Having just returned from the Canada Cup, it is easy to see how this great game of ours is continuing to increase in popularity throughout the world. While I was so impressed with the advancement in skill level and playing ability of the Netherlands and Venezuela national teams, it was also rewarding to watch some of the Canadian youth teams, as well as teams from New Zealand and Chinese Taipei competing in the Futures (19U) event.

Chinese Taipei took top honors in the event, downing the Calgary Illusion 4-3 in the championship game. But beyond the competition on the field, the highlight was having the opportunity for these teams to see that our game is universal, played basically the same way, and most importantly, with the same level of love. With the recent actions of having softball eliminated as an Olympic sport, this was indeed a tribute to just how popular the sport is in other countries.

MAIL BAG
Well, once again it is time to respond to some of the mail I have received concerning my column here in Softball West.

Dear Floyd:
My daughter is a pitcher in the northwestern part of country and has become very good. We have been contacted by one of the top 18U Gold teams in Southern California about her pitching for them next year. They have indicated that they will pay for all airfare to events and practices as well as lodging. We are unsure of what to do. What do you think?
Hardly Smartt
Dear Smartt:
I think that you should take a look at what your daughter wants out of playing softball. If she is interested in playing at the highest level, being recruited for college and being seen at all the right events, she can do that playing closer to home. If she is interested in racking up frequent flyer miles, eating fast food on a regular basis and spending an entire summer in transit, then you should accept this team’s offer. If she accepts this offer, I’d highly recommend holding out for first class airfares and luxury hotels. If the team agrees to provide these, then forget what I said earlier and accept the offer.
Floyd

Dear Floyd:
In a recent column you discussed reasons why softball was voted out as an Olympic Sport. Don’t you realize the real reason for this action was the United States involvement in the Middle East?
Con Spericy

Dear Con:
What have you been ingesting? The USA National Softball Team has never played in the Middle East. And while there has been much reported on the U.S. teaching the locals the game of softball, there is no way this "humanitarian" gesture had any affect on the International Olympic Committee’s vote.
Floyd

Dear Floyd:
Why don’t you write more about Babe Ruth softball?
Babe Fan

Dear Babe:
Well, for two reasons. First, Babe Ruth never played softball; you can look it up. Secondly, if he did play softball, it was a long, long time ago, and I tend to deal with more recent developments in the youth softball game.
Floyd

Dear Floyd:
I spotted you at a recent tournament, and I must say you are much better looking in person than what your picture looks like for your column.
Mom

Dear Mom:
I told you not to sign your real name if you were going to send me a letter to respond to here. It just doesn’t have the same impact.
Floyd
FOUL TIPS
Since my column generally addresses youth fast pitch softball, this isn’t really the forum to discuss one of the best things about the Canada Cup, that being the Special Olympics Division. This is a tournament of slow pitch softball played by men’s and co-ed teams. While the skill level is lower than any local recreational league, the love, passion and enthusiasm cannot be matched anywhere. Very heartwarming.

By the time this issue reaches you, the national tournaments will be over. I’ll certainly use my next column to once again look at the results of these events and look for any changing of the guard. For those of you who made it to the show, I hope you enjoyed the experience, win, lose or draw.

As always, you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com_and so the ball rolls.