Girl’s Windmill Pitching V olum e 334 July 14 , 2011

Height of the Summer Season

It seems we just celebrated Memorial day and got the summer season under way and then whoa!Was that the July 4th holiday that just shot past me like a rocket?

The season is flying along with the inevitable grumbling about how lousy the coaches are or theteams are and how so many want to switch teams or start new teams. Anyway, it happens. Youcan almost set your clock by it or at least the month. The 2nd week in April is “complain about thehigh school coach” time. The 2nd week in May is “complain about the little league coach” timeand the 2nd week in June is “complain about the travel coach” time. By now it’s “I hate them all”time. Ah, but enough levity! Let’s get down to some serious stuff.

For most of the more successful teams the summer season is running out and they are thinking ofthe national tournament they will attend. For those of you who don’t know, each sanctioning bodyin tournament play has their own national or “world series” for each age division. You have tomeet certain criteria to attend a national. With some you must win a qualifier and attend your statetournament. With some you can play in a qualifier and place high enough to receive a berth. Forsome you can host a qualifier and qualify for hosting. For some if you have a team and they arebreathing you can go.

Each team looks forward with anticipation to attending a national. Most want to do it for thechance to play in some area to which they haven’t previously traveled while others want to findthe closest. Some dream of a championship but only one will earn that at each age division of eachsanctioning body.

While we are in the height of the tournament season and you already know which national you areattending in many cases, what can you expect and what do you need? What can help make yourtrip a success other than a great finish?

Whether you are a parent or a coach it is incumbent on you to know procedures for your national.There may be a gift exchange with the first team you play in the tournament. Someone needs tocoordinate it. Generally, it is a gift bag that includes something for which your particular area ofthe country is noted. For instance in our area the poultry, seafood and agricultural industries arefamous. We have the White Marlin Capitol of the World in Ocean City, Maryland whileChesapeake blue claw crabs and oysters are noteworthy, as is chicken. After all we have theannual chicken festival with the world’s largest frying pan. Our farmers grow all types oftemperate climate fruits and vegetables. A gift bag could include souvenir stuffed animals fromyour area,a tee-shirt, charm or anything that is a souvenir of your area. The problem with tee shirtsis sizes unless you get the information from the opposing coach well in advance and that isn’talways possible. Some nationals have festivities for a couple of days prior to the beginning of play. Some willallow practice games before pool play begins. Try to allow yourself every opportunity to take partin the entire experience. Don’t limit yourself and your daughter. These are experiences to beenjoyed by the family. It will create memories that will last a lifetime. Many of us build ourvacations around tournaments like this. They are our vacations.Don’t forget the camera! Have it with you all of the time to get that once in a lifetime shot and theroutine photos.

Is it too early to begin preparing for your trip to the national?I don’t think so. Planning is part of the fun and early planning means less chaos later.Now would be a good time to check the area where you will spend a week. Are there attractionsyou would like to visit? Check out the website of the national. Many times such attractions will benoted.If my students are playing in Denver, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Edison, NJ,Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Charlotte and many other cities, I direct them to what Ithink are some of the best restaurants in the area. I also tell them some of the main attractions.I would talk to the locals when I was in the area or check websites and make it a point to get tothese places.

In other words make it an experience, not just a play, complain, and go home trip.

I have heard the excuse put forth by some parents. “We aren’t good enough to go to a national.”“We won’t win.” Only one team will win. It may not be you. That isn’t much of an excuse.How about “It’s a waste of money when we have no chance.”First, you are going there to enjoy the experience. The only way you have “no chance” is if youdon’t go. Your family is together watching your daughter and her friends play. Is that such a wasteof money? What is it worth?I suppose you don’t “waste money” any other time of the year.I sure do! I could have been a millionaire if I wasn’t so stupid and wasteful. Instead I’m ahundredaire (new word from Dryden dictionary).

Can I give you a tip about saving some money when there?There are a few things you can do.You will be required to book your travel through one of the tournament hotels.Save money by using a triple A card. Some hotels will give the team discount and the AAAdiscount.Make sure of what you get for your money.We traveled to Raleigh and booked at a hotel that was a little more expensive than the run of themill hotel but...we got a hot buffet breakfast every morning and a manager’s party each eveningthat amounted to dinner. We were able to save the cost of two meals a day most of the week. The$20.00 a day extra for the room would not pay for breakfast and dinner for 3 each day.One year we got a suite that included a full kitchen. That allowed us to buy some groceries and eatsome of our meals in the room.When we are at a hotel we get away from the interstate to find better gasoline prices. Sometimesthe front desk folks will direct you to the least expensive.

By thinking and planning you can make your trip less expensive while still being enjoyable.

So we are at a point where you can start planning your trip and make it a family thing. Leteveryone take part in the planning.It will make your trip organized, less expensive, and hopefully a fun end to the summertournament season and oh, by the way....Don’t forget the trading pins!

Worry about changing teams to get to that perfect team after the nationals.For now make up your mind to go. Enjoy it! Enjoy the time with your daughter and with yourfamily.Research it and find what you need to do to get the most out of your trip.

Photos

Kaisey Reed starts her 9-10 year old Little League Softball team off with a

win. Look at those m echanics!

Alleigh Townsend switches gears from M d M agic 12U Orange to Delm ar

Little League M ajor All Stars In M aryland State Tournam ent. Get that

edge, girl!

Alleigh dom inated Sunday’s m atchup with District 6

Alleigh safely reached base 3 tim es out of 3 at bats

TipsThis email was sent after the TNT Showcase to Nick Frungillo, the President of the MorrisCounty Belles organization. I am only showing part of the email: “Coach Frungillo,

I had the opportunity to watch your team play at the Quakertown, PA TNT Showcase. I wasimpressed with your team and would like to email many of your players. However, I do not wantto clog their in boxes as I am sure they have received many inquires from college coaches! I washoping you could direct me to some players from your roster who might be a good fit for ourschool and our program...” The email went on to tell Nick about the college, etc.How many times do I explain how important your actions are both on and off the field at atournament?This is unusual. Most of the time a coach is watching a particular kid but this coach wasimpressed enough to be interested in “many” of the Belles. Even more coincidentally recentlyanother college coach told me she was interested in several of the Belles.Neither coach came to the Belles game thinking “I want to see all of their players.” A player hadasked them to watch. Then they happened to like a lot of the players and were impressed. Another point is when the coach says “I do not want to clog their in boxes.” Many have notwritten to these particular coaches and now she wants to respond to their interests. You shouldcontact coaches before a tournament and give them your game schedule for that tournament. Theyneed to know you are interested in the school.If you want a return put out an effort on and off the field.

Girl’s Windmill Pitching Website My website, though still undergoing enhancements, is now active. You can find my newsletters,some links, photos, and some of my students’ video clips.I will soon be adding video tips on pitching and hopefully other information. Be sure andbookmark Girl’s Windmill Pitching

Recruiter MOM This link will answer some valuable questions for the parents and student/athletes hoping tobecome prospects. I highly advise you to visit the site that has been set up and researched byJan Greenhawk by clicking on the title above or by pastinghttp://recruitermom.org/index.html in your browser. Check this link. I’ve gotten goodfeedback.

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Andy Givens’ Hitting Instruction

Andy Givens is the former Delaware Technical and Community College Assistant BaseballCoach, and former Head Softball Coach. He is currently the Head Softball Coach of theDelaware Diamonds 18U team and gives private hitting instruction at his place betweenGeorgetown and Laurel, DE. If you are looking for a superb, patient instructor to help give youan edge, contact Andy at (302) 228-7960 or email him at:ragivens@verizon.net

My daughter, Ashley is a Mary Kaye Director in Qualification. If anyone is interested in becoming arepresentative to earn extra income or if you wish to purchase products or host a party contact Ashleythrough her website at: http://www.marykay.com/asomers6/default.aspx , click on the logo above or callher at (302) 228-3829.

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TryoutsThe Maryland Magic/Wagner's 12 U Orange team will be moving up to 14 U in 2011-2012. As a first

year 12 U team, the Maryland Magic earned berths in the ASA "A," Pony, USSSA "A," and NSA "A"Nationals. Our goal in 2011-2012 is to continue to compete in the best ASA, PONY, NSA and USSSAtournaments in the Mid Atlantic Region, culminating with a National tournament in the summer. Our

tentative FALL schedule includes the First Responder's Cup, Newtown Rock, and the Halloween Classic.

The team will focus on preparing players for the upcoming season, but more importantly for their futurecareers in high school and college softball. We are looking for athletes who have the desire and attitude towork hard, develop their skills, and be part of a team effort. While previous travel ball experience isimportant, we alsod are looking for players with athletic potential and a willingness to learn.

The team will be led by head coaches Jim and Jan Greenhawk. They will practice out of the Glen Burnie,Maryland area.

If your daughter is interested in playing at the next level in one of the most successful organizations inMaryland and you are committed to her growth as a player and a person; come to our tryouts!

For information about our team and our coaches, go to:http://www.eteamz.com/marylandmagicorange12/ or our FACEBOOK group, "Maryland Magic Orange 12"

Tryouts for the 2011-2012 Maryland Magic/Wagner's 14 U will be held on the following dates:

August 13, 2011 - 9 a.m. till noon - Moose Field, Glen Burnie, Maryland(August 14 rain date)August 21,2011 - 9 a.m. till noon - Moose FieldThursday, August 18- 6 p.m. till 8 p.m

Athletes are encouraged, but not required, to attend two tryouts. Private tryouts by appointment. E-mail Jan417@aol.com for more info.

News and Tournament Results

Kaisey Reed pitched a complete game victory for Cape Henlopen Little League 9-10 year old All StarsThursday. Reports were she did “awesome” in the 24-7 win.

Taylor August and Annah Brittingham combined for a 2-2 tie against the Vancouver Patriots Gold out ofVancouver, Washington. The game was webcast live Friday. On Saturday they defeated the ConnecticutCharmers Gold 13-6. Gianna Kinhofer started and Annah Brittingham got the win in relief. She alsodoubled in 2 runs in the game while Taylor Trifiolis and Sam Frungillo had RBI doubles. Game three wasan ITB 4-3 loss to the Conklin Raiders. Annah took the hard luck loss in relief after holding the team tothe 3 runs scored prior to her entering the game. She pitched 4 inning, yielding the run on a double in thebottom of the 8th inning. The final game of the day was against the Pennsbury Gems Gold. Annah got thestart and held the Gems scoreless through 5 innings. She was relieved by Gianna Kinhofer in the 6th but re-entered on the mound after the Gems scored a run in the 7th and held them at bay for the remainder to geta 1-hit win. She also tripled. On Sunday AJ took the mound against the Central Jersey Lightning inelimination play. In a game that lasted only 5 innings Brittingham went 3 innings to record the 8-6 winwhile Taylor August picked up a save.

In the final game the Belles lost 8-1. Nick Frungillo told me that Annah entered the game during the 3rd

inning after the opposing team had scored 8 and she held them to 0 the rest of the game but the Bellescould not mount any offense. Their two losses in the tournament came at the hands of the Conklin Raiders.

Mimi Watson picked up a complete game 5-2 win over the Vienna Stars ‘99 for the Delaware Express12U Saturday in the USSSA Firecracker Invitational. The lost their next two games to LakeshoreLightning and the Bayside Blues. They seeded 19th which put them in the silver bracket for eliminationplay.

The Delaware Diamonds 14U Gray played in the Firecracker Invitational and defeated the HCYP Patriots9-1 Saturday. Taylor Black was 1 for 2 with a single. Then they defeated Southern MD Fierce 6-0,followed by a win over the North Carroll Hot Shots by a 14-0 score. This gave them the Number 1 seed forSunday. Next they defeated Maryland Blitz 3-1 and moved on to play Riviera Beach Spirit. They beat RB1-0 to advance to the semi-final. They lost in the semi to the Delaware Diamonds 16U White. This was agood showing for the 14U team playing up to 16U.

David Hall’s Salisbury Sharkz 10U took the trip to Eldersburg, MD this weekend to introduce the girls totravel ball in the USSSA Winfield Classic Class C Tournament. They went 1 and 1 Saturday. David toldme Fallon Harvill pitched great in her win. The team lost 7-0 in their first elimination game Sunday.Kudos to David for introducing the young athletes to travel ball.

Melony Showell pitched one of the 2 Saturday wins for the Mid-Atlantic Shockers 14U in the WinfieldClassic Class C USSSA Tournament in Eldersburg. The team won the tournament Sunday. Melonypitched 2 ½ games over the weekend.

I watched the game as Alleigh Townsend dominated District 6 in Major Little League Softball MarylandState Championship action Sunday as Delmar (District 8 Champion) defeated South Dorchester (District 6Champion 10-0 in 4 innings. She got into trouble only once and that was in the top of the 4th when a basehit and couple of bunts loaded the bases with 0 outs. Alleigh coaxed an infield fly (batter automaticallyout) and the runner on 3rd tried to score and was tagged out. She then ended the inning with a strikeout.She reached base in each of her at bats. Carley (sp) Elliott did a very nice job catching and the entiredefense looked very sound. They next played Tuesday for the winner’s bracket final and as much asthings went right Sunday, they went wrong Tuesday as the team go driven to the loser’s bracket with a 6-2loss. Reports were that errors allowed the winning team to score 4 runs in the first inning and they wereable to get that bat on the ball against Alleigh whereas Delmar mounted very little offense. Delmar is hosting the State Tournament. Jim Robinson, long time District 8 head is doing a tremendousjob as tournament director, keeping the games moving and Delmar Little League is doing a top notch jobof keeping the field in tip top condition with the in ground watering system and great volunteersmaintaining the fields. Unfortunately they do much better jobs that many of the travel tournament hosts doand the teams pay hefty fees to play in those.

Kaitlyn Stahr pitched well in the Delaware District 1 Minor tournament. In one game she pitched 2 inningswith 5 K’s and in another she went 2 innings with 4 K’s. Then she went behind the plate for her team inthe District Championship to help them win that and propel the Felton-Harrington Little League to theState Tournament which begins next Friday. Great job, Kaitlyn!!

Team USA extracted some revenge on Team Japan Tuesday evening with a 5-1 win. Then they run ruledTeam Venezuela. Lauren Gibson had several hits in the game against Venezuela including a RBI double.

Remember when I wrote about the Maryland Stars 16U after spending a weekend with them. I’m not theonly one noticing this team. Check out this articlehttp://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/baltimorecounty/sports/ph-om-mdstars0714-20110714,0,7904507.storyGreat job, Stars!

Rising Sussex Tech freshman Melony Showell hit a new personal best of 59 mph Tuesday at her lesson.

Kaitlyn Stahr helped her Felton/Harrington

M inor Little League team to the District 1

title

From left M egan Tracey, Tori Sobota , and Ronnie Rittie from the M aryland

Stars 16U (Jen Rynda Photo)