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Online now: 1 member: TABLE SETTER 11; 70 anonymousDiscussion: What are some of the factors players look for in deciding which tournament team to play for?
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| Jan. 8, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | What are some of the factors players look for in deciding which tournament team to play for? While many are already locked in on which tournament team they'll be playing for in 2012 there are many who have not decided or committed to a team as of yet. It can be safely said a good majority of players have been courted, schmoozed or recruited at one time or another by managers/sponsors or other players. What are some of the factors that you look for in deciding which team to play for? |
| Jan. 8, 2012 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | For me the schedule for the up coming season plays a big part. By this I can see if they are just playing local (meaning mostly the same opposition) or will they travel. If they travel a lot, will they help out some with the expenses. Also, the division that they expect to play is important to me. Another factor is their reputation. |
| Jan. 8, 2012 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | one for me to play,is the coach fair to his players and truthful to them. i do like to know the schedule in advance. also there is no need for expenses to be paid if there is no sponsor,i will never require someone to have to pay for me to play.to me that is being real selfish,like an old coach/partial sponsor of mine said to a player like that,"you could be efing babe ruth,you still pay your way with our team",he did pay for tourney fees and the leagues we played in........we had to cover our traveling expenses... last of all do the players get along with each other and care to play as a team...... |
| Jan. 8, 2012 garyheifner 649 posts | My factor might be a little strange. Back in 2002, the Chicago Classics Organization had this huge tryout. Enough men for 7 teams. As managers picked players for the teams, there was this group of mostly left overs that none of the 1st 6 really wanted. So us left overs became the 7th team. 9 rings and many other qualifer titles later, we are mostly still together, in tact, while the other 6 teams are mostly scattered to the 4 winds. My, our decision, each year is loyalty and commitment to each other. We have moved through 3 age progressions (only playing a year in some to stay together)and will jump a 4th time to 70s in 2 years. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Gary, just for some context at what level(s) were these "9 rings and many other qualifer titles later" won? Just curious. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 hombre Men's 60 240 posts | As far as tournament selection, the type of tournament, the location, and past experience are primary factors. We are fortunate that our sponsor pays entry fees and provides uniforms. As for as selecting a team, I want to play for a competitive team, a team that knows how to play and win. I want to enjoy the company of my team mates on and off the field. The coach must be honest with the players. With all that having been said, for me the game is about having fun and if I'm not, it's time to find something else to occupy my time. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Thanks for all of your responses. They all contain one common theme, having fun which is very important. Even though there aren't a lot of responses there is one factor that I haven't read as of yet. It would be the role as defined to you by the recruiting coach/manager. For example: Suppose your a shortstop--everyday every game player and the coach tells you they already have a shortstop and your role on the team would be that of a back-up/bench player. How much of a factor would this have in deciding to play for this team as opposed to another team that would convey you'd start every game at short? |
| Jan. 9, 2012 hombre Men's 60 240 posts | I would play for a lesser team rather than play for a team where it was set in stone that I was a back up. If I were given an opportunity to compete for a job, that's different. If my best wasn't good enough, I would move on the following year. I'm a firm believer that when the elimination round begins, you put players in the line up that give your team the best chance of winning. To me, tournament ball isn't where you put your old friends and prima donnas in the lineup just to keep them happy. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 Mario Men's 50 451 posts | Stick, as long as your on my team, thats all that matters!!!! I just went through this process last year. First I looked at the division the team played in, next I looked at the players they had and were picking up, did these players match up with the division they wanted to play in.In other words no sandbagging. Then, I looked at manager/sponsorship. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 leftyodoul Men's 65 106 posts | 1. Team chemistry. It has to be a team of guys whose priorities are in line with mine. 2. Must not have selfish, immature and/or devisive players (cancer causers) on the team. 3. The Coach must be impartial and consistent. 4. Tournament schedule must be in line with the type of tournaments that I want to play. The team I am on has 1 main criteria for adding new players - "No A_ _ holes Need Apply". I like it that way. Team chemistry usually wins out over superior skills. |
| Jan. 9, 2012 garyheifner 649 posts | Gary 19 in answer to a legit question. All have been won at the AA and AAA levels as we were rated and re-rated over the years at those two levels. We are a AA/AAA borderline team who gets lucky at times. We have no major talent and are mostly singles hitters. |
| Jan. 10, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Mario your giving me a complex!! lol The factors you list aren't unlike those that I look at. What's just as important for me is knowing when the first pitch is delivered up to the very last out we're all on the same page and busting our butts giving 100% effort to win. I can't wait until we start at Indy!! |
| Jan. 10, 2012 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Understood. Thanks. |
| Jan. 10, 2012 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | garyh,why bother to,it has nothing to do with the thread....the rest of us don't care where ya won them at.your original post was spot on and all you needed to post,congrats on your wins. yes i have played with teams like that,i started one like that, after it was decided by a couple of guys were gonna be not asked to travel with the military team i was supposed to coach for the regular coach who would be gone for the tourney we were gonna go to. i grab a bunch "B" league guys and came in 4th right behind our base team....in fact they only beat us by 1 run.....so yes getting along is a big factor for a team..... |
| Jan. 10, 2012 CL11AT 6 posts | Stick8, whoever has the largest Coors Light cooler thats full. How's it going up there in the cold country. Lazer Larry |
| Jan. 10, 2012 garyheifner 649 posts | Mad Dog You are absolutely correct. I regretted the reply seconds after I hit the button. Chalk it up as a senior moment enhanced by a brain cramp. Sorry. I will try and do better in the future. |
| Jan. 11, 2012 goforit 97 posts | This is a great topic. I've only been playing senior softball since 2006 full time but i can tell you i will never again play for teams that don't get along or have ego problems. I played for a team my first three years in senior softball that had as much talent as anyone if not more (major team)but there were constant internal fights, ego problems and groups that stuck together and would not associate with the whole team. I did get some good friendships off that team that still flourish today even though we all play on different teams and compete against each other. I now play with a bunch of guys that all get along and have a good time on the field and off. This has really showed in our play on the field - we all trust each other and we won a lot of tournaments over the last two years. Stick in regards to your question on changing positions -- i did that for the chance to play with these guys. I had always been a 2nd baseman, when i came to this team i was asked to play third since they already had a 2nd baseman. After getting out of the way the first few times balls were hit to third i've come to enjoy the position and i found out the second baseman they already had is very good. Anyway thanks for starting the thread Stick. John Giesler Master Collision |
| Jan. 11, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Lazer Larry I don't know how anyone could turn down a team with all the Coors Light you can drink!! If someone said no to that they'd have to have their head examined lol We've actually had an unusual winter here. No snow to speak of and mild temperatures thus far and no complaints from me. But I'm sure we'll get snow somewhere down the line. You playing this year? |
| Jan. 11, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Thanks for your response goforit. I've found that many times when you committ to a team at the onset it all sounds real good, everyone gets along and everyone says the right things. Then for various reasons during the season it can fall apart at the seams and you have a situation like you elluded to with internal squabbles, egos and players forming clicks. Is their any way that you feel players can sense that a team may turn out this way before the season gets going? |
| Jan. 11, 2012 goforit 97 posts | Stick8, To answer your question, in my case i could not at the time. I only knew one of the guys on the team. It was my first full year in Senior softball. I think for others who have played for awhile it might be easier to spot potential problems because they either know certin players from other teams or have already played with them and they can call other players to get a feeling of what the team may turn out to be. Thats why i'm playing for Master Collision now, i have either played against or watched these guys for 5 years before joining them. I always liked the way they interacted as a team. Stick8 correct me if i'm wrong, i may have played against a team you were on 4 years ago (2008) - were you on a team out of Michigan with a bunch of really big guys (50 Major division). I was on a team out of Arizona at that time and i think we played against you three or four times that year. John |
| Jan. 11, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Goforit, it's possible we matched up that year. I played with Gekle Builders in '08 and we were 50 major. I wasn't one of those really big guys however. What team were you with? I hope you didn't beat us up too badly!! lol You make some valid points about the subject matter. It does help knowing the players and watching how they interact. Have you ever known anyone or been on a team where their weren't any issues within the team, even minor ones? A nirvhana type team? |
| Jan. 11, 2012 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Stick, John played with the MOB. John remember we had some slugfests with those guys. Remember the one in Vegas when the wind was blowing out a bit at Arroyo. Johnny G how the heck are you? Joe |
| Jan. 11, 2012 goforit 97 posts | Stick8 and Joe, Thats the name i was trying to remember Gekle Builders. We did have some epic battles. I remember the first time we played i looked over and thought we were playing a football team. It was a great game and we had you pretty good until Willie our second baseman hit a home run and let out a yell. Your team got a kick out of it and all of a sudden started playing better - you beat us by one (the only one of our meetings that year that you won). I'm sure Joe remembers Willie's yell. If i remember correctly you played outfield, can't remember if it was leftcenter or rightcenter. Stick8, i must say the team i'm on now is as close as i will ever get to as you say Nirvhana. We have the occasional spat in the dugout but its gone within minutes and the laughter starts again. I also think its important that there is someone on the team that is repected and can step in and calm down a situation if needed. Joe, Good to hear from you, i'm doing good. Just trying to get ready for the new season that will start in Mesquite. Since we are Major Plus now i'm sure we will have to play the next SUPER TEAM (GSF) in that tournament. I talked to Imlay and it sounds like that team is really going to be good. How about you, who are you playing with this year? John |
| Jan. 11, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Goforit and Joe, I most definitely remember those epic battles against the Arizona Mob. You guys had our number!! Your right, I played left center and led off. I have to say it's games and competition like we had that being the main reason why I play. John I'm glad your on a team that you enjoy and comfortable with. I think on most good teams cooler heads prevail when their are disagreements. Now if you think Gekle Builders had some big guys you should see OKI!! Good luck to you and your team in 2012!! |
| Jan. 11, 2012 CL11AT 6 posts | Stick8, well i thought we were going to have a 55 team but just found out today some of the guy's we were picking up to have enough are going to stay with a 50's team. I don't know if there will be a 50's Coors Light team this year. They're having a hard time finding enough also. I was looking forward to playing again. I guess it's going to be lot of golf this year again. That's ok still hang with a lot of the same guy's from the team only on the course now. Good luck this year. Lazer Larry |
| Jan. 12, 2012 stick8 1991 posts | Larry I hope you can get enough guys to have a team this year. Always good,hard fought games against Coors Light. And of course the infamous tailgate after wards. I'll still never forget Champaign a few years ago when you took the tailgate from the parking lot to the hotel lobby. |
