I have several Internet sites that I frequent each day that pertain to softball. If you have access to the Internet and you are involved in youth softball, I’m sure you visit a few of these yourself. But something that troubles me about some of these sites is the practice of some posters that use the anonymity of the computer to bash coaches and/or players. Some of the things I’ve seen written by those who will always remain nameless are very cruel.

Those who write such junk, they point to their "freedom of speech" rights, and the fact that they have a right to their own opinion. Well of course they do, but in addition to these rights they have responsibilities. They are responsible to be civil; to stand behind what they say; to act in an acceptable social manner. Not to hide behind some computer screen throwing flaming darts at people they may not even know.

Have you seen coaches that you think act inappropriately? Well of course you have, and I have too. Have you seen players that you felt were overrated? Yes, again, and so have I. And like myself, I’m sure you have confided to friends your opinions about these coaches and/or players. But using a public forum to blast these individuals, based upon your own personal opinion, is just not right, and contrary to what we usually observe on the field.

In all the years that I have been involved in youth softball, for the most part, everyone involved appreciates, respects and sincerely likes most everyone else. I even call some of those "jerk" coaches friends, because even though I may not like their antics on the field or their treatment of their players, I do respect what they are doing, and apparently the players don’t have a problem with the coaches actions.

It seems to be the same with other parents. You can go up and start speaking to just about any parent who has a daughter playing on any team. They are usually friendly, courteous and interested in you and your daughter. That’s right, youth softball is nothing more than one big love-fest. So, let’s keep our opinions to ourselves or just between us friends, and enjoy this great game of ours.

MORE LOVE
She walked to the batters box preparing to bat. It was a pressure packed situation, her team down by two runs, based loaded, two outs in the bottom of the last inning. But she didn’t display any nervousness or anticipation as she stared down at her coach, who clapped his hands and shouted encouragement. She could hear her dad in the stands shouting, "Come on 16, hit it hard." And so she dug in.

She had already struck out her first and only other at bat, and when the pitcher delivered the ball, it seemed much faster than the last time she was at bat. She swung mightily, but missed, as the umpire called, "strike one." She got a look of determination on her face as she once again looked down at her coach. "Good cut," he said to her, while her dad reminded her, "It only takes one." The next pitch seemed even faster as she swung and hit a ball weakly towards the first base fence, very late with the swing.

"Way to get a piece of it," her coach encourages. "You can do it," dad shouts over all the other cheering. She is now ready to do some damage as she pounds her bat on home plate. The pitcher winds up and throws another fast one, down the middle. She swings, and makes contact, the ball dribbling back towards the pitcher. She runs as fast as she can towards first base. Her other coach is near the base yelling, "run, run!" She feels herself running faster.

As she nears first base, she sees the first base person reach as high as she can, and the ball travels over her head and down the right field line. She hears a great loud cheer come from the stands as her coach at first base starts yelling, "go to second, go, go, go!" She rounds first and continues to second base and hears the cheering getting even louder. She runs to second base and jumps up and down on it. As she turns to look towards home, she sees her coaches hugging the three players who were on base, all of which had made it home.

"Come on Suzie, the game’s over," her coach calls to her, and she runs towards home and to some hugs of her own. As she walks into the dugout, she sees her dad waiting by the gate. He bends down and reaches out with his arms to give her a hug. She runs to him and accepts his loving embrace. "Great job baby," her dad tells her. "Thank you daddy," she responds. "Did we win?" I just love those 10 and under games and the fun the girls find.

FOUL TIPS
I’ve had the opportunity to attend several high school, travel, recreational, and college softball games during the past month. I just love this time of year. You can see a softball game almost any day of the week. It’s really great that I’m able to attend a large softball tournament just about anywhere and bump into some old friends. I guess that’s a sign that I’m getting old myself. But I did visit a college tournament in Sacramento in March and ran into seven people I hadn’t see in a long while, including an uncle I hadn’t seen since I was nine years old. As many of you may be aware, the ASA’s Director of the Junior Olympic Program, Karen Weisman, resigned some time ago. The National Office, instead of hiring a new director, has redefined the duties of the position to include some stadium management and operational duties, and will most likely have a replacement by the time this issue reaches you. Additionally, some of the JO duties have been transferred to other ASA National Office staff. It will be interesting to see how this change in operational philosophy works out. The JO program is the only part of the ASA that has shown continued growth, and losing a position at the National Office that was dedicated specifically to this portion of the program could create a loss in service. Only time will tell. As always you contact me at softballfloyd@hotmail.com_and so the ball rolls.