Squid Games In Review: 04/21/08
FIRST OFF!: I would like to say, as a response to some suggestions and implications yesterday, that the only reason I am the one that makes the fielding chart/lineup is because nobody else has stepped up to do it. My introduction to organized sports occurred less than three years ago, and I certainly claim no expertise when it comes to softball or any other sport! If anyone, at any time, thinks that they could make a schedule/lineup to improve the way that Squidgames go, feel free and in fact encouraged. Likewise, if you don’t like what you see/are assigned on the schedule, and you can find someone to switch with you, go for it. I am all for people playing where they want to, and try to make the schedule such that everyone has a decent time as best as I know how. I try to keep people at positions where they’ve expressed interest in being, or where they’ve excelled to some degree, or where they seem/are used to. All I have to go on is my observations and what you say, and the former of these is often flawed, so speak up and/or step up if you’re unhappy, or deal with it accordingly!
SECOND OFF!: Yesterday was, to no surprise, yet another fine example of the indomitable spirit and game-play exhibited regularly by the St. Louis Squids. Certainly things are tightening up a little bit (in my estimation). A few practices (like the one this Saturday at noon), and we’ll shake off the remainder of that rust.
Some hot hits by both Karen and Nick (LOUISE) were in effect. Karen took home the game ball for some along-the-line hard whops and a run or two scored. Congratulations are in order.
Post-game festivities at the Maplewood American Legion Hall were enjoyed by Squids both current and former. SWITCHBLADE and D. MIKE even showed up! The jukebox was broken, but the drinks were cheap and the Ten High was strong.
Last Saturday’s practice was cancelled on account of ground and climate conditions, but we’re planning for some real-deal hustlin’ this coming Saturday at noon–Heman Park, the regular spot. Let’s see some Squids there, for real.
Squid-Ball,
RØB
Sorry I missed. See you guys next week.
Absence is ignorance.
RØB — I think the only advice I have is that we should try keeping the fielding chart consistent for the whole night. That way people would get into a groove at a position and become more comfortable at their given position…just a thought.
I agree with Beastor X. Heck, even living in the same position the entire season is a good idea. That’s what my kickball team did and I am now an uber kickball 2nd baseman. Obvs each player would probably have an alternate spot since we rotate out players, but consistency would ease the burden of the lineup equation in addition to allowing the players to learn a position really well.
I prefer doggy and reverse cowgirl.
Angie invented “sweeping the plate”, I think she has that down.
Hell yeah I did! You should have seen the ump this week……
I didn’t respond to the above points, but figured I would here, for all to see:
Beastor-X & Janternet: Complications arise with the idea (though a good one it is) of keeping people at the same position all night/season because of the nature of co-ed softball, the fact that we often have an uneven number of guys and girls, and the fact that often people show up late or not at all, unannounced. Indeed I do my best to make the schedule so that people are staying in the same position as much as possible, but priority over that, for me (and you may disagree) is to ensure that everyone gets equal play time (or as equal as possible). We’ve all paid (whether in money or time or effort) to be there, so snubbing people on the field (or more aptly, the bench) in the interests of keeping everyone at the same position all night, seems a little counter-intuitive.
I try not to make anyone play more than two positions in a single night. Sometimes it just has to be that way (or worse) given this or that variable. Another complicating factor is peoples’ preferences–as stated in the entry, I make the schedule according to my own interpretations of what people {like to be/are capable of/are willing to be} playing, which are based both on what people say, and my own observations on the field. These are obviously subject to change, or to be downright incorrect, so it’s important for me to know things (and on an updated basis, where possible) like “I don’t mind playing right field the whole time” or “I hate playing second base, can I be catcher now?” or “I’d like to try pitching” or whatever.
As I say, though, anybody else is welcome to bear the burden of schedule-making, as it is a time-consuming and not altogether straightforward one. Which, of course, makes it (and everything) all the more frustrating when people show up late or not at all and blow it all to heckfire.
Any other thoughts?