We'll call you

The rain has just been relentless for the past month. Today we decided to tell parents, "We'll call you if practice is ON. For now, everything is cancelled for the week." It's just unreal. My daughter is supposed to play in a Triple Crown tournament this weekend and I just don't think it's going to happen. If it continues to rain tomorrow as the weather report predicts, there is no way the field will be playable this weekend. After all this rain that complex is going to need the next two days to be dry in order to begin the tournament on Friday as scheduled. It's such a bummer for the kids because they don't get to play or practice softball. Plus, with all the rain, they go nuts being couped up in the house all the time. Those of you who live in states with snow - I'm sure you know what I mean. Anyway - hopefully this rain lets up soon. They keep saying it'll be around for "another 10 days" but I swear I've heard that for about 3 weeks now. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

8U softball is therapy

Of course, some 8U coaches might think they'll need therapy after the season. But since I don't coach 8U, it is so refreshing after a high school season to go out and watch 8U softball. The girls are having fun! Even if they can't actually do what the coach is asking, they most certainly are trying which is more than can be said for high school players on some days. There are smiles throughout the practice and the game I went to the other day was great.

No, the team my girls were on didn't win, but I saw my 4-year old hit a coach-pitch ball for the first time ever in a game. Because she is the smallest on the team everyone was so excited! Even though it seemed like an eternity before her little legs got her to first, she made it safely to the bag.

My 6-yr-old never reached first safely, but during the course of the game, as she was getting ready to go into the on deck circle, one of the coaches asked her if she was enjoying herself. She already had a huge smile on her face, so she just nodded and ran out to the field. That was great to see.

After the game was over, we went home and my oldest daughter (age 9) asked her younger sisters, "What's the most important thing about softball?"

My 4-year-old said, "Don't talk when the coach is talking." That made me smile, at least I know she' paying attention at least part of the time in practice. My oldest daughter acknowledged that was important, but asked again, what was most important. Her sisters made a few more guesses, most of which had to do with listening to the coach or trying your best. Then finally I said, "Have fun."

My oldest daughter said, "Yes! Have fun!"

That made my day.

What's your favorite softball bat?

Here's a poll that I sent out to my Fastpitch Members. Eventually, I'll have their responses to share with you, but if you're not a Fastpitch Member and you want to participate in the poll, simply respond to the following questions right here by clicking on the "comment" link below this post.

Here are the questions for this Softball Bat poll:

AllAboutFastpitch.com wants to know, if you could recommend just one bat to others which bat would it be and why?

Would your recommendation differ for 8u/10u players vs older players? If so, what would your recommendations be?

Is there any bat you just flat out don't like?

We all look forward to reading your comments!

New Site - Fastpitch Vision Training

Aloha!

Just wanted to share a new site with you. It's FastpitchVisionTraining.com.

Get information on:

~ Basic info on Vision Training
~ How vision affects fastpitch softball performancer
~ Simple Vision Training Exercises to improve your vision

Check it out today - FastpitchVisionTraining.com

Going to an 8U softball game

This afternoon we're off to see our daughters' first 8U softball game of the season! Finally - the weather here has just been horrible for softball. I know, we live in Hawaii and we still get cancelled games due to weather. There has been so much rain for the past 3-4 weeks, but today, we actually have some blue skies and clear weather. My goodness, I think we may get to see a game today!

How has the softball weather been in your part of the country?

Jennie Finch on Joes vs. Pros

I don't know if you had a chance to watch it, but last night I saw the "Joes vs. Pros" episode that featured Jennie Finch as one of the Pros. I thought it was kinda funny. I wanted to see her fan all three Joes, but one of them actually did put the ball in play. Of course, with an actual defense on the field, he may not have actually reached 1st. Who knows? He was just happy he hit the ball - it may not have been pretty, but he hit it. I should mention, though, that his hit came after she made him look silly striking out on pitches up out of the strike zone.

Easy to Tell a Friend - Fastpitch Membership

Now it's even easier to refer a friend to our Free Fastpitch Membership. Simply direct them to FreeFastpitchTips.com and they'll go straight to a sign up page that tells them about what our Fastpitch Membership is like. It's easy to remember and easy to sign up. Next time you want to tell someone about our Fastpitch Membership, just direct them to www.FreeFastpitchTips.com!

If you have a team website, simply link to FreeFastpitchTips.com to refer your visitors.

Iowa State U wins softball Invitational

The ISU Cyclones won the Charleston Southern University Fastpitch Invitational this past weekend. Kennesaw State was actually up by 2 runs in the 6th inning in the championship game. Katie Reichling's grand slam gave the Cyclones the runs they needed to take the title.

The story can be found at http://www.iowastatedaily.com/home/ --> Sports --> Softball clinches weekend victories.

Muskingum softball team ranked

The Muskingum softball team is ranked number 4 in the 2006 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 poll. Coming off their 3rd straight Division III World Series appearance and under the direction of Donna Newberry, the NCAA Div III all-time winningest coach, the Muskingum softball team looks forward the the start of another great season.

Check them out at http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060228/SPORTS/602280309/1006

Big 12 Softball Players of the Week

Congratulations to Cat Osterman and Desiree Williams who both earned Big 12 Player of the week honors this week. Cat Osterman was named both the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week and USA Softball National Player of the Week. Osterman set the NCAA record for career strikeouts. Sophomore shortstop Desiree Williams picked up her first career Big 12 Player of the Week award.

Read the story at: http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=48&url_article_id=3492&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2