by fastpitchguru97 » Thu May 15, 2008 7:41 am
jnkie -- I agree with your assessment and would like to add something. Last weekend during the tournament I walked between fields on Sunday and caught glimpses of Sweet Gold playing in three separate games. What I saw was amazing! I witnessed three different infields and outfields. One girl I happened to notice played SS the first game, 3B the second, and 1B in the third. The unique thing about this is that ALL the players played multiple positions at a very high level and looked comfortable at them. You just don't see this kind of versatility at this age. It's usually quite opposite--and our team is a good example. Most of our girls are comfortable at one position, but we have a few who can play two and maybe one that can play three. The Sweet Gold has a entire team of girls who can play three or possibly more. Again, I am just a Dad and fan of this game. I am not a coach, but have played several sports in my lifetime. Sweet Gold today probably isn't the best team in the nation, they might not even be in the discussion. But it seems they are developing ball players who are multi-dimensional and that is refreshing to see. I've seen too many kids play only one position and get stove-piped at that position so that is all they know and identify with. It only takes one player to come along with more talent or a growth spurt to take that position away--which will devastate the one-dimensional player. My hat's off to Sweet Gold, these guys and young players GET IT!!!