Message from California Grapettes Tournament Director

[watchtonsofsoftball]

The powers that be at RR

[Iluvblue]

Im not defending anyone ...... and I think we all have legitimate gripes that will hopefully be addressed. I know some things at Arnaiz are/will be addressed, hopefully real soon. But I just get tired of people always getting slammed.

Most people involved in the game are pretty similar. Nobody can be involved in this game if they didnt love it. I also know some people that get slammed on this site that do some really great things for kids that you dont even know they do, but those things are not put on the site, only the negative.



So quick to slam people for anything, but never give any props. I guess that is just the way our society is now, cant wait to tear people down.

[#1fann]

Hey ILB, talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! Why don`t you lead by example? It`s extremely rare that you have anything good to say about anybody other than singing your own praises. So why don`t you start the ball rolling and tell us some good things you have to say about other people, coaches, or organizations. Before you going throwing darts at people look in the mirror.

[Joe]

Fast pitch Coaches:
While we are not proponents of forums, as they at times can get out of hand, we also realize that many people do read them.

Mr. Grape:

Could you give us all of your other screen names so we can watch and learn how to be a proponent of creating forums that..."at times can get out of hand"?

[2nd2none]

Hey ILB, talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! Why don`t you lead by example? It`s extremely rare that you have anything good to say about anybody other than singing your own praises. So why don`t you start the ball rolling and tell us some good things you have to say about other people, coaches, or organizations. Before you going throwing darts at people look in the mirror.

Amen #1, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad somebody said something. I've always tried to just bite my tongue and try not say anything cuz guys like him just comes off negative and wants to criticize. But since you and others have voiced your concern about this topic, I couldn't help but support you guys. I know for a fact that there are a lot of people that feel the same way but have stayed away from the drama. For someone who is known to the softball community (at least in the San Joaquin area), you would think he would be more positive or at least constructive with his criticism. He's right when he states that too many people are negative, unfortunately most of the time he's the one stirring things up and/or being negative. You don't have to look far to find all the negativity and sarcasm, just read his posts. He comes out as if his word is the only one that matters and when someone questions him he goes on the defensive. He'll make comments to make himself look like he's the voice of reason or that he's oblivious to wants going on but all that is just a front. Its an ego thing! "Look at me and look what I have done and accomplished. But what do I know." Just like he is doing now but claims he isn't, which is plain as day.

ILB, I think you need to get off your high horse, check your own ego and realize that your realities are not always everyones reality. To each his own (right or wrong), and if you don't believe in this cause of making it a better experience for everyone, than just let it be. Its not always about you but I'm sure you'll have a rebuttal and be on the defensive. I don't expect any less.

I think there are a lot of good, valid, and intelligent points made here about the tourneys in the Stockton area and the powers that be that run it. I do believe that it will eventually get back to them. Either here in heybucket, other forums, word of mouth, and/or by the turnouts in this years memorial tourney. Yes, only time will tell but at least others are trying to make some positive changes. If we just listened to ILB than nothing would ever happen. Its like the lottery, if you don't play than you definitely wont win. If people don't speak up, than of course everything will remain status quo. There's no guarantee things will change but all you can do is try.

If these TDs (i.e. BR & RT) love the game like ILB says they do, than they should be able to figure out a way where its a win win situation for everyone or at least try. I'm sure once upon a time they did this mostly for the love of the game but over the years their pockets have gotten fat and its become strictly business and about the almighty $$$. And so noone says I didn't say anything positive....I know along the ways some girls have gotten scholarships partially because of these same guys, which by no means a small deal but these same guys have been also repaid over and over. JMHO

[Iluvblue]

Talk in specifics (in regards to me) and my "Negativity" and I will be glad to discuss them. But talk about how negative I am and not have a specific quote to back it up, rings hollow to me.

Read what I said..... we have legit gripes no doubt, and I can promise you that I was bitching about fields LONG ago, I was griping about umps LONG ago, I have been griping about costs forever.

And the HUGE difference between you and me..... I dont hide who I am am, so when I do criticize something or someone, I have the balls to let people know who I am, and dont hide behind a keyboard. So I really have NO PROBLEM with someone getting on here and criticizing to their hearts content, as long as we all know who you are. But I dont see that on here........ EVER. I do have a problem with anonymous posters getting on here and blasting people as they cower behind their computer.

[Iluvblue]

LOL..... 2nd2none.... you make my point for me. You say you prefer to "Bite your tongue," yet you start a new screen name so you can make your "First post," to comment on me and this topic. Hilarious.

Like i said, if i complain about something or someone and people dont like it, they see me at the park all the time. And if I specifically criticize an individual by name (which I think is pretty rare) at least that person can come speak to me if i really offended them.

You guys on the other hand, blast away and stay hidden. Why dont you start signing your real name on your posts so we can all know who you are.... but we all know that isnt about to happen.

So no, I dont think it is the pot calling the kettle black at all.

Now hurry off and make another screen name....lol

[PitchersDad99]

Don't count me in the "hiding behind computer screens" crowd. If anyone has a problem with anything I have said they can P.M. me and I will give my Name and Phone number. We can set up a meeting and they can call me a P***Y to my face.

I only speak from my own experience and would never throw anyone under the bus based off of hearsay.

There have been backroom deals made by all of the old guard in this "Good Old Boys" network for years. The people that were affected by them never knew what hit them or who it was swinging the bat. Now the people who were being hit by the bat have a way of swinging back. There has always been someone hiding behind something or someone.

This is my only screen name and I do not plan on creating another.

[Iluvblue]

We can set up a meeting and they can call me a P***Y to my face.


I dont think anyone was calling anyone anything.

[watchtonsofsoftball]

I am watchtonsofsoftball and I only have one screen name. I dont disclose my real name as I have to many affiliates that would not be happy with some of my views
Plus , its just better this way. I do my best not to get in arguments on the internet that people who know me, know I would say in person anyhow.
I think blue makes it easy to bash because he is alittle "different" then the norm and we all know who he is. My opinion of him means jack, but to me I think at times he is arrogant but puts a good product on the field and at the end of the day thats what the kids and parents on his teams want. I know if my dd was on this team, Id appreciate how he is. But when your kid is not , he comes across all wrong. Dont really think that label is fair completely, but I DO understand why others feel the way they do. So basically I'm impartial to all this crap