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TOPIC: The Current State of the Shockers |
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June 14, 2010
11:43:25 PM
Entry #: 3503790
| I would call a team meeting and address these issues in person. But, as we see at the beginning of the year team meeting, Somebody will say something and then 10 mini conversations break off and nothing gets accomplished. So this is probably the best way to go about this so that everyone can read it without cutting somebody off, and respond if you would like. Id love to see everyone's response. but we shall see....
Lets start with 4-16-10. Thats the date that we last won a USSSA tournament game. We have gone 6 tournaments without winning a tournament game. I gotta say thats pretty hard to do. Ive never done it. I dunno if anyone else has?? I dont wanna extend this any further. 0-11 in our last 6 tourney's. 7 of those 11 losses were by 3 runs or less.. Ironically with our beating we took from Pipac on Friday night, I feel like that was the start of things turning around.
We actually showed heart for once and nobody quit. Which was awesome. Moving on with this 0-11 talk. why are we 0-11?? If you ask me this is by far the strongest Shocker tournament lineup we have assembled. Or atleast since I have been here.
I have been thinking about this non stop since this weekend. We have way too good of a team to be this bad.
For the first time ever, I feel like these stats are becoming the problem. They are not being used for what they should be. Stats are supposed to be letting us know how we are doing/hitting. But that's not the case, everyone goes so hard at the Batting Average, That is not the way it should be, It needs to be On Base Percentage. If you have reached on error cuz u have laced 4 balls at a fielder and he couldn't handle it, ur On Base would be 1.000, but ur AVG would be .000 One way to address this, is to somehow seperate shitty Bloop shots that fall between 4 guys, and piss rods that have been snagged by a nice defensive play. I dunno how hard that would be to do, but is a suggestion.
Smarter Ball Players, Im not gonna single anyone out, if you have done this at all this year, then this is intended for you. We need to know situations when we are in the game. The simplest of things that can impact a game, We simply do not do. How many times this year have we beaten ourselves? Answer is way too many. How many more times are we gonna continue to do so? Answer is now that its being addressed, hopefully not anymore. When we are trailing in a game, we need base runners, by any means necessary. So Take a pitch. make the pitcher work, do not help the guy out. This team is afraid to take walks, cuz it doesn't help the batting AVG. another reason OBP needs to be #1. Everyone was told this saying when we were young "WALK IS AS GOOD AS A HIT" So simple and so true, If the guy before you just walked on 3 pitches. Do NOT swing at the first pitch. Make the guy work. Dont help him out. This happened atleast 2 times from this weekend. and in both cases we were behind. and in both results our batter did not get on base. Like I said Im not going to call anyone out, That is NOT what this is about. Im doing this so we can get our shit together moving forward.
FUN!!! It doesnt appear to me that anyone is having fun. Last I checked we arent getting paid for this, and we do this in our spare time. So why are we treating this like a fuckin job? This is supposed to be fun, but it isnt. Why is that? My guess is because we arent winning. Winning is fun!!! The first Friday Night tourney we won, We went out afterwards to Tommy Nevins, My guess is because we were having a good time and wanted to keep it rolling. After the Naperville Tourney we had a pretty good showing and we went to Bdubs, my guess is cuz we had some fun.
What I noticed from the Major. Not one time did any of the outfielders try to throw a runner out at the plate. Not One single time did I see any of these upper class teams even attempt it. With a runner on 2nd and a base hit, those guys go trotting in to the plate knowing there wont be a throw. Makes perfect sense to me. Im a guy who has a dead arm, you guys remind me all the time, that my arm blows, and Ill give you that, my arm has been shot for years, will take surgery to repaid my rotator, not worth it to me. It doesnt affect me hitting and Im not gonna be throwing anybody out. No need to, If you keep the force out, and keep the double play alive, ur setting urself up for the next guy. Which is why I play with my head out there. I know we have some good arms on our team, but last time I checked these upper level guys, have better arms, absolute cannons attached to there shoulders and they dont attempt it. Yet the pea shooters u guys have in comparison to them, You guys attempt this shit all the fucking time. How many times have u hosed somebody? How many assists do we have this year? 1? maybe 1? I dont recall any. but My point is that its less then 3% of the time, so why bother? if its a guy on 3rd and theres no harm in trying it, fuck it, let er rip!! if theres a guy on first and u try throwing a guy out at 3rd or home. and dont get him and the guy ends up getting 2nd base. Well now instead of that next groundball being a double play and no harm done, its 2 outs and another run scored. We need to play smarter.
Managerial Issues. We need a set lineup on this team. Almost every game everyone needs to check the black board and see where they are hitting, where they are in the field, and if they are playing at all. We have no consistency. nobody can get into a groove. Last year we had a pretty good year, That lineup rarely changed. We need a set 1-6 or 7, after that do what u have to do. Im not trying to tell you guys what to do or how to manage, but dont be so set in ur ways, if people have a suggestion, listen to what they have to say. I give credit, this sunday, duke was moved to the leadoff spot. Job Well done. Jake was moved to the #2 spot, prolly not a good spot for a fly ball hitter as we seen. Dont wait so long to make changes, If We have a pitcher, and hes not fielding the middle, or isnt throwing strikes, or is getting gapped. we prolly shouldnt wait until the 6th inning to address this.
Just my opinion, After how Powell played the middle and pitched vs Pipac on Friday. I was down right impressed, That was very impressive. Not taking anything away from Jack or anyone else who pitches, Hats off to Powell for his performance. With that being said. My thoughts are Powell should of started vs Hell Yeah on Sunday. After shutting it down with Pipac hitting missles at him, I dont think even Dave White could of hit one that would of made him nervous. Again, just my opinion. I know we had a guy missing on Sunday who said he was gonna be there, so that caused some lineup issues. I get that. and u did what u had to do, I certainly hope that gets addressed.
Julio & Vic, This is aimed at you guys, I know you guys pick ur spots to play or start or what have you. but enough is enough, If you guys are playing better then people ur putting in, ur not doing our team any favors. We need to put our best team on the field.
Another thing I picked up from the Upper Class players. We used to do this on SC, but, before the start of each game we need to bring it in and huddle up, and get ready and get our mindset into this game. some of you may think its cheesy, call it what u want, I like it, and I think it brings the team closer together, bring unity, and u start acting like a team, and after each game win or lose. huddle up at the mound or plate after the handshake and address the WIN we just had, and how it was only one game, we got more to go. I think we need to give it a try. Thoughts?
Im sure Im gonna get ripped on and hear an earful of shit the rest of the season for this. But honestly, I dont care, I can handle it. I hope some of you guys can agree, I hope if some of the things I discussed in terms of playing is you, That u dont think oh fuck off, Im gonna do what I wanna do, That type of thinking is part of the problem. I also understand that I am guilty of some of this as well. I am not claiming to be perfect because I am not. I need to work on a few things as well.
Anyway, Crete this weekend for Shockers and I think Alpine is playing there, Good Luck to both teams. Lets turn this thing around fellas, we got plenty of time to turn it around and make some noise the rest of the year, we have the guys to do it. Now we need to make it happen.
Any feedback, agreements, disagreements, suggestions, input. anything. would love to hear from everyone. What do you guys think?
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| #7
June 15, 2010
4:17:39 AM
Entry #: 3503825
| After reading what Frank had posted here, I couldn't agree more! Every topic he hit on could make positive changes to this team and move forward hopefully with some success. What's it gonna hurt? Cuz what we have been doing hasn't been working at all, thus the record.
I am well aware of the fact that my schedule sucks right now with trying to finish up medic school, but will be completed within the next 3 weeks and I should be available to make more tournaments on a consitant basis!
Let's not rip on Frank here for speaking his mind, for I am sure he touched on points that many of us have thought about or even complained about under our breaths. I admire him for coming forward with the valid points and addressing them in such a fashion. Hopefully everyone can take it to heart and find the little ways to contribute to make this team a success, have fun, and maybe even string some wins together as a result.
Just to touch on the subject of the batting average, I couldn't agree more.....and not just cuz mine sucks! But, more so for the fact that if someone is taking the walks and/or hitting the ball hard to reach on errors....you'd think you'd want to get that guy to the plate as many times as possible to get you those runners. Also, on a side note, small things like situational hitting will also improve this team. For example, hitting the ball to the right side with a runner on second with less than 1 out will help score that run instead of leaving him stranded. Even if that batter is to fly out to right field or ground out to the right side, that runner doesn't have to freeze and not be able to advance. Then he's on third, and at the least, a fly ball to the outfield could even score him! Also, completely agree with trying to throw runners out and letting the hitter advance free bases, putting him that much closer to scoring position and taking force outs away. These little things all add up and are the differences in losing a game by a run or two!!!
Agree again, with having some consistancy with the order as well. Experiment with a line up to see what works with speed, hard hits, and ON BASE percentage, and maybe even slugging percentage! Find something that is comfortable with everyone and watch how successful the order alone becomes. People will know who they follow, know there roll (whether it be a walk for a base runner, the bomb for the runs, moving the runners over, etc) will start to learn the batter's approach that follows them and their specific hitting style. It will improve base running. And, to build on that comment, also help the runners get use to the runners on base ahead of them and know thier limitations. They will be able to know if the runner ahead of them will be able to advance from first to third on a base hit and take second without hesitating, if the opposing team desides to make a play on the runner at 3rd.
Now, with all that was said by the posts, hopefully we can become a smarter team, go out win some games, and have fun in the process!
Good Luck to you all this weekend in Crete, I have to ride a shift and won't be able to attend unless it goes into Sunday for some reason. In do time, I'll be able to contribute more, work out some of the bugs myself, knock some more of the rust off, get into a groove, and be a bigger part...
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| Juice #28
June 15, 2010
5:49:30 PM
Entry #: 3504529
| I guess the questions how do we solve this?
I agree with the before and after chats, to many of us leave right after the game upset, pouting, and not saying anything to the rest of the team as Frank stated we don't get paid to play and everyone will make their share of mistakes. This team was put together 5 years ago too be a social outlet for a lot of us and also compete at a decent level of softball. We are good enough to compete at this level "D" Elite.
In regards to the OBP or BA to me you are right some people are reading to much into it, we did the stats as a fun thing years ago, but now with everyone looking at it - it is becoming a problem. Joke around with it that's what it's there for, but don't read into it, if I did I wouldn't be playing myself at all with the BA that i have, but i do get on base (walks or whatever). I think you would have to be an idiot or a non-baseball person to have no idea who is hitting and who is not.
I hope no one takes what is said on this blog to heart but if you do, maybe this team isn't for you, because i agree with Frank on a lot of these issues.
Especially the managerial ones, Vic and I never stated we wanted to be managers and we do make mistakes. That's why we do take input from others, but the lineup does need to be set, I agree. The issue with that is that we do not have the commitment from everyone yet, and sometimes egos get in the way. I watched at the major, teams come in with 15-18 guys (Hell Yeah)and all of them are part of the team, some play and some don't. We have to understand as a team that everyone will get their chance. It's what you do with your chance that will get you into the game. If you don't like sitting than work harder and you can't say that we are unfair because we sit ourselves more than anyone else. I think we are more than fair an giving guys opportunities. Shit, most of you are bitching that we are not playing ourselves.
In regards to being smart players, we need to limit our mistakes, in softball the teams that win are the ones that make less mistakes. I spoke to Puera today and we will be D Elite for the remainder of the season, his reply to me was you guys are competing it's not that you guys aren't good. AND I AGREE!
That attitude has changed a bit these past few weeks to the negative side and that needs to change. Something I've noticed the past few weeks has been the bitching amongst ourselves and that needs to stop. the one thing I have always enjoyed about the shockers is how tight we are/were and I don't see that right now.
Guys we can sit here and cry and say that we want to be D and Puera is screwing us or we can be the competitor's that I think we all are and step it up. I am not sure about you but I would prefer to be a winner instead of a quitter. Where is the Fun Shockers that I know? We need to get that positive attitude/cocky attitude that we have had for years.
The thing I agree most with Frank's statement is that I believe after this weekend we are on the right track, a few tweeks here and there and I think wins will start flowing. Let's not look at the record and say "Oh Shit we are 0-11" let's say we are competing while playing like shit, guys it is taking us longer to put it together than I expected but I would rather we go through this now than later.
Plenty of time to hit, plenty of time to field and definately plenty of time to win.
Guys I know I rambled for a bit so sorry but if anyone would like to talk feel free 630-327-7574.
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| BIRD #3
June 16, 2010
7:22:34 AM
Entry #: 3504906
| I know I don't play anymore but the biggest thing that Frank touched on was having fun. If you are not having fun then why play. Get rid of the stats, doesn't help anyone just another reason to put pressure on yourself to get a hit. Team chemistry do things outside of softball together whether it be golf or a party just get together outside of the fields. If you want to win RELAX and have fun. You all can play this game.
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| #30
June 16, 2010
8:40:00 AM
Entry #: 3504984
| Hey guys, I talked with Frank before he posted his message, and I would like to personally apoligize for my horrendous play at the major - not my finest hour. Frank was pretty much dead on with everything he said, and I am saying this knowing that much of it was pointed at me.
Everything that has been said on here is correct, we are not having much fun, and I dont know about all of you guys, but I like everyone on the team.....The only reason that I play is to hang out with you fuck bags - (and to not have to babysit all weekend!).
If the big issue is Utrip, just look at it like this, we have a C tourney on July 3, and then maybe 1 other tournament before state.....We all know what state is about - getting drunk and having fun on Friday, waking up on Saturday feeling like shit, go play softball, and then do it all over again that nite!!!! So what if we are D-Elite, it sucks but we cant change it, and anyways they will probably combine the State D and D-Elite like last year....If we are so worked up about our Utrip record, and it is making everyone not have fun, well there isnt that many Utrip tournaments left before State and Nationals.....We have a way better team now than last year when we went to St Louis and did pretty well. So lets not get all pissed off so we do not want to play....(This will really mess up my summer and I will have to spend more time with the family.) There are a bunch of other tourneys this year besides Utrip - City, NSA, - Franks Fav - Romeofest....etc. There is still a shitload of softball to be played this year, and it all aint Utrip....I dont know about you guys, but the grass isnt greener on another team....I know of only a handful of teams where - all the arrangements are made for you, everything is ordered for you, except for a small amount-everything is paid for you, etc....
Maybe we need to get rid of the stats, I know that we have put more into them this year than the last couple of years - i know I have.....Julio and Vic know who is doing what just by being there and seeing what is going on.
There is no need for some big overhaul in the way things are done in the middle of the season, in 2 months from now, and we have been winning this will all be a moot point.
Lets get back to making fun of each other, and quit bitching at one another, I will go back to calling Vic and Julio spics, Nick and Matt - aids victims, John - fat bastard, Jake - a gay drug dealer, CB and Frank -gay married couple ....and everyone else..Remember guys - GAY IS THE WAY!!!
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| #4
June 16, 2010
7:11:35 PM
Entry #: 3505687
| Since people on this team are speaking their mind, I will as well. I've never been one to not, just ask Frank, Jack, and my brother..anyways I agree with everything that everyone has said and it's pretty said that it has come to this but atleast people on this team are trying to improve things.
1) As far as the batting average topic, it has gotten out of control. To many people are making comments about it, whether it's joking around or not. As Bird said sometimes joking around goes to far and causes more harm then good. People will go up there will a puckered asshole trying to get a hit and won't in most cases. I'm not going to come on here and talk about anyone elses average, so I'll use mine as an example. I'm hitting in the mid 300's right now, which is not good for "D" ball but if you look at my on base percentage, it's in the upper 500's which is good in my opinion. I have hit a ton of balls for line outs this year which the stat book don't show. I might lead the team in lining out to the pitcher...which sucks.
2)Onto another topic, I like Frank's idea of huddling up before and after each game. I think it builds great team chemistry.
3) Something new, I would like to request a depth chart. It doesn't have to be anything special but it is nice to see where you stand and what positions you will be playing at certain times. What was the point at the beginning of the year of filling out that information on what position you'd like to play? I know some people will have a problem with this next line but people are speaking their minds on this thread. A depth chart will also help some people when they're needed and when they aren't needed. There may be some tournaments where 14-17 guys show up and if it happens that all 10 starting players spots on the field and the #1 DH show up some people will be sitting. It will help people know their roles when the whole team is there. I for one would like to know up front if I'm playing or not, I don't have a problem with sitting the bench or not playing but I do have 2 small kids at home that I'd rather be spending time with then watching guys play softball. Yes I am committed to Shocker Softball so I don't want to hear that I'm not a team player. I am a team player cause I have no problem staying home. I have no problem accepting my role. I don't believe that I have an ego either, I will bat & play any position that helps the team including the bench. But if we are going to have 14-16 people there and I'm not going to see much playing time, I'd stay home. Just being honest, not trying to make any waves.
I know I haven't been that dependable and my glove has been terrible but I will be there for every tournament from here on out and I will get back to normal. I will going back to using my old glove, I believe alot of my boots are due to new glove not being broken in enough. No I'm not trying to make excuses but I will work on correcting them.
Please be nice grammer police and like I said I'm not trying to cause any waves, this team is full of great guys.
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