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Nov. 29, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: Bats
Discussion: Mikens New Ultra II Black debuts.....

OOPS! Another hijacked thread. Sorry for my part - I got sucked in. I'll try to make it up with an applicable post:

I bought two of the new balanced Mikens just before the 50 Worlds. I only took about 50 swings in batting practice there. I also tried a few swings with it at the Huntsman. They swing nicely, but it will take me awhile to get it going because I try to emulate my hero Slappy as I don't swing hard very often. I did hit the small sweet spot a couple of times, and it worked pretty well.

In summary, I have yet to see it truly pop, but I am optimistic that it will break-in well and last a long time. It seems to have potential if the sweet spot will grow.
Nov. 29, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: Bats
Discussion: Mikens New Ultra II Black debuts.....

Tim: The Cat fears nothing. I have not posted because you're still beating the same tired drum nearly two months later. While there is a degree of truth to what you say, you are still spinning it... over... and over... and over... and over... and over...

SSUSA used its discretionary powers when it considered each player within the "intent" of the current rules. I sleep well knowing that there was no "intentional" wrong doing by anyone. It's been fairly adjudicated. Change the rules if you can, but stop irritating everyone.

Hey, were is the Message Board Restraining Order Section? How much does it cost? Who do I hire to serve it??? How long will it take???
Nov. 29, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: SCREENS IN TOURNAMENTS

cronin: I definitely see your point, but don't get me wrong. I'm just throw'n it out there for those who need it. I'm not asking for it nor would I use it.

I believe that it is a serious disadvantage for the minority of pitchers who can truly field their positions very well. Being stuck behind that thing would prevent double plays at the pitcher. More important, it would prevent a quality pitcher from throwing a designed pitch and cheating in that direction. Those negatives actually advantage the offense - The defensive team has that choice to make.

With that said, it would protect the remaining 90% who get smoked on a somewhat regular basis. It would give them an opportunity to compete, yet remain safe without penalizing the offense. But again, it should not be forced. I would be against that.
Nov. 29, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: SCREENS IN TOURNAMENTS

This has been an interesting thread to read with some excellent points regarding stupid rules imposed with the screen, the intensity of the batted balls, our slowing reflexes, OUR EGOS, and BIG MONEY...

We seniors are close to being the last of the old school who learned to play prior to the game changing bats and balls which resulted in the defense continuously getting smoked. More and more players don't understand the original concepts of "getting in front of the ball" and "most little guys don't hit home runs." With players' egos, bat manufacturers profit margins, and associations need to keep players interested in their particular organization, "Rocket Ball" is now the new norm.

With the heaping advantage given to the offense, what has been done to level the game defensively? NOT MUCH! 30 run games, limits on runs per innings, and face masks - what does that tell you about the offensive advantage. We are all older, slower, don't want to get hurt, and hopefully, still take pride in our defense. Therefore, we have this interesting debate over what should be done. We all agree, "SOMETHING."

With the various player interests, no one answer will make everybody happy. Remember though, pitchers want to be safe, and they want to participate defensively; however they have different levels of skills and ability. With that said, here are some thoughts regarding the use of a screen:

Aside from insurance issues, screens seem to be a good "safety" idea for those who choose to use them. The field of play is huge compared to the size of a 3x7 screen. Good hitters deserving a hit should be able to hit around or over it. Oh yes, thrown balls rarely hit a screen.

Allow a pitcher to place a screen anywhere from in front of the rubber to near the back six-foot mark. Also allow it to be placed to either side with an edge touching the outside rubber line. NOTE: Placing the screen to one side may actually advantage the batter to a degree as it telegraphs which way the pitcher would jump if there were no screen. But, it could also make him change his swing - strategy...

Allow the pitcher to field; however, he MUST start from behind the screen when the ball is hit. This allows a batter to smoke one side or the other, while rightfully allowing a pitcher to go after poorly batted balls.

Hitting the screen is a live ball - do with it what you can. It may stop in front, allowing the pitcher to get it...or not. Or, it may ricochet for a hit or for an out to another player. This is a safer ricochet than one off of the rubber or a base.


Interesting topic... Safety first...
Nov. 28, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Balanced vs Endload

I agree with your thinking that it is odd. But, it really depends upon what type of hitter you are. As a puncher, I have always used a balance bat. They work well for very accurate hole punching. Once in a blue moon, I'll get in a league where there is no pressure. In that environment, I'll sometimes use an endloaded bat for hitting homers - that takes an upswing.

Summary: The balanced bat allows more control in punching one-hoppers between the infielders, a level to slightly downward swing - Tremendous accuracy but less power. The endloaded bats, at least for me, seem to take a little more of a "whippy" and upward swing which generates more power and works well for long balls. The extra weight at the end gives the bat more pop as you connect with the ball, flexing the material a little more.

Personally, I prefer the control of a balanced bat as they feel lighter. Just get on...Pass it to the next guy.
Nov. 10, 2015
TheCat43
Topic: Teams looking for players
Discussion: MAJOR PLUS PLAYERS NEEDED

This is a pitch for a great group of guys that I have played with in the past (and still do when it's not a conflict). I would gladly join, but I have to defend with Summy's 55. C'mon, help a bunch of good ball players represent the Northwest!!! You will have fun testing your metal in the M+ with them. They will be in the thick of things!!
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