How'd the weekend go???

[looking in]

How did everybody do in St. Louis? Who looked good? Who got the looks?

[gunshy]

Shockwaves '93 went 2-1-1, giving up just 1 run in 4 games. Very diffucult to say who looked good in 55 minute games; umpires hit the start button quick and stopped early, meaning about 45 minutes of actual play. Our first game went 3 innings and everyone was hustling on and off the field. It WAS funny watching some coaches trying to "win" an exposure game, batting 9 and sac bunting to move runners. I SURE would be happy if my DD's lone at-bat during a short game was a sac bunt when the score didn't matter. Good set up in St Louis and big name coaches everywhere, but weather and the decision to not start working on soggy fields until Saturday morning really put a damper on the weekend.

[slapperdad]

Would you go back again?

[gunshy]

Absolutely would go back again. The teams there were stellar and the main complex, which is still expanding, will be worthy of hosting a National. Adverse weather, and how it is handled, can screw up the best made plans and events. The area of St Louis (Chesterfield) that this tournament is held is very upscale and there are lots of nice places to eat, lots of shopping, movies, etc, to occupy any time away from the field. Very user friendly.
Again, competition and coaches are what make fall exposure tournaments great; there were coaches everywhere and we played teams from Michigan, Arizona, Kansas and Nebraska that were all very good.

[ntheknow2]

Chambers(pitcher) from the Indy Dreams 16u(bell/reese) stole the show. Her and Shochwaves Brooke, two best in the state.

[killerbee]

OK weekend despite the weather! Could have a better back up plan in place. Several college coaches confronted director to have 2 full 7 inning games vs four 55 minute games. They did this at TNJ last year (I think it was), and worked out well.
All in all, better than not playing. Not many deals being closed this weekend with shortened games and one at bat. DD played 4 games with 5 at bats.

[jag1]

I would definitely like to see more of a "tournament" atmosphere at some of the showcases, and I know the kids would too. Give them a $10 trophy and some bragging rights to play for and I think we would see better competition and a higher level of play. IMHO, and I know I will catch some flak on this one, the majority of girls see the coaches get a little complacent and they don't focus as much....as if they're playing in some friendly somewhere. ..I like the set-up at Compuware, Murfreesboro, Stingrays....where the kids are playing to win.

[looking in]

Jag1,
If the can't get motivated with 20-30 college coaches behind the backstop, they need to be playing USSSA or rec! I kind of understand what you are saying, but that's the problem with exposure! You have coaches who relax and the ones who think they have to win! Bunting, sac, so on! If you ask a college coach, they want to see hitting and pitching! they can fix everything else!The problem is too many teams that do not belong there! Moving up early from 14U and "coaches" who jump on the wagon! At the big events the coaches watch a dozen or so teams and some players who do the home work! The girls who really want it will play no matter what! Ten dollar trophey or not! Everybody else, the parents are spending way to much $$$! But, aren't we all!! Best of luck!!

[Blind Squirrel]

I would definitely like to see more of a "tournament" atmosphere at some of the showcases, and I know the kids would too. Give them a $10 trophy and some bragging rights to play for and I think we would see better competition and a higher level of play. IMHO, and I know I will catch some flak on this one, the majority of girls see the coaches get a little complacent and they don't focus as much....as if they're playing in some friendly somewhere. ..I like the set-up at Compuware, Murfreesboro, Stingrays....where the kids are playing to win.

1. If these comments accurately describe the common mentality of folks in the Midwest, then I suggest folks save their time/money and forget about going to showcases. I would also forget about about any hopes of scholarships to major D1 softball programs. There are way, way too many kids who only know one way to play softball and that would be to bust their Ass. I can only imagine what the difference would be during practices.

2. That has to be one of the most ill-advised posts I have read in a long time.

John

[jag1]

Ill advised or not, just an opinion.....I could care less if you agree or disagree. Maybe you should write a book on the subject..