Message from California Grapettes Tournament Director

[Grapettes Director]

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. Our reason for making this post is because it has been brought to our attention that there are a few of individuals who believe the California Grapettes support idle threats regarding where you decide to play softball and what actions we might take. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are very much aware that you have a "choice" when entering tournaments and we appreciate your continued support in the future. We work very hard to get schedules out in a timely manor; do our best to meet the requests of all the teams when possible, and keep our games on schedule to the best of our ability. Regularly, we hire extra field personal to prep fields between games and are currently working with the City to find ways to upgrade the facilities that we rent. As I’m sure you all know that with budget cuts, especially in the Parks and Recreational Department this is a difficult task but this is essential if we are to earn your continued support.

We will continue to work hard to offer you the highest quality tournaments possible while attracting the most competitive teams in Northern California. Additionally, we will be offering a variety of incentive type tournaments in the upcoming 2011 season.

I look forward to speaking directly with anyone who has any questions or concerns and you may contact me directly on my cell phone at (209) 986-9547.

Regards,
Roy Taylor
California Grapettes
Tournament Director

[lv2earat8]

We will continue to work hard to offer you the highest quality tournaments possible while attracting the most competitive teams in Northern California. Additionally, we will be offering a variety of incentive type tournaments in the upcoming 2011 season.

We do not what incentive type tournaments! WE WHAT A GOOD PRODUCT!!!!!
GOOD FIELDS and GOOD UMPIRES!!!!!!!!!!(along with competitive teams) which ever organization provides these things will get our business!

by the way, thanks for the post but we already assumed you were worried. Just put out a good product and you will have NO worries!

[NumeroUno]

LV,

Roy put his phone number on there why don't you just call him or email him directly with your input or concerns

[anonlooker]

We do not what incentive type tournaments! WE WHAT A GOOD PRODUCT!!!!!

Hey Arto, do we have to engrave a silver platter to get that English butcher buddy of yours involved around here?

[artomatic]

We do not what incentive type tournaments! WE WHAT A GOOD PRODUCT!!!!!

Hey Arto, do we have to engrave a silver platter to get that English butcher buddy of yours involved around here?

Here you go, plus a bonus one...

[watchtonsofsoftball]

I can appreciate the post. I also agree we just want a good project, but I definately understand where the TD is coming from. Be nice to see a similiar post from RR atleast saying they will try to do better (besides on there website). With the money that is made however between the city, RR and Grapes Im sure the 3 of you can get together and make improvements or Donations to the city

[Fun4All]

Agree with Watch... Someone's pockets have been getting fat. The fact that we continue to get charged a gate fee up here is ridiculous. Nowhere down in SoCal do you see this practiced; and their facilities are impeccable, their fields groomed & chalked before every game, and we can bring in our own ice chests/food (yet their snack bars serve a good variety & are usually pretty busy). Also, games seem to run on time for the most part (with the occasional ITB), and you can usually get a good 6-7 innings in per game. In other words, in addition to investing some of their $ they've made into improving facilities they use, maybe the TDs here in the GSJSA might wanna take a seminar in tourney management & good old fashioned customer service. I think you might learn a thing or two.

That Memorial Day alternative in Sac will hopefully spawn more alternatives. Seems like they have the right idea... Hope the competition serves to improve the tourneys we're offered up here overall.

[mr.flamboyant]

I can appreciate the post. I also agree we just want a good project, but I definately understand where the TD is coming from. Be nice to see a similiar post from RR atleast saying they will try to do better (besides on there website). With the money that is made however between the city, RR and Grapes Im sure the 3 of you can get together and make improvements or Donations to the city

Ya right..remember your talking about a guy that charged gate fee to a friendly. A poorly ran one at that (RR)

[Iluvblue]

Other than saying the fields sucked, I dont see what anyone can possibly complain about.

The cost of the "friendly" was up front.
they are using fields they have to pay for.

These "Friendlies" are not really friendlies. They are the same people putting on a 1 day kind of tournament so team can have a place to play. For those that are bitching about things, put on your own friendly and do whatever you want to do.

I personally dont charge a gate, dont charge teams more than I have to put out for umps, but I am not paying for fields either.

Same with the tournaments. The people that run the tournaments run them the way they want. Teams can either go, or not. If you go to a tourney and you are not happy with what you get, then dont go back. Send an email to the person running the tourney and let them know your concerns.

I have one major complaint about the Stockton tourneys, and that is field conditions. I personally dont care if it is the city that keeps them from working on the fields. It is a business, and those fields should be in better shape. Arnaiz?? No complaints (nets would be nice to protect from foul balls). But the facility is top notch. And if you dont like not being able to bring food in, walk the 50 stinking feet to your car and drink your drink and eat your food.

Bottom line is we have a place to play damn near EVERY WEEKEND. Now if they can upgrade McNair (pitching circle is atrocious) and get Louis back to where it used to be, we are pretty lucky.

Umps??? Umps stink all over the place, doesnt matter where you go. And please dont tell me they are so good in socal. Last Summer a home plate blue basically ejected her partner and said she would call the game herself. It was hilarious as the guy in the field was on his cell with the head of umps during the game. So we get all kinds no matter where you go.

Are our tourneys perfect? Nope So fix the dang field conditions and most will be pretty happy in my opinion. If city is holding things back......... well I seem to remember a nice concrete box that .......... well I dont need to say more:)

The real problem is the fact that these tourneys have gotten so big that we simply dont have the quality fields to support 80 team tourneys on a weekly basis. It was not that long ago when 8-12 teams were in an age bracket..... not anymore.

[anonlooker]

Agree with Watch... Someone's pockets have been getting fat. The fact that we continue to get charged a gate fee up here is ridiculous. Nowhere down in SoCal do you see this practiced; and their facilities are impeccable, their fields groomed & chalked before every game, and we can bring in our own ice chests/food (yet their snack bars serve a good variety & are usually pretty busy). Also, games seem to run on time for the most part (with the occasional ITB), and you can usually get a good 6-7 innings in per game. In other words, in addition to investing some of their $ they've made into improving facilities they use, maybe the TDs here in the GSJSA might wanna take a seminar in tourney management & good old fashioned customer service. I think you might learn a thing or two.

That Memorial Day alternative in Sac will hopefully spawn more alternatives. Seems like they have the right idea... Hope the competition serves to improve the tourneys we're offered up here overall.

Umm... how much do you play down here in SoCal? Because you seem to be overstating the luxurious standards of our facilities and maintenance. If you read the SoCal boards, it is not at all unusual to see complaints in one form or another.

At a showcase a few weeks ago the fields were in pretty bad shape... not groomed, raked, etc. There were plenty of complaints and the organizers offered teams refunds if they chose not to play. I'm pretty sure everyone played.

So while I can't comment on the condition of your fields up north, the idea that our kids are playing on perfect fields just doesn't hold water. So to speak.

And the food, with rare exception, is really nothing better than sustenance. Every now and then a single item at a friendly or tournament is really done right, but overall we're offered pretty much the same Smart 'n Final pre-frozen burgers and hot dogs you are.

And 7 inning games? Some, not many. More as you get into the older age groups, but that's not a function of the facilities.

All that said, I hope things get better for your kids up there. They put forth their best effort every time they step on the dirt... the adults should be obligated to do the same.