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June 25, 2022
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Cenntennial Park Softball Complex Field Conditions

Well, after playing at Centennial Park Field #7 for the Reno 60 Tournament, I can honestly say that field was the worst field I have played on in 45 years of tournament softball. You may ask why I would say that...unless you played on it. The problems were not that the field was not flat. Yes, it was an infield that had many high and low spots. We have all played on those fields. This field had what many players saw to be a lip on the right side of the infield as high as 10 inches. Having played second base for a couple of innings, I would also agree. I saw balls hit that lip and go straight up and a couple balls hit it and stop almost immediately. However, what places this field on my "All Worst" list was the sand. There was not an inch of sand as top soil. This field had 2-5 inches of sand and more in some areas. There was so much sand that the base runners for all the teams playing on that field were complaining and worrying about pulling muscles. This also caused grounders to almost stop when they hit heavy sand pockets. I witnessed all kinds of bad hops and balls that went anything but straight.

Before I go on, I would like to point out that this field did not cause us to win or lose. Both teams playing on that field faced the same conditions. As a matter of fact, I would like to thank acting Tournament Director Doug Robbins for changing fields for the championship game.

My reason for writing this is so this field and the others at this park undergo needed improvements. I can tell you with certainty that I have no desire to ever return to this complex. I will also state that many players mentioned they would not be returning.

I would like to hear from other players who were at the complex. Maybe the squeaky wheel can get the grease.

Gary Robertson LPC 60

Nov. 4, 2021
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: Suncoast Melee Diamond 2021 End load-opinions

I appreciate the additional info shortstopchic10 and offer to help.
Oct. 29, 2021
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: Suncoast Melee Diamond 2021 End load-opinions

Thanks for the info Bruce M and mck71. I purchased a few of the last Dudley BK/Y balanced bats a few years ago and I have one left, so I need to find the best substitute. Your info will help me decide. And, mck71, the thinking always gets me.
Oct. 29, 2021
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: Suncoast Melee Diamond 2021 End load-opinions

If I was changing bats from the old Dudley black bat with yellow writing (balanced one piece), which Suncoast bat should I look at buying?
May 19, 2020
Allan55
Topic: Tournaments
Discussion: Reno 60's tournament

I just heard the Reno tourney has been cancelled.
March 14, 2020
Allan55
Topic: Tournaments
Discussion: Corona Virus (COVID-19)

As a softball player who loves this game, I would like to play the upcoming tournament in Mesquite/St. George. I have always wanted to play there. However, if just one player from all of the players who will attend this tournament contracts or already has the virus, that person could unknowingly (Gobert did not know he had the virus. He could have infected half the NBA in one month.) infect a number of players. I would hate to be SSUSA at that time...especially if someone dies or numerous players become sick from playing in the tournament...after so many other organizations cancelled their events.
Dec. 17, 2017
Allan55
Topic: Tournaments
Discussion: Results

If scores can't be updated on site, can't the scores be sent by text to a person who is solely responsible for adding scores to brackets? At our site last September, we had four fields, with games ending roughly every 90 minutes. Even if you had 8 sites, that would mean 32 entries every 90 minutes. At worst, TD's could take pictures of the updated brackets at the end of the day and send them to SSUSA so they could post them.
Dec. 17, 2017
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: survey

I have heard numerous points for and against the 1/1 count. I know the 1/1 count will allow teams to play more innings. That's due to the simple fact that more players are making outs. However, even many of those games that get in 7 innings, still use the full amount of time. So what is gained? I like to play. As long as I get my allotment of time, I am happy. Now if you are really wanting to play 7 innings with a 0/0 count, there is a simple solution. Most people look at the batters taking too many pitches. I can agree with that. However, the pitchers are taking too much time to deliver the pitches...and it is not the pitcher's fault all the time. How many times have you seen a catcher hold the ball and argue pitches, or the catcher throwing the ball over the pitcher's head into the outfield on the return throw, or the catcher slowly walking after a pitch he failed to catch, or the pitcher talking to his fielders every other pitch, or just walking around? I would like to see a time limit between pitches. Then the pitchers would be forced to pitch more often. That would pick up the pace of the game. There are too many pitchers who are human rain delays.
Oct. 17, 2017
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Purging the ratings list?

I agree with both of you. There are teams that broke up years ago and other teams that have not played in the age bracket for 5 years.
Dec. 2, 2016
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Why so many shaved senior bats

Benji4
Do you think shaved bats will be a bigger problem in the future, or will shaved bats go away? I think you know the answer. What is that saying about when good people do nothing...what happens? SSUSA is in charge of things, and they have had to make decisions regarding violations in the past. This is a violation of the rules and should be dealt with. As far as a perfect solution...is anything perfect? I do know there are a few thousand members who could put their thoughts together to come up with a solution. I also know the process of eliminating shaved bats has to start now...rather than later...you do too.

Nov. 30, 2016
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Why so many shaved senior bats

Over the last three years, I have heard more and more people are using shaved bats. If I have heard it, then so have others. Yet nothing has come out of the SSUSA office regarding this. It appears it is the MLB scenario. You remember...Sosa and his corked bats, Mac and his Andro, and Bonds and his Clear...just to name a few. MLB knew what was happening and did nothing for the longest time, because baseball fans were following the game in record numbers. Now look at SSUSA. Senior softball is gaining more popularity every year. SSUSA knows what is going on...yet they appear to be looking the other way because of the success of the association. They seem to be afraid of stepping in and doing the right thing by banning the shaved bats. I like SSUSA, but they fell asleep at the switch on shaved bats.
June 9, 2016
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: SSUSA Staff: Shaved Bats

Benji4,

The amount of shaved bats has increased dramatically over the last five years. The only way to find out is to have SSUSA officials choose a game and walk in each dugout before that game and check every bat in every bag with a compression checker. I guarantee you will see a difference in the game in no time.

I heard SSUSA is checking into altered bats and looking at devices that would be accurate. I can hardly wait.
March 6, 2016
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: bat rolling

During this thread, I have heard SSUSA indicate bat rolling is illegal. I agree 100%. I have never done it and don't want to. However, some players have heard people are shaving senior bats. I have heard more and more players are doing this. I want to know what SSUSA is doing to stop this. Someone is going to get seriously hurt...or worse. I, for one, don't want to see this happen. I feel it is time to check bats before SSUSA tournaments. Spending a few thousand dollars now will be much cheaper than if someone brings a lawsuit against SSUSA. I just want what most players (except bat shavers) want...a level playing field.
Dec. 21, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Appeal process

nicki50,

I feel your pain. I played on a 50 major plus team in the Worlds with a team that had no chance of winning. We played and went 0-5. Yes, we paid our money to go 0-5. After that year, we were reclassified to 50 major. Two years ago two teams were bumped to 55 major plus. They played in the Worlds and did poorly. They were moved down for the next season. Doing well or poorly in tournaments throughout the season is not a true indication of a team's ability. There are many things that can happen; such as players not making tournaments because of other commitments. When teams come to the Worlds, they usually have most or all of their players. It is then that the ability of a team can be fairly judged. You have to go through the process just like the other teams. Good luck this season.
Dec. 21, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: In your whole softball career who was the individual(s) (coach, player, relative, etc) who had the most impact on your approach, development and how you play the game? And why?

Tri18,

I bought the bat mid-season and used it sparingly. It broke in the Worlds. I got just under 200 cuts on it. My Dudleys lasted much longer.
Dec. 19, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: In your whole softball career who was the individual(s) (coach, player, relative, etc) who had the most impact on your approach, development and how you play the game? And why?

That is an easy answer...my father. He worked with me whenever I wanted to play catch or hit. He was big on fundamentals. I can't tell you how many hours he spent with me. He never said he was too busy to work with me. I wish he was alive for me to tell him thanks today.
Dec. 19, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Bat Selection Question

JamesLG,

I agree with several responses that deal with feel and swing weight. I have swung the Mikens and Dudleys. The Miken does have a larger sweet spot, but how many swings do you want to get out of a bat? I used a Miken and a Dudley last year. The Miken lasted me close to 200 swings. The Dudleys (two of them) lasted me approximately 400 and 800 swings respectively. Buy the Dudley...or spend more money on Mikens. Mikens just don't seem to last.
Dec. 19, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Appeal process

Bobby Shea,

My 50 major team finished third in the 50 major Worlds and was bumped to 50 major plus. When a group of 50 major plus players, I was playing with, moved to 55's, we were placed in 55 major plus. We did not win anything and were moved up. Why shouldn't you be playing 55 major plus? I don't think you deserve to be treated any differently.
Dec. 14, 2015
Allan55
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: New Rules

I agree with you, missouridave. I suggested adding no more than two players in another thread. LeeLee, I would have to agree with you also. Three, four, or five players can make a huge difference. I don't think I am the only player who has participated in tournaments or league playoffs where you play a team that is average at best, only to see that team add four or five players when it is money time. Chemistry is important (TheCat43), but skilled players are hard to beat...especially adding four or five of them.
Dec. 14, 2015
Allan55
Topic: Bats
Discussion: The care of senior bats

Years ago, I was told to bring my bats inside the house for the winter if I wanted them to last longer. I was also told the cooler weather would weaken bats left in the garage. This made sense to me, because I found myself breaking bats within the first month of the new season. Keep in mind I was not swinging the bat in the early morning games when the weather was under 80 degrees. I would swing kid bats instead. Once I established the ritual of babying the bats, they started lasting longer. As for the bats getting weaker with time,I had a couple of bats I would only use in the World Tourney once they were broken in, and they lasted years with no drop in pop.

The balls used are a different story. Some of the balls get too hot and they will not go anywhere. If the balls are wet or cold in the morning, they will break bats on a regular basis.
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