Fresno Force Classic 30 April - 1 May

[pop up]

Just wondering
Why was there 16 teams in one bracket and 8 in the other?

[luv2playasa]

Everyone is proud just to be in the Championship of this great tournament.

I don't believe Championship games should have a time limit.

[watchtonsofsoftball]

Mike,
Respectfully, I completely disagree with this statement.....
"it does not say anything about winning softball games"

If it was not about winning softball games then they (LM 14's coaches) wouldnt pick her up and they would roll with 11 players. ALSO, seeking what sounds like to me one of the better AVAILABLE pitchers in the area seems suspect at best considering there are a host of other area pitchers available. Again, they asked the best available. That to me sounds like trying to "help" win softball games. Im not in no way saying she was brought on to win anything by herself. Think about this, someone mentioned perception, from the outside looking in, it doesn't add up. LM 14's are struggling , have a key injury, just got awarded a "free" berth to Premiers, and I'm to believe there is no pressure to win and get on track? I doubt that. They were looking for anything to turn it around IMO. Didnt work. I have no dog in this fight, and I have defended this team in the past when the haters came. However, I hear the stories, see some of the stuff going on first hand, and I cant help to be not impressed any longer. Its just plane bad form. I guess I'm not believing the hype. They haven't won jack yet. So when they do, I will pay attention again. Otherwise they are a non factor. I am glad the pitcher in question got some work in. Nothing wrong with that at all. This has nothing to do with the pitcher but the "intent" of the team in question. Just run what ya brung! If you play 11 and get beat, whats the problem? Every team goes shorthanded from time to time.

[Jar19201]

I really lack the words to compliment " JUSTWIN "today.
You did it Again hats off to you Ohh Quick ?
Do you know if Breeze97 used the same tactics as the Brezze 98.To win
We all know how they Roll .....

That is a disrespect to our Breeze 97 girls, our coaching staff, and our parents to make an assenine comment like that. Whatever happened im whatever game with whatever team has nothing to do with our girls playing hard all weekend. You shoul have followed what your name says. Our games had nothing to do with whatever conflict you had. I hope it builds your self esteem to try to take away a great weekend for a group of girls who were not a part of your problem.

[LadyMagic83]

Mike,
Respectfully, I completely disagree with this statement.....
"it does not say anything about winning softball games"

Sorry, where does it talk about winning softball games in our mission statement (which is what I was referring to)? Do we as an organization want to win softball games? Yes. At all costs? Never. EVER! If you think that we do, you do not understand how our organization works. Why do you think we even have a section in our bylaws which mandate how a player may be added? How many other teams have a mandatory written policy which must be followed? If this player been an outfielder, would you be upset? You are entitled to your opinion, formed using only the information you choose to recognize. So be it.

You are correct that they haven't won anything yet this year, as a first year 14u team. They did, however, have the highest finish of any Northern California team at last years 12u Nationals. I think that buys them a bit more respect than what you care to show. And yes, we have accepted a bid to Premier Nationals. We are thankful and honored to receive an invitation to this event, especially if based on reputation! In this time of economic difficulties, it is also a monetary relief to our parents not to have to travel to Midland.

Good luck and thank you for your past support.

[bruisedshin]

I really lack the words to compliment " JUSTWIN "today.
You did it Again hats off to you Ohh Quick ?
Do you know if Breeze97 used the same tactics as the Brezze 98.To win
We all know how they Roll .....

Not sure of the tactics used by anyone but, was it something like this:
foul ball is ruled live after home plate ump had called it foul which alowed the tying and go ahead runs to score. Umpire says to defensive player "my bad".
then without any warning of "time is out we will complete the inning" the game time is called out from the bleachers of the team who just pulled ahead.
Umpire calls game over despite, many objections and score book time showing there was still several minutes left.

Everyone is proud just to be in the Championship of this great tournament.
It would have been nice to finish without a problem.

I don't believe Championship games should have a time limit.

I don't get either of these statements. Are they related to the Fresno Tourney in some way?

[watchtonsofsoftball]

Mike,
I guess your not understanding me. Your bylaws say NOTHING about winning softball games right? Yet the 14s team made a MOVE to try and win some games. Doesnt that go against what you just said? Because if it isnt about winning softball games, then dont pick her up. Simple as that. Sorry you dont see it that way. I could care less about a pitcher or an outfielder. I am not some angered parent and if you look around you will see I try to stay as objective as possible. I post on an array of subjects. Perception can be reality is all Im saying and from my view, it just didnt look good. If they want to do that , thats really up to them, I just think highly of LM and I think you guys are better than that. Adversity and unexpected things happening is character building, not just go out and big up the biggest free agent available. Ok , I rambling now. I like alot of things about all 3 teams you have (obviously the gold are a bunch of studs). If you have 11 players, I will say it again, run what ya brung baby and ride it out. Congrats on the Premier berth, I do think the team overall deserves it and it is good for Nor Cal softball as a whole.

[Big Papa]

I have to agree with watchaton. The Magic has contacted several players up and down Norcal to come play with them. Several of which are 97 players on active teams. So if you think they are following your bylaws you are definitely misinformed. It will be interesting to see which new recruit they show up with this weekend. I would be furious if I was a pitcher on that team because the one they brought in did a whole lot of pitching. Why not just play with the 11 you have if it is honestly not about winning. They had 3 perfectly fine pitchers and brought in another to pitch.

[watchtonsofsoftball]

The above post is correct, and partly the reason for even chimming in on this whole subject. I first learned that players on actual teams playing right now (14u division), were asked to play with them the next couple of weekends. This was last week when I was called and told about this and what I thought. I dont know the specific players first hand but I thought it was odd and wondered how that would affect the teams these kids were coming from. I realize these teams weren't entered in the fresno force, so as a parent it probably looked enticing to play in a good tourney like Fresno Force and with the Magic. I think it puts the teams they came from in a bad spot, when one of their players goes plays on a competing team.. Just a situation that is easily avoided, not to mention if they are in the same division you should have picked them up in the offseason.