D because a young guy did not play fundalmentally. They would get burned thinking they can run down any ball or hit into a double play instead of hitting a sacrifice to the outfield. I just wanted to have an opportunity to play with guys my age that had to use fundalmentals such as using a cut off or splitting the runners,(they all play the better odds) I have played this sport at various levels and thank God each day he allows me to be in shape to go and hang out with a group of people that are as thankful as me for their health and ability. The friends you meet in senior softball are friends you will have forever, the competition is still there, but at the end of the day, everyone meets up in the sauna to soak sore muscles. :-) |
| July 1, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | For me it's love of the game |
| July 1, 2011 GaCMan 86 posts | My first two yrs in senior ball have been nothing less than awsome. The people I have met and the level of competition. Senior ball is so much better than when I played in my 20s and 30s the guys I play with don't have the attitudes that was every where in my early years.The group that I play with is so positive and upbeat, we just have such a great time playing together, It shows in the games we play. It's more of a team effort than an indivitual one. May just be our group but most of the teams we play seem to be the same way. |
| July 1, 2011 oneofeleven18 Men's 50 57 posts | I agree with all and it gives me an opportunity to continue to play in my sixites against players my age. Still play occassionally with the young guys but am careful where I play, definitely no 3rd base. |
| July 2, 2011 armiho211 Men's 70 449 posts | 1) keeping active and alive 2) seeing old friends 3) cities with casinos 4) it's hard to pick one thing. |
| July 2, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | 1of11 18,why not third,what is wrong with playing there,where do you play in senior ball. frankie figures the casino has to be there....LOL..... |
| July 2, 2011 saddlebrookrick 52 posts | Love of game and making new friends and seeing old friends does it for me.It also keeps me in shape and I have always loved the sport. I moved to Saddlebrooke in Az. in Dec. and thru softball here have met and made more friends than I have in the past 10 years. Saddlebrooke is a great place to retire and we have so many activities for everyone and we have great sports facilities. |
| July 4, 2011 butch17 Men's 55 412 posts | I enjoy everything about senior ball. The competition all the people i've met from different areas and will meet, my team mates, umpires, visiting the different cities. When I retire from senior ball I will miss the people and the comaraderie most. Softball is just a game its the people that make it special. Butch |
| July 4, 2011 Jose #12 Men's 60 89 posts | I remember in the late 70's guys were starting to leave softball while still in their 30's. So I don't think I could ever have even envisoned then, stil playing at 65. Senior softball has provided the die-hards a place to continue what we love to do. Playing on.... |
| July 5, 2011 Enviro-Vac Men's 65 489 posts | I like all the answers above especially Butch's. I might add to that, we are seeing more and more awesome softball complexes which really enhances the enjoyment & experience of playing. |
| July 5, 2011 perly 88 posts | I play on the same team as the GaCman and playing with a TEAM that truly enjoys and cares for each other is a great experience. To me softball is the Greatest Amatuer Team Sport in the World. To pick one thing about softball is hard for me but I'd have to say (1) making frienships I'll value for life and (2) the competition. |
| July 5, 2011 hitman Men's 70 339 posts | Perly, I feel just like you do with the teams that are just like family. All the friendships and meeting new people continually along with all the old friends make it great. I still remember the first time I met you, Wendall and Billy in the Dallas Airport in 2002 when I played my 1st year with Huffman. I still cherish the cold ones along with the friends that I have from that meeting!!!!!! The Hitman |
| July 5, 2011 perly 88 posts | Hitman, those were the days. I miss playing in Plano but Dalton is better for us Southern boys. See you in Lawrenceville this weekend. |
| July 5, 2011 Tater50 Men's 60 336 posts | As far as a softball team is concerned: I play w/GaCman & Perly; I like the camaraderie; the competition; the real friendship. Also, no egos, everyone picks each other up; no one points the finger, but complains about their own performance. As far as softball: I like the part of something to look forward to; the exercise; the BP to try to perform better; watching others perform at high levels; watching older guys run like deer; friendships & seeing how many bats are in a players' bag. That way I can tell who has a lot of money; Ha Ha!! Also the laughs; like watching a totally drunk guy try to play 2nd Base at Al Bishop. He thought he was playing BB; every time the catcher threw the ball back to the pitcher, he would run to 2nd to catch a possible overthrow................priceless!!!! Tater50 Columbus 55's |
| July 5, 2011 TOMAR77 Men's 65 333 posts | 1A. The love of the Game. 1B. The wonderful Friends I have made and will continue to make Tomar So.Cal. |
| July 6, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Camaraderie, competition, conditioning, championships, catches, crushes, clutch hits, and cold ones. Does it get any better than that? Watching one of our players coaching first base and suddenly he is running the bases???? Green bottle beer for a strikeout!! Captain of the Mamby-Pamby club for life as JackWagon 1 for hitting into a triple play!!! Going to the fields and checking out the fact that the baselines have been chalked by a very drunk groundskeeper!! Having your team scorekeeper win an argument with the umpire--FOR THE OTHER TEAM!!! Watching a guy on your team get into the batters box left handed and the umpire informs him he is being walked. He promptly walks around behind the umpire and steps into the right handed batters box. The ump told him he was still walking!!! Watching your pitcher snowcone a line drive he likely never saw, with his helmet flying one way and arms flailing, to end a huge rally in the bottom of the 8th in the TOC!!! Unlikely heroes, impossible plays, improbable victories, stunning losses--It's all part of a great game!! How lucky we are to be able to play it at our ages!! |
| July 6, 2011 x-man Men's 50 24 posts | Second year playing, 1) THE LOVE OF THE GAME 2)PLAYING WITH A GREAT GROUP OF GUYS SOUTH BAY 50'S AAA XAVIER CHULA VISTA CA |
| July 6, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Very interesting, thank you guys. I notice no one plays Senior Softball for the Lively Bats and Balls. As a matter of fact we play for every reason except the equipment. Thanks again. Mel I am on the mend, I have finished all my treatments and hope to play in Phoenix in October. |
| July 6, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | E4/E6 exactly what i was thinking when i put in "going home safely".to me it is more of the personal contact then the equipment being used.i seen this in a NSA tourney that i played in a couple weeks back(senior bat and 52 ball).we all had a good time,we all had fun,there was no crying about anything that pertained to equipment being used. glad to hear you are doing better,keep plugging and get back out on the field..... |
| July 6, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey E my old adversary and friend and I do mean old. Assumed in all the responses is the fun of playing which is significantly diminished by a compromised bat/ball combo. It just is. That's why we haven't all been suckered into killing and dumbing down our game by our sad friend and his betters. The Associations know it, too. It's that simple. I'm often asked why do I get involved arguing with so sad a fool but it's the argument I'm centered on. I want to make sure the players realize what's going on and that there's but a couple of tiny men behind a curtain blowing smoke at us trying to convince us they know what's best for us. It's poppycock and they're wrong. We are right in playing and investing in our game as it evolves WITH and not against us and our best interests and we will where ever and whenever we play. |
| July 7, 2011 lemons Men's 65 323 posts | E4/E6, Good news. Another of the C's I left out was compassion for our fellow competitors. Lots of good advice regarding various ailments affecting those of us who continue to age "disgracefully". Regards, Mel |
| July 7, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Joe, run limits, time limits, mats, second home plates, pitcher's boxes, pitchers looking like hockey goalies, the absurd use of "courtesy" runners, and infields looking like miniature golf holes are the very definition of "dumbing down" the game. |
| July 7, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | The game has not stop changing. But it is what it is, so enjoy it while we have it. Play well and be safe. |
| July 7, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey G. We been through this a zillion times. I'm with you as they never should have changed one rule but when you start changing it invites rational and reason. The ball bat combo was NEVER meant to be the dog/sock that a couple of 'wizards' keep pushing for their own fun and profit. NEVER. That's why we're not there now and will never be and if they do it, traveling, investing in softball weekends will be gone. Then we'll be left up to whatever we can do locally and on our own which may not be so bad an idea for some of us like in NorCal. But here's the skinny. It's NEVER gonna happen because there's too much money being made buying bats, balls and spending on meals and hotels. Good old Capitalism has fed these zealots and will starve them out once their idea has been shown not to work. The kids already hate playing a tame game. That's why they load up with hot bats. Don't you get it? Can't you see? There's a small band of bat doctors running around and through the new movement because if it ever went to the shitty ball then bat doctors would be back in business, again hawking their wares, saying they had the antidote. "if you hollow out the decal and put it in the micro wave for 10 minutes then it really hits and I just happen to have one left if you want to buy it from me." Our game cannot be played and enjoyed without a lively bat/ball combo. It cannot and anything else is ridiculous, drivel, self interested and ignorant as dirt. |
| July 7, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | The move to dumb down our game is and has always been an opportunistic venture by a VERY small group of individuals to steer us in a direction they'd already scouted and invested in. Not a criminal act, per se and as entrepreneurial as Andrew Carnegie, one might say. But they have failed to date, for ALL the right reasons. Self interested and sad losers, one and all and we can hear, see and smell them in our midst. What did PT Barnum once say? "There's a sucker born every minute" and that's what these hucksters and pitchmen hang their hats on. Lesser bats and balls don't and will NEVER work for us as all the major senior associations have demonstrated to date. Hitting a ball hard, intuitively, aiming at dead center, and watching it explode, move off the bat into an open area or over a fence is fundamentally rewarding. Always has been and always will be. |
| July 7, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Joe, you have made some great points. I like a good debate every now and then myself, but for crying out loud. Stop taking every thread on here as an opportunity to jump on your soapbox. All we can do is play the course. If the associations feel a need to change or not change anything, so be it. But in one breath you talk about the economy being the reason for a lack of teams, I believe that as well. But for every person that steps aside for the economy, there some that quit for other reasons mentioned on here. I have been told from a SSUSA director that changes are coming for the bats for the future, following the college and little league path. The word out there is no more end caps. Some of the folks involved as directors have already indicated it are a different feel entirely for the hitter. If the associations change to a more tamper proof bat, how many players will quit? |
| July 7, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | pricer it does not matter to him.he thinks there is a big conspiracy with the mfg'ers to dumb down our game,when in fact it is the cheater's who got the ball rolling(no pun here,LOL).the assoc's demanded something be done and the mfg'ers said ok try this.i'm with you,whatever the assoc decide i will play no matter what,i like the game that much.i have been playing for over 40 years and have seen all the changes made to our equipment,not once have i said i would quit b/c of them. to me senior softball is a great game any way you play it,but just like other activities changes are always mandated for the safety of the participants. well have fun the rest of the season. |
| July 7, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Jeff. Anyone that thinks that our game will survive if the bat/ball combo becomes compromised just doesn't get us and our game. It's that critical and either you see it as I and most others do or you don't. I just want the players to know what's going on and that there's more reasons for what is being done to us and in our name than some others want to admit. |
| July 7, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | Einstein I'm not so certain the game wouldn't survive. If senior softball decided to dumb down the bats and balls across the board the game will still survive. I don't doubt there would be some initial outcry and some players would boycott at first. But from my perspective most players love to play the game way too much to just quit playing. |
| July 7, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | i'm with you stick,whatever equipment is used i'll be there playing and 95% of the players i know will also. |
| July 8, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | As will I and most of the guys I know mad dog. |
| July 8, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | You are both right, mad dog and stick8-I don't know one person, outside of Einstein, who would quit. Almost like politics-you have to sensationalize your point with the most extreme case to get attention. |
| July 8, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Most of the guys I know and play with will walk and look to play more satisfying softball. Do you guys really think they can stop us from playing our game? Do you really think there won't be new leagues formed to play with good equipment? We are empowered, savvy baby boomers and you don't get to run us like sheep. Not the guys I know and hang with. |
| July 8, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | All I know, here in Cuyahoga County around Cleveland, there is a league with Mikens, rocks for balls, and screens that has 5 teams, and the new 5th team this year is really weak. There is another with pretty restricted bats, no screen, that has 9 teams. Maybe guys are voting what they want with where they are playing, and which has the higher numbers around here? |
| July 8, 2011 Al33 Men's 55 183 posts | Well Webbie25, Now you know of two that'll quit travelling if we ever go to junk equipment. I'm not going to spend my time and money or my sponsors, to play with restrited equipment. Why do you think ASA and USSSA has nothing to offer seniors on a national level as the elite senior organizations do? It's because they use lousy equipment. I get enough of that in our local leagues. ASA bats, 40 core balls, 9 to 8 scores, all home runs are outs. Boy is that a lot of fun. I've played in three tournaments so far this year. Nobody has gotten hurt and nobody has reached the home run limit. |
| July 8, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | I definitely don't want to go to junk, either.I don't believe that will happen. But, I sure won't quit, either. Read my other post on the balls. |
| July 8, 2011 perly 88 posts | Gary19, we also have a league here in Pensacola that uses Seniors Bats, Baden Fire Balls and a screen. If they changed to ASA/USSSA bats and a dumbed down ball the league wouldn't cease, it may even grow? The deal is that 90% of the guys in our league don't play tournaments and very seldom do they hit HR's. My point is you can't use leagues as a barometer for what tournament players want. An example for good equipmetn is we have the NSA Easter Worlds in a couple weeks. Even though this is a "World" tournament most teams from this area won't participate. When you ask them why they say the NSA won't allow Senior Bats and they hit a bad ball. Like you say in your post "maybe the guys are voting what they want" and in this case it's good bats/balls. |
| July 8, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Gary, you could be correct. I see a similar situation in Palm Springs. League without Mikens had 6 teams for the winter league at a cost of $45 that included a shirt, hat, and a 1st classed BBQ after the final game. The Miken UII league was $100, got a shirt and hat, no BBQ. There were 16 teams in the Miken UII league. Maybe guys do vote by where they play. Las Vegas has over 300 members, they use senior bats and a better ball than the Stote 44/375. They use the Rock. I don't hear any growling in either Palm Springs or Vegas over the current bat/ball usage. Finally, to answer what this post was actually trying to find out, I'm with Butch. He summed up my thoughts exactly. |
| July 8, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | perly,on NSA they use a 44-400 ball(hottest ball allowed by any assoc),for normal play,and play with usssa standard bats,what is so dead about that.i think there is another reason they are not going...... AI33 the ASA ball is 44-375 for championship play,with the 52-275/300 ball allowed if the leagues want to.so why are you using a 40 COR,maybe you should talk to your LD and find out why they use that ball. |
| July 8, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Robert. There you go again getting all hippocritical and wrong. In Florida they use Baden Fire balls as do we in NCSSA and we'll go to screens before dumbing the bat/ball combo one bit. And the Baden Fire Balls hold up well in the heat we have found better than the regular 44x375 Stote Ball. The best ball of the 44x375 balls in the heat is the MCT Stote ball. We use 'em in BP and they hold up as good as any. Good for pitching AND hitting with it's ironically soft outer covering. |
| July 8, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | This is what concerns me right here "we'll go to screens before dumbing the bat/ball combo one bit". We have are willing to change the entire game in which it was designed to played. In 5 more years we'll have screens in front of infielders and robots doing the pitching. Does anyone else see this coming? It's one thing to take a game and improve on it, but sorry I don't see the improvement to game. Just to some individuals. Joe, I have no problem with you or anyone else using what ball or bats the rules allow, but don't try and convince folks on here it's about the betterment of the game. It's about personal preference. There's a big difference. |
| July 8, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | please tell what i said is wrong,please tell me or are you gonna dodge this also,or hypocritical at that even.you are the hypocritical one as you said you could never use the MCT ball when i first mention it a few years back,so who his being hypocritical. please answer this before you go on,if you can,also waiting to hear who is gonna pay me for the assoc going to the 52 ball as i want my paycheck. |
| July 8, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | That is my opinion Jeff and the one of a great many of the guys I hang and play with. Maybe it's the water out here in sunny California but we like to hit with good bats and balls and be safe regarding the pitcher, too as we get older. At first I didn't like the MTC ball, Robert because I was comparing it to the 44 x 525 balls and 47 x 525 balls we had been using. It bounced a little different and felt different catching and throwing which I mentioned then, too. I questioned whether one could throw his arm out not being able to grip it well when throwing hard. But of the 44 x 375 balls the MTC ball hits the best. I never thought we would allow you and some of your friends to cause the standard to drop that low but you have succeeded. Wise men often fail where shrewd men can prevail. But it won't go any lower and you won't take away the senior bats, either. You and your little band of confederates have been stopped I'm happy to say. We're all happy to say. |
| July 9, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | not once have i ever said to get rid of the bats,so please tell me where i have.at the time the mct ball was introduced,the 44-375 ball was the norm for most all assoc,so again you are not being honest.just love the way you throw crap out to see if it can stick,but it never does.why is that,maybe if you would do a little research first,just maybe............ |
| July 9, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | "That changes are coming", Jeff? From where and whom? You sound like you know a lot about what's being said and done. Please share your info with us. Let me tell you something. It's our game, son and our's to define as we do now with our participation or not. And how are these guys and what info do they have for making any changes? Who's lobby do they bend to and why? C'mon man. We're all grown men here and we know what time it is and if "changes come down" there's lots we can do about it and them chief of which is not participate if we have any integrity and character left which does, sad to say, leave some of our colleagues and fellow players out of the running. It's like running a team. The manager can make any decision he wants but if he makes a decision that the majority of the players don't agree with it will back fire and never work or be implemented. Most of the players like lively bats and balls. It's obvious and natural and if anyone decides differently for us they will fail and be undermined just like the coach who is opposed by the majority of his players. |
| July 9, 2011 Jano23 Men's 65 97 posts | "Joe, you have made some great points. I like a good debate every now and then myself, but for crying out loud. Stop taking every thread on here as an opportunity to jump on your soapbox" Pricer, it wasn't Einstein who started the bat/ball discussion. It was E4/E6. "Very interesting, thank you guys. I notice no one plays Senior Softball for the Lively Bats and Balls. " It should be obvious that no one would be talking about "competition", "camaradrie", "conditioning", "championships", etc. if we were supposed to be showing up somewhere and paying big bucks to play bingo. |
| July 10, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Joe, it was not the SSUSA, SPA or any other senior organization that has dicussed the changes I heard of. But we know it's going to effect all of softball. But it's just like golf, you have to play the course. The equipment won't play it for you. |
| July 10, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | Einstein no one is looking to or trying to stop anyone from playing. Although i don't see it happeneing but the point is if the powers that be dumbed down the bats and balls across the senior softball tournament circuit the vast majority of players wouldn't suddenly stop playing. As far as senior house leagues are concerned they are free to make up their own set of rules and permit whatever equipment they wish. |
| July 10, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Jeff. Tell us won't you of your sources and why you think you know what you know. You sound like you have access to info that we don't. That's cool but let us know and share it with us. People can do whatever it is that people do, Jeff. They can all go like lemmings over a cliff led by the those who convince them they know better. But not me, thank you very much. I just know what I know and see what I see and no one is going to make me or seniors do anything we don't want to do. Bad equipment, no participation. Then we move locally to strengthen and do our own thing and tell the nationals to take a hike. Dumbing down the equipment doesn't and work. Not for me and the guys I hang with and play for. Gary always talks about leaving the game alone. I remember using single wall bats and good 47x525 balls and having a blast. Who screwed that up for us and decided to change things so we can't play with lively bat/ball combo and why??? It sure wasn't me. |
| July 10, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Listening to mad dog and einstein go at it all the time !!!Like wresling with a hog, after awhile you see the hog likes it !! |
| July 10, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | i would like to know your sources whiney,as to where my money is gonna come from by going to the 52 ball.ASA,USSSA,NSA have all made that ball part of their play and i haven't seen 1 penny as of yet.so please tell who are your sources........... before you call someone else out. by the way how many guys do you hang with... |
| July 10, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | and as a hog wrestler you would know huh 6 |
| July 10, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | The associations in question would be just about all of them, USSSA, NSA & ASA. Don't know anything about ISA. Unlike alot of folks on the senior board, I follow the younger circuit because my son plays in them. The equipment is a hot topic everywhere they play. All of the associations are looking for a remedy to the constant complaints and illegal equipment. But Joe, You got directors in your area just like I do from these associations. If you ask and they indicate they have heard, seen or spoke nothing about these changes, they are probably not telling you the truth. |
| July 10, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | I just finished coming from a local tournament where the 12 Angry Men coached by Ed Lewis won a charity event to raise money for sports for kids all over the world. To a man everyone of these excellent players said they'd love to go back to where we hit good 525 x 47 balls and single wall bats like the Easton Connection and DeMarini remembering how much fun the game was then before the self invented ball police and lobbyists for big business and insurance companies became involved. We're being had, guys all of us and it's sadly the American way while we all just sit back and "take it lying down" which really appeals to guys like Sad Dog. Do we as Jeff suggests, have to take whatever these self appointed captains and reps of us and our sport decide for us??? Not me or any of the players I talk to, play with and against. With all respect, Jeff, we can all do what we see fit or think is right regarding whatever change is coming or not coming down the pipe. Knock yourself out but no one has to go along for the ride if they don't want to be ridden like sad dogs. Lively bat/ball combo is essential for playing our game at any level. Lively bats and balls, forever. |
| July 10, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Jeff. You mentioned USSSA, NSA and ASA as organizations considering big changes. I as many of us haven't played in one of their events in close to a decade. NCSSA, SPA, LVSSA, Huntsman and SSUSA are independent associations and can make and will make their own decisions. We'll do what we want to do and think is right to do and hold everyone accountable you can rest assured and all we do want to be able to have some fun like we want and deserve to. |
| July 10, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Joe, I think your way to busy lobbying for support here. Listen, you asked for some info & I responded. So your taking that as an opportunity to jump right back up on the old soap box and tell the world I or we aren't gonna take it anymore. Well if your any kind of a logical business person, you'll know that if the manufactures change the way they make the products for the big associations, the other will have no choice but to follow them or find some manufactures who will make bats just for guys like yourself. I don't make the rules and neither do you. As you've said yourself, money talks and you guessed it, the rest walks. Like I said earlier, I begrudge no one for using equipment that the rules allow. But for the same reason you preach to all of us about how you like the equipment, there are others who feel just the opposite. So if and when the rules change, do what we do. Just play because that's what rules all all about and pick your spots to make changes. If not, I guess you can take your ball and bat and go home. Personally I would be disapointed for anyone that chooses that route. I'll be in Manassas, VA. Look me up if your there. I be the guy swinging a aluminum bat regardless of what ball is being used. |
| July 10, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Jeff. Where's this oneness of understanding or organization you keep referring to coming from? Mine comes from the heart and soul of the players I constantly play with and against. It always says the same thing. Lively bats and balls are a must. If USSSA says they will only use 52x275 balls what is that supposed to mean to all of the other associations? C'mon, man. Knock yourself out and be as loyal a soldier as you think you should be but the generals are not in agreement about strategy and some are selling guns and ammo to the enemy to finance their campaigns. To the point. Our game necessitates a lively bat and ball combo. It does, always has and always will. We had one when we were hitting good single wall to double wall bats and 44 and 47 by 525 balls. Then what happened? The balls even before the composite bats came along started to decline. Why and how was that? Were the players saying they wanted to use lesser and lesser balls? Hell no. Enlighten us if you can/will as you seem to know a lot about what's going on behind the scenes so to speak. The game was fun then. Then the balls started going south and the bats started to become more lively as no one wanted to get punked or cheated investing in a tourney and having a shitty time? What game have you been playing over the last decade if you haven't witnessed this phenomenon as the most of us who play rather than sell or administrate, have experienced? |
| July 10, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Joe, wish you the best. Let's see where this will all take us in the future. I'm not sure if we'll be goin to Phoenix in October, but if we do maybe we'll hook up. |
| July 10, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Great. We're trying to get it together for Phoenix, too. Good discussions and I look forward to meeting you, too. |
| July 10, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | again whiney throwing crap out to see if it will stick.if you would care to get some facts before you throw crap out there ,just maybe you would be thought of as someone who actually knew something.we were hitting 47 balls with composites and ultra's long before the 44 ball was instituted for play in senior ball,as that is what we played with in 2002 when the ultra was introduced to the world,and we played a couple of years with the 47 before ssusa started using the 44 ball.also we have always had lower rated balls (worth gray dots come to mind right away,and they were 40 cor,also dudley's made 40's)from the late 80's on.so please before you rewrite history,make sure you know what your talking about. |
| July 11, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | mad dog, I call them like I see them...........oink, oink !!! |
| July 11, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | whatever mutton buster.are you still proud...... |
| July 11, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | I am not like Einstein........I have better things to do that carry on a conversation with you........... have fun ! |
| July 11, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | really,but you feel the need to throw something out there like whiney does to see if it will stick,guess what it doesn't just like his,guess that happens when your mind is feeble.......and that is the problem in having a conversation with you no mind.... |
| July 11, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | mad dog, In that case, why don't you just leave me the hell alone......... |
| July 11, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | and still you haven't said a thing that is even remotely intelligent or concerns anything in this thread,figures. |
| July 11, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | mad dog, Maybe I will see you at the next tournament and can tell you something remotely intelligent..........to your face. |
| July 12, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | mad dog, After sleeping on this spat between you and me. let's do this........since we don't like each other, let's just let it go at that instead of taking space up on this message board where I am sure other players could care less what you and I think of each toher........I am done ! |
| July 12, 2011 southernson 280 posts | When I was in High School, they had an easy way of handling any scraps that broke out....they took the two people involved straight to the gym to settle their differences with gloves on in front of everyone. Gym class was stopped and everyone immediately went to to the gym to watch it. Oh, but one thing, was the equalizer, it was "blind boxing". Both combatants were blind folded, gloves laced up, shoes off, lay out the mats, and it was on. To this day funniest damn ^%$# I ever saw....Hilarious. Wild swings, guys falling down, guys getting clocked, the crowd yelling left, no go right,swing now, uppercut, swing now!!! It was pure pandemonium. So finally, we have a way to spark interest at some of the Senior regionals which have had attendance problems---Blind boxing with the matches picked by the message board....can you imagine? Hell, I'd venture to say repetitive dialogue here about screens, bats, balls, and more just goes in the dumper, and the regionals just got more exciting...Oh, yeah, the ring girls from Hooters won't look bad either. Oh how I love this game! |
| July 12, 2011 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | southernson, That sounds almost as much fun as softball............... |
| July 13, 2011 GI Men's 60 228 posts | I love being on the field with guys I have played with and against for many years. Making new friends from teams I may not have sen as youth is a added plus. To many pals said just wait till we are 50 and can play senior some did not make it and this experience helps me understand even more the importance of leaving the field in a positive way. We nevcer know when this could be our last game and I would hate to put the game and winning ahead of a moment to share a friendship with others. I am blessed to be able to enjoy the game but more important to enjoy the guys of senior softball. I am thankful that we can be a part of this at our age. Bless each off you . Webbie I sure have enjoyed getting to know you and your bunch I hope you feel better and plan on seeing you in two weeks in Prescott tournament. |
| July 13, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | GI,great thoughts,and i hope you have many more from playing senior ball....... |
| July 13, 2011 southernson 280 posts | In spite of our sometime frustrations, friendships, camaraderie, and pure competition are all benefits of playing the game we love. And I'm thankful at this age being able to participate. Last night, I looked across the field, and there was a guy I have been competing in sports with since we were 11 years old....And because of Senior Softball, we have been fortunate enough to have more memories, stories, and laughs than many other pursuits provide... |
| July 13, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | right on SS sounds great....... |
| July 14, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | GI-the feelings are returned-and that's what makes our game special. My wife also caught whatever I had, but we have kicked it now. Thanks for the good wishes. We'll be coming at you in Prescott-can't wait. |
| July 17, 2011 gary c 418 posts | einstein You and I have been thrown off this site once for calling each other names. After reading your posts I see you have not learned that you can discuss a subject without degrading someone's point of view. We all know how you feel about bats and balls. Some of us disagree with you and we have that right. I must say screens extra players bigger plates masks and not being to hit a ball where it is pitched sounds to me that it dumb's down the game that you love more than using safer equipment. " CAN'T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG" Have a nice day Joe |
| July 18, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | I'm Joe Rinaldi of the Barons, Old A's, MTC, Stixx, Blasters, ODB, Rebels, Kellysports, RedWood City Reds, 5 Spot, Mac 2 and others here in Northern California. Who and what are you? You don't believe in giving us the common courtesy of your true identity? We don't know but we know who and what you are NOT. Certainly not enough to intimidate me or any of US regarding anything, at any time for any reason. We're men and women, players and competitors of Senior Softball and you're trying to intimidate one of us? A voice behind a curtain? A voice in the dark? You're no one and no one anyone need regard or be concerned about whatever mischief you may be allowed to create. You're the responsibility of this website to deal with. They are accountable and will determine your value on this site. |
| July 18, 2011 jimjoes-gman Men's 55 80 posts | You are unbelievable Albert,the way you leap on these guys threads,when they are discussing good times that they have experienced while playing Senior S-Ball over the years & what it means to them. Why dont you put on your glasses,turn on your lamp,get out your dictionary & thesaurous and start your own thread & let theses guys talk about real & positive topics in a manner they deserve.And I couldnt care less who you are,where you live & what teams you played on....Big deal. |
| July 18, 2011 gary c 418 posts | Joey Rinaldi I don't care who you are and who you play for you did not respond to the most important question in my post. What dumb's down the game more bigger mats, masks, extra players, screens and starting a fight if you hit a ball up the middle or safer equipment? It seems that when you loose an argument you attack people personally if you have something to say about the subject I would be more than glad to read it. By the way I e mailed you when we were banned from this site and you never responded. Joe "IT'S ONLY SENIOR SOFTBALL RELAX" |
| July 18, 2011 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Listen, son. And this will be my last caring response to you if you don't let me know who you are. I never got an email knowingly from you at any time. I may not have recognized the heading and sometimes I delete stuff I don't recognize. So, if you did email me, do it again so we can talk man to man. |
| July 18, 2011 gary c 418 posts | When you use terms like Son and avoid answering the question you prove my point. You lost the argument and now you attack the winner. I e mailed you twice and no response now you say do it again. Will you tell me then why I am wrong about safer equipment? Is that the way you taught your students lose a argument then attack your opponent. You need not respond you have proved my point. HAVE A NICE DAY Joseph Einstein Rinaldi |
