By now, if you have any interest in fast pitch softball, you are aware that the International Olympic Committee’s vote concerning the re-instatement of softball into the Olympics re-affirmed their vote six months earlier that softball, along with baseball, will be the first sports since 1936 to be removed from the Olympic program. And if you’re a fan, you certainly feel the sadness that resulted from the vote.

Since I have spoken to several individuals who have opinions and some insight into this outcome, and have read numerous articles on the reaction to the vote, I have once again re-enforced my opinion, that I hate politics. The loss of United States Olympic Committee (USOC) funds allocated to USA Softball (ASA Softball) will have a devastating effect on national team development. This could affect both the Women’s National team program, which currently supports two teams, the National and Elite, but also the Junior Team program.

The entire Elite program is in jeopardy, if not gone, and USA Softball will struggle to field a team for the 2006 World University Games due to the financial restraints from the loss of USOC funding. The outcome may well be the loss of most selection camps and a lack of opportunities for aspiring softball athletes to be considered to represent their country. While the sport may not digress to its early years of assigning the ASA Women’s Major National winner as the USA international representative, it certainly could lead to closed-door meetings to determine who will play for our country.

While any method utilized to select a USA National team currently will result in fielding a competitive team, the lasting effects would impact development of players and our country’s long-term dominance of the sport. This loss of dominance is based on the assumption that other nations continue to support their softball programs, which the loss of Olympic status makes doubtful as well. While there is always hope for the future, presently the future looks bleak.

Blame has been placed for this situation, most recently on the International Softball Federation for their failure to take measures to secure needed European support in the re-vote, but perhaps even more on Jim Easton, of Easton Sports, who abstained from the original vote for removal of softball, which ended in a tie vote. Failing to obtain at least fifty percent of the votes cast resulted in the sports elimination. Jim Easton has nearly been crucified for abstaining, which he states was for ethical reasons as a major supplier for the sport.

Although he was not crucified, apparently he is being vilified by many, and has recently been removed from the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board. So much for trying to be ethical. I guess that’s why I dislike politics so much. Doing the ethical thing, or what is right is not always what is politically correct. Fortunately, regardless of my political beliefs, I will continue to have the opportunity to witness some of the best softball played; it just may not be on the international stage.

GETTING AROUND
Due to many factors, I’m not really getting around the youth softball game lately, as much as I would like. I do keep in touch with the game via various Internet sites, and by speaking to some friends that are still very active in the game, but I haven’t had the opportunity to actually attend and enjoy a youth game since last August. So writing a monthly column on the game can sometimes be a challenge.

As I finished the previous story on softball being bumped from the Olympics, I continued on to this story and found myself staring at my computer screen for about a week, hoping that something would come to mind. Between stares, I’d check out some Internet sites looking for some serious discussions that I felt were topical and interesting that I could comment on, but nothing really struck me. I kicked around a few ideas: progression on what you take to softball events as you move from local league play, to all stars, to lower level travel, to gold; the evolution of hitting theories; a couple of comical bits.

But nothing really seemed to inspire me. Then it struck me that perhaps part of my problem was the fact that I was missing some aspect of the game. Having a daughter that plays college softball, I have been to plenty of games lately, but I’ve been missing the youth game, and missing it a lot. I recalled all of the youth games that I went to last year, and what a pleasure it was to watch the kids play and enjoy the game.

Youth softball games are a bit funny, in that most of those attending the games or tournaments are family or friends of the players. We don’t have a lot of youth softball fans. But I am one, and I’m having withdrawals from not doing what a fan should do; go to some games. This is my daughter’s final year of softball, and while I will seriously miss watching her play, it will also provide more opportunities to do what I like to do...be a fan. Yes, I will be getting around more soon, so look me up at the local fields in the very near future, and let’s talk softball.

FOUL TIPS
Thanks to those who emailed me to express your fondness for my holiday column * * * * Once again, I’m able to watch some fantastic college softball on television thanks to my satellite dish. I’m loving it * * * * High school ball is in high gear, and the younger travel teams are gearing up for qualifying, while local youth recreation leagues are just getting underway. This is a great time of year, as the weather begins to turn nice, and the sport is starting into full swing. Best of luck to all the players and teams, no matter what level you may play * * * * As always, you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com_and so the ball rolls.