Missouri Softball went on a road trip to sunny Arizona and took care of business. The #2 Wildcats of Arizona played hard and took the Tigers in the first game. It then became a huge cat fight as Mizzou fought back in game two to end by doubling the score on the Wildcats. Missouri won 10-5!
THen they took to the road again and headed off to Columbus, GA for the NFCA Leadoff Classic where they beat out the Michigan Wolverines in extra innings by wining 2-1.
Missouri will be back in action at the NFCA Leadoff Classic later tonight against Virginia Tech. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT.
Here are the rankings from ESPN>
#ESPN.COM/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25#
-----------------------------------------
ESPN.COM/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25
(Records through February 22, 2010)
TEAM PTS PVS
---- --- ---
1. WASHINGTON (13) (7-1) 491 1
2. ARIZONA (4) (7-1) 473 2
3. UCLA (3) (8-1) 458 4
4. (tie) MICHIGAN (6-2) 421 3
4. (tie) MISSOURI (3-2) 421 5
6. GEORGIA (8-1) 404 6
7. ALABAMA (6-2) 375 8
8. GEORGIA TECH (8-1) 329 9
9. OKLAHOMA (8-1) 328 12
10. ARIZONA ST (9-2) 319 7
11. FLORIDA (9-1) 315 9
12. STANFORD (8-1) 270 13
13. TEXAS (11-0) 269 15
14. CALIFORNIA (7-3) 251 11
15. LSU (7-4) 188 17
16. OHIO ST (6-4) 173 14
17. LOUISVILLE (9-2) 165 16
18. FLORIDA ST (10-1) 151 20
19. TEXAS A&M (10-1) 149 21
20. UL LAFAYETTE (8-2) 108 18
21. FRESNO ST (7-1) 105 19
22. NORTHWESTERN (5-5) 73 21
23. NORTH CAROLINA (6-3) 68 23
24. MASSACHUSETTS (4-1) 39 24
25. BYU (9-1) 37 NR
Dropped Out: No. 25 BAYLOR
Others Receiving Votes: KENTUCKY 32, TENNESSEE 29, BAYLOR
22, SAN DIEGO ST 19, NEVADA 7, DEPAUL 5, OKLAHOMA ST 4,
HOFSTRA 1, NEW MEXICO ST 1.
And we're off to a tourney ourselves. The season is upon us, hope it warms up a bit..
Just Keepin' it Real
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Fastpitch Softball Glove Review ACE70
AKADEMA ACE70 FASTPITCH DESIGN SERIES SOFTBALL GLOVE
"Created to satisfy the needs of the competitive Fastpitch player, the Akadema Fastpitch Design Series is hand-crafted to increase the level of play on the field. Constructed of US Steerhide throughout the pocket and webbing, the back of the glove features exclusive AkademLyte leather, decreasing the overall weight of the glove and allowing for a faster break-in period and a more manageable feel. Smaller finger stalls used to decrease the distance between the thumb and index finger and Akadema Grasp Clasp Wrist System allow for increased playability. Endorsed by USA Softball stars Crystl Bustos and Monica Abbott."
Ok, so that is the company's blurb about this Fastpitch Glove. That's a lot of sales copy, adequately describing this line of fast pitch softball gloves. Sales copy is good, but does it tell the real story?
They sound pretty proud of this line of ladies Fastpitch Softball gloves. You know what? They should be. This is one heck of a nice softball glove, and for the price range it is in there really are not any competitors out there that can beat it. You can see why Monica and Crystl endorse these gloves; they are high quality.
The ACE70 is priced in the low middle of the range but the quality and build of this glove should have it in the upper range. This glove has some really nice features and it plays very well too.
Here are some of its features.
13" Slim Pattern
B-Hive Web
Grasp Clasp Wrist System
Small Finger Stalls
Deep Pocket
Right or Left Hand throw available
The Akadema ACE70 fastpitch glove is black with grey 1/4 inch lacing that makes a nice looking accent. There is some nice embroidered script Akadema on the back of the glove and also the logo, which makes this a really sharp looking softball glove. The model and series name are embossed into the inside of the glove for added effect. You hate to admit it but how well a glove, or bat or shoes looks does seem to make a difference to how you play - or at least how you feel about that glove or shoes, etc. So, that being said, this is one sharp looking fast pitch glove.
This glove is not as heavy as most thanks to the use of AkademaLyte leather on the back of the glove. This lighter weight leather is durable but allows for a quicker break in period. When you first get this glove it will be very stiff. You will need to do some break-in. If you use the Akadema glove conditioner on the palm and pocket and pound some softballs in there and play a lot of catch it should break-in in a few weeks for you.
The heavy Steerhide on the palm and fingers provides plenty of padding for those hot line-drives to SS or those high fly balls in Center.
The 13" slim pattern is the perfect size for a softball utility player. The deep pocket seems to just absorb the ball yet it gives it back quickly to make that fast glove to hand transition on the infield. The deep pocket helps you hang onto those fly balls in the outfield too.
Middle infielders, Shortstop and 2nd base will like the tight feel of the glove and the way it holds up to repeatedly slamming it into the dirt to grab that grounder up the middle. 3rd base will like the heavy palm and pocket to stop those hot liners coming down the line. As a pitcher you will appreciate the slightly larger pattern and deep closed web pocket to hide your grip as long as possible. Sorry batters.
This will even make a great 1st base glove with its size and deep pocket.
That B-Hive web is a closed type web. It kind of looks like a honeycomb, thus the name I guess. It is made of the same top quality US Steerhide as the pocket and palm area. It is really thick too, looks to be about 1/4 inch and reinforced with that heavy 1/4 inch lacing. The B-hive construction makes it very secure and strong. Being a closed web you can use it to block out the sun on those bright summer days. As you break in the glove the web conforms very well to the ball and begins to give-in to allow easy closure by a smaller, ladies hand.
Akadema has a nice Grasp-Clasp Wrist System that incorporates an open back with an adjustable wrist closure using Velcro. This allows for a more comfortable and manageable fit. Rip back the velcro to put the glove on, then pull it tight to give you a snug fit. There is also a soft furry material on the top of this reinforced Grasp Clasp that cushions the top of your hand. It also absorbs some of your sweat so you don't slip around so much. There is a tag attached there. I would suggest cutting it off if it bothers you.
Along with the Grasp-Clasp system, Akadema designed in smaller finger-stalls to better fit smaller hands like most ladies have. This also makes a shorter distance between the thumb and index finger. You ladies will love this. You don't have to use the standard baseball glove anymore.
The only negative thing about this glove is those small finger-stalls. They are kind of small for most men. It will eventually conform to your hand but I would suggest moving into one of the men's ProSoft or Professional series gloves if you are a man with average sized hands.
Younger players may find the stiffness a bit much but it does break in easy enough. Get your Dad or Mom to help you. This will be a glove that you could use for many years. The lighter weight will be a plus for you.
Competitive players moving up into high school age looking for a step up glove will really like this fast pitch glove for its high quality leather and lighter weight. That lighter weight can help with your quickness at ball transfer. You know how important that is in this game. This glove should last you through your high school years and into college. If you take care of it, it should be one you could give your own daughter one day.
This glove could also be a great second glove for that super competitive A level player, or the college or post college player looking for a glove to use for those weekend tournaments. The lighter weight and ease of break-in will help this glove find a home in your equipment bag.
These features make the Akadema ACE-70 one of the best fast pitch gloves available today. This is a great utility players glove. Two Thumbs UP!
Remember, to discover how great this glove is you have to use it. So get out there and get it dirty.
Take care of it and it will take care of you on the field!
You can find the Akadema ACE-70 here.
"Created to satisfy the needs of the competitive Fastpitch player, the Akadema Fastpitch Design Series is hand-crafted to increase the level of play on the field. Constructed of US Steerhide throughout the pocket and webbing, the back of the glove features exclusive AkademLyte leather, decreasing the overall weight of the glove and allowing for a faster break-in period and a more manageable feel. Smaller finger stalls used to decrease the distance between the thumb and index finger and Akadema Grasp Clasp Wrist System allow for increased playability. Endorsed by USA Softball stars Crystl Bustos and Monica Abbott."
Ok, so that is the company's blurb about this Fastpitch Glove. That's a lot of sales copy, adequately describing this line of fast pitch softball gloves. Sales copy is good, but does it tell the real story?
They sound pretty proud of this line of ladies Fastpitch Softball gloves. You know what? They should be. This is one heck of a nice softball glove, and for the price range it is in there really are not any competitors out there that can beat it. You can see why Monica and Crystl endorse these gloves; they are high quality.
The ACE70 is priced in the low middle of the range but the quality and build of this glove should have it in the upper range. This glove has some really nice features and it plays very well too.
Here are some of its features.
13" Slim Pattern
B-Hive Web
Grasp Clasp Wrist System
Small Finger Stalls
Deep Pocket
Right or Left Hand throw available
The Akadema ACE70 fastpitch glove is black with grey 1/4 inch lacing that makes a nice looking accent. There is some nice embroidered script Akadema on the back of the glove and also the logo, which makes this a really sharp looking softball glove. The model and series name are embossed into the inside of the glove for added effect. You hate to admit it but how well a glove, or bat or shoes looks does seem to make a difference to how you play - or at least how you feel about that glove or shoes, etc. So, that being said, this is one sharp looking fast pitch glove.
This glove is not as heavy as most thanks to the use of AkademaLyte leather on the back of the glove. This lighter weight leather is durable but allows for a quicker break in period. When you first get this glove it will be very stiff. You will need to do some break-in. If you use the Akadema glove conditioner on the palm and pocket and pound some softballs in there and play a lot of catch it should break-in in a few weeks for you.
The heavy Steerhide on the palm and fingers provides plenty of padding for those hot line-drives to SS or those high fly balls in Center.
The 13" slim pattern is the perfect size for a softball utility player. The deep pocket seems to just absorb the ball yet it gives it back quickly to make that fast glove to hand transition on the infield. The deep pocket helps you hang onto those fly balls in the outfield too.
Middle infielders, Shortstop and 2nd base will like the tight feel of the glove and the way it holds up to repeatedly slamming it into the dirt to grab that grounder up the middle. 3rd base will like the heavy palm and pocket to stop those hot liners coming down the line. As a pitcher you will appreciate the slightly larger pattern and deep closed web pocket to hide your grip as long as possible. Sorry batters.
This will even make a great 1st base glove with its size and deep pocket.
That B-Hive web is a closed type web. It kind of looks like a honeycomb, thus the name I guess. It is made of the same top quality US Steerhide as the pocket and palm area. It is really thick too, looks to be about 1/4 inch and reinforced with that heavy 1/4 inch lacing. The B-hive construction makes it very secure and strong. Being a closed web you can use it to block out the sun on those bright summer days. As you break in the glove the web conforms very well to the ball and begins to give-in to allow easy closure by a smaller, ladies hand.
Akadema has a nice Grasp-Clasp Wrist System that incorporates an open back with an adjustable wrist closure using Velcro. This allows for a more comfortable and manageable fit. Rip back the velcro to put the glove on, then pull it tight to give you a snug fit. There is also a soft furry material on the top of this reinforced Grasp Clasp that cushions the top of your hand. It also absorbs some of your sweat so you don't slip around so much. There is a tag attached there. I would suggest cutting it off if it bothers you.
Along with the Grasp-Clasp system, Akadema designed in smaller finger-stalls to better fit smaller hands like most ladies have. This also makes a shorter distance between the thumb and index finger. You ladies will love this. You don't have to use the standard baseball glove anymore.
The only negative thing about this glove is those small finger-stalls. They are kind of small for most men. It will eventually conform to your hand but I would suggest moving into one of the men's ProSoft or Professional series gloves if you are a man with average sized hands.
Younger players may find the stiffness a bit much but it does break in easy enough. Get your Dad or Mom to help you. This will be a glove that you could use for many years. The lighter weight will be a plus for you.
Competitive players moving up into high school age looking for a step up glove will really like this fast pitch glove for its high quality leather and lighter weight. That lighter weight can help with your quickness at ball transfer. You know how important that is in this game. This glove should last you through your high school years and into college. If you take care of it, it should be one you could give your own daughter one day.
This glove could also be a great second glove for that super competitive A level player, or the college or post college player looking for a glove to use for those weekend tournaments. The lighter weight and ease of break-in will help this glove find a home in your equipment bag.
These features make the Akadema ACE-70 one of the best fast pitch gloves available today. This is a great utility players glove. Two Thumbs UP!
Remember, to discover how great this glove is you have to use it. So get out there and get it dirty.
Take care of it and it will take care of you on the field!
You can find the Akadema ACE-70 here.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Softball Season - What a Misnomer That Is!
What ever happened to the old "softball season"? You know the one where you started practices when it got warm enough to actually be outside. Remember those days, we have a couple weeks of serious practice then season started. There were a couple months of games, usually 2-3 a week. Then came the All Stars and then by mid July it was all over and families could go on vacation or in my case back to the hayfield full time.
Now we end the season about the same time, then move to nationals, then maybe if you're lucky to a USA nationals. Then a week break and you have tryouts, put a new team together and grab a couple good practices and then Fall ball starts up. Up at 6am to play another 5-10 game weekend schedule for a few weeks until it gets too cold to hold anymore tournaments.
Then comes high school season - for some it is in the spring - but ours is in the fall. High School is great for building up school loyalties and playing with and against girls you played all season.
Then we move into weekly indoor hitting, pitching, fielding, conditioning and the occasional indoor tournament. It finally ends with the holiday season. Good food, good family and good times. Oh and some good rest!
Oh, the rest is over already. It is early January and time to start hitting it hard again. Weekly practices and conditioning for those that aren't playing winter sports at school. Time to check your equipment. That old glove needs to be replaced in time to break it in for the season. Shoes, yep grown out of 'em. Catchers gear is broken again, how about your bat. I know you need more socks! YOu have grown out of your hoody and batting jacket too.
February rolls around and mandatory practices are here already. It's almost time for some indoor tournaments and then on to the outdoor real ball.
Wow, the season is here again. Seems like just yesterday we were doing this. Softball has become a Year Round Sport and it's awesome. Vacation?, What is that? That's what you do when you retire I guess. We better take full advantage of this while it is upon us. These kids grow up so fast these days - another cliche- but it is so true. They will be into college and beyond before you know it.
Enjoy the "Softball Season" while we can.
Keepin' It Real!
Now we end the season about the same time, then move to nationals, then maybe if you're lucky to a USA nationals. Then a week break and you have tryouts, put a new team together and grab a couple good practices and then Fall ball starts up. Up at 6am to play another 5-10 game weekend schedule for a few weeks until it gets too cold to hold anymore tournaments.
Then comes high school season - for some it is in the spring - but ours is in the fall. High School is great for building up school loyalties and playing with and against girls you played all season.
Then we move into weekly indoor hitting, pitching, fielding, conditioning and the occasional indoor tournament. It finally ends with the holiday season. Good food, good family and good times. Oh and some good rest!
Oh, the rest is over already. It is early January and time to start hitting it hard again. Weekly practices and conditioning for those that aren't playing winter sports at school. Time to check your equipment. That old glove needs to be replaced in time to break it in for the season. Shoes, yep grown out of 'em. Catchers gear is broken again, how about your bat. I know you need more socks! YOu have grown out of your hoody and batting jacket too.
February rolls around and mandatory practices are here already. It's almost time for some indoor tournaments and then on to the outdoor real ball.
Wow, the season is here again. Seems like just yesterday we were doing this. Softball has become a Year Round Sport and it's awesome. Vacation?, What is that? That's what you do when you retire I guess. We better take full advantage of this while it is upon us. These kids grow up so fast these days - another cliche- but it is so true. They will be into college and beyond before you know it.
Enjoy the "Softball Season" while we can.
Keepin' It Real!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Softball Cruise-Clinic all in One-Sweet!
Wouldn't this be a cool place to have a softball clinic? In The Bahamas and during a cruise. See what you can have when you work hard.
Anyway, here is a link to a newspaper article about Monica Abbott conducting a clinic in the Bahamas. Pretty cool.
They stopped off at one of the islands and asked the local college players to help. Some of the kids on the cruise got to participate as well as several local kids. I bet they really enjoyed getting to meet Monica.
Check it out.
Keepin it Real.
Anyway, here is a link to a newspaper article about Monica Abbott conducting a clinic in the Bahamas. Pretty cool.
They stopped off at one of the islands and asked the local college players to help. Some of the kids on the cruise got to participate as well as several local kids. I bet they really enjoyed getting to meet Monica.
Check it out.
Keepin it Real.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Here is Mizzou's 2010 schedule so you can follow them.
2010 MIZZOU SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location Time
02/06/10 vs. Black and Gold ex Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
02/13/10 at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. W, 2-1
at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. L, 9-0
02/14/10 at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. W, 9-0
02/20/10 at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 1:00 p.m. CT
at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 3:00 p.m. CT
02/21/10 at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 1:00 p.m. CT
2010 Leadoff Classic
02/26/10 vs. Michigan Columbus, Ga. 10:00 a.m. CT
vs. Virginia Tech Columbus, Ga. 5:30 p.m. CT
02/27/10 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Columbus, Ga. 11:00 a.m. CT
vs. Massachusetts Columbus, Ga. 1:30 p.m. CT
02/28/10 vs. Radford Columbus, Ga. 9:00 a.m. CT
03/03/10 at SIUE Edwardsville, Ill. 2:00 p.m. CT
at SIUE Edwardsville, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
Missouri Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament
03/05/10 vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 3:30 p.m. CT
03/06/10 vs. SEMO Columbia, Mo. 1:30 p.m. CT
vs. Missouri State Columbia, Mo. 5:30 p.m. CT
03/07/10 vs. UMKC Columbia, Mo. 1:30 p.m. CT
03/10/10 vs. Northern Iowa Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
Tiger Invitational
03/12/10 vs. New Mexico Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
vs. Bradley Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
03/13/10 vs. San Diego State Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
vs. Illinois Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/14/10 vs. Illinois State Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/17/10 vs. Wichita State Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Wichita State Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
Demarini Invitational
03/19/10 vs. Northern Colorado Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Ball State Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
03/20/10 vs. Northwestern Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
vs. Eastern Michigan Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
03/27/10 at Oklahoma * Norman, Okla. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/28/10 at Oklahoma * Norman, Okla. 12:00 p.m. CT
03/31/10 vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
04/02/10 vs. Oklahoma State * Columbia, Mo. 5:30 p.m. CT
04/03/10 vs. Oklahoma State * Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
04/07/10 vs. Kansas * Columbia, Mo. 4:00 p.m. CT
vs. Kansas * Columbia, Mo. 6:00 p.m. CT
04/10/10 at Texas * Austin, Texas 1:00 p.m. CT
04/11/10 at Texas * Austin, Texas 12:00 p.m. CT
04/14/10 at Southern Illinois Carbondale, Ill. 3:00 p.m. CT
04/17/10 vs. Texas Tech * Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
04/18/10 vs. Texas Tech * Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
04/21/10 vs. Evansville Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
04/24/10 at Texas A&M * College Station, Texas 1:00 p.m. CT
04/25/10 at Texas A&M * TV College Station, Texas 2:00 p.m. CT
04/28/10 at Iowa State * Ames, Iowa 2:00 p.m. CT
at Iowa State * Ames, Iowa 4:00 p.m. CT
05/01/10 vs. Baylor * Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
05/02/10 vs. Baylor * Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
05/05/10 at Western Illinois Macomb, Ill. 3:00 p.m. CT
at Western Illinois Macomb, Ill. 5:00 p.m. CT
05/08/10 at Nebraska * TV Lincoln, Neb. 12:00 p.m. CT
05/09/10 at Nebraska * Lincoln, Neb. 12:00 p.m. CT
2010 Big 12 Championships
05/14/10 Big 12 Conference Championship Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA
2010 MIZZOU SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location Time
02/06/10 vs. Black and Gold ex Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
02/13/10 at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. W, 2-1
at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. L, 9-0
02/14/10 at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. W, 9-0
02/20/10 at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 1:00 p.m. CT
at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 3:00 p.m. CT
02/21/10 at Arizona Tucson, Ariz. 1:00 p.m. CT
2010 Leadoff Classic
02/26/10 vs. Michigan Columbus, Ga. 10:00 a.m. CT
vs. Virginia Tech Columbus, Ga. 5:30 p.m. CT
02/27/10 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Columbus, Ga. 11:00 a.m. CT
vs. Massachusetts Columbus, Ga. 1:30 p.m. CT
02/28/10 vs. Radford Columbus, Ga. 9:00 a.m. CT
03/03/10 at SIUE Edwardsville, Ill. 2:00 p.m. CT
at SIUE Edwardsville, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
Missouri Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament
03/05/10 vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 3:30 p.m. CT
03/06/10 vs. SEMO Columbia, Mo. 1:30 p.m. CT
vs. Missouri State Columbia, Mo. 5:30 p.m. CT
03/07/10 vs. UMKC Columbia, Mo. 1:30 p.m. CT
03/10/10 vs. Northern Iowa Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
Tiger Invitational
03/12/10 vs. New Mexico Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
vs. Bradley Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
03/13/10 vs. San Diego State Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
vs. Illinois Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/14/10 vs. Illinois State Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/17/10 vs. Wichita State Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Wichita State Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
Demarini Invitational
03/19/10 vs. Northern Colorado Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Ball State Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
03/20/10 vs. Northwestern Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
vs. Eastern Michigan Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
03/27/10 at Oklahoma * Norman, Okla. 2:00 p.m. CT
03/28/10 at Oklahoma * Norman, Okla. 12:00 p.m. CT
03/31/10 vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
vs. Saint Louis Columbia, Mo. 5:00 p.m. CT
04/02/10 vs. Oklahoma State * Columbia, Mo. 5:30 p.m. CT
04/03/10 vs. Oklahoma State * Columbia, Mo. 1:00 p.m. CT
04/07/10 vs. Kansas * Columbia, Mo. 4:00 p.m. CT
vs. Kansas * Columbia, Mo. 6:00 p.m. CT
04/10/10 at Texas * Austin, Texas 1:00 p.m. CT
04/11/10 at Texas * Austin, Texas 12:00 p.m. CT
04/14/10 at Southern Illinois Carbondale, Ill. 3:00 p.m. CT
04/17/10 vs. Texas Tech * Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
04/18/10 vs. Texas Tech * Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
04/21/10 vs. Evansville Columbia, Mo. 3:00 p.m. CT
04/24/10 at Texas A&M * College Station, Texas 1:00 p.m. CT
04/25/10 at Texas A&M * TV College Station, Texas 2:00 p.m. CT
04/28/10 at Iowa State * Ames, Iowa 2:00 p.m. CT
at Iowa State * Ames, Iowa 4:00 p.m. CT
05/01/10 vs. Baylor * Columbia, Mo. 2:00 p.m. CT
05/02/10 vs. Baylor * Columbia, Mo. 12:00 p.m. CT
05/05/10 at Western Illinois Macomb, Ill. 3:00 p.m. CT
at Western Illinois Macomb, Ill. 5:00 p.m. CT
05/08/10 at Nebraska * TV Lincoln, Neb. 12:00 p.m. CT
05/09/10 at Nebraska * Lincoln, Neb. 12:00 p.m. CT
2010 Big 12 Championships
05/14/10 Big 12 Conference Championship Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA
Missouri Softball Looks to Knock off No 2 Again!
No. 6/5 Softball Travels to No. 2 Arizona
Mizzou looks to build on success of opening weekend
Is that cool or what? Tiger Softball is climbing up the charts and doing it in style.
They took 2 out of 3 from the number 2 Alabama team and are now headed to take on the next number 2 Arizona team.
Mizzou started out ranked 9 in the NCAA and they are rapidly climbing up to the top spots. If they go out to Tuscon this weekend and keep up the good work they may just jump into that number 2 spot themselves.
If you happen to be out in that area - Emily - then get yourself over there and catch a game or two. Looks like its gonna be good weather.
Missouri hasn't had a lot of luck with the PAc 10 but that may be changing. LAst year they took out UCLA in the Super Regionals for the Womens College World Series. That get them down to Oklahoma City with the big dogs. They played well but as you know in fastpitch it comes down to that one run.
Mizzou's pitching and hitting are really shining again this year. We hope to see them again back in OKC this year.
All you aspiring Tiger Softball players need to stay with it and keep working hard. The season is almost here so get all the tips and advice on throwing and batting and put them to work.
Remember you have to Practice before Practice if you want to become Great Softball players.
Check out all the great fastpitch softball gloves and stuff over at our friends at www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com
Just Keepin' it Real.
Mizzou looks to build on success of opening weekend
Is that cool or what? Tiger Softball is climbing up the charts and doing it in style.
They took 2 out of 3 from the number 2 Alabama team and are now headed to take on the next number 2 Arizona team.
Mizzou started out ranked 9 in the NCAA and they are rapidly climbing up to the top spots. If they go out to Tuscon this weekend and keep up the good work they may just jump into that number 2 spot themselves.
If you happen to be out in that area - Emily - then get yourself over there and catch a game or two. Looks like its gonna be good weather.
Missouri hasn't had a lot of luck with the PAc 10 but that may be changing. LAst year they took out UCLA in the Super Regionals for the Womens College World Series. That get them down to Oklahoma City with the big dogs. They played well but as you know in fastpitch it comes down to that one run.
Mizzou's pitching and hitting are really shining again this year. We hope to see them again back in OKC this year.
All you aspiring Tiger Softball players need to stay with it and keep working hard. The season is almost here so get all the tips and advice on throwing and batting and put them to work.
Remember you have to Practice before Practice if you want to become Great Softball players.
Check out all the great fastpitch softball gloves and stuff over at our friends at www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com
Just Keepin' it Real.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fastpitch and Radar Guns - Necessary or Not?
Fastpitch is a very dynamic game. Especially the pitching. Everyone wants to know how fast that pitch was or "What do you throw?". Batters seem to think that if they know the speed of the pitcher they can gain an advantage. Coaches want to know so they can give better signals to the batter and the base runners. Parents and fans want to know for lots of reasons, my kid throws as fast as the olympic stars, or that kid doesn't throw very hard she can't be any good, things like that.
I have been around the sport for many years and I have seen a lot of pitchers. I have seen girls that can legitimately throw 70 mph and others that struggle to hit 45 mph. I've seen boys baseball pitchers that hit in the low 90's but most were in the mid 50's. I've seen the really hard pitchers get knocked out of the park and the slow pitchers strike out almost the whole team.
Being an electronics engineer by education I have been fortunate to be involved in the design and development of a few sports radar guns. I've reverse engineered some to see how they work and spent countless hours tweaking algorithms to help the DSP determine the characteristics of a softball as it travels through space and time. Wait, this isn't a Star Trek article is it?
I can tell you that most radar guns out there are very similar and are very accurate. The difference is in the price and the features. Some are developed specifically for baseball and softball so they have more finely tuned algorithms to track the ball. Some offer statistics and other nice features. Others are designed to be a more overall sports gun to track softballs, golf balls, cars, bicycles, boats and most anything. I will tell you, those are the most challenging ones to develop.
I don't want to bore you with the physics of radar guns, I want to talk more about whether you think they are necessary in fastpitch. Does it really matter what the real speed of that pitch is?
I think it does - sometimes. What the heck is this guy saying!!! Well, as a pitcher's dad and coach I like to use the speed tracking to help the pitchers understand where they are in their development.
Are they actually getting faster, or staying the same. How does this pitch work at faster speeds vs slower speeds? The differential of a Changeup - the most important I think. Those kinds of stats are of the most concern to me.
I really don't think the speed makes all that much difference once you get into the mid to upper 50's anyway. I will acknowledge that a 70 mph pitch is gonna blast right by most batters the first time they see it. But if that pitcher doesn't have a good off speed pitch and doesn't use it often, the batters will time that barn burner and blast it out of the park. After all - Newtons laws of motion are gonna take care of that for you. Number 3 I think says something about - Any object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by another force -
Basically, the faster the pitch, the faster and farther it will travel when hit.
Ok, enough physics, this isn't school. But you get the point I hope. Using a radar gun and perhaps a spin tracking device are very good tools to use to help the young and more advanced pitchers develop into great pitchers.
I'm sure that the fastpitch catchers are not fans of the 70 mph pitchers. I know from experience that you can definitely tell the difference between a 55 mph pitch and 69 mph pitch. The "sting factor" goes up exponentially!
So, use the tools you have whether it is a radar gun or a stop watch and good math skills. Take advantage of those tools and help those young student athletes develop into great student athletes.
I have been around the sport for many years and I have seen a lot of pitchers. I have seen girls that can legitimately throw 70 mph and others that struggle to hit 45 mph. I've seen boys baseball pitchers that hit in the low 90's but most were in the mid 50's. I've seen the really hard pitchers get knocked out of the park and the slow pitchers strike out almost the whole team.
Being an electronics engineer by education I have been fortunate to be involved in the design and development of a few sports radar guns. I've reverse engineered some to see how they work and spent countless hours tweaking algorithms to help the DSP determine the characteristics of a softball as it travels through space and time. Wait, this isn't a Star Trek article is it?
I can tell you that most radar guns out there are very similar and are very accurate. The difference is in the price and the features. Some are developed specifically for baseball and softball so they have more finely tuned algorithms to track the ball. Some offer statistics and other nice features. Others are designed to be a more overall sports gun to track softballs, golf balls, cars, bicycles, boats and most anything. I will tell you, those are the most challenging ones to develop.
I don't want to bore you with the physics of radar guns, I want to talk more about whether you think they are necessary in fastpitch. Does it really matter what the real speed of that pitch is?
I think it does - sometimes. What the heck is this guy saying!!! Well, as a pitcher's dad and coach I like to use the speed tracking to help the pitchers understand where they are in their development.
Are they actually getting faster, or staying the same. How does this pitch work at faster speeds vs slower speeds? The differential of a Changeup - the most important I think. Those kinds of stats are of the most concern to me.
I really don't think the speed makes all that much difference once you get into the mid to upper 50's anyway. I will acknowledge that a 70 mph pitch is gonna blast right by most batters the first time they see it. But if that pitcher doesn't have a good off speed pitch and doesn't use it often, the batters will time that barn burner and blast it out of the park. After all - Newtons laws of motion are gonna take care of that for you. Number 3 I think says something about - Any object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by another force -
Basically, the faster the pitch, the faster and farther it will travel when hit.
Ok, enough physics, this isn't school. But you get the point I hope. Using a radar gun and perhaps a spin tracking device are very good tools to use to help the young and more advanced pitchers develop into great pitchers.
I'm sure that the fastpitch catchers are not fans of the 70 mph pitchers. I know from experience that you can definitely tell the difference between a 55 mph pitch and 69 mph pitch. The "sting factor" goes up exponentially!
So, use the tools you have whether it is a radar gun or a stop watch and good math skills. Take advantage of those tools and help those young student athletes develop into great student athletes.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Softball Players and Their Gloves
Ever notice how softball players take care of their stuff? Watch as they grow from 6-8 year olds playing parks and rec ball into high school age young women playing elite competitive fastpitch looking for scholarships. The way they protect their gloves, bats, softballs etc is interesting to watch.
When these young ladies began as little girls they used to really cherish that softball glove. Maybe it was a brand new one - (usually off the cheap rack at the discount place) or maybe it was Mom's old glove from high school, or even big brother's old baseball glove. It didn't matter, it was something to be proud of.
Then the girls got a little older, into 6th grade maybe and that old glove was just a smelly thing they had to keep track of when it was time for practice or a game. No big deal, they had other things more important. Intersting though, some players still took care of that glove and you could tell who the serious players were going to become.
As they grew into middle school, and boys start creeping into the picture the gloves, the shoes, the uniforms, the bag all kind of start to lose focus. They still practice and play hard but kind of lost a little focus on the tools that got them there. By now you can really tell the serious players, the gloves are kept with a ball in them, cleaned and dried. The shoes are clean, sometimes polished. The uniforms are always clean and shirts are tucked in. They are proud of this game and seem to understand they are representing more than just themselves out there.
Getting into high school age it becomes obvious which young ladies are there for the right reasons and which ones are there as a social gathering. Nothing wrong with keeping it fun- after all if it ain't fun it ain't worth playing.
These serious fastpitch softball players are aware that the tools of this trade are your glove, your cleats, your softballs, your bat, your equipment bag and other various equipment. You see them showing up early to practice, and staying late when they can. Shoes are clean, practice clothes are clean, gloves are taken care of not just tossed around and shoved into the bag.
By this age these ladies have probably had a couple different gloves, several pairs of new shoes and practice uniforms. Socks, well they probably have gone through hundreds of pairs by now.
The one tool they really cherish is the softball glove. The glove helps them stop those hard hit grounders at shortstop. Catch high fly balls at center and make those blocks at the plate when the pitcher throws a fall off the table drop ball.
This sport has grown so much that now there are glove makers that design position specific fastpitch gloves, and gloves to fit a ladies hand. The ACR 177 by Akadema is a great example of just such a glove. Made for the professional fastpitch player, and designed to fit a ladies hand. This glove has a patented Reptilian Design which gives it a near fingerless pattern. The glove helps you scoop up those grounders and transition to the throwing hand much quicker.
There are a lot of really good gloves being made now for the fastpitch game. You still have to take care of them. The serious players always have. Be a serious player and look at your equipment, does it need some love? Clean and polish those cleats before the next tournament. Wipe down that glove, and put a ball in the pocket before putting it away after practice. Tuck in those shirts and show everyone that you are proud to be playing fastpitch softball.
When these young ladies began as little girls they used to really cherish that softball glove. Maybe it was a brand new one - (usually off the cheap rack at the discount place) or maybe it was Mom's old glove from high school, or even big brother's old baseball glove. It didn't matter, it was something to be proud of.
Then the girls got a little older, into 6th grade maybe and that old glove was just a smelly thing they had to keep track of when it was time for practice or a game. No big deal, they had other things more important. Intersting though, some players still took care of that glove and you could tell who the serious players were going to become.
As they grew into middle school, and boys start creeping into the picture the gloves, the shoes, the uniforms, the bag all kind of start to lose focus. They still practice and play hard but kind of lost a little focus on the tools that got them there. By now you can really tell the serious players, the gloves are kept with a ball in them, cleaned and dried. The shoes are clean, sometimes polished. The uniforms are always clean and shirts are tucked in. They are proud of this game and seem to understand they are representing more than just themselves out there.
Getting into high school age it becomes obvious which young ladies are there for the right reasons and which ones are there as a social gathering. Nothing wrong with keeping it fun- after all if it ain't fun it ain't worth playing.
These serious fastpitch softball players are aware that the tools of this trade are your glove, your cleats, your softballs, your bat, your equipment bag and other various equipment. You see them showing up early to practice, and staying late when they can. Shoes are clean, practice clothes are clean, gloves are taken care of not just tossed around and shoved into the bag.
By this age these ladies have probably had a couple different gloves, several pairs of new shoes and practice uniforms. Socks, well they probably have gone through hundreds of pairs by now.
The one tool they really cherish is the softball glove. The glove helps them stop those hard hit grounders at shortstop. Catch high fly balls at center and make those blocks at the plate when the pitcher throws a fall off the table drop ball.
This sport has grown so much that now there are glove makers that design position specific fastpitch gloves, and gloves to fit a ladies hand. The ACR 177 by Akadema is a great example of just such a glove. Made for the professional fastpitch player, and designed to fit a ladies hand. This glove has a patented Reptilian Design which gives it a near fingerless pattern. The glove helps you scoop up those grounders and transition to the throwing hand much quicker.
There are a lot of really good gloves being made now for the fastpitch game. You still have to take care of them. The serious players always have. Be a serious player and look at your equipment, does it need some love? Clean and polish those cleats before the next tournament. Wipe down that glove, and put a ball in the pocket before putting it away after practice. Tuck in those shirts and show everyone that you are proud to be playing fastpitch softball.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Softball and Sportsmanship
The other day I was fortunate to take my nephews to some of their basketball games. We don't get to watch them play very often so it was nice. I enjoy watching kids play sports no matter what sport it is. I especially like the fact that it uses some of their energy. For the most part basketball and softball are similar, kids playing as hard as they can, coaches instructing from the sidelines. Parents cheering and umpires trying to control the game.
There was one game that really destroyed my enjoyment for the day. There was a coach that I can't understand why he was there. He walked in way late with his team, sat on a chair and proceeded to text and talk on his cell phone during the entire game.
His players played hard and looked to him for instruction and encouragement but got none of either. The only thing he gave them was harsh words and violent actions towards them. At one timeout he just walked to his seat, told them he was done with them and made another phone call. These are 6th grade kids, not high school or college.
At one point I looked over and he had one kid by the shirt and was slamming him down to the ground and yelling at him. Parents were appauled. The other team parents simply said, "That's his kid". As if it was ok to act like that. Later, "his kid" took a shot to the nose on a rebound and went down bleeding. The referee's were waiting for the coach to come help the kid, but he just sat on his chair, on the phone and yelled at him to get up off his a$$. The boy was humiliated and ran off the court to the bathroom to clean up.
I don't think I have ever witnessed anything like that at a Fastpitch Softball game. There are lots of loud parents and some coaches but they have never put on a show like that. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that most leagues, and teams in particular are very careful about who they let become a coach.
Parents too are usually asked to sign contracts to the effect of what is acceptable behavior and there are seminars on this subject as well.
I just hope we continue to get even better sportmanship with our softball kids. It is a very aggressive game, probably one of the most aggressive. Our kids seem to handle it very well. I think that comes from the great coaching and from the awesome parents. Keep up the good work because softball season is just around the corner.
Speaking of the upcoming season, there is a pre-season sale going on at www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com right now. Go check out the great selection of gloves for specific positions like middle infielders, or catchers. There are even gloves designed just for outfielders. I heard a softball player say just yesterday that she can't wait to get outside and get dirty!
There was one game that really destroyed my enjoyment for the day. There was a coach that I can't understand why he was there. He walked in way late with his team, sat on a chair and proceeded to text and talk on his cell phone during the entire game.
His players played hard and looked to him for instruction and encouragement but got none of either. The only thing he gave them was harsh words and violent actions towards them. At one timeout he just walked to his seat, told them he was done with them and made another phone call. These are 6th grade kids, not high school or college.
At one point I looked over and he had one kid by the shirt and was slamming him down to the ground and yelling at him. Parents were appauled. The other team parents simply said, "That's his kid". As if it was ok to act like that. Later, "his kid" took a shot to the nose on a rebound and went down bleeding. The referee's were waiting for the coach to come help the kid, but he just sat on his chair, on the phone and yelled at him to get up off his a$$. The boy was humiliated and ran off the court to the bathroom to clean up.
I don't think I have ever witnessed anything like that at a Fastpitch Softball game. There are lots of loud parents and some coaches but they have never put on a show like that. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that most leagues, and teams in particular are very careful about who they let become a coach.
Parents too are usually asked to sign contracts to the effect of what is acceptable behavior and there are seminars on this subject as well.
I just hope we continue to get even better sportmanship with our softball kids. It is a very aggressive game, probably one of the most aggressive. Our kids seem to handle it very well. I think that comes from the great coaching and from the awesome parents. Keep up the good work because softball season is just around the corner.
Speaking of the upcoming season, there is a pre-season sale going on at www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com right now. Go check out the great selection of gloves for specific positions like middle infielders, or catchers. There are even gloves designed just for outfielders. I heard a softball player say just yesterday that she can't wait to get outside and get dirty!
Friday, February 5, 2010
#9 Tiger Softball Black & Gold Game
This is from the MU Tiger Softball site....
Missouri Softball Set for Black & Gold Game
Tigers will host final preseason tune-up at Devine Pavilion
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri softball team will get one final tune-up before the 2010 season kicks off in the coming weeks, as the team prepares to hold their annual Black and Gold game. The intrasquad matchup will take place this Saturday, Feb. 6, indoors at the Devine Pavilion. Admission to the game is free and concessions will be available for purchase.
Coming off a 50-win season that was capped by a Women’s College World Series berth in 2009, the Tigers enter the season with a No. 9 ranking ... read the rest of the article here
If you get the chance get over there and watch one of the country's top college softball programs in action. This is a free admission so no excuses if you're in town.
Missouri Softball Set for Black & Gold Game
Tigers will host final preseason tune-up at Devine Pavilion
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri softball team will get one final tune-up before the 2010 season kicks off in the coming weeks, as the team prepares to hold their annual Black and Gold game. The intrasquad matchup will take place this Saturday, Feb. 6, indoors at the Devine Pavilion. Admission to the game is free and concessions will be available for purchase.
Coming off a 50-win season that was capped by a Women’s College World Series berth in 2009, the Tigers enter the season with a No. 9 ranking ... read the rest of the article here
If you get the chance get over there and watch one of the country's top college softball programs in action. This is a free admission so no excuses if you're in town.
Softball Nutrition, Supplements and Food
Supplements are something that probably all young athletes are aware of. There are so many out there it is hard to keep track of them. I would guess though that most young athletes don't understand the effects of those supplements in the long run.
Supplements are just that, an addition to your regular eating routine. Basically if you eat a good diet - meat, vegetables, milk and dairy (yes that includes ice cream!) and the breads. All the things you learn about in school. Look at that big pyramid and you will see everything you need to eat to stay healthy.
Some supplements can help, but only when monitored by a professional that knows about you and your health. Here is a great video from someone that does know about this stuff. He is being interviewed by a softball player. Check it out.
http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-nutrition-supplements/
Eat well. A lot of young athletes don't eat enough, they want to stay thin. Especially female athletes, they don't want to look like a boy with muscles and all. Don't worry, you won't. For you girls - most boys like a fit, healthy young lady as opposed to a skinny minny.
You will feel much better if you eat the right amount of food. Hey remember you are burning a lot of calories during softball practice, at weights and just running from class to class.
Your performance on the softball field will benefit greatly from eating good whole foods. Your school work will benefit also, and you will just feel better about yourself. - OK, enough of the parent talk.
When you are ready to get out on the fastpitch softball field you may need a new fastpitch glove. Here are some great gloves http://www.buyfastpitchgloves.com/typeinfieldergloves.html
Now, belly up to the dinner table and tell your parents all about school and practice!
Supplements are just that, an addition to your regular eating routine. Basically if you eat a good diet - meat, vegetables, milk and dairy (yes that includes ice cream!) and the breads. All the things you learn about in school. Look at that big pyramid and you will see everything you need to eat to stay healthy.
Some supplements can help, but only when monitored by a professional that knows about you and your health. Here is a great video from someone that does know about this stuff. He is being interviewed by a softball player. Check it out.
http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-nutrition-supplements/
Eat well. A lot of young athletes don't eat enough, they want to stay thin. Especially female athletes, they don't want to look like a boy with muscles and all. Don't worry, you won't. For you girls - most boys like a fit, healthy young lady as opposed to a skinny minny.
You will feel much better if you eat the right amount of food. Hey remember you are burning a lot of calories during softball practice, at weights and just running from class to class.
Your performance on the softball field will benefit greatly from eating good whole foods. Your school work will benefit also, and you will just feel better about yourself. - OK, enough of the parent talk.
When you are ready to get out on the fastpitch softball field you may need a new fastpitch glove. Here are some great gloves http://www.buyfastpitchgloves.com/typeinfieldergloves.html
Now, belly up to the dinner table and tell your parents all about school and practice!
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