WOW there are a lot of Girls Ohio Fastpitch Softball teams!

[default]

One more thing - we decided to put a team together 3 weeks before the tryout and got 67 kids come to our tryouts. We could have put 3 good teams together easily. I heard feedback that some of them (15u), were having trouble finding a team.................

 

[default]

I say that there is never to many teams in travel softball. Yes, you can break down from A, B to C teams...but how many times will you see a C team play in an A tournament, not too often. If we were limited to "x" amount of travel teams...those that are complaining about too many teams, would your team qualify for a national tournament and have that experience to participate for your girls? If we were limited we would see the same teams winning each tournament time and time again. We would have less tournaments to play in as most of the tournaments are from organizations that field fastpitch teams which means costs would be higher due to less competition and you wouldn't have the luxury of having good tournaments close to you...this is just food for thought.

There are some great rec league coaches...and some real bad ones. There are some communities that are softball based which means rec leagues are top priority where others its a money grab for the league. Bottom line is if we want better players, we as coaches need to invest into doing free clinics for rec league coaches and players where we know we could possibly pull from in the future (some org are already doing this such as the Wizards). This allows the younger ages to know that there is such thing as travel softball (and the parents) and hopefully make an impact.

 

[default]

Did a quick spreadsheet from the tryout board and was able to count 238 different organizations that listed their tryouts. I'm sure many of these organizations have teams for each age level, and some with multiple teams for each age level. No wonder there seems to be a shortage of pitching to go around.

 

[default]

I've already noticed several teams around central Ohio already fold because thier not getting enough girls coming out for teams. Is there do many teams? or Is the number of girls dropping off in 12u/10u/8u? We went to a couple try outs and the numbers were diminutive.

 

[default]

When in life you wanna compare yourself to anything you compare yourself to the best. So for fastpitch world I guess California would be state to compare Ohio to. Everyone likes to say how much better some of these states are but let's ask why?
First off if you take top 25 players in any state verse top 25 in Ohio I bet there is not a big gap. Where those states pull ahead is there depth they have more solid players as a whole. There 200 th best player is much better than our 200 th best player. As an example.
So again ask yourself why? Yes they have year round abilities but with all facilities in Ohio we been working hard to combat our weather and keep girls working. I believe they just have more girls playing ball.
So instead of thinking of having to many teams in Ohio lets realize by having so many teams we will actually raise level of play over time. I guarantee you there are girls out there now that are either not good enough to play on top team right now or just getting started. And they will all improve some will improve enough over time to make one of these high level teams that are right now complaining bout watered down competition. The cream will rise to the top!!
If you love this sport and want to see it grow in our state then you should hope for every female in Ohio to try and play ball. There is a team for everyone and when a girl outgrows a team she will move on either by herself or with one of us picking her out and recruiting her to be on our team.
Why are high schools typically better stronger teams the bigger division they are? Answer is because there are more girls to choose from. So instead of complaining embrace it share your wisdom with as many as u can.
I myself have coached several rec teams over the years. I go every year and work with friends of mine that coach rec teams and try to share some of little knowledge I have acquired with them I even take it farther and help other travel teams talk with coaches learn from them and hope maybe they take something from you as we'll. I know my buddy Kavin from cincy static is same way and goes out helps rec coaches every year. And we each have our network of coaching friends we have made that we pull together and share ideas with to make us all better.
When I coached 97 team couple years ago I talked weekly with coaches like Kavin (static) and Matt Grover (classics) would share ideas and hope for all to get better and learn. Then on weekends try your best to beat them lol. But that kind of commoradity exist and is healthy for everyone.
So in closing as I jump off soap box here every time I hear people complain about being watered down etc just irritates me because I love this game my daughters have learned a lot of life lessons made great lifelong friends and got priceless time with there family either practicing or traveling to tournaments and I hope every girl that wants to play gets that experience and in long run will make is all better.

 

[default]

Very good points Jason, do you think the number of girls in the lower ages is dropping? It just seems alot of teams around us are folding before the whole tryout season is over.

 

[default]

Very good points Jason, do you think the number of girls in the lower ages is dropping? It just seems alot of teams around us are folding before the whole tryout season is over.

There definately at least in our area seems to be less 10 u players and teams this year. Part of problem is a lot of people having hard times money etc other problem is I think a lot of 10 u coaches looking for girls to come in be stars but essentially your trying out nine year olds if you can get committed girls that wanna learn you can be solid 10 u team.but yes it definately seems down this year I hope not that way all over

 

[default]

Re: Holy $hit there are a lot of Ohio teams!

Plus; I think a lot of decent pitching is over looked because they may be hitting all the spots and have good diferential on their change but they are not throwing in the 60's.

Exactly. Not all pitchers are looking to play DI but are looking for teams who play competetive schedules so that they can go on to play DII or III. If girls pitching over 60 are playing on the best teams, then the best hitters are connecting with the speed pitches and they all move up to Gold level. Why not have in the pitching "arsenal" a slightly slower pitcher who hits spots with good spin/movement and some awesome junk? The game cannot exist soley on fastballs. Are slower pitchers supposed to play only midlevel teams? Doesn't make much sense when these girls are doing the work, are able to pitch a shut out at nationals, can keep elite level teams to 5 runs a game, and can strike out some great hitters. How do they get better if they are left hanging at the average A level? If elite/gold players make DI college teams, then which players make DII/III college teams?
Just asking the questions in an effort to understand coaching thoughts.

 

[default]

I love how these topics get started then form a life of their own. This one didn't take long. Only by entry 2 it was shifted to a total different topic. Has anyone answered the 1st question yet at all?

 

[default]

Red Bob counted 238 organizations. If each had just a 10u, 12u, 14u, 16u, and 18u that is 1190 different teams.

 

[default]

Re: Holy $hit there are a lot of Ohio teams!

Mark is not joking...... he does have 11 pitchers and that is where they are all at in West Liberty.......lol.

Oh by the I need another 00 pitcher........

 

[default]

Re: Holy $hit there are a lot of Ohio teams!

Mark isn't joking he has 11 pitchers...... they are all in West Liberty.......lol

Oh by the way, I am looking for an 00 pitcher...... anyone.