250' fences

Stedman00

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Mild complaint at recent tourney. And it wasn't a surprise, so that's not the complaint. And all teams played on fences of same length, so it wasn't a luck of the draw scenerio for the fields or an advantage to some versus others.

But why does a softball complex have 250' fences? And then not install temp fences for girls softball?

I can totally see and understand the 300' fences at say Berliner cause fields used for slow pitch, they quickly install temp fences.

But this past weekend there were so many BOMBS hit by girls from all the teams that were caught at the fence or just long XBH hits, because of the extra long fences.

Even the college fences are ~200-220', that's the way the game is. 250' is just crazy and changes the game.

rant complete.
 

Tallmadge Force Gold

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We played on a 290 foot fence a week ago and my complaint was the opposite. Singles and doubles turned into HRs. We had three inside the park homeruns hit against us that would have been two singles and one double on a 200 foot fence. Our team also hit an inside the park home run that would have been a double. These were just friendlys but showed how different a game would be on a much longer fence.
 

tschromm3

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Imagine how different this game would play if the fields went to 45/65 and 250' fences? not advocating for it, but just interesting to wonder how the game would change.
 

AnotherSoftballDad

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Mild complaint at recent tourney. And it wasn't a surprise, so that's not the complaint. And all teams played on fences of same length, so it wasn't a luck of the draw scenerio for the fields or an advantage to some versus others.

But why does a softball complex have 250' fences? And then not install temp fences for girls softball?

I can totally see and understand the 300' fences at say Berliner cause fields used for slow pitch, they quickly install temp fences.

But this past weekend there were so many BOMBS hit by girls from all the teams that were caught at the fence or just long XBH hits, because of the extra long fences.

Even the college fences are ~200-220', that's the way the game is. 250' is just crazy and changes the game.

rant complete.
Must be talking about Grand Park. I agree with you but believe it or not...I saw 2 HRs over the 250ft sign in Centerfield. When we were there 2 weekends ago....it was impressive.
 

Passion4theGame

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Played at Grand Park and witnessed a 16u young lady hit it over the 250’ / 8’ high fence. She cleared the walking track behind the field. Easily 275-280’.

Pitchers if you Miss your spot, you will pay.


Several balls should have been over the fence this weekend but being on 250’ plus fields they turned into extra base hits or long outs. Personally I don’t like it. 200’ fence is plenty for women’s softball.
 

Xrayaries

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There are some HS that don't even have fences. I watched 5 ground balls in one game turn into home runs.
 

HITTER23

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Never understood Grand park having '250 fences on a NEW facility. Not like '250 fences are used elsewhere in another sport. Having said that, ive seen a few bombs there, and it really stands out when you get one.
 

DynastyFastpitch

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There are some HS that don't even have fences. I watched 5 ground balls in one game turn into home runs.
When looking through the state record holders for home runs, triples etc. in Ohio, I always thought, were these on fields with fences or fields without? It makes quite a difference. Years back, my high school team played on fields that didn't have a fence.
 

SMc4SMc

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  1. Morgan Sky
  2. I see plenty of Pitching and Catching instructors around, where are the Outfield studs that want to pass on their skills and knowledge? Oh! and a million hitting instructors! Lol.


    Oct 7, 2020
  3. Doom Leader
    There just aren’t enough kids interested in working on their defense! They spend lots of money on hitting and fitness training and most forget all about their defense or think that money is better spent on hitting . I have worked with several on defense over the years and it definitely pays off!! Great post!

    Oct 7, 2020
 

Coach Big Mike

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In my opinion: Whatever organization is holding a tournament the director should be responsible for assuring the outfields are set to the proper distance especially for softball... Prime example. 300+Center field with 8' fence shouldn't be used in softball without temporary fences installed...
 

daboss

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In my opinion: Whatever organization is holding a tournament the director should be responsible for assuring the outfields are set to the proper distance especially for softball... Prime example. 300+Center field with 8' fence shouldn't be used in softball without temporary fences installed...

Not going to happen. TD's don't own the fields. They normally rent/lease them for a weekend. They are not going to spent the money for even plastic temporary fencing and posts to put them up. Even aligning the help could be a nightmare.

My guess is the park with the 250ft. fencing was done because of issues with space due to the park being used for other activities, bad layout advice from somebody, or simply because the powers to be have no clue what length would be the most beneficial. They may have compromised without considering the use of temporary fencing for leagues with different needs. Key word here is "temporary" because park crews are not going to want them left up due to hindering the mowing and maintenance. 250ft to 270ft. fencing was not that uncommon around here for slow=pitch softball. They simply used a softer core ball to try and control the homerun factor.
 

Coach Big Mike

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I mean no disrespect to any Tournament Director from any organization... just merely stating that the TD should make arrangements with whoever owns & operates the facilities used to provide "Temporary Fencing" where needed. I realize money is the main factor in this issue but the bottom line is it should be done for the players! Not the parents, not the coaches and definitely not for the money!
 

daboss

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I mean no disrespect to any Tournament Director from any organization... just merely stating that the TD should make arrangements with whoever owns & operates the facilities used to provide "Temporary Fencing" where needed. I realize money is the main factor in this issue but the bottom line is it should be done for the players! Not the parents, not the coaches and definitely not for the money!

With all do respect:

Received and noted------------not going to happen.

In today's world be happy you have a park to play. As large a contingent as the softball world is, they still don't carry enough clout to influence the decision-makers on getting what you want unless you have the "right" soft heart in place. There are a few constituents that's "had enough" and built their own softball fields. Most went broke. The others are constantly being scrutinized for charging people to use their facility. It is about the kids---------all the kids.

If a public facility/park is in question, watch out who you vote for because that representative might be from a soccer family and the fields might disappear altogether. Maintenance crews would love to rip fencing down and grass seed the infields. Riding these new mowers is much easier than maintaining an infield weekly.

Why do those diamonds still exist? Because once they were built they simply left them in place. It took a sport specific group of people to champion for ball fields back in the day. In many cases they volunteered the labor, possibly got sponsorship to donate the materials needed, and they constructed what now exists for free.

FREE???? Yes, that is a word and a lot of good people lived it. They didn't just want it............

Personally, I have the utmost respect for them and would like to thank them for all they have done. I have personally been a part of a few groups and poured my blood, sweat, and tears into a few efforts for others to benefit from the fruits of our labor. I don't need a pat on the back but the others are true unsung heroes of our sport for sure. For those individuals and organizations that have dedicated their money, time, and effort for the fields we do have, I say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing these playgrounds and ball fields for the kids----------all the kids.
 

Coach Big Mike

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With all do respect:

Received and noted------------not going to happen.

In today's world be happy you have a park to play. As large a contingent as the softball world is, they still don't carry enough clout to influence the decision-makers on getting what you want unless you have the "right" soft heart in place. There are a few constituents that's "had enough" and built their own softball fields. Most went broke. The others are constantly being scrutinized for charging people to use their facility. It is about the kids---------all the kids.

If a public facility/park is in question, watch out who you vote for because that representative might be from a soccer family and the fields might disappear altogether. Maintenance crews would love to rip fencing down and grass seed the infields. Riding these new mowers is much easier than maintaining an infield weekly.

Why do those diamonds still exist? Because once they were built they simply left them in place. It took a sport specific group of people to champion for ball fields back in the day. In many cases they volunteered the labor, possibly got sponsorship to donate the materials needed, and they constructed what now exists for free.

FREE???? Yes, that is a word and a lot of good people lived it. They didn't just want it............

Personally, I have the utmost respect for them and would like to thank them for all they have done. I have personally been a part of a few groups and poured my blood, sweat, and tears into a few efforts for others to benefit from the fruits of our labor. I don't need a pat on the back but the others are true unsung heroes of our sport for sure. For those individuals and organizations that have dedicated their money, time, and effort for the fields we do have, I say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing these playgrounds and ball fields for the kids----------all the kids.
Next time I respond I will make sure I explain everything thoroughly so there is no confusion on what I am trying to say...
 

daboss

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Next time I respond I will make sure I explain everything thoroughly so there is no confusion on what I am trying to say...

To Coach Big Mike;

Look Coach, I'm not trying to be a "know it all" kind of guy and realize I can come off that way at times. I apologize if it seems that way. The topic is a good one for debate. Your comments are noted. My responses may appear sour. My attitude comes from frustration at times due to my involvement in the game for soooo many years. I've fought the fight. I did not win. My fight went beyond my local/regional involvement ranging from a parent trying to make a difference, coaching at all levels, to actually running for public office twice. I spent a term on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association national board. I have heard the conversation behind closed doors and it can be scary what the "powers to be" would want if they could get it.

There are a few excellent TD's out there that have gone the extra mile----------for the kids. Locally, West Liberty Force organization in West Liberty, Ohio (I'll withhold names of leaders and members that I truly respect) bought/ were involved in the purchase of temporary fencing that is used at times in Lion's Club Park. That's on fields that were designed for and still used for slow-pitch softball as well as fastpitch. A prime example of a club/lodge working with unpaid volunteers to do the right thing. These lodges, clubs, and organizations are almost always non-profit. In many cases, people pay dues to be a part of the membership. They pay for the hat so they can volunteer. Most have a recreation committee of some sort and almost always are looking for ways to give back to the community---------and our youth. There's more to them than the underbelly or image some inherit from private clubs with selfish motives.

My point is; you are more likely to get the understanding and help from a club or lodge than a public facility------or a privately owned complex.

I am aware of an individual that personally bought and donated plastic fencing and posts, enough for 2 fields, to a community park (not my community lol). All this in preparation for a fastpitch tourney a club planned to host and rented the facilities for a weekend. The fencing was donated to the park and never put up. When I inquired why, I was told it was not used because they didn't have the zip ties to connect the fencing to the posts. Numerous tourneys have been held over the years and to my understanding the fencing was never used. Last I checked years ago, nobody knew where it was. Lost--------never put up. Plenty of excuses tho........

The Fastpitch Softball world needs people with passion to carry the torch for the sport. Honestly, this game should be one of the most popular sports in the world for today's young ladies for a variety of reasons. Boycotting a park for reasons because the park doesn't suit your needs to the tee will not work. Shaming them won't work. Even trying to reason with them won't work if the people in charge don't care---------about fastpitch. Be careful, the fields might disappear...............
 

Coach Big Mike

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To Coach Big Mike;

Look Coach, I'm not trying to be a "know it all" kind of guy and realize I can come off that way at times. I apologize if it seems that way. The topic is a good one for debate. Your comments are noted. My responses may appear sour. My attitude comes from frustration at times due to my involvement in the game for soooo many years. I've fought the fight. I did not win. My fight went beyond my local/regional involvement ranging from a parent trying to make a difference, coaching at all levels, to actually running for public office twice. I spent a term on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association national board. I have heard the conversation behind closed doors and it can be scary what the "powers to be" would want if they could get it.

There are a few excellent TD's out there that have gone the extra mile----------for the kids. Locally, West Liberty Force organization in West Liberty, Ohio (I'll withhold names of leaders and members that I truly respect) bought/ were involved in the purchase of temporary fencing that is used at times in Lion's Club Park. That's on fields that were designed for and still used for slow-pitch softball as well as fastpitch. A prime example of a club/lodge working with unpaid volunteers to do the right thing. These lodges, clubs, and organizations are almost always non-profit. In many cases, people pay dues to be a part of the membership. They pay for the hat so they can volunteer. Most have a recreation committee of some sort and almost always are looking for ways to give back to the community---------and our youth. There's more to them than the underbelly or image some inherit from private clubs with selfish motives.

My point is; you are more likely to get the understanding and help from a club or lodge than a public facility------or a privately owned complex.

I am aware of an individual that personally bought and donated plastic fencing and posts, enough for 2 fields, to a community park (not my community lol). All this in preparation for a fastpitch tourney a club planned to host and rented the facilities for a weekend. The fencing was donated to the park and never put up. When I inquired why, I was told it was not used because they didn't have the zip ties to connect the fencing to the posts. Numerous tourneys have been held over the years and to my understanding the fencing was never used. Last I checked years ago, nobody knew where it was. Lost--------never put up. Plenty of excuses tho........

The Fastpitch Softball world needs people with passion to carry the torch for the sport. Honestly, this game should be one of the most popular sports in the world for today's young ladies for a variety of reasons. Boycotting a park for reasons because the park doesn't suit your needs to the tee will not work. Shaming them won't work. Even trying to reason with them won't work if the people in charge don't care---------about fastpitch. Be careful, the fields might disappear...............
No wonder your daboss! Simple misunderstood statement turns into a keyboard war... I will never comment again.. I will merely keep my comments to myself! The 2 associations we are in the TD directors are awesome!!... yes, they have made it happen during these crazy times we live in. They keep it safe as well... so in conclusion: I'm bowing out.... You win!
 
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PaulP

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This turned into a surprising good discussion. It comes down to money (or effort).

This trend may not matter. I’m guessing the next generation of fastpitch players will be able hit hrs over a 250 fence more often. Hitting techniques have exchanged a lot during the past 6-8 years. Best hitters in college have swings like MLB players. 70+ mph swings will be commonplace as better batting techniques is taught to younger players.
 

DanMaz

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In my opinion: Whatever organization is holding a tournament the director should be responsible for assuring the outfields are set to the proper distance especially for softball... Prime example. 300+Center field with 8' fence shouldn't be used in softball without temporary fences installed...
maybe TD's need to put a "fence" disclosure in their tourney description so teams know the fence situation before sending in registration.... OR ASK FIRST B4 you commit. its not that hard. :)
 

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