mr softball wrote:boy i used to think this game was for the kids, but the way everyone is talking i wonder anymore
It can be, just take the adults out of it.
True story. Couple years ago, a tech HS started a softball program and hired some POS that was in it for the $$ and what he thought was glory.
He couldn't coach worth a damn, but had no problem screaming at an "all freshman" team every time something didn't happen to his liking. The team was bad and this guy made Earl Weaver look like a sleepwalker they way he jumped up and down and hollered at the players. It was only their second game, ever, for some of the players.
F4 was a small, skinny girl that looked like a gentle spring breeze could know over, but she had some TB experience. She basically took control of the team in the field. The coach would scream one thing and she would give that player proper instruction in spite of him. At one point, the coach had one of the OF crying from all the crap he was giving her. F4 requested time, which I gladfully granted and she ran out to talk to the OF. The base coach asked why I allowed her to do that and my response was, "someone has to coach these girls". The coach smiled, agreed and didn't say a word the rest of the game.
I had the same team near the end of the year. They weren't going to make the playoffs, but that same young lady was calling the shots and completely distracted the team for the coach and his abuse. They were not beating other teams, but they were having more fun and learning to play the game. Coaches from other schools also caught on to what was happening and often offered words of encouragement to this team.
Second season ended last June and the coach is still a putz, the young lady is still calling the shots and I don't think he has figured it out yet.