10 under teams.

[FastBat]

Who has the best pitchers, there are your best teams.

Answer: Probably where the best instructors are located. Just my observation, but they do go hand in hand, good instruction equals good pitching. There are exceptions to the rule.

Can't do it with pitching alone, if you want to win, someone has to score; atleast once!

 

[Westler33]

I agree you can't win without runs and good D. also.

 

[FastBat]

Good luck this season!

 

[Ri-domination]

I realize your daughter is a pitcher and so that you know it's not personal. I did state that I haven't seen them all but I have seen quite a few thus far and have spoke with others about the pitching they've seen also. This is my dd's 3rd season at 10u and last season we were around the top teams all season and I can say and others I've spoke with agree it's not as strong state wide. I by no means am saying there won't be any decent pitching but not like last year. Last year I would estimate that in the top 15 teams probably at least 8-9 teams had girls throwing high 40's close to 50, and would say a handfull were over 50 at times with lasers black pitcher throwing low to mid 50's. What I and others I've spoke with have seen is the stronger pitching seen so far is in the 44-46 range. No doubt some will pick up over the winter but not all and with that being said there has not been that many I've seen hitting that at this point. Also like I said before the girls throwing upper 40s were being hit last year and I don't mean a little, they were being hit game in and game out. Mid 40s is batting practice for alot of these girls. No disrespect meant I'm just not seeing it yet. I will agree to disagree but I don't think as a whole it's as strong statewide as last season. Just my opinion at this point and if I'm proven wrong as time goes by I have no problem admitting it.

 

[flygirlsdad]

Pitching rules at 10u. Smaller ball from 35 feet. Take the best pitcher off your top 3 teams from last year and put them on a decent rec team, and that rec team is suddenly top 10, if not top 5. That is why the top 10 at 10u is so unpredictable in the fall and any number of teams can get in the top 10 next year because of pitching. Not to take anything away from the hitters and other position players, but the pitcher rules at 10u. Hopefully calling the pitching down a notch is not a trend.

 

[Ri-domination]

Just trying to call it like I see it. Do you have a dd that is a 10u pitcher by chance.?

 

[Lasers 04 Coach Mike]

Pitching rules at 10u. Smaller ball from 35 feet. Take the best pitcher off your top 3 teams from last year and put them on a decent rec team, and that rec team is suddenly top 10, if not top 5. That is why the top 10 at 10u is so unpredictable in the fall and any number of teams can get in the top 10 next year because of pitching. Not to take anything away from the hitters and other position players, but the pitcher rules at 10u. Hopefully calling the pitching down a notch is not a trend.

Agree 100%; Solid pitching is HUGE at any age; however, if you don't have a solid catcher to compliment the "Ace"; the dominant pitching isn't as effective on that Rec. team. Great catchers often get overlooked because of the "Ace" on the mound throwing HEAT at 10U. Again;;;; take a strong catcher out of the equation, and its a different game.

 

[weekendsoftball]

Agree 100%; Solid pitching is HUGE at any age; however, if you don't have a solid catcher to compliment the "Ace"; the dominant pitching isn't as effective on that Rec. team. Great catchers often get overlooked because of the "Ace" on the mound throwing HEAT at 10U. Again;;;; take a strong catcher out of the equation, and its a different game.

Agree Mike. A vacuum catcher is just as important as a good pitcher. Often a strikeout pitch is not a strike at all. On a 3rd strike, the catcher has much of the pressure to stop or squeeze that fast dying changup or low and in fastball. And if she doesn't, must keep composure to throw a "strike" to first to complete the out.

 

[The Dude]

Mine is playing second season at this level & lucky enough to be on one of the top four listed teams @ beginning of thread. The Battery is definitely most important thing at this age, no doubt. We keep score all the time, and it's not uncommon to see a five run inning on one hit! Crazy right? Coaching is also key at the younger levels. 9 & 10 year olds are nowhere currently near how good they can become. The right coaches will set this journey in motion. Luckily we have a good group of guys coaching.

 

[Ri-domination]

Should be interesting to see some of the match ups that go on this winter and early spring. I'm sure by June there will be a much clearer picture by then.

 

[Westler33]

I agree RI this summer should be very fun to watch a lot of very good teams!

 

[TOOFLY1]

Alot are so caught up on speed, speed, speed of a pitcher. As Ri said, girls were hitting last year. If you have a pitcher willing to put in the work of being able to step in and move the ball around, with a great catcher to showcase-you're in at 10u!! Throw in a great D and some bats and there you go!

 

[Laser05]

We have already played some great teams during the fall and look forward to playing them all next summer.

 

[Ohiostingrays04]

Most of the top teams will be playing in the top tournaments such as Spano, Dayton Metro, Stingrays, Laser Nation, Gapps and others. Will be a great summer, just need to get past all the white stuff on the ground outside... Spring can't get here fast enough!!!

 

[Westler33]

That's funny you called it the white stuff because I would not let my kids say the word until it came. lol maybe I was thinking if we didn't say it it wouldn't come. Dreamer I guess. lol