Since the new softball year has begun for us in the NW, it might be a good idea to look at a few things which are important to the average senior player. The flurry over the banned "hot" bats has not changed much, but the bat list is still under constant revision. Checking in with several states during the off-season, no hot bat-related serious injuries were reported. Whatever the reasons, senior players have dodged the "death by bat" bullet thus far. Let’s continue striving to keep it that way. These attempts to keep the game of softball safe relieves our collective consciences, so that when inviting any new players into a league, they can be rest assured that it is safe. So far we have maintained a legitimate and a lively game, so let’s keep our sanity and the main focus of our senior game in sight by accepting the bat limits. Each independent city recreation department and the senior leagues must live with their own conscience. And after all, tournaments can allow some of the hotter bats, for those players who really must test themselves.

Last year, in the overall senior tournament arena in America, the big associations got even bigger. Most of the large tourney groups are busy in the east, the west and mid-west, with little in the northwest in general, except for what SSWC out of California occasionally offers. These associations, The National Softball Association, Softball Players Association and the United States Speciality Sports Association are in Utah and Arizona. Oregon and Nevada get a bit of action here and there from one or two of these groups, but its still "take what you can get, where you can get it." At present, ASA is coming along slowly in the northwest, and their presence is finally being felt. The ever-popular Huntsman Games, out of George Town, Utah has become a really significant and popular event for the northwest tourney teams. It is booked up every year. More power to them, as they are practically independent and run a very smooth and respected tournament. All teams must register for their fall tourney by early spring, so contact John Peters at 1-800 562-1268 if you are interested.

Another large tournament is the ASA 2004 Senior Tourney, to be held in Salem, Oregon this fall. SWM will cover this momentous event, as it will be a benchmark event of commitment to senior ball in the northwest by ASA. Regular league teams will be provided a meaningful, well-run tournament. The facility in Salem is tremendous, sporting beautiful fields, maintained by a professional staff that knows how to put on a fun softball event. Get in on this terrific opportunity to foster some sane championship play at a reasonable cost, by calling Lester Leonard at 1-540-854-6863.

Return to the Plate

The scoring plate in senior ball has been a staple since the senior leagues began. Situated about eight-feet from home plate on the 3rd base side, it serves as a scoring area for the base runner and prevents collisions. A few senior organizations and city recreation departments began drifting away from the use of this scoring plate, opting rather for a scoring-line to be drawn. The line was drawn with chalk where the plate was supposed to be and extended approximately eight feet, arbitrarily. After using the line for a few seasons, it became obvious that it was inadequate. The sane voice came from ASA, who has never budged concerning the use of a scoring plate. One argument against using the plate came from the fields maintenance, who stated it was burdensome to have another plate during league games because it was a distraction. Another dispute cited the extra cost in putting in the scoring plates on all of the diamonds where senior ball was played.

The best thing about having the plate (rather than the chalk line) is that the umpire can make the call at home. Several times during our own local league’s endeavour, a close call at home would be obscured from the umpire because the runner had his foot still up in the air as it crossed the line at the instant the ball is caught by the catcher. This occurrence brings up the question, must his foot be down on the ground, over the line, before he is considered safe. The other stress in calling the play at home, while using the chalk line, is its propensity for slowly disintegrating during the game. If more than one game is played on the field during the night, by the second game the line is a vague smear or gone altogether. Back to guessing for our umpire.

The final up-shot is that this year our recreation department in Boise has graciously decided to go back to the scoring plate. We are all relieved and a lesson was learned by all. Take a firm stand for adopting the plate in your home league.

Have a great, safe and fun season! Write me with any comments at Grimmfamily@juno.com